JP4067947B2 - Operation panel device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an operation panel device in which operation keys for receiving input such as operation setting of the device itself and operation start / stop in an apparatus such as a FAX or an image forming apparatus are arranged.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, operation keys that are placed on the operation panel of various devices and accept inputs such as device operation settings and operation start / stop are uneven on the exterior of the operation panel from both the operability and design aspects. For the purpose of improving the operability and ease of operation, the operation feeling (click feeling) has a soft touch specification structure.
[0003]
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional operation panel. Here, a display panel 91 and a plurality of soft touch operation keys 92 are arranged on one substrate 90. Each operation key 92 has a key elastic member 93 serving as an acupressure part. The key elastic member 93 protrudes slightly with respect to the operation unit exterior 94 and has a configuration with less unevenness.
[0004]
The operation key 92 is widely accepted by healthy people because the operation sensation is composed of soft touch specifications. However, for people with visual disabilities, there are cases where erroneous operation is caused because of the soft touch specification. That is, a person who has a visual disability when searching for the operation key 92 with his / her finger is likely to have pressed the operation key 92 because the operation panel portion has a configuration with less unevenness and the operation feeling of the operation key 92 is difficult to understand. The operation key 92 has been pressed even though it is not. Furthermore, in recent years, the number of operation keys has increased, and a number of operation keys that are difficult for the user to distinguish immediately have been arranged, making it difficult for the healthy person to identify the operation keys.
[0005]
Therefore, some recent operation panels have an LED lamp or the like disposed in the vicinity of the operation keys to improve the discrimination of the operation keys.
[0006]
Also, by connecting the outer and inner leg pieces of the link member so that the crossing angle can be changed according to the height of the key top, and by engaging each engagement protrusion with the engagement recess of the housing, There is one in which the position of both leg pieces is regulated from the separating direction so that the key top can be smoothly moved up and down in the push button switch to be thinned. With this structure, both link members can be folded down to the side, so that the lowest point of the key top stroke is set to a very low position, and the key stroke is increased to improve the operational feeling. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-5-342943
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, an LED lamp or the like arranged in the vicinity of the operation key described above to improve the discrimination of the operation key visually is effective for a healthy person, but for a person who has a visual impairment. Since there is no effect and the operation feeling is the same as before, an erroneous operation is still caused.
[0008]
Further, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, although the operation feeling of the operation key is easy to understand, the operation key remains slightly protruding from the operation unit exterior or the like as usual, so that it is difficult for a person with visual impairment. The problem remains in terms of discriminability.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide an operation panel capable of improving the discriminability of operation keys and preventing erroneous operation of the operation keys while maintaining the conventional operation feeling.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above problems.
[0011]
(1) In an operation panel device used in an image forming apparatus having a copy mode and a FAX mode, the upper surface is Nearly flush with the top surface of the operation panel A determination unit configured to detect a plurality of operation key groups formed and classified operation keys based on operation timings and a previously pressed operation key group to determine the operation timings of the plurality of operation key groups, respectively. And based on the operation timing, Operation key to be operated group The operation key that is operated by raising the position of the top surface of the machine with a predetermined lifting stroke group Elevating means for lowering the upper surface of the operation panel to a position substantially flush with the upper surface of the operation panel When, With The plurality of operation key groups include a setting operation key group that performs various settings for each mode when pressed, and a start key that performs processing corresponding to each mode when pressed. When the completion of setting using the setting operation key group is detected, the start key is raised, and when the determination means detects the pressing of the start key, the start key is lowered. It is characterized by that.
[0012]
In this configuration, In an operation panel device used in an image forming apparatus having a copy mode and a FAX mode, The upper surface of the operation key is substantially flush with the upper surface of the operation panel. Formed. Further, the operation keys are classified into a plurality of operation key groups based on the operation timing. Each operation key of the plurality of operation key groups is based on the operation timing. Operation key to be operated group The operation key has been moved up and the operation has finished. group Is lowered to the original position where the upper surface of the control panel is substantially flush with the upper surface of the operation panel. The operation key group includes a setting operation key group for performing setting according to each mode, and a start key for performing processing according to each mode. The operation panel device raises the start key when the setting by the setting operation key group is completed, and lowers the start key when the pressing of the start key is detected. Accordingly, since only the operation keys necessary for a specific operation protrude from the upper surface of the operation panel, the discrimination of the operation keys to be operated by the user is not deteriorated, and erroneous operation of the operation keys is prevented.
[0014]
Also, The operation keys to be operated are moved up and down in sequence at the specified operation timing, preventing the user from forgetting to operate the operation keys. Be .
[0015]
( 2 ) The operation keys constituting each operation key group are arranged on a single board provided in each operation key group, and the elevating means moves the operation keys together with the single board provided in each operation key group. It is raised and lowered.
[0016]
In this configuration, when the single substrate provided in each operation key group is raised and lowered, the operation keys of each operation key group arranged on the single substrate are simultaneously raised and lowered. Therefore, since the elevating means is not configured for each operation key, the configuration for elevating the operation key does not become complicated.
[0017]
( 3 The elevating means elevates and lowers the operation key using an eccentric cam that is selectively driven to rotate.
[0018]
In this configuration, the operation key is moved up and down by the eccentric cam that is selectively driven to rotate, so that the operation key can be moved up and down with a simple configuration, and an increase in cost is suppressed. Further, since the eccentric cam does not generate noise, the noise does not affect the device.
[0019]
( 4 The elevating means elevates and lowers the operation key using an electromagnetic mechanism that is selectively driven.
[0020]
In this configuration, the operation key is moved up and down by an electromagnetic mechanism that is selectively driven. Therefore, the operation key is moved up and down with a simple configuration, and an increase in cost is suppressed.
[0021]
( 5 ) The raising / lowering stroke of the operation key is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm.
[0022]
In this configuration, since the up / down stroke of the operation key is configured in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm, the operation key rises within a range where the user can easily discriminate, and the discriminability of the operation key to be operated by the user does not deteriorate, Incorrect operation of the operation keys is prevented.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an operation panel unit used in an image forming apparatus will be described as an example of an operation panel apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of an image forming apparatus including an operation panel unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 100 as the main body apparatus of the present invention has functions such as a copy mode, a FAX mode, and a printer mode.
[0025]
The image forming apparatus 100 includes a document cover 1, a document table (OC table) 2, a moving handle 3, a heat retaining heater switch 4, a power switch 5, an operation panel unit 6, a copy receiver 7, a front cover 8, a main cassette 9, and a side surface. A cover 10, a side cover opening / closing handle 11, a manual feed guide 12, a manual feed tray 13 and an extension tray 14 are provided. The operation panel unit 6 which is the operation panel device of the present invention receives input of settings such as the number of copies, paper size, FAX transmission destination. The copy receiver 7 mounts sheets that have been copied and printed out and discharged.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of the image forming apparatus including the operation panel unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a paper feed roller 21, a fixing unit release lever 22, and a paper feed guide 23 are provided inside the image forming apparatus 100.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus including the operation panel unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner unit 32 on the upper side and an image forming unit 33 on the lower side. The scanner unit 32 includes a document table 2 disposed on the upper surface, a scanner optical system 35 disposed below the document table 2, and the like. The document table 2 is made of transparent glass or the like and places a document. The scanner optical system 35 includes an exposure light source 36, a plurality of reflecting mirrors 37, an imaging lens 38, a photoelectric conversion element 39 (hereinafter referred to as a CCD), and the like, and is used for a document placed on the document table 2. Read the image. The exposure light source 36 irradiates the document placed on the document table 2 with light. The reflecting mirror 37 guides reflected light from the document to the imaging lens 38. The imaging lens 38 images the reflected light from the reflecting mirror 37 on the CCD 39. The CCD 39 converts the light from the imaging lens 38 into an analog electric signal.
[0028]
The image forming unit 33 includes a laser scanning unit (hereinafter referred to as LSU) (not shown), a photoreceptor 40 (electrostatic image carrier), a developing device 41, a transfer charger 42, a cleaning device 43, a main charger 44, and the like. Has been. The LSU irradiates a laser irradiation point (not shown) on the surface of the photoconductor 40 based on image data that has been read by the CCD 39 and subjected to image processing, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 40. To do. The photoconductor 40 has a drum shape and is driven to rotate counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow Y as shown in FIG. A main charger 44, a developing device 41, a transfer charger 42, and a cleaning device 43 are arranged in this order along the arrow Y direction around the photoreceptor 40. The main charger 44 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 40 to a predetermined potential. The developing device 41 visualizes the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 40 formed by the LSU exposure into a toner image. The transfer charger 42 transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor 40 to a sheet. The cleaning device 43 removes toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 40.
[0029]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, on the sheet conveyance path S as the transfer sheet, a semi-moon roller 45 and a pre-registration roller are disposed upward from a sheet cassette 49 on which the sheet disposed at the lower portion of the apparatus main body is placed. A detection switch (not shown), a PS roller 46 (registration roller), a fixing roller 47, a fixing paper detection switch (not shown), a paper discharge detection switch (not shown), and a paper discharge roller 48 are arranged in this order. Is arranged. The half-moon roller 45 is disposed at the leading end of the paper cassette 49 and supplies the paper placed on the paper cassette 49 to the transport path S. The pre-registration detection switch detects passage of paper. The PS roller 46 aligns the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 40 and the paper based on the signal from the pre-registration detection switch. The fixing roller 47 includes an upper fixing roller, a lower fixing roller, and the like, and fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet by heat. The fixing paper detection switch detects that the paper has passed the fixing roller 47. The paper discharge detection switch is positioned in front of the paper discharge roller 48 and detects that the paper has passed. The paper discharge roller 48 discharges the paper to the copy receiver 7 provided above the paper cassette 49.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The operation panel unit 6 includes a density switching unit 101 having a density switching key and its display lamp, an interrupt operation unit 102 having an interrupt key and its display lamp, a numeric key 103, a copy number display unit 104, a zoom lamp 105, % Key 106, zoom key 107, paper size setting key 108, department count end key 109, and preheating lamp 110 are provided.
[0031]
The operation panel unit 6 also includes a warning display lamp 111, a full detection display lamp 112, a display lamp unit 113 for displaying a tray position and a paper jam position, a vertical / horizontal independent scaling key, and a zooming ratio thereof. Key section 114, sort / group section 115 having a sort / group key and its display lamp, original data lamp 116, 2IN1 / 4IN1 section 117 having a 2IN1 / 4IN1 key and its display lamp, density adjustment key and its display lamp Density adjustment unit 118, * key / # key unit 119, and all release key 120.
[0032]
Further, the operation panel unit 6 includes a start key 121, a clear key 122, a magnification selection unit 123 having a magnification selection key and its display lamp, a document size designation unit 124 having a document size designation key and its display lamp, automatic paper automatic A selection display lamp 125, a paper size display lamp 126, a tray selection key 127, a magnification automatic selection unit 128 having a magnification automatic selection key and its display lamp, a black and white reversing unit 129 and a set having a black and white reversal key and its display lamp A set of two copy units 130 having two copy keys and their display lamps, and a frame erasing unit 131 having a frame erase key and its display lamp, and a margin 132 having a binding key and its display lamp. I have.
[0033]
FIGS. 5A to 5C are assembly perspective views as seen from the back side of the operation panel unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The assembly procedure will be described. First, as shown in FIG. The substrate 51 is aligned with the outer operation unit exterior 54-1, and fixed by screws. This state is shown in FIG. Next, the inner operation portion exterior 54-2 shown in FIG. 5A is aligned with the outer operation portion exterior 54-1, and fixed by screwing.
[0034]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation panel unit 6 includes a display panel 50, a plurality of substrates 51a to 51c, a plurality of operation keys 52a to 52c, an operation unit exterior 54, and an eccentric for raising and lowering the key switch which is the eccentric cam of the present invention. Cams 55a to 55d are provided. The key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55a to 55d are rotatably supported so as to be paired with the key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55a 'to 55d' around the shaft 56 (see FIG. 7). ).
[0035]
Two operation keys 52a and 52b are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 51a. Each of the two operation keys 52a and 52b includes key elastic members 53a and 53b as acupressure portions on the upper surface. The substrate 51a is supported by key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55a, 55a ', 55b, and 55b' arranged at the lower part. On the other hand, a display panel 50 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 51b, and an operation key 52c is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 51c. The operation key 52c includes a key elastic member 53c as an acupressure part on the upper surface. The substrate 51c is supported by key switch lifting / lowering eccentric cams 55c, 55c ', 55d, and 55d' arranged at the lower portion.
[0036]
Note that each of the key elastic members 53a to 53c protrudes slightly with respect to the operation portion exterior 54, so that the surface of the operation panel portion 6 has a configuration with less unevenness. Further, the key elastic members 53a to 53c are configured so that the surface is colored in a color different from that of the operation unit exterior 54 and is conspicuous with respect to the surroundings.
[0037]
With the above configuration, the pair of key switch raising and lowering eccentric cams 55a, 55a ', 55b, and 55b' are simultaneously driven to rotate, whereby the substrate 51a is raised. As a result, the key elastic members 53a and 53b are moved to the operation panel. It protrudes from the surface of the part 6. Similarly to the above, the key elastic member 53c also protrudes from the surface of the operation panel 6 by simultaneously rotating and driving the key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55c and 55d.
[0038]
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of an operation panel unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state before the key elastic member 53c is raised, that is, a normal state. Harness wires 57 are connected to both axial ends of the shaft 56 on the upper surface of the substrate 51c. These harness wires 57 are connected to other substrates, and signals are transmitted and received between the adjacent substrates by these harness wires 57. The shaft 56 that supports the eccentric cams 55d and 55d 'for raising and lowering the key switch is connected to the motor 60 via gears 58 and 59. Therefore, by controlling the rotation of the motor 60, the eccentric cams 55d and 55d ′ for raising and lowering the key switch can be driven to rotate. Although not shown, the key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55c and 55c 'are connected to the motor 60 via a gear 59 and a gear (not shown) having the same shape as the gear 58.
[0039]
The motor 60 is connected to a driver 61 and is rotationally driven by a control unit (not shown) connected to the driver 61. Therefore, by driving one motor 60, the two pairs of key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55c, 55c'55d, 55d 'are rotated at the same timing, and the operation key is operated together with the substrate 51c as shown in FIG. 52c and the key elastic member 53c can be raised. That is, the control unit rotates the motor 60 from the normal state shown in FIG. 7A and rotates the key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55c, 55c'55d, 55d 'by a predetermined range, thereby forming the substrate. 51c is raised. The above-described configuration is not limited to the key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55c, 55c′55d, 55d ′, and all the key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55 that support the substrate 51 on which the operation key 52 is disposed. Is the same as above. Accordingly, the key switch raising / lowering eccentric cams 55a, 55a'55b, 55b 'on the substrate 51a on which the operation keys 52a, 52b are arranged are configured similarly. Similarly to the above, the control unit also drives the motor 60 to rotate and raises the key switch lifting eccentric cams 55a to 55d and 55a 'to 55d' within a predetermined range. Rotate to do.
[0040]
The operation keys 52a to 52c are moved up and down only for the operation keys to be operated at each operation timing at which each operation is performed in accordance with a predetermined operation procedure of the apparatus main body.
[0041]
The configuration of the eccentric cam 55 for raising / lowering the key switch, the motor 60, and the driver 61 is the raising / lowering means of the present invention.
[0042]
In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the number of substrates on which operation keys are arranged is three, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the number of operation keys provided on one board is not limited as described above. It is only necessary to provide as many operation key groups as a group of operation keys to be used at each operation timing when each operation is performed in accordance with a predetermined operation procedure of the apparatus main body. For example, when copying is performed, the operation procedure is determined in the order of copy mode selection, document size setting, copy number setting, print magnification setting, paper feed cassette setting, and so on. A single substrate may be provided.
[0043]
On the other hand, the operation keys provided on one board may be arranged for each operation key group described above. If the above example is used, ten operation keys from 0 to 9 are required for setting the number of copies, so ten numeric keys 103 are provided on one board. In setting the print magnification, in addition to the magnification selection key of the magnification selection key section 123, three types of operation keys, that is, the% key 106 and the magnification automatic selection key (AUTO key) of the magnification automatic selection key section 128 are provided on one board. Provided. In the setting of the paper feed cassette, only the tray selection key 127 for selecting each tray such as A4, A3, B4 and the manual feed tray is arranged on one substrate.
[0044]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the operation key 52 is lifted together with the substrate 51 by using the eccentric cam 55 for raising / lowering the key switch, the motor 60, and the like. Alternatively, an electromagnetic mechanism driven by the motor may be used. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the substrates 51a and 51c are supported by solenoids 80 respectively connected to the drivers 81 instead of the eccentric cam 55 for raising and lowering the key switch. When the control unit causes the current to flow to each solenoid 80 via the driver 81, the solenoid 80 changes from the OFF state (the state where no current flows) shown in FIG. 8A to the ON state shown in FIG. 8B. In this state (current is flowing), the substrate 51 is raised.
[0045]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the substrates 51a and 51c are supported by the electromagnetic magnet portions 85 respectively connected to the drivers 86 instead of the eccentric cam 55 for raising and lowering the key switch. In the electromagnetic magnet unit 85, an insulating support member 85b including a magnet 85c in part is disposed between the two electromagnetic magnets 85a, and the substrate 51 is supported by the insulating support member 85b. When the controller passes a current to each electromagnetic magnet 85a through the driver 86, the insulating support member 85b is turned off from the state in which the electromagnetic magnet 85a shown in FIG. The electromagnetic magnet 85a shown in b) is in an ON state (current is flowing). At that time, the magnet 85c is attracted to the electromagnetic magnet 85a to raise the substrate 51. With the above configuration, the operation key can be moved up and down with a simple configuration, and an increase in cost can be suppressed.
[0046]
10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the operation procedure of the operation panel unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, it is determined whether or not the user has approached the image forming apparatus 100 (s1). Whether or not the user is approaching is determined by a sensor or the like (not shown) attached to the image forming apparatus 100. Here, the case where the user approaches the image forming apparatus 100 that is a multifunction peripheral is limited to the case where a copy is performed, the case where a FAX is transmitted, and the case where a printed product etc. discharged on the copy receiver 7 is taken out. In the operation procedure, the description will be limited to these. If it is determined at s1 that the user has approached the image forming apparatus 100, voice output is performed to inquire whether or not key input is necessary on the operation panel unit 6 (s2), and whether or not key input is necessary is illustrated in FIG. The user's voice is judged using the voice recognition means that does not (s3).
[0047]
If it is determined in s3 that the key input is unnecessary, that is, if the user responds that the key input is unnecessary or does not respond whether the key input is necessary or not, the user takes out the paper on the copy receiver 7 It is determined that the image forming apparatus 100 has been approached (s4), and a standby state is entered. On the other hand, if it is determined in s3 that the key input is necessary, the operation mode is displayed on the display panel 50, and the operation mode is guided by voice output or the like (s5), and the copy mode and FAX transmission mode are selected. The operation mode selection key (not shown) that accepts the input is raised (s6), and it is determined which mode has been selected (s7).
[0048]
If it is determined in s7 that the copy mode has been selected, the operation mode selection key is lowered (s8), the motor 60 is driven to raise the document size designation key in the document size designation unit 124 of the operation panel unit 6 and to perform sound. Input guidance for specifying the document size is performed by output or the like (s9). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the document size has been input (s10). If it is determined that the document size has not been input, input of the document size is prompted by voice output or the like (s11). If it is determined that the document size has been input, the document size designation key is lowered (s12), and the operation key groups classified at each operation timing of the operation panel unit 6 are sequentially displayed in accordance with the predetermined copy operation procedure. It is raised and lowered at each operation timing and prompts the user to input each operation by voice output or the like (s13). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the input of all items necessary for copying is completed (s14). If the input has not ended, the process returns to s11 again. On the other hand, if the input has been completed, the start key 121 is raised to prompt the user to press the start key 121 by voice output or the like (s15), and it is determined whether or not the start key 121 has been pressed (s16). If the start key 121 is not pressed, the process returns to s15 again. On the other hand, if the start key 121 is pressed, the start key 121 is lowered (s17), and the document reading and printing process is performed (s18). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a next process (s19). If there is a next process, the process returns to s2. On the other hand, if there is no next process, the system shifts to a standby state for the next operation.
[0049]
If it is determined in s7 that the FAX transmission mode is selected, the operation mode selection key is lowered (s20), the motor 60 is driven to raise the numeric key 103 of the operation panel unit 6, and the FAX is generated by voice output or the like. Number input guidance is performed (s21). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a FAX number has been input (s22). If it is determined that the document size has not been input, the user is prompted to input a FAX number by voice output or the like (s23). If it is determined that the FAX number has been input, the numeric key 103 is lowered (s24), and the operation key groups classified for each operation timing of the operation panel unit 6 in accordance with the determined FAX transmission operation procedure are sequentially displayed. It is raised and lowered at each operation timing and prompts the user to input each operation by voice output or the like (s25). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the input of all items necessary for performing FAX transmission has been completed (s26). If the input has not ended, the process returns to s25 again. On the other hand, if the input has been completed, the start key 121 is raised (s27), and it is determined whether or not the start key 121 has been pressed (s28). If the start key 121 is not pressed, the process returns to s28 again. On the other hand, if the start key 121 is pressed, the start key 121 is lowered (s29), and FAX transmission processing is performed (s30). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is a next process (s31). If there is a next process, the process returns to s2. On the other hand, if there is no next process, the system shifts to a standby state for the next operation.
[0050]
As described above, in the operation panel unit 6 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the key elastic member 53 positioned on the upper surface of the operation key 52 is protruded from the surface of the operation panel unit 6, whereby the operation key to be operated by the user. 52 can be improved, and erroneous operation can be prevented.
[0051]
Further, by sequentially raising / lowering the operation keys 52 of the plurality of operation key groups based on the operation timing, only the operation keys 52 to be operated can be raised / lowered sequentially at a predetermined operation timing. You can prevent forgetting to operate.
[0052]
Further, the operation key 52 arranged on a single substrate provided in each operation key group is moved up and down by moving the single substrate 51 up and down by the key switch lifting eccentric cam 55, so that no noise is generated. The operation panel unit 6 is not affected by noise, and it is not necessary to configure the lifting / lowering means for each operation key 52. Therefore, the configuration for raising and lowering the operation key can be simplified.
[0053]
In addition, it is preferable that the stroke width of the raising / lowering of the key elastic member is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. If it is 1 mm or less, the discrimination of the operation keys cannot be improved, and if it is 10 mm or more, the user feels uncomfortable at the time of operation or is difficult to operate. Therefore, by configuring the stroke width within the above range, the operation key can be raised within a range that is easy for the user to discriminate. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the discriminability of the operation key to be operated by the user. It is possible to prevent erroneous key operation.
[0054]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus, but is provided with operation keys for accepting inputs such as operation setting and operation start / stop of the apparatus itself provided in other apparatuses such as FAX. The present invention can also be applied to other operation panel devices.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0056]
(1) By raising the position of the upper surface of the operation key to be operated using the elevating means, and lowering the upper surface of the operation key that has been operated to the original position that is substantially flush with the upper surface of the operation panel, Since only the operation keys necessary for a specific operation can be protruded from the upper surface of the operation panel, it is possible to improve the discriminability of the operation keys to be operated by the user and to prevent erroneous operation of the operation keys.
[0057]
(2) By sequentially raising and lowering the operation keys of the plurality of operation key groups based on the operation timing using the raising and lowering means, only the operation keys to be operated can be raised and lowered sequentially at a predetermined operation timing. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to operate.
[0058]
(3) By raising and lowering a single board provided in each operation key group, the operation keys of each operation key group arranged on a single board can be raised and lowered at the same time. There is no need to configure the means, and the configuration for raising and lowering the operation key can be simplified.
[0059]
(4) By raising and lowering the operation key using an eccentric cam that is selectively driven to rotate, the operation key can be raised and lowered with a simple configuration, so that an increase in cost can be suppressed. Further, since the eccentric cam does not generate noise, the noise does not affect the apparatus.
[0060]
(5) By raising and lowering the operation key using an electromagnetic mechanism that is selectively driven, it is possible to raise and lower the operation key with a simple configuration, thereby suppressing an increase in cost.
[0061]
(6) By configuring the up / down stroke of the operation key within a range of 1 mm to 10 mm, the operation key can be raised within a range that can be easily identified by the user, thereby further improving the discrimination of the operation key to be operated by the user. This can prevent erroneous operation of the operation keys.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view of an image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective explanatory view of an image forming apparatus provided with the operation panel unit.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus including the operation panel unit.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of assembly as viewed from the back side of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the operation panel unit.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional operation panel unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
6-Operation panel
51-substrate
52-Operation keys
53-key elastic member
54-Exterior of operation part
55-Eccentric cam for lifting / lowering key switch
56-shaft
58-Gear
59-Gear
60-motor
61-driver
80-solenoid
81-driver
85-Electromagnetic magnet
86-driver
100-Image forming apparatus

Claims (5)

In an operation panel device used for an image forming apparatus having a copy mode and a FAX mode,
A plurality of operation key groups in which the upper surface is formed substantially flush with the upper surface of the operation panel and the operation keys are classified based on operation timing;
Determining means for detecting the operation key group pressed in advance and determining the operation timing of each of the plurality of operation key groups;
Based on the operation timing, the position of the upper surface of the operation key group to be operated is raised by a predetermined lifting stroke, and the upper surface of the operated operation key group is lowered to a position substantially flush with the upper surface of the operation panel. and a lifting means for,
The plurality of operation key groups include a setting operation key group for performing various settings for each mode when pressed, and a start key for performing processing according to each mode when pressed.
The elevating means raises the start key when the determination means detects completion of setting using the setting operation key group, and lowers the start key when the determination means detects pressing of the start key. A featured operation panel device . The operation keys constituting each operation key group are arranged on a single substrate provided in each operation key group,
The operation panel device according to claim 1, wherein the elevating unit elevates and lowers the operation key together with a single substrate provided in each operation key group. The operation panel device according to claim 1 , wherein the elevating unit elevates and lowers the operation key using an eccentric cam that is selectively driven to rotate. The operation panel device according to claim 1 , wherein the elevating unit elevates and lowers the operation key using an electromagnetic mechanism that is selectively driven. The operation panel device according to claim 1, wherein a lift stroke of the operation key is in a range of 1 mm to 10 mm.

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