JPH09321923A - Multi-function image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress an operation mistake and to smoothly use every function of an image forming device by giving different modes to the keys of a copying machine operation part, a facsimile operation part and a shared operation part respectively. SOLUTION: When an image forming device is used as a copying machine and a facsimile, an operating device 20 is divided into three areas in response to each function. A copying machine operation part is totally colored in blue, and a rectangular command key 33 to 38 and 41 are operated only when the image forming device is used as a copier. A facsimile operation part is totally colored in red, and the round command keys 43 to 45 and 56 to 61 are operated only when the image forming device is used as a facsimile. Then a shared operation part includes the operation keys prepared at the part other than both copying machines and facsimile operation parts, i.e., the command keys 62 to 68, a ten-key 69 and an operation key 70 provided on a secondary control panel.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-functional image forming apparatus which has at least two functions of a copying machine and a facsimile and which can be selectively used by an operating device. The present invention relates to the improvement of the operating device for properly using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, one image forming apparatus generally has only a single function such as a copying machine, a facsimile or a printer. However, in recent years, image forming apparatuses have become multifunctional, and one image forming apparatus is a copying machine,
There are provided facsimiles and printers having a plurality of functions.

By the way, if such a multi-functionalization is made,
The operating device that operates by selectively using each function also becomes complicated, and if this is the case, the operational error may increase due to the poor operability of the complicated operating device, and the image forming apparatus itself may become less useful. . For this reason, an operating device dedicated to each function should be provided separately, and the operating device for the copying machine should be used when used as a copying machine and the operating device for facsimile should be used when used as a facsimile. Can also be considered.

However, this goes against the recent basic design concept of making the operating device large and making the image forming apparatus lightweight and compact. Therefore,
An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function image forming apparatus which improves the operation device and can suppress the operation error and smoothly use each function.

[0005]

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a multifunctional image forming apparatus according to claim 1 has at least two functions of a copying machine and a facsimile, and these respective functions are selectively used for operation. In an image forming apparatus provided with an operating device for operating the copying machine, the operating device is operated when used as a facsimile machine and a copying machine operating unit provided with a copying machine key which is operated when used as a copying machine. It has a facsimile operation unit equipped with a facsimile key and a shared operation unit equipped with a shared key that is operated when using either the copying machine or the facsimile. The parts and the common operation part are provided with different modes so that it can be distinguished which purpose each key provided in each operation part belongs to. And it is characterized in Rukoto.

According to this structure, the operating device is divided into a copying machine operating section, a facsimile operating section, and a common operating section, and these are provided with different modes. It is possible to easily determine which operation unit the operation key belongs to by the difference in the mode. In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a multifunctional image forming apparatus according to a second aspect is the multifunctional image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the shape of the key for the copying machine and the shape of the key for the facsimile are different. It is characterized by that.

According to this structure, it is clear whether the key is for a copying machine, a facsimile, or a shared key depending on the shape of the operation key to be operated. Can be distinguished. In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a multifunctional image forming apparatus according to a third aspect is the multifunctional image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the area of the operation unit for the copying machine and the area of the operation unit for the facsimile are provided. It is characterized in that and are color-coded.

According to this configuration, the same operation as that of the invention according to claim 1 or 2 is achieved. In addition, since the area of each operation unit is color-coded, it is possible to clearly distinguish whether each operation unit is for a copying machine, a facsimile, or a common one. In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a multifunctional image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the multifunctional image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, when a desired function is selected, an operation corresponding to the selected function is performed. It is characterized in that a light emitting portion that emits light of the same color as the portion is provided.

According to this structure, the same operation as that of the invention according to claim 3 is achieved. In addition, for example, when it is used as a copying machine, the light emitting section shines with the emission color of the color painted on the copying machine operating section, and when it is used as a facsimile, it is painted on the facsimile operating section. Since the light emitting portion emits light of the color of the emitted light, the user can surely recognize the function being used.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a multifunctional image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus”) 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, this apparatus 10 has the functions of a copying machine, a facsimile and a printer.

The schematic configuration of the apparatus 10 will be described below.
0 is divided into a lower unit 11 and an upper unit 12. When the apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine or a facsimile, the upper unit 12 has a document table 13 on which a document can be placed, a document pressing member 14 that holds the document, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 15, and a document image as an optical image. A scanner unit (not shown) for manually reading,
An operating device 20 for operating the device 10. The lower unit 11 also includes an image signal processing unit for processing an image signal read by the scanner unit, and an image forming unit for transferring a document image onto a sheet based on image data created by the image signal processing unit. And an output unit (not shown) for outputting the transferred image after fixing the transferred image on a sheet by a fixing device. The paper is drawn out from the paper storage unit 16 and copied, and then discharged (output) to the paper discharge tray unit 18.

A feature of the present embodiment is that the upper unit 12 is provided with an operating device 20, and the operating device 20 prevents the operating key from being operated incorrectly and makes the device 10 a copying machine or a facsimile. The point is that they are designed so that they can be used properly. Further, in this embodiment, the operating device 20 is provided so as to project from the left half on the front side of the upper unit 12. The front end of the operating device 20 is substantially aligned with the front end of the lower unit 11. From a different viewpoint, the upper right side of the upper unit 12 is retracted so that the paper discharge tray 18 can be seen from above. Hereinafter, the operating device 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operating device 20. The operation device 20 is divided into a main operation panel 21 on the left side and a sub operation panel 22 on the right side in the drawing. The main operation panel 21 is a board 23.
And the sub-operation unit 22 has two substrates, that is, the substrate 2
4 and a substrate 25 (see FIG. 3). The second substrate 25 is arranged below (on the back side of) the substrate 24. The substrate 24 has a lid shape and can be opened and closed. Then, when the substrate 24 is opened, the substrate 25 is exposed as shown in FIG.

The operating device 20 is divided into three areas corresponding to respective functions when the device 10 is used as a copying machine or a facsimile. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing these regions. Referring to the figure, the operating device 20 is used when the device 10 is used as a copying machine. The operating part for the copying machine (the part including the part with a diagonal line descending to the left) and the facsimile device are used. Facsimile operation unit to be operated (the part including the part with a diagonal line to the lower right) and the shared operation part that can be operated regardless of whether the copier or the facsimile is used (the part including the part without the diagonal line) ) And is divided into.

The operation unit for the copying machine has areas 31, 32 for the copying machine partitioned on the substrate 23 and command keys 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 3 arranged in the area 31 for the copying machine.
8 (see FIG. 2), an indicator 39 (see FIG. 2) arranged in the copying machine area 32, a copying machine area 40 partitioned on the substrate 25, and a copying machine area 40 and the vicinity thereof. Command key 41. Further, the entire operation section for the copying machine is colored blue. Furthermore, FIG.
As shown in, the command keys 33 to 38, 41 are keys that are operated only when the apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine, and are formed in an elongated rectangular shape.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the facsimile operation unit is a facsimile area 4 defined on the substrate 23.
2, 90, command keys 43, 44, 45 (see FIG. 2) arranged in the facsimile area 42, and indicators 46, 47, 4 arranged in the facsimile area 90.
8, 49 (see FIG. 2) and facsimile areas 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 partitioned on the substrate 25.
And command keys 56, 57, 58, 59, 6 arranged near the respective facsimile areas 50 to 55.
0 and 61. Further, the entire operation unit for facsimile is colored red, and the command keys 43 to
Reference numerals 45 and 56 to 61 are keys which are operated only when the apparatus 10 is used as a facsimile, and are formed in a round shape.

The shared operation section includes operation keys arranged in parts other than the copy machine operation section and the facsimile operation section. Specifically, the command keys 62, 63, 64,
65, 66, 67, 68, a numeric keypad 69, and operation keys 70 (generally referred to) arranged on the sub operation panel 22 side. Here, the operation key 70 is a concept including the command key 41 (for copying machine) and the command keys 56 to 61 (for facsimile) described above. The operation keys 7 can be selectively used as follows by opening and closing the substrate 24 of the sub operation panel 22.

More specifically, the sub operation panel 22 has the above-mentioned substrates 24 and 25 (see FIG. 3), but the substrate 24 is closed and the operation keys 70 are arranged on the substrate 24. When the device 10 is in the open state (state of FIG. 2), each operation key 70 functions as a one-touch key that allows one-touch input of the FAX number of the other party when the apparatus 10 is used as a facsimile. When the board 24 is opened and the operation keys 70 are arranged on the board 25 (state of FIG. 3), the above-mentioned keys 40 of the operation keys 70 are the commands for the copying machine. The keys 56 to 61 function as command keys for facsimile. In this case, the keys 71, 72,
73 functions as a command key described later.

As described above, means for selectively using the operation keys 70 as command keys or one-touch keys is as follows.
A detection switch (not shown) that detects whether the substrate 24 is closed or open can be provided. In order to properly use the operation keys 70, it is necessary to open and close the lid-shaped substrate 24, and therefore, the command key and the one-touch key are not mistakenly operated during actual use.

Further, referring to FIG. 4, a copier area 32
Is overlapped with the facsimile area 90, and a blue color indicating the copying machine area 32 is overlaid on the red area of the facsimile area 90. This is because the indicator 39 (see FIG. 2) can be turned on to display the print density regardless of whether the apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine or a facsimile.

Next, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the operation keys and indicators of the main operation panel 21 will be briefly described. The command key 65 is a key for switching modes when the device 10 is used as a copying machine or a facsimile. This key 65 has an indicator 7
8,79 are added. The indicator 78 lights up in blue when it is selected by the key 65 to use the apparatus 10 as a copying machine. Meanwhile, indicator 7
9 is lit in red when the use of the device 10 as a facsimile is selected by the key 65.

Reference numeral 80 indicates a screen. The screen 80 displays the number of copies, the enlargement / reduction ratio, and the like in characters when the apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine, and displays the destination number and the like in characters when used as a facsimile. ing. Also, the substrate 23
The indicators 46 to 49, 39, 78, 79 described above.
In addition to the above, various indicators 81 to 85 are provided so that the usage state of the apparatus 10 can be displayed.

The command key 33 is a key for setting the document size, and is operated when manually selecting the size of the document set on the document table 13 (see FIG. 1). The document size thus selected is displayed on the screen 80. The command key 34 is a key for setting the size of paper to be copied. The selected paper size is displayed on the screen 80.

The command key 35 is a key for automatically setting the magnification when enlarging / reducing copying. Reference numeral 77 is an indicator indicating the ratio of enlargement / reduction, and the ratio automatically set by operating the command key 35 is displayed. Command key 3
A key 6 automatically sets the magnification to 100% and automatically sets the exposure and the print density. With this key 36, the copy mode can be immediately returned to the original state even when the exposure is changed to perform the copy or the enlargement / reduction copy is performed.

The command key 37 is a key for manually setting the magnification when enlarging / reducing copying. The set magnification is displayed on the screen 80. The command key 38 is a key operated when registering the setting of each additional function or confirming the set content. Subsequently, the command key 43 is operated when manually transmitting or receiving, when using the handset with the handset left open, or the like. When the key 43 is operated, the indicator 9
0 lights up. The command key 44 is a key operated when performing so-called redial or the like. Further, the command key 45 is a key operated when performing so-called speed dialing or the like.

The command key 62 is a key for selecting the image quality. The image quality mode selected by the key 62 is displayed by any of the indicators 46 to 49, and the user can easily determine the image quality mode. The command key 63 is a key operated when connecting a printer. The command key 64 is a key for manually setting the print density. The print density set by the key 64 is displayed by the indicator 39.

The command key 66 is a key operated when initializing the input. The command key 67 is for the device 10
This is a key to be operated when the operation of is stopped midway. The command key 68 is a key operated when starting transmission or copying of a document.

Next, the indicator 81 lights up when a communication error or mechanical trouble occurs. The indicator 82 lights up when used in the answering machine connection mode. The indicator 83 lights up when documents are accumulated (stored) in the memory. Indicator 84
Lights up when the FAX communication is being performed. The indicator 85 lights up when the printer is connected.

The numeric keypad 69 is used to manually input the number of copies when the apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine and the FAX number or alphabetic characters of the other party when it is used as a facsimile. The ten-key 69 is operated both when it is used as a copying machine and as a facsimile, but in the present embodiment, it is formed in a round shape and is not colored. This is because it is unlikely that a mistake will be made in operating the numeric keypad 69 where other command keys must be operated, and if the numeric keypad 69 is colored, it will be difficult to distinguish between the areas that are color coded. This is due to what is believed to happen.

Referring to FIG. 3, command key 56 is operated when switching to the answering machine connection mode, and command key 57 is a key operated when switching to the memory transmission mode. The command key 58 is a key for editing a memory. That is, when the transmission or reception is reserved by designating the time, the operation is performed when changing the reservation content or canceling the reservation.

The command key 59 is a key to be operated when performing time designation communication, and the command key 60 is a key to be operated when sequentially performing broadcast communication. The command key 61 is a key operated when it is desired to print various reports. The command key 41 is a key operated when performing sort copy when the apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine.

When the apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is used as a printer, it is operated via the interface exclusively based on the output from the personal computer. Even in this case, by operating the command key 41, the information transmitted from the personal computer can be printed out.

The command key 71 is a key operated when setting the size of the paper to be fed when the apparatus 10 is used as a printer. The command key 72 is
This is a screen switching key. That is, when a document is being received during copying, pressing the key 72 switches the screen of the screen 80 (see FIG. 2) so that the receiving state can be seen.

The command key 73 is, for example, a key operated when the ten key 69 is operated to switch between a mode for inputting numbers and a mode for inputting characters. According to the apparatus 10 having the above configuration, the keys of the operation device 20 operated by the user are classified into those for a copying machine, those for a facsimile, and those for both of which are commonly used. Can be easily visually determined through the shape and color of the key and the color of the area where each key is arranged. Therefore, even if the device 10 has multiple functions and the number of keys to be operated increases and the operating device 20 becomes complicated, when the device 10 is used as a copying machine or a facsimile, a mistake in operating the keys is prevented. be able to.

Moreover, in this embodiment, when the command key 65 for function switching is operated and the apparatus 10 is used as a copying machine, the indicator 78 lights up in blue while the command key 65 is operated. When the device 10 is used as a facsimile, the indicator 79 lights up in red, so that the user can clearly recognize that the key corresponding to the same color as the light emission color of the indicators 78 and 79 is operated. It is possible to further prevent operation mistakes. In the present embodiment, each key can be easily identified by its shape, color, and the color of the area in which it is arranged.
It is also possible to eliminate.

It is the operation keys 33 to 38 for the copying machine and the operation keys 43 to 45 for the facsimile that the user is particularly likely to make a mistake. Therefore, the operation key 33 for the copying machine
~ 38 and the operation keys 43 to 45 for the facsimile are made to have a significantly different shape, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the user's operation error without separately color-coding for the copying machine and the facsimile. Is. Similarly, even if the operation keys 33 to 38 for the copying machine and the operation keys 43 to 45 for the facsimile have the same shape, the user's operation can be performed by separately color-coding the copying machine and the facsimile. It is possible to sufficiently suppress mistakes.

In addition, in this embodiment, the substrates 23, 2
Although it is arranged to color directly on the substrates 4, 25, the substrates 23, 2
A colored semi-transparent cover may be attached to 4, 25. In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0038]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when used as a copying machine, the operating section for the copying machine and the shared operating section of the operating apparatus are exclusively operated, and when used as a facsimile, the operating apparatus is used. Operates exclusively the facsimile operation unit and common operation unit. Since these operation sections can be easily distinguished by the user, it is possible to prevent operation mistakes such as accidentally operating the keys of the operation section belonging to other functions when used as a copying machine or a facsimile. You can

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the shape of the key belonging to each operation section is made different for each operation section, it is necessary to clearly distinguish which function each key belongs to. You can As a result, when used as a copying machine or a facsimile, it is possible to prevent an operation error in which a key of the operation unit belonging to another function is operated by mistake. Moreover, since the extremely simple means of changing the shape of the operation switch is adopted, there is no problem that the cost is increased.

According to the invention of claim 3, the same effect as that of the invention of claim 1 or 2 can be obtained. In addition, by color-coding the regions of each operation unit, it is possible to clearly distinguish which function each operation unit belongs to,
It is possible to prevent key operation mistakes more effectively. According to the fourth aspect, the same effect as that of the third aspect is obtained. In addition, since the light-emitting unit lights up in the same color as the color of the operation unit corresponding to the function being used, the user can
When used as a copying machine, it can be clearly recognized that the operating section for the copying machine is operated, and when used as a facsimile, the operating section for the facsimile is operated, and as a result, the effect is further enhanced. It is possible to prevent key operation mistakes.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the operating device.

FIG. 3 is a main part plan view showing a sub operation panel.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing areas of a copy machine operation unit and a facsimile operation unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 device 20 operation device 21 main operation panel 22 sub operation panel 31-32 copier area 33-38 copier key 40 copier area 41 copier key 42,90 facsimile area 43-45 facsimile key 50 -55 Facsimile area 56-61 Facsimile key 62-68 Shared key 78 Indicator 79 Indicator

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --- Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Kan Kan No. 1-22 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Mita Kogyo Co., Ltd. No. 28 Mita Industry Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having at least two functions of a copying machine and a facsimile and provided with an operating device for selectively operating each of these functions, wherein the operating device is used as a copying machine. A copier operation unit equipped with a copier key to operate, a facsimile operation unit equipped with a facsimile key to operate when used as a facsimile, and a copier or a facsimile It has a common operation section equipped with a common key to be operated. For the copying machine operation section, the facsimile operation section and the common operation section, each key provided in each of these operation sections has a corresponding purpose. A multi-functional image forming apparatus, characterized in that different modes are provided so that it can be distinguished whether or not there is. 2. The multifunctional image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the key for the copying machine and the shape of the key for the facsimile are different. 3. The multifunctional image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area of the copying machine operating section and the area of the facsimile operating section are color-coded. 4. The multi-function image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a light emitting section which emits light of the same color as the color of the operation section corresponding to the selected function when the desired function is selected. A multifunctional image forming apparatus characterized by.