JP3721975B2 - Key panel - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a structure of a key panel provided on an operation panel surface of a communication terminal device or an image reading device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in devices such as communication terminal devices and image reading devices, the number of operation keys provided on the operation panel surface tends to increase with the increase in functionality, but if the number of operation keys increases too much, The problem is that the panel surface becomes large and the key operation is easy to make mistakes.
In order to deal with such problems, a panel plate that overlaps the operation panel surface by opening and closing operation is attached on the operation panel surface on which the operation keys are provided, and the function of the operation key can be switched depending on the overlapping state of the panel plate. The operation keys are provided with a plurality of functions. For example, in the case of a communication terminal device, a one-touch dial function corresponding to a plurality of destinations is assigned to an operation key.
Then, the function switching of the operation keys is performed by pressing down the detection means provided on the operation panel surface when the panel plates are overlapped.
In the operation panel provided with the panel plate, in particular, a part of the operation panel is cut out so that the recording paper discharged from the printer to the lower side of the operation panel can be visually confirmed. The keys that can be placed may be restricted. Therefore, in such a case, a long panel plate may be used so that many keys can be arranged even in a small area.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the panel plate made of resin is formed in a long shape, warpage is likely to occur. When the panel plate is superposed on the operation panel surface in a state where warpage has occurred, the detection means cannot be pressed down by the panel plate, and the superposition state of the panel plate may not be accurately recognized. . In this case, for example, when the one-touch dial function is assigned to the operation key, it is transmitted to the wrong partner.
Therefore, there has been a demand for a key panel that can accurately recognize the overlapping state of the panel plate.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention uses the following means in order to solve the above problems. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of open / close key panels that are rotatable about one side as a fulcrum are disposed on an operation panel surface on which a plurality of keys are formed. In the key panel whose function can be switched by the detection means for detecting the polymerization state on the operation panel surface of
The plurality of open / close key panels are formed in the same shape, and when one open / close key panel is inverted with respect to the other open / close key panels, the rotation fulcrum of one open / close key panel and the other open / close key panels The rotation fulcrum portion was disposed at a position where the rotation fulcrum portion can be connected.
[0005]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, an engagement projection is formed at one end of the open / close key panel, and an engagement recess that can be engaged with the engagement projection is formed at the other end.
[0006]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the open / close key panel is formed in an elongated shape, and a hinge portion that can be pivotally fixed on the panel surface is formed at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close key panel. When one opening / closing panel of the pair of opening / closing panels is inverted with respect to the other opening / closing panel, the hinge of the opening / closing panel and the hinge of the other opening / closing panel can be connected to each other. Arranged.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a facsimile apparatus having an image reading device in which a key panel of the present invention is applied to an operation panel, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation panel, and FIG. 3 is a state in which the operation panel is attached to the operation panel. 4 is a side view, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the open / close state of the open / close key panel, FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the open / close detection mechanism of the open / close key panel, and FIG. 7 is an operation panel. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a warped state of the open / close key panel, and FIG. 9 is a side view showing a gripping portion of the open / close key panel.
[0008]
An example in which the key panel of the present invention is applied to an operation panel of a facsimile machine provided with an image reading device will be described.
First, a schematic configuration of the facsimile apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
The facsimile apparatus F is configured by disposing a reading unit 2 above the recording unit 1, and in the recording unit 1, a recording device 3 and a paper feed cassette 4 are respectively installed in the upper and lower sides. The paper accumulated inside is fed to the recording device 3 for recording, and then discharged from the recording paper discharge tray 5.
[0009]
On the other hand, in the reading unit 2, a reading device for reading the contents of a document or the like is housed in the reading case 13, and the document placed on the upper surface of the reading case 13 is scanned by the reading device and read. In addition, a document pressing cover 7 configured to be openable and closable around one side is disposed above the reading case 13 and is placed on the upper surface of the reading case 13 by the document pressing cover 7. The document is pressed from above.
[0010]
Further, an automatic paper feeder (ADF device) 8 that automatically feeds a document is attached to one end of the document presser cover 7, and one document placed on the document supply tray 9 is fed by the automatic paper feeder 8. The paper is picked up one by one, conveyed to one end of the upper surface of the reading case 13 by the conveying device 12, read out by the reading device in a stationary state, and then discharged to the original discharge tray 10 formed on the upper surface of the original pressing cover 7. It is configured.
[0011]
That is, the reading unit 2 is used as a flat bed type scanner that scans a reading device to read a stationary document, and is also used as a sheet feed type scanner that reads a document while fixing the position of the reading device. It is configured to be able to.
[0012]
Further, an operation panel 15 is attached to one side of the reading case 13, and by operating various operation keys of the operation panel 15, the content of the original is read or transmitted when the read content is transmitted by facsimile. The previous setting is performed, and the received content and the read content are recorded by the recording device 3.
[0013]
Next, the operation panel 15 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, various operation keys and the like are provided on the panel surface 15 a on the operation panel 15.
For example, a start key 21 that is operated when starting facsimile transmission or the like of a document content, a stop / clear key 22 that is operated when stopping these operations, or a dialing to a facsimile destination is performed. Numeric keypad 23, cursor key 26 for selecting / determining various settings and operation contents of facsimile apparatus F, facsimile transmission destinations and a plurality of operation procedures are registered in advance, so that facsimile transmission and various other operations can be performed with one touch. A plurality of one-touch keys 29a, 29a,... And one-touch keys 29b, 29b, etc. to be performed, a display 27 for displaying an operation state and a setting state of the facsimile apparatus F, and the like are provided.
[0014]
The plurality of one-touch keys 29a, 29a,... And the one-touch keys 29b, 29b,... Are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. -29b ... is arranged in two upper and lower stages.
Open / close key panels 31 and 32 are provided at portions where the one-touch keys 29a, 29a,... And the one-touch keys 29b, 29b,.
[0015]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 include end support portions 31a and 32a at the left and right end portions and central support portions 31b and 32b at the substantially central portions, respectively, and support protrusions 15b on the panel surface 15a. -It is rotatably supported by 15c and is attached to the panel surface 15a so that it can be opened and closed.
[0016]
Here, the state in which the open / close key panel 31 is closed refers to a state in which the open / close key panel 31 is rotated downward toward the one-touch key 29b and overlaps the panel surface 15a, and the open / close key panel 31 is open. In this state, the open / close key panel 31 rotates upward and does not overlap with the panel surface 15a, or the open / close key panel 32 overlaps with the one-touch key 29b.
[0017]
Further, the state where the open / close key panel 32 is closed refers to a state where the open / close key panel 32 is rotated downward toward the one-touch key 29b and overlaps the panel surface 15a. The state where the open / close key panel 32 is open is It means a state in which the open / close key panel 32 rotates upward and does not overlap with the panel surface 15a, or a state in which the open / close key panel 31 overlaps with the one touch key 29b.
That is, for example, the closed state of the open / close key panel 32 is the state shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, and the open state is the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A. The same applies to the open / close state of the open / close key panel 31.
[0018]
Further, the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 protrude from the panel surface 15a at the portion where the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are disposed, and the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 are extended. It is arrange | positioned in the left-right substantially center position.
As shown in FIG. 6, a switching sensor 36 is arranged below the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 (only the superposition state detection pin 37 is shown in FIG. 6). The polymerization state detection pins 37 and 38 are biased upward by the pin 36a.
[0019]
When the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are open, the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 are in the extended state, and the switching sensor 36 is turned off, for example. On the contrary, when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed, the overlap state detection pins 37 and 38 are pressed down by the open / close key panels 31 and 32 and further contracted. The pin 36a is pushed downward, and the switching sensor 36 is turned on.
The function of the one-touch keys 29a, 29a,... Is switched when the switching sensor 36 that is turned on / off by the open / close key panel 31 is switched between the on state and the off state. The function of the one-touch keys 29b, 29b,... Is switched when the switching sensor 36 is switched between an on state and an off state.
[0020]
The ON / OFF state of the switching sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 31 side and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 32 side is as shown in FIG. 5A when the open / close key panel 31 is closed and the open / close key panel 31 side is closed. When the switch sensor 36 is turned on, the open / close key panel 32 is opened and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 32 side is turned off, and the open / close key panel 31 is opened and the open / close key is opened as shown in FIG. The switch sensor 36 on the key panel 31 side is turned off, the open / close key panel 32 is closed and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 32 side is turned on, and the open / close key panel 31 as shown in FIG. Further, both the open / close key panel 32 are closed, and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 31 side and the switch sensor 36 on the open / close key panel 31 side are both turned on.
[0021]
Further, a weight member 51 is attached to a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 and a lower surface of the distal end portion in the short direction. The weight member 51 is made of, for example, a sheet metal member. Further, a magnet 52 is embedded in the panel surface 15a at a position corresponding to the weight member 51 when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed.
[0022]
By attaching the weight member 51 to the open / close key panels 31 and 32 in this way, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are pressed downward by the weight of the weight member 51 when being rotated downward and closed. It is possible to turn on the switching sensor 36 by pressing the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38.
[0023]
Further, the weight member 51 is composed of a member attracted by a magnetic force such as a sheet metal member, and the magnet 52 is provided on the panel surface 15a, so that the weight member 51 is attached to the panel surface 15a when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed. The opening / closing key panels 31 and 32 are surely superimposed on the panel surface 15a and closed by being attracted by the magnet 52.
In particular, by configuring the weight member 51 with a sheet metal member or the like, the switching sensor 36 can be reliably turned on at a low cost so that the overlapping state with the panel surface 15a of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 can be detected. can do.
[0024]
In this example, the weight member 51 is provided at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close key panels 31 and 32. However, the weight member 51 may be provided over substantially the entire area of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 in the longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 provided at substantially the left and right centers of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 at the left and right ends.
In addition, the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 are provided in the vicinity of the central support portions 31b and 32b or the end support portions 31a and 32a which are hinge portions as pivot points of the open / close key panels 31 and 32. Therefore, when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 do not float, and the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 can be surely pushed down.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem such that the overlapping state of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 cannot be detected and transmission is performed to the wrong partner.
[0025]
In addition, the same member is used for the open / close key panel 31 and the open / close key panel 32, and as shown in FIG. 7, the open / close key panel 32 is inverted approximately 180 degrees in the horizontal direction with respect to the open / close key panel 31. Thus, both key panels 31 and 32 are arranged.
The open / close key panel 31, 32 inserts the support pin 31 c in the end support portion 31 a of the open / close key panel 31 into the support hole 32 d in the end support portion 32 a of the open / close key panel 32, and The support pin 32c in the end support part 32a is inserted into the support hole 31d in the end support part 31a of the open / close key panel 31, and protrudes outside the support hole 32d and outside the support hole 31d. The open / close key panels 31 and 32 are attached to the panel surface 15a by supporting the support pins 32c by the support protrusions 15b and 15b of the panel surface 15a, respectively.
[0026]
That is, the open / close key panel 31 and the open / close key panel 32 are formed in the same shape, and in a state where one open / close key panel 31 is inverted with respect to the other open / close key panel 32, both ends of the open / close key panel 31 are arranged. The end support portions 31a and 31a are arranged at positions where the end support portions 31a and 31a of the open / close key panel 32 are connected to the pivot support portions of the end support portions 32a and 32a at both ends of the open / close key panel 32.
The end support portions 31a and 32a at one end portions of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are formed with support pins 31c and 32c, which are engaging projections, and the end support portions 31a and 32a at the other end portions, Support holes 31d and 32d, which are engaging recesses, are formed so that the support pin 31c and the support hole 32d can be engaged with each other, and the support pin 32c and the support hole 31d can be engaged with each other.
[0027]
As described above, the operation panel 15 of this example is provided with a plurality of one-touch keys 29a and 29b and a plurality of open / close key panels 31 and 32, so that the one-touch keys 29a and 29b are saved while saving space. A plurality of functions such as registering a plurality of destinations can be provided.
Further, since the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are formed in the same shape, the same member can be used, and the cost can be reduced.
Further, the opening / closing key panels 31 and 32 are provided with support pins 31c and 32c, and support holes 32d and 31d that can be engaged with the support pins 31c and 32c. The open / close key panel 31 and the open / close key panel 32 can be attached to the operation panel 15 by engaging the support holes 32d and 31d with the support holes 32d, thereby facilitating the assembly of the open / close key panels 31 and 32. be able to.
[0028]
Further, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are made of resin and are formed in a long shape, so that warpage is likely to occur. Therefore, if only both ends are supported by the panel surface 15a, a convex warpage occurs as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 8, and the overlapped state detection pins 37 and 38 are pressed even when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are closed. In some cases, the overlapping state of the open / close key panels 31 and 32 cannot be detected.
However, in the open / close key panels 31 and 32 of the present example, central support portions 31b and 32b as hinge portions are formed at substantially central portions in the longitudinal direction, and the central support portions 31b and 32b rotate on the panel surface 15a. Since the central support portions 31b and 32b are arranged at positions where they are connected when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are arranged in a mutually inverted posture, they are shown by solid lines in FIG. Thus, the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are not warped and do not float, and the superposition state detection pins 37 and 38 can be surely pressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent an error such that the switching sensor 36 is not turned on and transmission is made to the wrong partner.
[0029]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, gripping portions 31 e and 32 e projecting upward and downward are formed at one end portions of the opening and closing key panels 31 and 32, respectively. When the operation is performed, the opening / closing key panels 31 and 32 are opened and closed by holding the holding portions 31e and 32e.
Since the gripping portions 31e and 32e protrude upward and downward, they can be gripped both when the open / close key panels 31 and 32 are opened from the closed state and when they are closed from the open state. Opening and closing operations can be facilitated.
A plurality of protrusions 31g and 32g are formed on the outer surfaces of the gripping portions 31e and 32e. The protrusions 31g and 32g act as a slip stopper when the gripping portions 31e and 32e are gripped and can be prevented from being erroneously operated.
[0030]
In this example, the operation panel 15 applied to the facsimile apparatus F has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation panel 15 can be applied to operation panels of various devices having a plurality of types of operation keys. .
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects by being configured as described above. First, a plurality of open / close key panels that are rotatable about one side as a fulcrum are arranged on an operation panel surface on which a plurality of keys are formed, and the plurality of keys are operation panels of the open / close key panel. In the key panel whose function can be switched by the detecting means for detecting the polymerization state on the surface,
The plurality of open / close key panels are formed in the same shape, and when one open / close key panel is inverted with respect to the other open / close key panels, the rotation fulcrum of one open / close key panel and the other open / close key panels Since the rotation fulcrum part is arranged at a position where the rotation fulcrum part can be connected,
While saving space, it is possible to provide a plurality of functions such as registering a plurality of destinations to keys on the operation panel surface.
Further, since the open / close key panel is formed in the same shape, the same member can be used, and the cost can be reduced.
[0032]
Furthermore, as described in claim 2, an engagement protrusion is formed at one end of the open / close key panel, and an engagement recess that can be engaged with the engagement protrusion is formed at the other end.
The engagement protrusion and the engagement recess are engaged with each other so that the plurality of open / close key panels can be connected to the operation panel, and the open / close key panel can be easily assembled.
[0033]
Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the open / close key panel is formed in an elongated shape, and a hinge portion is formed at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close key panel. When one open / close panel of the open / close panel is inverted with respect to the other open / close panel, the hinge part is arranged at a position where the hinge part of one open / close panel and the hinge part of the other open / close panel can be connected. So
The open / close key panel can be prevented from warping and floating, and the detection means for detecting the overlapping state of the open / close key panel can be made to react reliably.
As a result, it is possible to prevent an error such that the detection means does not react and is transmitted to the wrong partner.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a facsimile apparatus provided with an image reading apparatus in which a key panel of the present invention is applied to an operation panel.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the open / close key panel attached to the operation panel.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the same.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing an open / close state of an open / close key panel.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing an open / close detection mechanism of the open / close key panel.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an open / close key panel before being attached to the operation panel.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a warped state of the open / close key panel.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a grip portion of the open / close key panel.
[Explanation of symbols]
F Facsimile device 15 Operation panel 29a / 29b One-touch key 31/32 Open / close key panel 31a / 32a End support 31b / 32b Center support 36 Switching sensor 37/38 Superposition state detection pin

Claims (3)

On the operation panel surface on which multiple keys are formed, multiple open / close key panels that can rotate with one side as a fulcrum are arranged, and multiple keys detect the overlapping state of the open / close key panel on the operation panel surface. In the key panel whose function can be switched by the detecting means
The plurality of open / close key panels are formed in the same shape, and when one open / close key panel is inverted with respect to the other open / close key panels, the rotation fulcrum of one open / close key panel and the other open / close key panels A key panel characterized in that the pivot fulcrum portion is arranged at a position where the pivot fulcrum portion can be connected. The key panel according to claim 1, wherein an engagement protrusion is formed at one end of the open / close key panel, and an engagement recess that can be engaged with the engagement protrusion is formed at the other end. The open / close key panel is formed in a long shape, and a hinge portion that can be rotatably fixed on the panel surface is formed at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the open / close key panel, and one open / close panel of the pair of open / close panels The hinge portion is disposed at a position where the hinge portion of one of the opening and closing panels can be connected to the hinge portion of the other opening and closing panel when the hinge is inverted with respect to the other opening and closing panel. The key panel according to claim 1 or 2.

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