JP3267020B2 - Facsimile machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, facsimile machines have been mainly used for business purposes, but have been widely used in general homes and the like in recent years. In general households and the like, communication between individuals is mainly performed, and therefore, a small personal facsimile machine which does not take up much space is often used. In recent years, personal facsimile machines have been provided with functions substantially equivalent to those of large facsimile machines. For example, copy function,
A one-touch dial function for calling the fax number of the other party with one touch, a mode setting function for setting an image of a document to be transmitted, and the like. The operation of each of these functions is performed by pressing operation keys arranged in a dense state on the upper surface of the main body case.

[0003]

However, in the facsimile apparatus, since a large number of operation keys are arranged on the panel, the user can operate any key when making a telephone call or transmitting a document. May be puzzled,
Occasionally, an operation error was made. Further, since a large number of operation keys are arranged on the panel in a state of being exposed, there is a problem that the user feels complicated and obscured and also impairs the appearance of the facsimile apparatus.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to reduce the appearance without impairing the appearance.
An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile apparatus capable of reducing operation errors.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a main body case having a built-in reading section, a recording section, and the like, and having a plurality of operation keys on an upper surface, and capable of being opened and closed with respect to the main body case. And a cover for concealing the operation keys when closed, and the cover is provided with a key rubber that covers at least a plurality of call function keys including the operation keys including the ten keys, the redial key and the hold key, and the key rubber is attached to the key rubber. The gist of the invention is that sub-operation keys that can operate the plurality of call function keys even when the cover is closed are provided integrally.

[0006]

According to the above arrangement, when the cover is opened, the reading section or the like built in the main body case is operated by pressing the operation key of the main body case. When the cover is closed, the operation keys are hidden by the cover. When the cover is closed, the sub-operation keys provided on the cover are activated instead of the operation keys on the main body case. That is,
When the cover is closed, only the sub operation key can be pressed.

For example, when the facsimile apparatus is provided with a call function in addition to the facsimile function, a plurality of call functions including at least a numeric keypad, a redial key, and a hold key are provided as sub-operation keys activated when the cover is closed. The key has the same function as the key. Usually, the cover is closed, and the operation keys of the main body case are hidden by the cover. Therefore, in this case, the only keys exposed to the outside are the sub operation keys that can operate a plurality of call function keys even when the cover is closed. Even when the cover is closed, the call is operated by operating the sub operation keys. It becomes possible. In addition, it is possible to prevent an operation key or the like dedicated to the facsimile function such as a one-touch key registered for facsimile transmission from being erroneously pressed during a call, and to maintain a good appearance. In addition, since the sub operation keys are formed integrally with the key rubber that covers the plurality of call function keys, there is no possibility that dust may enter between the key rubber and the sub operation keys when the cover is closed.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a facsimile machine will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a metal top frame 2 is supported on an upper portion of a main frame 1 by a shaft (not shown) so as to be openable and closable. A panel 3 made of synthetic resin is mounted on the upper surface of the top frame 2. Therefore, the panel 3 and the top frame 2 are integrally opened and closed with respect to the main frame 1. A metal plate 1a is mounted on the lower surface of the main frame 1. In this embodiment, a main body case, a metal plate 1 a, a top frame 2 and a panel 3 constitute a main body case.

At a substantially central portion of the main frame 1, a recording paper storage chamber 5 for storing a recording paper P in a roll form is formed. A thermal head 4 is mounted on the front rear surface of the top frame 2. At a position of the main frame 1 opposed to the lower surface of the thermal head 4, a platen roller 6 opposed to and in contact with the thermal head 4 is supported so as to be able to rotate positively. In this embodiment, a recording unit is constituted by the thermal head 4, the platen roller 6, and the like. The main frame 1 on the downstream side of the platen roller 6 includes:
A paper guide 8 for guiding the recording paper P to the cutter 7 is provided. At the front of the main frame 1 and the panel 3, there is formed an opening 10 for discharging the recording paper P passing between the thermal head 4 and the platen roller 6, and passing through the paper guide 8 and the cutter 7. I have.

A document insertion slot 10 is formed at the rear of the main frame 1. On the downstream side of the document insertion slot 10, a revolving roller 11 for revolving the document into the main body case is supported so as to be able to rotate positively. The separation pad 12 is forcibly brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the running-in roller 11 by the urging force of the pusher 14. An image sensor 16 is mounted via a bracket 15 on a downstream side from a contact portion between the revolving roller 11 and the separation pad 12. The image sensor 16 includes the top frame 2
Roller 17 supported rotatably on the back of the platen
Are facing each other. In this embodiment, the image sensor 1
A reading unit is constituted by the platen 6, the platen roller 17, and the like. A document conveying path 18 is formed downstream of a contact portion between the image sensor 16 and the platen roller 17. A document discharge port 19 is provided downstream of the document conveyance path 18.
Are formed.

Documents are separated one by one from the document insertion opening 10 by the cooperation of the feeding roller 11 and the separation pad 12, and then fed into the reading section. The document passes between the image sensor 16 and the platen roller 17 so that the image data is read by the image sensor 16. After the image data is read, the document is discharged from a document discharge port 19 via a document conveyance path 18. Also,
As shown in FIG. 3, a handset 13 is placed on the left side of the main frame 1. That is, the facsimile apparatus of this embodiment has a telephone function in addition to the facsimile function.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the panel 3
There are basic keys such as a key operated to play or stop the voice recorded on the answering machine, a key operated to set the answering machine, and a key operated to start the transmission of the original. The function key 20 is provided in an exposed state. A plurality of call function keys 21 such as a numeric keypad, a redial key operated when redialing, and a hold key operated when generating a hold sound during a call are exposed from the upper surface of the panel 3 substantially at the center of the panel 3. It is provided in a state. A liquid crystal display panel 22 for displaying a dial number and the like is provided on the panel 3 at the rear of the call function key 21.

Further, in FIG. 4, on the upper surface of the panel 3 on the left side of the call function key 21, fax keys such as a copy key operated for copying and a mode setting key operated for setting a document reading mode are provided. The function-specific key 23 is provided in an exposed state. On the upper surface of the panel 3 on the right side of the call function key 21, a plurality of one-touch dial keys 24 for calling the registered telephone number or fax number with one touch are provided.
Are provided in an exposed state.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a cover 25 is arranged on the upper surface of the panel 3, and the cover 25 is supported on the panel 3 so as to be openable and closable around the rear end thereof and detachably. I have. A key rubber 26 made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber is mounted on the cover 25. The key rubber 26 is provided so as to cover a plurality of call function keys 21 such as a numeric keypad, a redial key, and a hold key. Sub operation keys 27 corresponding to the respective call function keys 21 formed on the panel 3 are integrally formed on the key rubber 26 by injection molding. Therefore, even when the cover 25 is closed, any of the plurality of call function keys 21 can be operated. Also,
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, projecting pieces 26 a projecting slightly below the sub operation keys 27 are integrally formed at four locations on the back surface of the key rubber 26. The sub operation keys 27 and the protruding pieces 26a are exposed downward from through holes 25a formed in the cover 25. The cover 25 behind the key rubber 26 has a flat rectangular window 28 facing the liquid crystal display panel 22 when the cover 25 is closed.
Are formed.

When the cover 25 is closed, the protruding piece 26a of the key rubber 26 comes into contact with the upper surface of the panel 3 where no key is present, and the space between the sub operation keys 27 and the call function key 21 of the panel 3 is provided. It is designed to secure a slight clearance. When the cover 25 is closed, keys other than the call function key 21, that is, the fax function dedicated key 23 and the one-touch dial key 24
Is hidden by the cover 25 and cannot be pressed. Further, when the cover 25 is closed, the liquid crystal display panel 22 provided on the panel 3 is exposed from the window 28 of the cover 25. When the cover 25 is closed, by pressing the sub operation key 27, the call function key 21 is pressed.

As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, when the cover 25 is opened, the cover 25 is located behind the document insertion slot 10 and functions as a tray for placing a document. Each sub operation key 27 of the key rubber 26 includes:
Call function key 21 facing itself when cover 25 is closed
The same characters are printed. As a result, even when the cover 25 is closed, the call function key 21 on the panel 3 located below each sub-operation key 27 of the key rubber 26
Can determine what is. That is, in this embodiment, the keys that can be pressed when the cover 25 is closed are only the basic function keys 20 exposed on the front part of the panel 3 and the call function keys 21 operated via the key rubber 26.

As described above, in this embodiment, various operation keys 21, 23, 24 are provided on the upper surface of
Reference numeral 5 designates a sub-operation key 2 which is opposed to the frequently used call function key 21 among the operation keys of the panel 3 when closed.
7 was provided. By closing the cover 25 normally, the call function key 21, the fax function dedicated key 23, and the one-touch dial key 24 are hidden.

At this time, each key 21,
Even if 23 and 24 are concealed, the sub-operation key 27 of the key rubber 26 is opposed to the frequently used call function key 21, so that the call function key 21 can be operated even when the cover 25 is closed. By pressing the key 27, the key 27 can be pressed indirectly. Therefore, even when the cover 25 is closed, it is possible to make a call or hold a call by pressing the sub operation key 27. That is, a call can be made even when the cover 25 is closed. Moreover, by closing the cover 25 during a call, the user does not accidentally operate the fax function key. The transmission of the document can be easily performed by pressing the start key of the basic function key 20 exposed on the upper surface of the front portion of the panel 3 without opening the cover 25. Further, in the closed state of the cover 25, the keys other than the sub operation keys 27 are not exposed to the outside, so that the appearance is clear and the user does not feel complicated or obscene. When transmitting a plurality of documents, as shown in FIG. 4, by opening the cover 25, the cover 25 becomes a tray for placing documents. This eliminates the need to manually feed the originals one by one.

As a configuration different from the above embodiment, an opening is provided at a position of the cover 25 facing the communication function key 21 of the panel 3 so that the communication function key 21 is exposed from the opening when the cover 25 is closed. It is also conceivable to configure. However, in this case, since the call function key 21 must be protruded from the upper surface of the cover 25, the protrusion amount of the call function key 21 must be increased. When not only the call function key 21 but also the protrusion amount of the key is increased,
It gives a feeling of oppression to the user and makes the appearance unsightly. When the cover 25 has an opening hole, the cover 25 is easily deformed because the strength is reduced.

However, in this embodiment, the key rubber 26 having the sub operation keys 27 is mounted on the cover 25 and the key rubber 26 is protruded downward, so that the key on the panel 3 (the call function key 21) protrudes. The amount can be reduced. As a result, the strength of the cover 25 can be ensured, and the appearance of the facsimile apparatus can be favorably maintained without giving the user a feeling of pressure. Further, since the projection amount of the call function key 21 can be reduced, when the facsimile apparatus is used on a wall, the amount of dust adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the call function key 21 can be reduced,
As a result, failure of the device can be prevented. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the sub operation key 27 is formed integrally with the key rubber 26 covering the plurality of call function keys 21, the key rubber 2
There is no danger of dust entering between the sub-operation key 6 and the sub-operation key 27. Therefore, the plurality of call function keys 21 can be protected from dust.

Further, in this embodiment, the projecting piece 2 projecting below the sub-operation key 27 is provided on the back surface of the key rubber 26.
By providing 6a, a clearance between the sub operation key 27 of the key rubber 26 and the call function key 21 of the panel 3 can be secured. In this embodiment, the projecting piece 2
By forming 6a from a resilient material, it is possible to prevent the panel 3 from being damaged when the cover 25 is closed. It is conceivable to provide the protruding piece 26a on the panel 3 side. However, since a large number of keys are arranged on the upper surface of the panel 3, when the protruding piece 26a is provided on the upper surface of the panel 3, when the cover 25 is opened, This gives the user a feeling of complexity. However, in the present embodiment, such a problem does not occur because the protruding piece 26a is provided on the cover 25 side.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be configured as follows, for example, without departing from the spirit of the invention. (1) The basic function key 20 provided at the front of the panel 3 constituting the main body case is configured to be concealed by the cover 25 when the cover 25 is closed.

(2) When the cover 25 is closed, the sub operation key 2 of the key rubber 26 is pressed so that some keys of the fax function key 23 as well as the call function key 21 can be pressed.
To increase seven.

(3) Eliminating the window 28 formed in the cover 25.

(5) To be embodied by a facsimile machine having only a fax function.

[0027]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
Even when the cover is closed, a call can be made by operating the sub operation keys. In addition, the excellent effect that the appearance is simple and the cover is simple when the cover is closed and can be carried out as it is without giving a feeling of oppression to the operator when making a telephone call, and the operation error can be reduced. Play. Further, when the cover is closed, the plurality of call function keys can be protected from dust.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a facsimile apparatus showing an embodiment embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial side sectional view of the facsimile apparatus showing a relationship between a call function key and a sub operation key.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fax machine when the cover is closed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fax machine when the cover is opened.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main frame which comprises a main body case, 1a ... Metal plate which comprises a main body case, 2 ... Top frame which comprises a main body case, 3 ... Panel which comprises a main body case, 4 ... Thermal head which comprises a recording part, 6 ... Platen roller forming a recording unit, 16 image sensor forming a reading unit, 17 platen roller forming a reading unit, 21 ... Call function key forming operation keys, 23 ... Fax function key forming operation keys , 24: one-touch dial keys constituting operation keys, 25: cover, 2
6 ... Key rubber constituting sub operation keys, 27 ... Sub operation keys

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-4-23547 (JP, A) JP-A-5-50860 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 H01H 13/00-13/76 H04M 1/02-1/23 H04M 11/00-11/10

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] A main body case having a plurality of operation keys on an upper surface, which includes a reading section and a recording section, and a cover which is openably and closably supported by the main body case and conceals the operation keys when closed, The cover is equipped with a key rubber that covers a plurality of call function keys including at least a numeric keypad, a redial key, and a hold key among operation keys, and the key rubber operates the plurality of call function keys even when the cover is closed. A facsimile apparatus characterized in that sub-operation keys that can be operated are provided integrally.