Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To improve the operability in an external input device which includes a numerical key part consisting of a hardware key and a start key.SOLUTION: A numeric keypad unit 70 which is mountable as an option device on an image forming apparatus including an operation panel that has a display screen capable of displaying a software numerical key part and a software execution key and is rotatable with respect to the apparatus body includes: a numeric keypad part 110 on which multiple numerical keys 111-120 for respectively inputting numerical information of 0-9 are arranged as hardware keys in a telephone-like array; and a start key 131 as a hardware key which is arranged on the lower side with respect to the numeric keypad part 110 in the array direction of the numerical key 111 of 1, the numerical key 114 of 4 and the numerical key 117 of 7 when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front and which is used for instructing the start of image reading to an image reading device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an external input device with a hardware key. Do

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been widely applied as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions, and the like. In such an image forming apparatus, in order for a user to input numerical values such as the number of image forming sheets or a facsimile number, or to input processes such as starting or stopping an image forming process, for example, an operation unit capable of displaying and inputting information is provided at the upper front side of the apparatus main body. As such an operation unit (operation panel), for example, a touch panel in which input keys (software keys) are displayed on a display screen and a hardware key such as a numeric keypad and start / stop keys is widely used. The hardware keys are arranged adjacent to the touch panel, for example.

[0003] In recent years, for example, due to reasons such as displaying a numeric keypad portion composed of software keys on a touch panel, the size of the touch panel has been increasing, and miniaturization of the operation unit has been desired. Therefore, an input device has been developed that enables all information input to be realized using only the software keys of the touch panel without providing a numeric keypad portion or a start key composed of hardware keys (see Patent Document 1). In this input device, information can usually be input only by the touch panel, but an external input device (for example, a numeric keypad unit) having a numeric key portion composed of hardware keys can be connected as an option according to the user's preference.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, in an input device having a hardware key that can be connected as an option, a start key for inputting an instruction to start image formation or facsimile transmission is arranged on the right side of the numeric key section. For this reason, for example, when the user inputs the number of copies or the destination number (telephone number / FAX number) of the facsimile with the right hand from the numeric key section of the input device while looking at the display on the touch panel and then presses the start key, it is necessary to move the right hand to the right. That is, the user's operation needs to move in a direction away from the touch panel, and a smooth operation while looking at the display on the touch panel cannot be performed, resulting in poor operability.

[0006] The present invention , operation is an input device capable of improving operability is and provides an image forming apparatus equipped with the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The a housing including an image forming apparatus, 0 present invention includes an image reading device for reading an image of a document, and an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium based on the reading result of the image reading device An input device that is detachable from the housing as an option device that receives a user's operation in which a plurality of software keys are arranged in a telephone-type array, and a plurality of hardware keys for respectively inputting numerical information from 0 to 9 are arranged in a telephone-type array. A hardware numerical key section, and a hardware execution key for instructing the start of reading an image to the image reading apparatus as a hardware key. When the hardware numerical key section in the input device is viewed from the front, the hardware execution key is located below the hardware numerical key section, and when viewed along the direction in which the hardware key for inputting 1, the hardware key for inputting 4, and the hardware key for inputting 7 in the hardware numerical key section are arranged, the hardware numerical key section and the hardware execution key overlap and a software numeric key section for inputting numerical information from 0 to 9 respectively , operation and a software execution key for instructing the start of image reading for the image reading device as a software key 、 and has a display screen capable of displaying them, 、 an operation panel,

Figure 1

Figure 2

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention

Figure 3

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of an image forming apparatus which is an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the present embodiment, as shown in each figure, the front side toward the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the front side F, the back side (rear side) as the back side B, the left side as the left side L, the right side as the right side R, the upper side as the upper side U, and the lower side as the lower side D.

[0012] In the present embodiment, as an example of the image forming apparatus 1, a tandem type full-color printer will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to being mounted on the tandem type image forming apparatus 1, and may be mounted on other types of image forming apparatuses, and is not limited to being full-color, and may be monochrome or monocolor. Alternatively, it can be implemented for various applications such as printers, various printing machines, copiers, FAX machines, and multifunction devices.

[0013] <Image Forming Apparatus> As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus main body) 10. The apparatus main body 10 includes an image reading unit (image reading apparatus) 20, a sheet feeding unit 21, an image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 2), a sheet discharging unit 23, a control unit 30 (see FIG. 2), and an operation unit 50. Note that the sheet, which is a recording material (recording medium), is one on which a toner image is formed. Specific examples include plain paper, a resin sheet that is a substitute for plain paper, thick paper, a sheet for an overhead projector, and the like.

[0014] The image reading unit 20 is, for example, a flatbed scanner device and is provided above the apparatus main body 10. The image reading unit 20 includes a platen glass (not shown) as a document placement table, a light source (not shown) that irradiates light on a document placed on the platen glass, and an image sensor (not shown) that converts reflected light into a digital signal, and reads an image of the document. The sheet feeding unit 21 is disposed below the apparatus main body 10 and includes sheet cassettes 21a and 21b that stack and store sheets such as recording paper, and feeds the sheets to the image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 2).

[0015] The image forming unit 22 is provided inside the apparatus main body 10 and has an image forming unit having a developing device (not shown) and a photosensitive drum as an image carrier, a toner bottle, an intermediate transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, a fixing device, and the like, all not shown. The image forming unit 22 can form an image on a sheet (on a recording medium) fed from the sheet feeding unit 21 based on image information from the control unit 30. That is, the image forming unit 22 can form an image on a recording medium based on the reading result of the image reading unit 20. The sheet discharging unit 23 includes a discharge tray 24 disposed on the downstream side of a discharge port (discharging unit) 10b formed in the apparatus main body 10. The discharge tray 24 is a face-down tray and stacks sheets discharged from the discharge port 10b. Also, the space between the image reading unit 20 and the discharge tray 24 constitutes an in-body space portion 11. The operation unit 50 is provided above the discharge port 10b in the vertical direction.

[0016] <Control Unit> As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 30 is configured by a computer, and includes, for example, a CPU 31, a RAM 32 for temporarily storing data, and a ROM 33 and an HDD 34 for storing programs for controlling each part. In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 has a system bus 30a and an image bus 30b, and the CPU 31, the RAM 32, the ROM 33, and the HDD 34 are all connected to the system bus 30a. The CPU 31 is a processor that comprehensively controls the entire image forming apparatus 1 and is the main body of the system controller. The CPU 31 performs, for example, image processing of image data to be formed, network control, and controls the image forming process by outputting an instruction for image formation to the image forming unit 22.

[0017] The RAM 32 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 31, is also an image memory for temporarily storing image data, and functions as the main memory and work area of the CPU 31. In the RAM 32, setting information in the image forming apparatus 1, job logs and operation logs when each process is performed, and the like are stored. In the ROM 33, an image forming control sequence for forming an image on a sheet and the like are stored. In the present embodiment, the ROM 33 is, for example, a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. The HDD 34 is a hard disk drive and stores system software, applications, image data, and the like.

[0018] The control unit 30 has an operation unit input / output circuit (I / F) 35, a network input / output circuit (I / F) 36, a modem 37, an SRAM 38, an RTC 39, and an external input / output circuit (I / F) 40, all of which are connected to the system bus 30a. The operation unit input / output circuit 35 transmits image data to the operation unit 50 described later, performs various communications from the operation unit 50, and inputs information input by the user from the operation unit 50 to the CPU 31.

[0019] The network input / output circuit 36 is connected to the network 90 and performs input / output of information. Further, the modem 37 is connected to the public line 91 and functions as a facsimile communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving facsimiles, and performs input / output of information. Thereby, the control unit 30 can communicate with other connected PCs or servers via the network 90 by the network input / output circuit 36 or via the public line 91 by the modem 37 under the instruction of the CPU 31. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 performs input / output of image information and device information by connecting to the network 90 or the public line 91.

[0020] The SRAM 38 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of high-speed operation. The RTC 39 is a real-time clock and performs a process of continuously counting the current time even when the control unit 30 is not powered on. The external input / output circuit 40 is a general-purpose input / output circuit such as a Universal Serial Bus (hereinafter referred to as USB), and connects a general-purpose PC, a memory device, and a numeric keypad unit 70 described later via a connector 40a composed of a USB connector. Note that the connector 40a can be provided, for example, on a side surface, a front surface near an installation surface 12 described later where the numeric keypad unit 70 is installed on the apparatus main body 10, or a side surface of the operation unit 50.

[0021] The control unit 30 has an image bus input / output circuit (I / F) 41. The image bus input / output circuit 41 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 30a and an image bus 30b that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure. The image bus 30b is configured by, for example, a PCI bus or IEEE 1394.

[0022] The control unit 30 includes a device input / output circuit (I / F) 42, a RIP unit 43, a scanner image processing unit 44, a printer image processing unit 45, an encryption processing unit 46, and a decryption processing unit 47, all of which are connected to the image bus 30b. The device input / output circuit 42 connects the image reading unit 20 and the image forming unit 22 to the control unit 30 and performs synchronous and asynchronous conversion of image data. The RIP unit 43 is a raster image processor that expands PDL data into a bitmap image. The scanner image processing unit 44 corrects, processes, and edits the input image data. The printer image processing unit 45 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. on the print output image data. The encryption processing unit 46 performs encryption processing on the input data including image data. The decryption processing unit 47 performs decryption processing on the encrypted data.

[0023] <Operation Unit> Next, an example of the hardware configuration for controlling each software of the operation unit (operation panel) 50 will be described. The operation unit 50 includes a microcomputer 51, a touch panel module 52, a data converter (Conv) 53, and a liquid crystal module 54. The operation unit 50 is connected to the control unit 30 by a serial bus 60 for communicating with the CPU 31 and a bus 61 for transferring data to be displayed on the liquid crystal module 54.

[0024] The microcomputer 51 is a microcomputer that comprehensively controls the entire operation unit 50. A ROM storing a program for the operation of the microcomputer 51 is installed in the microcomputer 51. The touch panel module 52 is disposed on the surface of the liquid crystal module 54 and, when touched by the user, notifies the microcomputer 51 of the position information of the touched location via the touch panel communication bus 62. The operation unit 50 can display software keys on the liquid crystal module 54 and can input information by contacting the touch panel module 52. That is, the operation unit 50 is a touch panel capable of displaying software keys and inputting information. The touch panel module 52 is composed of a touch panel device and a touch panel device controller. As the touch panel device, any of a resistive film type, a capacitance type, and an optical type such as infrared rays may be applied.

[0025] The data converter 53 is a module that receives image data from the operation unit input / output circuit 35 of the control unit 30 via the bus 61 and converts it into a data format that can be received by the liquid crystal module 54. For example, data of standards such as DisplayPort and HDMI (registered trademark) are received from the control unit 30, converted into a signal format of LVDS or CMOS level that can be received by the liquid crystal module 54, and input to the liquid crystal module 54 via the bus 63. Further, the data converter 53 is connected to the microcomputer 51 via the bus 64 and also has a function of overwriting the image data generated by the microcomputer 51 at a predetermined position with respect to the image data sent from the control unit 30.

[0026] The liquid crystal module 54 is a module composed of an LCD and a backlight module, receives data from the data converter 53 via the bus 63, and transfers the image data to the LCD at a predetermined timing. At this time, when the backlight module emits light, the image data transferred to the LCD is displayed as a visible image. Adjustment of the brightness of the backlight is performed by operating the dedicated brightness adjustment switches 55 and 56 associated with the operation unit 50.

[0027] When the switch 55 is pressed down once by the user, the microcomputer 51 transmits a command for increasing the brightness by one step to the backlight module in the liquid crystal module 54 via the bus 65. The backlight module that has received the command for increasing the brightness of the backlight by one step from the microcomputer 51 supplies an increased current value by a predetermined amount to the LED devices in the backlight.

[0028] When the switch 56 is pressed down once by the user, the microcomputer 51 transmits a command for decreasing the brightness by one step to the backlight module in the liquid crystal module 54 via the bus 65. The backlight module that has received the command for decreasing the brightness of the backlight by one step from the microcomputer 51 supplies a decreased current value by a predetermined amount from the currently supplied current value to the LED devices in the backlight.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 50 is provided on the front side F rather than the central part in the front - rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1, and is provided above the front cover 10a which is a part of the exterior cover of the apparatus main body 10. The operation unit 50 is formed, for example, in a rectangular flat plate shape, and the panel surface (display screen) 57 configured by laminating the touch panel module 52 on the liquid crystal module 54 (see FIG. 2) is directed upward U and fixedly provided on the apparatus main body 10. Note that the shape of the operation unit 50 is not limited to a rectangular flat plate shape, and other shapes may be used. Also, the directions of the touch panel module 52 and the liquid crystal module 54 are not limited to upward U, and other directions may be used. Further, the operation unit 50 may be tiltable (rotatable) in the vertical direction with respect to the apparatus main body 10 so that the directions of the touch panel module 52 and the liquid crystal module 54 can be changed. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 50 is provided on the right side R rather than the center of the image forming apparatus 1 in the left - right direction of the image forming apparatus 1. The numeric keypad unit 70 is provided on the right side R rather than the operation unit 50 in the left - right direction.

[0030] <Numeric keypad unit> Next, the hardware configuration and operation of the numeric keypad unit 70, which is an input device connected to the image forming apparatus 1, will be described. This numeric keypad unit 70 can be attached to the image forming apparatus 1 having the operation unit 50 capable of inputting information, and can input information to the image forming apparatus 1 separately from the operation unit 50. As an example of the proper use of information input between the operation unit 50 and the numeric keypad unit 70, settings such as density and size related to image formation are input from the operation unit 50, and numerical values such as the number of copies for image formation and the destination number for facsimile are input from the numeric keypad unit 70. Note that in this specification, the term "numeric keypad" includes any of the following concepts: when referring to 10 numeric keys from 0 to 9, when referring to 12 keys including the numeric keys plus "*" and "#", and when referring to around 20 keys including arithmetic operators and "NumLock" etc. in addition to the numeric keys.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the numeric keypad unit 70 includes a housing 71, an upper cover 72 provided on the upper surface of the housing 71, and operation keys 100 provided on the upper cover 72. The arrangement of the operation keys 100 will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 71 is attached to an installation surface 12 adjacent to the right side of the operation unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 1, facing upward (U) on the right side (R) of the front side (F) of the apparatus main body 10, for example, by screwing or adhesion. Thus, the user can easily use the numeric keypad unit 70 with the right hand while looking at the operation unit 50.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the numeric keypad unit 70 includes a hardware key unit 80, a microcomputer 73, an internal bus 74, a connection cable (connection part) 75, a terminal 76 provided at the tip of the connection cable 75, and LEDs 77 and 78. In the present embodiment, for example, the internal bus 74 is a USB, the connection cable 75 is a USB cable provided externally from the housing 71, and the terminal 76 is a USB terminal. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 1 and the numeric keypad unit 70 are electrically connected via the connection cable 75. That is, the connection cable 75 is USB-connected to the image forming apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, the connection cable 75 is connected to a connector fixed to the substrate and cannot be removed from the numeric keypad unit 70. However, the attachment structure of the connection cable 75 to the numeric keypad unit 70 is not limited to this. For example, the numeric keypad unit 70 may be provided with a USB port connected to the internal bus 74, and a USB cable may be detachably connected to this USB port. Alternatively, a USB cable may be provided from the side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the terminal of this USB cable may be detachably connected to a USB port connected to the internal bus 74 of the numeric keypad unit 70.

[0033] The hardware key unit 80 has a plurality of hardware keys. In the present embodiment, a tactile switch 81 is applied as an example of the hardware key in order to give the user a feeling of operation (for example, a click feeling) of the operation key 100. The tactile switches 81 are arranged one by one at positions facing the inside of the housing 71 of each operation key 100 (see FIG. 3). The tactile switch 81 is composed of, for example, a protective cover, a plunger pushed by the operation key 100, a reversing spring that generates a click feeling and functions as a movable contact, and a base portion having two contacts. Since an existing or new appropriate configuration can be applied as the tactile switch 81, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0034] The microcomputer 73 can execute, for example, input detection from the hardware key unit 80, lighting control of the plurality of LEDs 77 and 78, and USB communication via the external input / output circuit 40 with the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 1. The terminal 76 is connected to a connector 40a (see FIG. 2) which is a USB connector of the external input / output circuit 40 of the apparatus main body 10. Thereby, the microcomputer 73 and the control unit 30 are USB-connected via the connection cable 75 and can communicate using the USB HID protocol.

[0035] When the tactile switch 81 is depressed by the user, the microcomputer 73 identifies the depressed tactile switch 81 and generates a predetermined code. The microcomputer 73 transmits the generated key code to the CPU 31 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the internal bus 74 and the connection cable 75. The CPU 31 performs processing according to the input key.

[0036] The first LED (start light-emitting unit) 77 is provided inside the housing 71 on the back side of a start key 131 (see FIG. 3) which will be described later, and is caused to emit light by the microcomputer 73 based on a signal from the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2). That is, the start key 131 has the first LED 77 that can emit light by a signal from the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 30 causes the first LED 77 to emit light when the image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 2) becomes in a state where image formation is possible, and causes the first LED 77 to turn off when the image forming unit 22 is not in a state where image formation is possible. Also, if necessary, the first LED 77 may be caused to blink, or the color of the emitted light may be changed to indicate the state.

[0037] The second LED (set light-emitting unit) 78 is provided inside the housing 71 on the back side of a third setting key 143 (see FIG. 3) described later, and is caused to emit light by the microcomputer 73 based on a signal from the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2). That is, the third setting key 143 has a second LED 78 that can emit light by a signal from the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 30 causes the second LED 78 to emit light when the mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is a predetermined mode, for example, when the input mode is set to the voice input mode, and causes the second LED 78 to turn off when the mode of the image forming apparatus 1 is not a predetermined mode. Further, if necessary, the second LED 78 may be caused to blink.

[0038] Next, the arrangement of the operation keys 100 of the numeric keypad unit 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. Here, FIG. 3 is a front view of the numeric keypad unit 70, and is a view seen from a direction parallel to the pressing direction of each hardware key. The operation keys 100 are roughly divided into a numeric keypad section (numeric key section) 110, an operation key section 130, and a setting key section 140.

[0039] The numeric keypad section 110 has a plurality of hardware keys capable of inputting at least information related to numbers. In the present embodiment, the numeric keypad section 110 has numeric keys 111 to 120 for inputting numbers from 0 to 9, a key 121 for inputting "*", and a key 122 for inputting "#". By operating the numeric keys 111 to 120, it is possible to input the number of copies, the fax telephone number, and the like. Note that the numeric key 115 for inputting the number 5 is provided with a small convex portion on the upper surface. Thereby, the user can discriminate the numeric key 115 by touch without looking at the key, so that blind input can be realized without directly looking at the keys with respect to the surrounding numeric keys 111 to 120.

[0040] Here, the numeric keypad unit 70 of the present embodiment is a dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 for the image forming apparatus 1 designed to be attachable as one of the option devices of the image forming apparatus 1. The use of this dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is mainly for inputting a destination number (FAX number) when transmitting a facsimile, for example. Since the dedicated numeric keypad unit 70 is designed mainly for inputting the destination number of facsimile transmission, the arrangement of the numeric keypad section 110 is the same as that of a telephone. That is, the arrangement of the numeric keypad section 110 of the numeric keypad unit 70 is the same as the standard arrangement shown in ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) Recommendation E.161. The numeric keypad section 110 is formed by arranging a plurality of numeric keys 120, 111 to 119 for inputting numerical information from 0 to 9 as hardware keys in a telephone-type arrangement. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in the numeric keypad section 110, the numeric keys 111 to 119 from 1 to 9 are arranged adjacent to each other such that the rearmost side B is from 1 to 3, the front side F thereof is from 4 to 6, and the front side F thereof is from 7 to 9. Further, the numeric key 120 for 0 is arranged on the front side F of the numeric key 118 for 8, and the * key 121 and the # key 122 are arranged on the left and right thereof.

[0041] In other words, regarding the ten hardware keys from 0 to 9, the row of hardware keys 1, 2, 3 is arranged at the backmost position, the row of hardware keys 4, 5, 6 is arranged in front of the row of 1, 2, 3, and further in front of the row of hardware keys 4, 5, 6, the row of hardware keys 7, 8, 9 is arranged. And the hardware key 0 is arranged in front of the row of hardware keys 7, 8, 9. Also, when looking at these hardware keys from 0 to 9 in columns, the columns of hardware keys 1, 4, 7 from the left, the columns of hardware keys 2, 5, 8, 0, and the columns of hardware keys 3, 6, 9 are arranged in this order. That is, the numeric keys from 1 to 9 are arranged in a 3×3 matrix when looking at the numeric keypad 70 from the front. Also, and, the numeric keys from 1 to 9 are arranged in the column direction with the numeric keys 1 to 3, 4 to 6, and 7 to 9 arranged in order from the upper row, and the numeric key 0 is arranged further below the row of numeric keys 7 to 9. Note that the hardware key 0 can be arranged in the column of hardware keys 1, 4, 7 or the column of hardware keys 3, 6, 9, and the arrangements of the * key and # key can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in this numeric keypad 70, since calculator input is not the main purpose, arithmetic operator keys such as +, -, ×, and / are not provided. Thus, since this numeric keypad 70 is not designed for the purpose of connecting to a PC, its key arrangement is different from that of a general-purpose numeric keypad that can be connected to an unspecified PC or the like.

[0042] Here, the key arrangement of the general-purpose numeric keypad unit is mainly the same as that of a calculator. That is, in the general-purpose numeric keypad unit, for the 10 hardware keys from 0 to 9, the row of the 7, 8, 9 hardware keys is arranged at the backmost, and the row of the 4, 5, 6 hardware keys is arranged in front of the row of the 7, 8, 9 keys. Further, in front of the row of the 4, 5, 6 hardware keys, the row of the 1, 2, 3 hardware keys is arranged. And the 0 and 00 hardware keys are arranged in front of the row of the 1, 2, 3 hardware keys. That is, the arrangement of the hardware keys in the general-purpose numeric keypad unit is the same as that defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization). Also, when looking at these hardware keys from 1 to 9 in columns, the columns of the 1, 4, 7 hardware keys, the columns of the 2, 5, 8 hardware keys, and the columns of the 3, 6, 9 hardware keys are arranged in this order from left to right. The 0 and 00 hardware keys are arranged straddling the columns of the 1, 4, 7 hardware keys and the columns of the 2, 5, 8 hardware keys, or are arranged in the same column as 1, 4, 7. Further, on the right side and the rear side of the numeric keys, arithmetic operator keys such as +, -, ×, and / and a function key section are arranged. Thus, the numeric keypad unit 70 of this embodiment and the general-purpose numeric keypad unit differ in the arrangement of the numeric keys and the provided function keys and the like.

[0043] Also, in this embodiment, the keys 121 and 122 are set as keys effective when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the FAX mode. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the FAX mode, when the user operates the keys 121 and 122, information such as "*" and "#" is transmitted to the control unit 30.

[0044] The operation key section 130 has a start key (execution key) 131, a stop key 132, a reset key 133, and a clear key 134, all of which are arranged on the front side F of the numeric keypad section 110. The start key 131 is a hardware key through which information for starting a predetermined process can be input. The predetermined process here is, for example, the copy process of the image forming apparatus 1 or the facsimile transmission process, and these processes can be started by pressing the start key 131. Here, the start key 131 is provided as a hardware key for instructing the image reading unit 20 to start image reading. That is, the control unit 30 controls the image forming unit 22 to start the image forming operation according to the operation of the start key 131. Alternatively, the control unit 30 controls the modem 37 to start facsimile transmission according to the operation of the start key 131. As a result, the modem 37 starts the facsimile transmission of the image data read by the image reading unit 20 in response to the pressing of the start key 131.

[0045] The start key 131 is arranged in front of the numeric keypad section 110 in a state where the housing 71 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the start key 131 is arranged in front of the numeric keys 111 to 120 for the user who performs the operation. Here, when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front, the start key 131 is arranged below the numeric keypad section 110 (on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1) in the arrangement direction of the numeric key 111 of 1, the numeric key 114 of 4, and the numeric key 117 of 7. Also, when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front, the start key 131 is larger than the keys 111 to 122 which are the respective hardware keys of the numeric keypad section 110, and is the largest key in the numeric keypad unit 70. Thereby, since the user can easily press down the start key 131, the operability can be improved as compared with the case where the start key 131 has the same size as the keys 111 to 122. Also, the start key 131 is arranged within the range between the left end L and the right end R of the numeric keypad section 110 when viewed from the front side F. Further, the start key 131 is arranged on the side closer to the operation section 50, that is, on the left side L within the range between the left end L and the right end R of the numeric keypad section 110 when viewed from the front side F.

[0046] In the present embodiment, a transmissive portion 131a is provided in a part on the rear side B of the start key 131. The transmissive portion 131a is made of a plastic member having transmissivity and is integrated with other parts of the start key 131. Inside the transmissive portion 131a, a first LED 77 is provided. Note that the first LED 77 is provided below the transmissive portion 131a in the vertical direction when the numeric keypad unit 70 is attached to the installation surface 12 and inside the housing 71. For this reason, when the control section 30 causes the first LED 77 to emit light when the image forming section 22 (see FIG. 2) becomes in a state where image formation is possible, the light from the first LED 77 passes through the transmissive portion 131a and becomes recognizable by the user. Thereby, the user can confirm whether or not the image forming section 22 is in a state where image formation is possible by looking at the numeric keypad unit 70 without looking at the operation section 50, so that the operability can be improved.

[0047] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, on the panel surface 57 of the operation unit 50, a software numeric keypad section 52a and a software start key 52s can be displayed. The software numeric keypad section 52a is an example of a software numeric key section, and is composed of software keys capable of inputting at least information related to numerical values. It is provided for inputting numerical information from 0 to 9 as software keys respectively. The software start key 52s is an example of a software execution key, and is composed of a software key capable of inputting information for starting a predetermined process. It is provided for instructing the image reading unit 20 to start image reading as a software key. The software numeric keypad section 52a has the same function as the numeric keypad section 110 of the numeric keypad unit 70, and the software start key 52s has the same function as the start key 131 of the numeric keypad unit 70. In the present embodiment, the start key 131 is located on the right side R as viewed from the front side F in a state where the housing 71 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 with respect to the software start key 52s displayed on the panel surface 57. That is, the start key 131 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the software start key 52s in the left-right direction of the housing 71. Thereby, since the operations can be made common between the software start key 52s and the start key 131, the operability can be improved without a sense of discomfort regardless of which key is used.

[0048] Also, regarding the software keys displayed on the panel surface 57, similar to the key arrangement of the numeric keypad unit 70, the software start key 52s is arranged on the front side of the software numeric keypad section 52a. That is, in both the software keys displayed on the panel surface 57 and the numeric keypad unit 70, the numeric keypad section is on the rear side B and the start key is on the front side F. The arrangement of the software numeric keypad section 52a and the software start key 52s displayed on the panel surface 57 is the same as the arrangement of the numeric keypad section 110 and the start key 131 of the numeric keypad unit 70. That is, the arrangement of the software numeric keypad section 52a is the same as that of the numeric keypad section 110, which is the same as that of the telephone. And, as shown in FIG. 5, when the panel surface 57 is viewed from the front, the keys from 1 to 9 are arranged in a 3×3 matrix. And, for the keys from 1 to 9, in the column direction, the numeric keys from 1 to 3, the numeric keys from 4 to 6, and the numeric keys from 7 to 9 are arranged in order from the upper row, and the numeric key 0 is arranged in a row further below the row of the numeric keys from 7 to 9. By making the positional relationship in the front-back direction of the numeric keypad section and the start key the same in this way, the operating feeling is the same whether operating from the software keys or from the numeric keypad unit 70, so the operability can be improved. Incidentally, when the arrangement of the software keys displayed on the panel surface 57 and the numeric keypad section and the start key of the numeric keypad unit 70 are different, for example, when the start key is located on the right side R of the numeric keypad section in the numeric keypad unit as in Patent Document 1, the operability is poor. This is because the operation method changes depending on whether operating from the software keys or from the numeric keypad unit 70.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the stop key 132 is a hardware key capable of inputting information for stopping a predetermined process started by the start key 131. The stop key 132 is disposed on the front side F of the numeric keypad unit 110 and on the right side R of the start key 131 when viewed from the front side F in a state where the housing 71 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the stop key 132 is disposed on the lower side (the front side of the image forming apparatus 1) of the numeric keypad unit 110 when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front in a state where the numeric keypad unit 70 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the stop key 132 is provided larger than the keys 111 to 122 which are the respective hardware keys of the numeric keypad unit 110 when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front. Thereby, the user can easily press down the stop key 132, so that the operability can be improved as compared with the case where the stop key 132 has the same size as the keys 111 to 122.

[0050] The reset key 133 is a hardware key capable of inputting information for resetting the settings input to the image forming apparatus 1, and is a key for returning the settings of the image forming apparatus 1 set by the user to the initial state. The reset key 133 is disposed on the lower side (the front side of the image forming apparatus 1) of the numeric keypad unit 110 when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front in a state where the housing 71 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The clear key 134 is a hardware key capable of inputting information for clearing the numerical values input to the image forming apparatus 1 by the numeric keypad unit 110, and is a key for canceling the numerical values input to the image forming apparatus 1 by the numeric keys 111 to 120. The clear key 134 is disposed on the lower side (the front side of the image forming apparatus 1) of the numeric keypad unit 110 when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front in a state where the housing 71 is attached to the image forming apparatus.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the setting key unit 140 has three keys, namely a first setting key 141, a second setting key 142, and a third setting key 143, all of which are hardware keys capable of inputting information for setting a predetermined mode of the image forming apparatus 1. When the housing 71 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front, each of the setting keys 141 to 143 is disposed above the numeric keypad unit 110 (on the back side of the image forming apparatus 1). Each of the setting keys 141 to 143 is a key for setting a predetermined mode or function of the image forming apparatus 1. When the user presses any one of the setting keys 141 to 143, the microcomputer 73 transmits a predetermined code to the control unit 30 according to the pressed setting key, and the control unit 30 sets various modes and functions of the image forming apparatus 1 that are predetermined.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the entire third setting key 143 is a transmissive portion 143b. The transmissive portion 143b is made of a plastic member having translucency. A second LED 78 is provided inside the transmissive portion 143b. Therefore, when the image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 2) is in a predetermined mode, for example, the voice input mode, when the control unit 30 causes the second LED 78 to emit light, the light from the second LED 78 passes through the transmissive portion 143b and becomes recognizable by the user. Thereby, the user can confirm whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 is in the voice input mode by looking at the numeric keypad unit 70 without looking at the operation unit 50, so that the operability can be improved.

[0053] Further, for each of the setting keys 141 to 143, at a position adjacent to each of the setting keys 141 to 143, for example, on the rear side B of each of the setting keys 141 to 143, Braille 141a to 143a indicating information regarding each of the setting keys 141 to 143 is displayed. That is, when the numeric keypad unit 70 is viewed from the front, the Braille 141a to 143a indicating information regarding each of the setting keys 141 to 143 is provided at a position adjacent to each of the setting keys 141 to 143. The Braille 141a is Braille for the first setting key 141. In the present embodiment, since the function of the first setting key 141 is "A", Braille meaning the capital letter A is provided. The Braille 142a is Braille for the second setting key 142. In the present embodiment, since the function of the second setting key 142 is "B", Braille meaning the capital letter B is provided. The Braille 143a is Braille for the third setting key 143. In the present embodiment, since the function of the third setting key 143 is "C", Braille meaning the capital letter C is provided.

[0054] Also, for example, when the function of the first setting key 141 is composed of a plurality of characters such as "DEF", only the first character "D" of the function is made of Braille. Alternatively, even if it is not the first character, it may be made of one character representing the plurality of characters. The same applies to the second setting key 142 and the third setting key 143. That is, in the present embodiment, each of the Braille 141a to 143a is one character indicating information regarding the setting keys 141 to 143. By limiting the Braille to be displayed to one character, it is possible to prevent the upper surface of the numeric keypad unit 70 from being cluttered compared to the case of displaying a plurality of characters, and it is possible to facilitate the reading of the Braille.

[0055] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the numeric keypad unit 70 is mounted such that the start key 131, which can input information for starting predetermined processes such as the start of copying and the transmission of a facsimile, is disposed on the front side F with respect to the numeric keypad section 110. Thus, when the start key 131 is pressed immediately after input to the numeric keypad section 110, compared to the case where the start key 131 is positioned in the left-right direction of the numeric keypad section 110, the finger can be easily extended to the start key 131. Therefore, in the external numeric keypad unit 70 having the numeric keypad section 110 and the start key 131 which are hardware keys, the operability can be improved.

[0056] Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the numeric keypad section 110 and the start key 131 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the numeric keypad unit 70. Therefore, when operating while viewing the display on the panel surface 57, both keys of the numeric keypad section 110 and the start key 131 are likely to come into the field of view together with the panel surface 57, and the operability can be improved. Here, the operation unit 50 is relatively often provided on the right front side of the apparatus main body 10. When the numeric keypad unit 70 is an option, it is often attached further to the right side R of the operation unit 50 from the viewpoint of operability. If the numeric keypad section 110 and the start key 131 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the width of the numeric keypad unit 70 in the left-right direction will increase. Therefore, a space in the left-right direction for attaching the option is required, and the occupied area of the image forming apparatus 1 will increase. Or, if the operation unit 50 is shifted to the left side L to secure a space for attaching the option, the visibility of the sheet discharge section 23 will be deteriorated by the operation unit 50. As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, by arranging the numeric keypad section 110 and the start key 131 in the front-rear direction, the size of the numeric keypad unit 70 in the left-right direction can be made smaller than the configuration in which the keys are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the LEDs 77 and 78 are provided for the start key 131 and the third setting key 143 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, LEDs may be provided for other setting keys 141 and 142, or for numeric keys 111 to 120, etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0058] 1... Image forming apparatus, 10... Apparatus main body, 10b... Discharge port (discharge unit), 20... Image reading unit (image reading apparatus), 22... Image forming unit, 37... Modem (facsimile communication unit), 50... Operation unit (operation panel, touch panel), 52a... Software numeric key unit (software numeric key unit), 52s... Software start key (software execution key), 57... Panel surface (display screen), 70... Numeric key unit (input device), 75... Connection cable (connection unit), 77... First LED (start light emitting unit), 78... Second LED (setting light emitting unit), 110... Numeric key unit (numeric key unit), 111 to 120... Numeric keys, 131... Start key (execution key), 132... Stop key, 133... Reset key, 134... Clear key, 141... First setting key (setting key), 141a... Braille, 142... Second setting key (setting key), 142a... Braille, 143... Third setting key (setting key), 143a... Braille.

Claims

1. An image reading device that reads an image of a document, A housing including an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on a reading result of the image reading device, An operation panel having a display screen capable of displaying a software numeric key unit in which a plurality of software keys for respectively inputting numerical information from 0 to 9 are arranged in a telephone-type array, and a software execution key for instructing the start of image reading with respect to the image reading device as a software key, and accepting user operations, An input device detachable from the housing as an optional device, the input device having a hardware numeric key unit in which a plurality of hardware keys for respectively inputting numerical information from 0 to 9 are arranged in a telephone-type array, and a hardware execution key for instructing the start of image reading with respect to the image reading device as a hardware key, Comprising When the hardware numeric key unit in the input device is viewed from the front, the hardware execution key is located below the hardware numeric key unit, and when viewed along the direction in which the hardware keys for inputting 1, 4, and 7 in the hardware numeric key unit are arranged, the hardware numeric key unit and the hardware execution key overlap, An image forming apparatus characterized by this.

2. The hardware execution key is larger than each of a plurality of hardware keys included in the hardware numeric key unit when the hardware numeric key unit in the input device is viewed from the front, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The input device includes a hardware stop key as a hardware key for instructing the cancellation of image formation with respect to the image forming unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. The hardware stop key is arranged below the hardware numeric key unit when the hardware numeric key unit in the input device is viewed from the front, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by this. Claim 5: When viewed along the direction in which the hardware keys for inputting 1, the hardware key for inputting 4, and the hardware key for inputting 7 in the hardware numeric key section are arranged, the hardware numeric key section and the hardware stop key overlap. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that. Claim 6: The hardware stop key is larger than each of the plurality of hardware keys included in the hardware numeric key section when the hardware numeric key section in the input device is viewed from the front. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that. Claim 7: The hardware stop key is disposed on the right side of the hardware execution key when the hardware numeric key section in the input device is viewed from the front. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that. Claim 8: A setting key comprising a hardware key capable of inputting information for setting the input mode of the image forming apparatus to a voice input mode. The setting key is disposed above the hardware numeric key section when the input device is viewed from the front. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that. Claim 9: When the input device is viewed from the front, braille indicating information regarding the setting key is provided at a position adjacent to the setting key. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that. Claim 10: The braille is a single character indicating information regarding the setting key. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that. Claim 11: The setting key has a setting light emitting section capable of emitting light by a signal from the housing. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that. Claim 12: A reset key comprising a hardware key capable of inputting information for resetting the settings input to the image forming apparatus. The reset key is disposed below the hardware numeric key section when the input device is viewed from the front. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that. Claim 13: A clear key comprising a hardware key capable of inputting information for clearing the numerical values input to the image forming apparatus. When the input device is attached to the image forming apparatus, the clear key is disposed below the hardware numerical key portion when the input device is viewed from the front. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that.

Images