Abstract:
An electronic machine, a display apparatus and a communication apparatus are provided which are capable of minimizing an increase in the dimensions of an apparatus body which is ascribed to the improvement of the controllability of the apparatus and an increase in the sizes of a display screen. A case unit is pivotably joined to an apparatus body by a pivot, and an upper operating element of a cross key and function keys are provided so that these parts are positioned on the axis of the pivot. Thus, an operating force occurring when the upper operating element and function keys are operated is exerted on the axis of the pivot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus, a display apparatus and a communication apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The related art communication apparatuses, such as a telephone set and a facsimile apparatus include a communication apparatus mounted with a liquid crystal display apparatus capable of showing thereon around one to three pieces of information, as an operating panel adapted to show thereon a telephone number of an opposite person obtained through pre-communication information notification service, a name pre-registered correspondingly to this telephone number, and a telephone number inputted by a key operating action or a shortened dial registered telephone number. 
     In a proposed technique in recent years, a communication apparatus mounted with a large-sized liquid crystal display; showing on the liquid crystal display apparatus a picture image based on facsimile data received from a communication line; and formed so that a desired picture image alone can be selected and outputted onto paper has been available. A communication apparatus mounted with such a large-sized liquid crystal display as shown in  FIGS. 20A–20C  has been proposed in which a case unit a having a liquid crystal display e therein is provided pivotably on an apparatus body b, and in which function keys c corresponding to the content to be shown on the liquid crystal display e and a cross key d for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the liquid crystal display e are provided on the apparatus body b. 
     However, in such a communication apparatus as described above, the function keys c and cross key d on the apparatus body b are arranged in positions away from the liquid crystal display e. Therefore, the controllability of the function keys c and cross key d operated as the content to be shown on the liquid crystal display e is observed is low. Moreover, as the dimensions of the liquid crystal display e increase, an excess space, in which the function keys c and cross key d are provided, on the apparatus body b is lost. Therefore, it becomes necessary that a special space be provided so as to provide these keys on the apparatus body b, and this causes the apparatus body b to be enlarged. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and provides an electronic apparatus, a display apparatus and a communication apparatus capable of minimizing an increase, which is ascribed to the improvement of the controllability of an operation of the apparatus and an increase in the sizes of a display screen, in the dimensions of an apparatus body thereof. 
     The invention provides an electronic apparatus comprising: 
     a main body; 
     a case unit joined to the apparatus main body so as to be angularly displaced, 
     the case unit having a display screen provided on a surface thereof, and an operating unit provided on the surface, for giving instructions to alter contents to be shown on the display screen. 
     According to the invention, a display screen and an operating unit operated by depressing or touching to give instructions to alter the contents to be shown on the display screen are provided on the surface of a case unit joined angularly displaceably to the apparatus body. This enables the controllability of the operating unit operated with the content to be shown on the display screen observed to be improved, and an increase in dimensions, which is ascribed to an increase in sizes of the display screen, of the apparatus body to be held down. 
     The invention further provides an electronic apparatus in which, in addition to the above-described structure, the case unit is disposed on an upper surface of the apparatus main body and joined thereto so that the case unit can be angularly displaced between a first position in which the case unit is raised and a second position in which the case unit is laid down substantially along the upper surface of the apparatus. 
     According to the invention, the display screen and the operating unit adapted to give instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen are provided on the surface of the case unit set on the upper surface of the apparatus body and joined thereon so that the case unit can be turned toward the front surface of the apparatus body. This enables improvement of the controllability of the operating unit operated with the content to be shown on the display screen observed in its first position, and an increase, which is ascribed to an increase in the sizes of the display screen, in the dimensions of the machine body to be held down. 
     In the invention it is preferable that a pivot is disposed in a proximal side portion of the case unit and the operating unit is disposed nearly directly above the axis of the pivot. 
     According to the invention, the display screen and the operating unit adapted to give instructions to alter the contents to be shown on the display screen are provided on the surface of the case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus body, and the operating unit nearly the pivot provided in the lower portion (an operator side or proximal side) of the case unit. Therefore, a pivotal movement of the case unit made by an operation of the operating unit can be minimized. 
     In the invention it is preferable that the operating unit is disposed in a lower corner of a surface of the case unit in the first position. 
     According to the invention, the display screen and the operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen are provided on a proximal side right portion of the case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus body. The operating unit is positioned nearly the pivot provided on the proximal side of the case unit. Therefore, the pivotal movement of the case unit made by an operation of the operating unit can be minimized. 
     In the invention it is preferable that an upper operating element of the operating unit is provided nearly directly above the axis of the pivot. 
     According to the invention, the display screen and the operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen are provided on the surface of the case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus body. The upper operating element of the operating unit is mounted on the pivot provided in the lower portion of the case unit. Therefore, the pivotal movement of the case unit made by the operation of the operating unit can further be minimized. 
     In the invention it is preferable that a plane shape of a contour of the operating unit is substantially elliptic in which operating unit upper, lower, left and right operating elements are connected together so that a distance between the upper and lower operating elements is set shorter than that of between the left and right operating elements. 
     According to the invention, the surface of the case unit joined pivotably to the machine body is provided thereon with the display screen and the operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen, the operating unit being made of a substantially elliptic key in which the upper, lower, left and right operating elements are connected together so that a distance between the upper and lower operating elements is set shorter than that of between the left and right operating elements. Owing to an operation of the operating unit, a pivotal movement of the case unit can further be minimized. 
     In the invention it is preferable that a substantially arcuate sliding contact member extending around the pivot is provided on a rear surface of the case unit, a retaining force obstructing a pivotal movement of the case unit being applied to the sliding contact member, the operating unit and sliding contact member being arranged in positions of different rotational actions. 
     According to the invention a display screen and the operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen are provided on the surface of the case unit joined pivotably to an apparatus body, and the substantially arcuate rib to which a retaining force obstructing a pivotal movement of the case unit is applied is provided on the portion of a rear surface of the case unit which is in a position of a rotational action different from the position of a rotational action of the operating unit. Therefore, when the operating unit is operated, an eccentric action is generated, and a pivotal movement of the case unit due to the operation of the operating unit can thereby be minimized. 
     The invention provides a display apparatus angularly displaceably joined to an electronic apparatus, comprising a display screen disposed on a surface of the display apparatus; and an operating unit for giving instructions to alter contents to be shown on the display screen, the operating unit being provided nearly directly above an axis of a pivot. 
     According to the invention, the display screen and the operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen are provided on the same surface of the display apparatus joined pivotably to the electronic apparatus, the operating unit being provided above the axis of a pivot. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the controllability of an operation of the operating unit carried out as the content to be shown on the display screen is observed, minimize an increase in the dimensions of an apparatus body which is ascribed to an increase in the sizes of the display screen, and minimize a pivotal movement of the display apparatus caused by an operation of the operating unit. 
     In the invention it is preferable that the operating unit is a key operated by depressing or touching. 
     In the invention it is preferable that the operating unit is a unit operated by angular displacement. 
     The invention provides a communication apparatus, comprising: 
     a main body; and 
     a case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus body, 
     the case unit including a display screen for displaying a picture image based on data sent from a communication line and an operating unit provided on a surface of the case unit for scrolling picture images displayed on the display screen, on the basis of an operation of the operating unit, the operating unit being provided nearly directly above an axis of a pivot. 
     According to the invention, the case unit joined pivotably to the apparatus body is provided, the surface of the case unit being provided thereon with the display screen showing thereon a picture image based on the data sent from the communication line, and the operating unit for scrolling the picture image shown on the display screen, the operating unit being provided above the axis of the pivot. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the controllability of an operation of the operating unit carried out as the content to be shown on the display screen is observed, minimize an increase in the dimensions of the apparatus body which is ascribed to an increase in the sizes of the display screen, and minimize a pivotal movement of the display apparatus caused by an operation of the operating unit. 
     The invention provides a communication apparatus comprising: 
     a main body; and 
     a case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus main body, including a display screen for displaying a menu picture image based on data sent from a communication line, and an operating unit provided on the surface of the case unit for moving a cursor, which is shown on the display screen, on the basis of an operation of the operating unit, the operating unit being provided above the axis of a pivot. 
     According to the invention, the case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus body is provided, and the surface of the case unit is provided with the display screen on which a menu picture image based on the data sent from the communication line is shown, and the operating unit for moving the cursor shown with the menu picture image on the display screen, the operating unit being provided above the axis of the pivot. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the controllability of an operation of the operating unit carried out as the content to be shown on the display screen is observed, minimize an increase in the dimensions of the apparatus body which is ascribed to an increase in the size of the display screen, and minimize a pivotal movement of the display apparatus caused by an operation of the operating unit. 
     In the invention it is preferable that the communication apparatus further comprises a handset disposed on the apparatus body, for communicating with another apparatus connected thereto via a communication line, wherein the case unit is provided on one side of the handset, and the operating unit is provided in a position away from the side on which the handset is provided. 
     According to the invention, the case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus body is provided on one side of the handset placed on the apparatus body, and a display screen and the operating unit are provided on the surface of the case unit, the operating unit being provided in the position on a pivot of the case unit which is away from the side on which the handset is provided. Therefore, an operation of the operating unit carried out as the content to be shown on the display screen is observed can be effected without causing the operation of the operating unit to be deteriorated during the use of the handset. 
     In the invention it is preferable that a handset for telephone communication including a microphone and a speaker is removably installed on the left-hand side of the apparatus main body, the case unit is located to the right of the handset on the apparatus main body, the operating unit is located in a portion of the case unit more to the proximal side than the display screen and toward the right-hand end thereof, and the apparatus main body further includes another operating unit located to the right of the case unit. 
     According to the invention, the display screen and the operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen are provided on the surface of the case unit pivotably joined to the apparatus body, or on that of a display apparatus. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the controllability of an operation of the operating unit carried out as the content to be shown on the screen is observed, while minimizing an increase in the dimensions of the apparatus body which is ascribed to an increase in the size of the display screen. Especially, in an electronic apparatus and a communication apparatus used on a desk, such as a facsimile apparatus and a telephone set, the operating unit can be operated smoothly as what is shown on the display screen is kept easily seen. 
     According to the invention, the operating unit is provided nearly or on the pivot, so that a pivotal movement of the case unit caused by an operation of the operating unit can be minimized. This enables the inconveniences, which are ascribed to the provision of the operating unit on the pivotably provided case unit or display apparatus, to be eliminated. 
     According to the invention, an elliptic key in which the upper, lower, left and right operating elements ate connected together is used as the operating unit, and the distance between the upper and lower operating elements is set shorter than that of between the left and right operating elements, so that a pivotal movement of the case unit due to an operation of the operating unit can be minimized. Therefore, the inconveniences occurring due to the provision of the operating unit on the pivotably joined case unit can be eliminated. 
     According to the invention, the display screen and the operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display screen are provided on the surface of the case unit joined pivotably to the apparatus body, and the substantially arcuate rib to which a retaining force obstructing a pivotal movement of the case unit is applied is provided on the rear surface of the case unit and on a point of application of pivotal action different from that of the operating unit. Owing to this arrangement, an eccentric action is generated on the pivot during an operation of the operating unit, and a pivotal movement of the case unit caused by an operation of the operating unit can thereby be minimized. Therefore, the inconveniences occurring due to the provision of the operating unit on the pivotably joined case unit can be eliminated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be more explicit from the following detailed description taken with reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a function block diagram showing the construction of a facsimile apparatus, a mode of embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2A to 2C  are explanatory drawings showing an external appearance and construction of the same facsimile apparatus; 
         FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B  are an explanatory drawing showing the construction of a principal portion of the same facsimile apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a cross key  10   a  and a start key  10   c  in  FIG. 3B ; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified sectional vies taken along the line V—V in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line VI—VI in  FIG. 3B ; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the controlling of an operation during the displaying of a picture image in the same facsimile apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart showing the controlling of an operation during the displaying of a picture image in the same facsimile apparatus; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart showing the controlling of an operation during the displaying of a picture image in the same facsimile apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing another form of case unit B embodying this invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XI—XI in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing still another form of case unit B embodying this invention in its second position; 
         FIG. 13  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XIII—XIII in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing still another form of case unit B embodying this invention in its first position; 
         FIG. 15  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XV—XV in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing still another form of case unit B embodying this invention in its first position; 
         FIG. 17  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XVII—XVII in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing a still different form of case unit B embodying this invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing a still different form of case unit B embodying this invention; and 
         FIGS. 20A to 20C  are explanatory drawings showing an external appearance and construction of a facsimile apparatus, a related art example, wherein  FIG. 20A  is a perspective view with a case unit laid down,  FIG. 20B  is a perspective view of the same facsimile apparatus with the case unit raised, and  FIG. 20C  is a plan view of the same facsimile apparatus with the case unit laid down. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Now referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below. 
       FIG. 1  is a function block diagram showing the construction of a facsimile apparatus constituting a mode of embodiment of the invention, and  FIGS. 2A to 2C  are explanatory drawings showing an external appearance and construction of the same facsimile apparatus, wherein  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view showing a state of a case unit B in a second position in which the case unit B is laid down,  FIG. 2B  is a perspective view showing a state of the case unit B in a first position in which the case unit B is raised, and  FIG. 2C  is a plan view showing the case unit B laid down in its second position.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are explanatory views showing the construction of the principal part of the facsimile apparatus.  FIG. 3A  is a left side elevational view of the facsimile apparatus and  FIG. 3B  is a front elevational view taken along the line IIIB—IIIB in  FIG. 3A  and showing the case unit B for a display  9  in the facsimile apparatus in its state of use in its first position as shown by solid lines in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a cross key  10   a  and a start key  10   c  in  FIG. 3B .  FIG. 5  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line V—V in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line VI—VI in  FIG. 3B .  FIGS. 7 to 9  are flow charts showing the controlling of actions of the facsimile apparatus by a main control unit  12  during the picture image displaying time therein. 
     The facsimile apparatus, a mode of embodiment of the invention will now be described on the basis of what are shown in  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , a line control unit  2  for carrying out the capturing and releasing of a communication line  1  is connected to a change-over unit  3  made of a cross point switch and the like adapted to switch the object of connection of the communication line  1  captured by the line control unit  2 . A modem  4  carries out the modulation and demodulation of data exchanged with an opposite communication terminal through the communication line  1  connected to the modem through the change-over unit  3 . A speech control unit  5  is adapted to form a speech path between the facsimile apparatus and an opposite communication apparatus through the communication line  1  connected to the speech control unit through the change-over unit  3 . A handset  6  carries out the telephone transmission and reception of voice by using the speech path formed by the speech control unit  5 . 
     The main control unit  12  realized by a microcomputer is connected to a scanner  7  for reading picture image data from a manuscript; a printer  8  for printing a picture image based on the picture image data; a display unit  9  which displays a picture image based on the picture image data and has a substantially flat structure as a whole including a liquid crystal display panel; an operating unit  10  including a cross key  10   a  which is an operating unit for giving instructions to alter the content to be shown on the display unit  9 , function keys  10   b , a start key  10   c , numeral/letter keys  10   d , etc., and a memory  11  for storing picture image data based on data demodulated by the modem  4 , picture image data read by the scanner  7 , and various other kinds of data, such as telephone directory data and program data, respectively. 
     The main control unit  12  carries out the controlling of each part on the basis of the program data stored in the memory  11 . The main control unit  12  has a function of converting the simple HTML (Hyper Text Makeup Language) data demodulated by the modem  4  into picture image data, a function of converting facsimile data demodulated by the modem  4  into picture image data, a function of converting picture image data, which are supplied from the scanner  7  and memory  11 , into facsimile data, a function of connecting the facsimile apparatus to the nearest access point in accordance with an operation of the start key of the operating unit  10  and connecting the same to an internet, a function of converting the content of an operation of the operating unit  10  into an instruction signal on the internet, and a function of extracting in accordance with an operation of the operating unit  10  a desired telephone number from telephone directory data stored in the memory  11 , and showing the telephone number on the display unit  9  or dial transmitting the same. 
     These line control unit  2 , change-over unit  3 , modem  4 , speech control unit  5 , handset  6 , scanner  7 , printer  8 , display unit  9 , operating unit  10 , memory  11  and main control unit  12  constitute the facsimile apparatus. Out of these constituent parts  6  to  12 , the display unit  9 , cross key  10   a , function keys  10   b  and start key  10   c  are provided on the outer surface  15  of the case unit B formed separately from the apparatus body A. The communication means for transmitting and receiving the transmission of data between each part  6  to  8 ,  10   d ,  11 ,  12  provided on the apparatus body A and that  9 ,  10   a  to  10   c  provided on the case unit B include a wire method using codes and a flexible board, etc. and a wireless method using IrDA (Infrared Data Association) and Bluetooth (Trade name), etc. Especially, when the case unit B is provided detachably with respect to the apparatus body A, it is recommended that the wireless method be used for the transmission of data between each part  6  to  8 ,  10   d ,  11 ,  12  provided on the apparatus body A and that  9 ,  10   a  to  10   c  provided on the case unit B. 
     The case unit B is provided in its front (or lower) portion with a pivot C, and is also provided on its rear side of the case unit B with a sliding contact member D, which may be called a substantially arcuate rib having a center on the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivot C. The pivot C supports the case unit B rotatably on the apparatus main body A. A brake member E of an elastic material, such as rubber, which is situated in the main body A, is pressed against the sliding contact member D, so that a frictional force produced between the sliding contact member D and the brake member E may act as a retaining force for preventing the rotation of the case unit B, so that when the operator has depressed the keys  10   a  to  10   c  in the operating unit  10  with fingers while the case unit B is in its first position, the case unit B may be held in its first position as shown by solid lines in  FIG. 3A  without making any angular displacement in the direction of an arrow  18  to its second position as shown by phantom lines  17  in  FIG. 3A . The sliding contact member D has a sliding surface  19  held in frictional contact with the brake member E by its resilient force, and lying in an imaginary cylindrical surface having a center on the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivot C. When the case unit stays in its second position, the sliding contact member D is situated as shown by a reference numeral  29  in  FIG. 3A . The longitudinal axis  21  is horizontal when the facsimile apparatus is in its position of normal use. 
     The case unit B has forwardly of the pivot C (or to the right thereof in  FIG. 3A ) a lower surface  32  that may abut against a stopper  33  defined by the upper surface of the main body A. The abutment of the lower surface  32  of the case unit B against the stopper  33  on the main body A prevents any further angular displacement of the case unit B about the pivot C in the direction of an arrow  34  after its angular displacement to its first position suitable for use as shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 3A . Thus, it is reliably held in its first position. 
     The case unit B thus formed is provided on right side of the handset  6  at the top of the main body A. The cross key  10   a  provided on the case unit B is positioned away from the handset  6 , i.e., on a proximal side (or lower side) right portion of the surface of the case unit B. The handset  6  is removably provided on the left upper portion of the main body A. Owing to this arrangement, the display unit  9  is not hidden from sight due to the right hand and right arm even when the cross key  10   a  is depressed with the right hand with the content to be shown on the display unit  9  observed as the handset  6  is used in order to perform a telephone communication by holding with the left hand. Therefore, even when the handset  6  is used, the cross key  10   a  can be operated smoothly as the content to be shown on the display unit  9  is observed. 
     The case unit B formed as described above is provided on left side of the numeral/letter keys  10   d  provided on the upper surface of the unit body A. The cross key  10   a  on this case unit B is provided on the side of the numeral/letter keys  10   d , i.e., on the proximal side (or the lower portion of  FIGS. 2A to 2C ) right portion of the surface of the case unit B. This enables the transfer of an operation of the cross key  10   a  to that of the numeral/letter keys  10   d , and the transfer of an operation of the numeral/letter keys  10   d  to that of the cross key  10   a  to be carried out smoothly by a key operation. Therefore, the operations of the cross key  10   a  and numeral/letter keys  10   d , which are carried out as the content to be shown on the display unit  9  is observed, can be effected smoothly. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the longitudinal axis denoted by reference numeral  21  is shown in its position projected on an imaginary plane containing the cross and function keys  10   a  and  10   b . The operating force produced by the fingers of the operator acts upon the imaginary plane containing the cross and function keys  10   a  and  10   b  substantially at right angle thereto. An upper operating element  22  is spaced rearward of the longitudinal axis  21  (or upward in  FIG. 4 ) by a distance ΔL 3  as shown in  FIG. 4 . A lower operating element  23  has a distance ΔL 4  from the longitudinal axis  21 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     The cross key  10   a  is of the construction having a substantially elliptic contour  26  defined by and surrounding the upper, lower, left and right operating elements  22  to  25 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The operating elements  22  to  25  are arranged in a cross having the central start key  10   c  located in its center. The contour  26  has between the upper and lower operating elements  22  and  23  a distance L 1  which is shorter than the distance L 2  between the left and right operating elements  24  and  25  (L 1 &lt;L 2 ). The short distance L 1  enables the upper and lower operating elements  22  and  23  to be located as close to the longitudinal axis  21  shown in  FIG. 4  as possible, so that it may be possible to reduce as much as possible the moment acting upon the case unit B about the longitudinal axis  21  as a result of key depressing. The long distance L 2  between the left and right operating elements  24  and  25  nearly the longitudinal axis  21  in  FIG. 4  facilitates the actuation of the left and right operating elements  24  and  25  by depressing with fingers. 
     The short distance L 1  makes it possible to locate the cross key  10   a  close to the screen of the display  9  and reduce the length of the case unit B between its front to its rear edge and thereby its size, as well as making it easier to operate the cross key  10   a , while watching the screen. 
     The cross key  10   a  is secured to the top plate  39  of the case unit B by an attaching member  41 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The cross key  10   a  has a central cavity  27  in which the start key  10   c  is enclosed. The cross key  10   a  is, however, not limited in construction to what has been described, but may alternatively be of the construction having an operating lever  28  projecting upward from the top surface  15  of the case unit B and adapted for angular displacement or downward swinging to actuate any of the upper, lower, left and right operatings, as will be described with reference to  FIG. 19 . 
     The upper operating element  22  of the cross key  10   a  and the function keys  10   b  are so arranged as to be positioned substantially exactly above the longitudinal axis  21  shown in  FIG. 4  of the pivot C. It, therefore, follows that when the upper (or rear) operating element  22  or any of the function keys  10   b  has been depressed by an operating force in the direction of an arrow  31 , the force acts upon the pivot C substantially exactly above its longitudinal axis  21 . Therefore, the operating force produces only a small moment causing the case unit B to rotate about the longitudinal axis  21 . Moreover, the frictional force produced between the sliding contact member D and the brake member E holds the case unit B against any undesirable angular displacement of the case unit B about the longitudinal axis  21  in the direction of an arrow  18  as shown in  FIG. 3A , when such depressing has been made. 
     The application of an operating force to any of the left, right and lower (or proximal) operating elements  24 ,  25  and  23  of the cross key  10   a  and the start key  10   c  located below (or on the proximal side of) the longitudinal axis  21  in  FIG. 4  imparts to the case unit B a moment causing it to turn about the longitudinal axis  21  in the direction  34  in which the case unit B is lifted. The application of any force larger than what is required for actuating any such key imparts such moment in the direction of the arrow  34  to the case unit B. As a result, the lower surface  32  of the case unit B abuts against the stopper  33 , while a frictional force prevails between the sliding contact member D and the brake member E, as stated before. Thus, the case unit B can be kept in its second position. 
     When, for example, the lower operating element  23  of the cross key  10   a  is depressed, an operating force F 1  expected from the normal operation of the cross key  10   a  amounts to about 120 gf and acts upon a point having a distance ΔL 3 =20 mm from the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivot C. The sliding contact member D in the form of a rib and the frictional member E made of rubber produce a retaining force of about 1.2 kgf that acts upon the sliding surface  19  having a distance of 30 mm from the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivot C. 
     Comparison is made of the moments tending to rotate the case unit B. The force acting to retain the case unit B against rotation produces a moment M 1  of about 36 (=1.2×30) kgf·mm. The operating force F 1  of the cross key  10   a  tending to rotate the case unit B produces a moment M 2  of 2.4 (=0.12×20) kgf·mm. The angle holding moment M 3  required to allow the case unit B to stay in its first position as shown in  FIG. 3A  is a negligibly small value, and as M 1 &gt;M 2 , the force for holding the case unit B at any desired angle is not affected, but the case unit B is held in its first position without undergoing any undesirable angular displacement in the direction of the arrow  34  when the lower operating element  23  has been depressed. Therefore, no additional holding mechanism is necessary, but a corresponding reduction of cost is possible. 
     An operating force F 2  of about 1.8 kgf (=36/20) is required for depressing the lower operating element  23  of the cross key  10   a  and rotating the case unit B about the longitudinal axis  21 . Accordingly, the operating force F 1  of 120 gf required for the normal use of the cross key  10   a  as stated above does not affect the case unit B held at the desired angle. 
     An angle holding moment M 3  of, say, 11 kgf·mm is required for holding the case unit B in its first position as shown in  FIG. 3A . Description will now be made of another example of embodiment where the lower operating element  23  of the cross key  10   a  is situated on the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivot C, or the pivot C has its longitudinal axis positioned as shown by a reference numeral  21   a  in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In this case unit, the depressing of the upper operating element  22  produces a moment M 4  of 13.4 kgf·mm (M 2 +M 3 ). As the value of 13.4 kgf·mm is small enough to avoid the possibility of the maintenance of the case unit B at its desired angle being affected (M 1 &gt;M 4 ), the cross key  10   a  may have its lower operating element  23  situated on the longitudinal axis  21   a  of the pivot C. For the same reason, the function keys  10   b  may be situated not on the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivot C, but in its vicinity according to still another example of embodiment. 
     As the cross key  10   a  is situated close to the right and proximal corner of the case unit B, while the sliding contact member D in the form of a rib is situated toward the left and rear corner of the case unit B, so that the lines along which they are rotatable may not cross each other, or in other words, as the cross key  10   a  and the sliding surface  19  are displaced from each other along the longitudinal axis  21 , the depressing of the cross key  10   a  imparts a resilient twisting force about the longitudinal axis  21  to the case unit B, and the left and right pivots C for the case unit B become eccentric to each other and fail to rotate smoothly in the bearings  36  and  37  in which they are rotatably supported. Thus, it is possible to reduce any adverse effect that the operating force applied to the cross key  10   a  may exert on the maintenance of the case unit B at its desired angle. 
     The function key  10   b  shown in  FIG. 6  is secured to the top plate  39  of the case unit B by an attaching member  42 . The bearings  36  and  37  are supported by brackets  43  and  44  projecting from the apparatus main body A, respectively. The cross and start keys  10   a  and  10   c  have upper surfaces parallel to the upper surface  15  of the case unit B, the screen of the display  9  and the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivots. The function keys  10   b  have a distance ΔL 5  from the longitudinal axis  21 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In the example of embodiment as described above, ΔL 3  may be 0, or ΔL 5  may be 0, or ΔL 3  may not be 0, but ΔL 4  may be 0. 
     The actions of the facsimile apparatus, which is formed as mentioned above, during a picture image displaying operation thereof will now be described on the basis of the flow charts shown in  FIGS. 7 to 9 . 
     The main control unit  12  not connected to the communication line  1 , i.e., on standby monitors (steps S 1 , S 2 ) the pressed condition of the menu key and start key  10   c  in the operating unit  10 . When the menu key is pressed in such a condition, picture image data are read from the memory  11 , and the data are shown (step S 5 ) on the display unit  9 . 
     When the start key  10   c  is pressed, the main control unit  12  controls the line control unit  2  and carries out the connection thereof to the nearest access point, and to an internet which is a network (step S 3 ). The main control unit also controls the change-over unit  3 , and switches (step S 4 ) the object of connection of the communication line  1 , which is connected to the main control unit through the communication line control unit  2 , to the modem  4 . A picture image based on picture image data demodulated by this modem  4  and converted thereinto by the main control unit  12  is shown (step  55 ) on the display unit  9 . 
     When a picture image is shown on the display unit  9 , the main control unit  12  judges (step S 6 ) whether the picture image is a menu picture image or not, or whether the picture image is a picture image, such as a facsimile reception picture image and a simple HTML picture image or not. When a judgment that the displayed picture image is a menu picture image is given, a key control operation in accordance with the menu picture image is carried out (step S 7 ). When a judgment that the displayed picture image is picture image data is given, a key control operation in accordance with the picture image data is carried out (step S 8 ). 
     The control operation in accordance with the menu picture image is carried out as shown in  FIG. 8 . When the cross key  10   a  is pressed (step S 11 ), the cursor  13  (see  FIG. 3 ) shown on the display unit  9  is moved vertically and horizontally (step S 12 ) correspondingly to the pressed upper, lower, left and right operating elements. When the function keys  11   b  are pressed (step S 13 ), the functions shown on the display unit  9  correspondingly to the pressed upper, lower, upper and lower operating elements are performed (step S 16 ). When the start key  10   c  is pressed (step S 14 ), the function selected by the cursor is performed (step S 15 ). 
     The key control operation in accordance with the picture image data is carried out as shown in  FIG. 9 . When the cross key  10   a  is pressed (step S 21 ), the picture image shown on the display unit  9  is scrolled vertically and horizontally (step S 22 ) correspondingly to the upper, lower, left and right operating elements. When the function keys  11   b  are pressed (step S 23 ), the functions shown on the display unit  9  are performed (step S 26 ). When the start key  10   c  is pressed (step S 24 ), the picture image data corresponding to the picture image shown on the display unit  9  are supplied to the printer  8  and printed (step S 25 ) on predetermined paper. 
     Therefore, according to these action control methods, an operation based on the picture image shown an the display unit  9  can be carried out by the cross key  10   a , function keys  10   b  and start key  10   c  provided nearly the display unit  9 . Since the display unit  9 , cross key  10   a , function keys  10   b  and start key  10   c  are provided on the case unit B joined pivotably to the apparatus body A, the key operating actions can be made smoothly even when the case unit B is raised and held in a position in which the content to be shown on the display unit  9  can be seen easily. Moreover, since the case unit  8  is not turned inadvertently by the operation of these keys, this apparatus can be used very conveniently. 
     Although in this mode of embodiment, a case unit where the cross key  10   a  is provided on the surface of the case unit B is described, the present invention is not limited thereto. A jog dial type operating unit ( FIG. 16 ), a track ball type operating unit ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) and a roller type operating unit ( FIGS. 10 to 13 ) may be provided on the case unit B as described later. Even in such a case unit, the operation and effect identical with those of the cross key  10   a  can be displayed. 
       FIG. 10  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing another form of case unit B embodying this invention in its first position, and  FIG. 11  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XI—XI in  FIG. 10 . This form of embodiment is similar to the embodiment as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 9 , and the same reference numerals are used to denote the corresponding parts. This form of embodiment is particularly featured by an operating roller  46  replacing the cross key  10   a  in the operating unit  10  as described before. The operating roller  46  is supported on the case unit B rotatably by a rotary shaft  48  having a longitudinal axis  47  that is parallel in an imaginary plane to the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivots C. The longitudinal axes  21  and  47  have a distance ΔL 6  from each other. The operating roller  46  is rotatable to perform the same functions as those of the cross and start keys  10   a  and  10   c  as described before. 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing still another form of case unit B embodying this invention in its first position, and  FIG. 13  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XIII—XIII in  FIG. 12 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is similar to the embodiment as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 9 , and the same reference numerals are used to denote the corresponding parts. This form of embodiment is particularly featured by an upper operating element  52 , a lower operating element  53 , a left operating element  54  and a right operating element  55 , and a start key  56  situated in the center surrounded by the operating elements  52  to  55 , which replace the cross and start key  10   a  and  10   c  as described before. The operating elements  52  to  55  are situated in an area  57  shaped in a cross. 
     The longitudinal axis  21  of the pivots C lies, for example, between the upper operating element  52  and the start key  10   c  and has a distance ΔL 7  from the upper operating element  52 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . According to still another embodiment of this invention, the longitudinal axis  21  may be so positioned as to lie immediately below the upper operating element  52 , or immediately below an imaginary line  58  extending through the left and right operating elements  54  and  55  and the start key  56 , or between the lower operating element  53  and the imaginary line  58 . 
       FIG. 14  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing still another form of case unit B embodying this invention in its first position, and  FIG. 15  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XV—XV in  FIG. 14 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 9 , and the same reference numerals are used to denote the corresponding parts. This form of embodiment is particularly featured by a track ball  61  replacing the cross and start keys  10   a  and  10   c  in the operating unit  10 . The ball  61  is operable by the operator for angular displacement about its own center  62 . A bearing member  63  supports the ball  61  on the top plate  39  of the case unit B in such a way that it may be capable of angular displacement. The longitudinal axis  21  of the pivots C has a distance ΔL 8  from the axis  62  of the ball  61 . 
       FIG. 16  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing still another form of case unit B embodying this invention in its first position, and  FIG. 17  is a simplified sectional view taken along the line XVII—XVII in  FIG. 16 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 9 , This form of embodiment is particularly featured by having a rotatable operating ring  64  and a start key  10   c  situated in the center of the operating ring  64 . The operating ring  64  has a circular shape in its front elevation as shown in  FIG. 16 . The operating ring  64  has an axis having a distance ΔL 9  from the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivots C. The angular displacement of the operating ring  64  performs the functions of the cross key  10   a  as described before. 
       FIG. 18  is a front elevational view similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing still another form of case unit B embodying this invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 9  and  FIG. 12 , and the same reference numerals, or the same numerals accompanied by letter ‘a’ are used to denote the corresponding parts. The upper, lower, left and right operating elements  52   a ,  53   a ,  54   a  and  55   a  are situated in an annular area  67  encircling a central operating element  56   a  serving as a start key. The area  67  has an axis spaced downward (or forward) from the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivots C by a distance ΔL 10 . 
       FIG. 19  is a simplified sectional view of a part of a still different form embodying this invention. This embodiment is featured by having an operating lever  28  supported by a bearing for  71  angular displacement. The operating lever  28  has at its base a center  72  of swinging spaced forward (or to the right in  FIG. 19 ) from the longitudinal axis  21  of the pivots C by a distance ΔL 11 . The operating lever  29  is allowed to stay substantially at right angles to the surface  15  of the top plate  39  as shown in  FIG. 19 , and performs the same functions as those of the cross key  10   a  as described before if the operator causes the lever  28  to swing about its center  72  of swinging for angular displacement. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 19  is otherwise similar in construction to what has been described above in the embodiments 11 to 19. 
     According to a still different form of embodiment, the frictional force produced between the pivots C and the bearings  36  and  37  may be employed instead of the combination of the sliding contact member D and the brake member E for holding the unit against any undesirable angular displacement from its first position by the depressing force applied to any of the keys  10   a  to  10   c  in the operating unit  10 . The same is the unit with the operating roller  46  shown in  FIG. 10 , the operating elements  52  to  55  and the start key  56  in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the track ball  61  in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the operating ring  64  and the start key  10   c  in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the operating elements  52   a  to  56   a  in  FIG. 18  and the operating lever  28  in  FIG. 19 . 
     According to a still different form of embodiment, it is alternatively possible to have the keys  10   a  to  10   c  displayed in the screen of the display  9  and include in the display  9  a transparent coordinate position detector for detecting and inputting any key that has been depressed or touched. 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.