Input device and image forming apparatus including ihe same

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11545316-B2
Application number	US-202117506586-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 20, 2021
Priority date	Oct 30, 2020
Publication date	Jan 3, 2023
Grant date	Jan 3, 2023

Abstract

An input device including an operation key arranged in an opening of a panel is provided. The input device also includes a light source and a push button switch each being arranged in a position opposite an opening on a board. The operation key includes: a key top having a pressing part extending toward the push button switch. The pressing part is arranged in a position separated from a center position in planar view of the key top on a line that is parallel to a line connecting connection parts of the key top, which are connected with one pair out of one or more pairs of arms, and passes through the center position. The push button switch is arranged in a position on the board opposite an arrangement position of the pressing part.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. An input device comprising:
an operation key arranged in an opening of a panel; and
a light source and a push button switch each arranged in a position opposite to the opening on a board,
wherein the operation key includes:
a key top having a pressing part extending toward the push button switch;
a frame formed with a wall surrounding the light source and the push button switch; and
one or more pairs of arms extending from connection parts that are provided in positions opposite to each other in a peripheral portion of the key top, respectively, to sandwich the key top between the connection parts toward the frame and connected to the frame,
wherein the pressing part is arranged in a position separated from a center position in planar view of the key top on a line that is parallel to a line connecting the connection parts of the key top, which are connected with one pair out of the one or more pairs of arms, and passes through the center position, and
wherein the push button switch is arranged in a position on the board opposite to an arrangement position of the pressing part.

2. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein, in the operation key; the key top and the one or more pairs of arms are arranged on a side of the frame closer to the panel.

3. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein stoppers that extend toward the board and come into contact with the hoard when the key top is pushed toward the push button switch are provided on a periphery of the key top.

4. The input device according to claim 3 ,
wherein the stoppers are provided on the connection parts of the key top, and
wherein the connection parts are each formed in a position distant from an end portion of the key top in a direction toward the frame.

5. The input device according to claim 3 ,
wherein the stoppers are provided on a locking part that causes the key top to lock to the panel, and
wherein the locking part is provided in a place where the peripheral portion of the key top is made to protrude toward the frame, and in a position lower than a surface of the key top.

6. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the panel has a sloping portion on a periphery of the opening that slopes towards inside the opening and down to the board.

7. An image forming apparatus comprising the input device according to claim 1 .

Assignees

• Sharp Kk

Inventors

• Nakamura Yasushi

Classifications

• H04N1/00384 Primary

  Key input means, e.g. buttons or keypads (electromechanical details of key input means in general H01H13/00) · CPC title

• H01H13/705

  characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys · CPC title

• H01H13/83

  characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements · CPC title

• H04N1/00493

  Particular location of the interface or console · CPC title

• H01H13/14 Primary

  Operating parts, e.g. push-button · CPC title