Button key assembly and electronic apparatus that employs the button key assembly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to a button key assembly of an operator panel incorporated in a variety of electronic equipment including copying machines, facsimile machines, personal computers, telephones, and gaming machines.

DESCRITPION OF THE RELATED ART

0002Conventional electronic apparatuses include an operator panel that employs a variety of operational keys that allow a user to operate the electronic apparatus. Such apparatuses include copying machines, facsimile machines, personal computers telephones, and gaming machines. An operator panel includes a variety of operational keys such as selection keys for selecting a variety of functions such as "ENTER" and "RETURN" for confirming the selection, and "BACK KEY" for returning to the immediately previous state. These keys are commonly arranged closely for the purposes of functionality and design.

0003If a plurality of operational keys is to be closely located, the keys should be, for example, molded from a resin material in one-piece construction for minimum manufacturing cost. The mold should be designed such that adjacent keys are spaced, apart by a predetermined distance or a gap. This gap may cause the keys to rattle after they have been assembled as a key board, impairing the operability of the keyboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0004An objection of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, and to provide a keyboard that offers good operability.

0005Another object of the invention is to provide a keyboard in which adjacent keys are spaced apart by as short a distance as possible so that the operability of the keyboard is least affected and excellent operability is obtained.

0006A button key assembly, includes a frame (44), a plurality of adjacent button keys (36, 37, 39) connected to the frame (44) via a plurality of resilient supports (36f, 36g, 39d, 39e, 37g, 37f) such that the plurality of button keys are resiliently movable, and a case (33).

0007The plurality of adjacent button keys (36, 37, 39) are connected to the frame (44) via a plurality of resilient supports (36f, 36g, 39d, 39e, 37g, 37f) such that the plurality of button keys are resiliently movable. The plurality of resilient supports, the plurality of button keys, and the frame (44) are formed in one-piece construction, and each of the plurality of button keys includes an engagement portion (36d, 39c, 37d, 36e, 37e). The case (33) includes a button hole (56) formed therein. The case is assembled to the frame (44) such that the plurality of button keys are received in the button hole. The plurality of adjacent button keys (36, 37, 39) are spaced apart by a first gap (T1) before the plurality of adjacent button keys have been received in the button hole (56). The plurality of adjacent button keys are spaced apart by a second gap (T2) after the case (33) has been assembled to the frame (44) such that the plurality of adjacent button keys are received in the button hole (56) and such that the engagement portion abuts a perimeter portion of the button hole (56), the second gap (T2) being smaller than the first gap (T1).

0008Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0009The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limiting the present invention, and wherein: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> illustrates a pertinent portion of an image forming apparatus of the invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is a perspective view of an operator panel as seen in a direction shown by arrow A of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is a front view of the operator panel;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B of <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5A</figref> is an expanded cross-sectional view of a portion of <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> encircled by a dot-dash line;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5B</figref> is a partial expanded view of <figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5C</figref> is a partial expanded view of <figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5A</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Fig. 6</figref> is a perspective view of a case as seen obliquely from above;</li><li><figref idref="f0008">Fig. 7</figref> is a front view of a button key assembly;</li><li><figref idref="f0009">Fig. 8</figref> is a perspective view of the button key assembly as seen obliquely from above;</li><li><figref idref="f0010">Fig. 9</figref> is a perspective view of the button key assembly as seen obliquely from above;</li><li><figref idref="f0011">Fig. 10</figref> illustrates the operation of the button key assembly;</li><li><figref idref="f0011">Fig. 11</figref> illustrates an angle through which a portion of a supporting arm curves relative to another portion about a bent portion;</li><li><figref idref="f0012">Fig. 12A</figref> illustrates various dimensions of a button hole;</li><li><figref idref="f0013">Fig. 12B</figref> illustrates various dimensions of an upper menu key, a lower menu key, and a back key after the button key assembly has been assembled to the case;</li><li><figref idref="f0014">Fig. 12C</figref> illustrates the positional relationship among the upper menu key, lower menu key and back key after the button key assembly has been assembled the case;</li><li><figref idref="f0015">Fig. 13</figref> is a front view illustrating an operator panel of a second embodiment;</li><li><figref idref="f0016">Fig. 14</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B of <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 13</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0017">Fig. 15</figref> is a partial expanded view of an area shown by a dot-dash line shown in <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 13</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0018">Fig. 16</figref> is a perspective view of a button key assembly of the second embodiment as seen obliquely from above; and</li><li><figref idref="f0019">Fig. 17</figref> is a perspective view of the button key assembly as seen obliquely from under.</li></ul>

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

0010<figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> illustrates a pertinent portion of an image forming apparatus 1 that employs an operator panel 29 of a first embodiment.

0011Referring to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, print engines 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C are aligned in this order in a direction of travel of paper. Transfer rollers 10K, 10Y, 10M, and 10C are disposed to face corresponding print engines 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C, respectively, such that an endless type transport belt 18 is sandwiched between the print engines 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C and the corresponding transfer rollers 10K, 10Y, 10M, and 10C. The transport belt 18 is disposed about a drive roller 17 and a driven roller 16. The transfer belt 18, drive roller 17, and driven roller 16 cooperate with one another to form a transfer unit 27. A paper cassette 24 holds a stack of paper therein. A feed roller 11 cooperates with a separator (not shown) to feed the top page of the stack of paper from the paper cassette 24. An entrance sensor 12 and a write sensor 13 are located upstream of transport rollers 14 and 15 with respect to the direction of travel of the paper, and downstream of the transport rollers 14 and 15. A fixing roller 19 incorporates a heat source such as a halogen lamp, and rotates in contact with a back up roller 20 so that a toner image on the paper is fused into a permanent image by heat and pressure.

0012The print engines 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C include LED heads 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C, photoconductive drums 4K, 4Y, 4M, and 4C, charging rollers 5K, 5Y, 5M, and 5C, developing rollers 6K, 6Y, 6M, and 6C, toner reservoirs 7K, 7Y, 7M, and 7C, developing blades 8K, 8Y, 8M, and 8C, and toner supplying rollers 9K, 9Y, 9M, and 9Y, respectively. The image forming apparatus 1 includes the operator panel 29 at a front portion of the image forming apparatus 1, allowing a user to input a variety of settings. The operator panel 29 will now be described in detail.

0013<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the operator panel 29 as seen in a direction shown by arrow A of <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>.

0014Referring to <figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref>, a display section 30 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays the operational statuses and various settings of the image forming apparatus 1. An on-line key 34 may be switched between a reception mode where the image forming apparatus is ready for receiving information from a host apparatus and a non-reception mode where the image forming apparatus is not ready for receiving information from the host apparatus. A cancel key 35 is operated by the user if a printing operation should be halted in the middle of printing. Upper and lower menu keys 36 and 37 are operated to set the number of pages to be copied and the type of print medium. An enter key 38 is depressed for confirming various settings after making selection. A back key 39 is operated if the user wants to return to one immediately previous page of a screen that displays various settings. A help key 40 is operated for displaying the details of malfunctions such as paper jam. A shut down key 41 is depressed if the image forming apparatus 1 is to be turned off. The aforementioned keys depressed, by the user are referred to as operational keys hereinafter.

0015<figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is a front view of the operator panel 29. <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B of <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref>. <figref idref="f0005">Fig 5A</figref> is a partial expanded cross-sectional view of a portion 500 of <figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref> encircled, by a dot-dash line. <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5B</figref> is a partial expanded view of <figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5A</figref>. <figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5C</figref> is a partial expanded view of <figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5A</figref>. <figref idref="f0007">Fig. 6</figref> is a perspective view of the case 33 as seen obliquely from above.

0016Referring to <figref idref="f0003">Figs. 3</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, the operator panel 29 includes a variety of sections in addition to the aforementioned display 30 and the operational keys 34-41. A display cover 31 is colorless and clear, and covers the front surface of the display 30. A circuit board 32 controls the information received from the operational keys 34-41. The case 33 accommodates the operational keys 39-41, display 30, display cover 31, and circuit board 32, and serves as an outer decorated panel. The operational keys 34-41 each include a pressing portion 42. The pressing portion 42 is immediately over a switch 43 mounted to the circuit board 32. When the operational keys 34-41 are depressed by the user, the switches 43 are shifted to their ON-position or OFF-position.

0017An on-line key 34, the cancel key 35, upper menu key 36, the lower menu key 37, the back key 39, the enter key 38, and a frame 44 are molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material in one piece construction such that these elements form a button key assembly 45 as a whole. The button keys assembly 45 will be described in more detail.

0018<figref idref="f0008">Fig. 7</figref> is a front view of the button key assembly 45. <figref idref="f0009">Fig. 8</figref> is a perspective view of the button key assembly 45 as seen obliquely from above.

0019The operational keys 34-39 are in one piece with resilient supporting arms 36f, 36g, 39d, 39e, 37g, and 37f and the frame 44 such that the operational keys 34-39 may be displaceable by a predetermined short distance. Supporting arms 36f and 36g are formed between the upper menu key 36 and the frame 44. Supporting arms 37f and 37g are formed between the lower menu key 37 and the frame 44. Supporting arms 39d and 39e are formed between the back key 39 and the frame 44. It is to be noted that the upper key 36, lower key 37 and back key 39 are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined, distance or a first gap T1 (e.g., 0.8 mm. <figref idref="f0008">Figs. 7</figref> and <figref idref="f0012 f0013 f0014">12</figref>) before the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 33. It is important that a mold used for one-piece molding of the button key assembly 45 has sufficient mechanical strength in all structural portions. In order to ensure sufficient mechanical strength of the mold, the portions of the mold corresponding to the first gap T1 should have a minimum, sufficient thickness. The configuration of the aforementioned operational keys 34-39 having the first gap T1 ensures mechanical and structural strength of the mold used for one-piece molding. The supporting arms each have one end fixed to the frame 44 and another end fixed to the corresponding operational keys, thereby supporting the operational keys such that the operational keys are resiliently movable in directions parallel to the direction in which the operational keys are depressed and in the directions substantially perpendicular to the directions in which the operational keys are depressed.

0020<figref idref="f0010">Fig. 9</figref> is a perspective view of the button key assembly 45 as seen obliquely from above.

0021Thus, as shown in <figref idref="f0010">Fig. 9</figref>, the first gap T1 exists between a back key wall portion 39b that extends from the surface of the back key 39 in a direction in which the back key 39 is depressed, and an upper menu key wall 36c that extends in the direction in which the upper menu key 36 is depressed. The first gap T1 also exists between the back key wall portion 39b that extends in the direction in which the back key 39 is depressed, and the lower menu key wall 37c that extends from the surface of the lower menu key 37c in the direction in which the lower menu key 37 is depressed.

0022Referring to <figref idref="f0005 f0006">Figs. 5A-5B</figref>, <figref idref="f0008">7</figref>, and <figref idref="f0009">8</figref>, abutments 36d and 36e are formed on side surfaces 36a and 36b of the upper menu key 36. The abutments 36d (<figref idref="f0005">Fig. 5A</figref>) and 36e have short beveled surfaces 46a (<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5C</figref>) that facilitate the movement of the upper menu key 36 when the button key assembly 45 is assembled to the case 33. Abutments 37d (<figref idref="f0009">Fig. 8</figref>) and 37c are formed on side surfaces 37a and 37b of the lower menu key 37. The abutments 37d and 37e have beveled surfaces 46b (not shown) that facilitate the movement of the lower menu key 37 when the button key assembly 45 is assembled to the case 33. An abutment 39c (<figref idref="f0005 f0006">Figs. 5</figref> and <figref idref="f0009">8</figref>) is formed on a side surface 39a of the back key 39, and has beveled surfaces 46c (<figref idref="f0006">Fig. 5B</figref>) that facilitate the movement of the back key 39. The beveled surfaces 46a-46c should be formed at positions where the beveled surfaces are below the surface of the case 33 after the button assembly 45 has been assembled the case 33 for pleasant appearance of the keyboard.

0023<figref idref="f0011">Fig. 10</figref> illustrates the operation of the button key assembly 45. Referring to <figref idref="f0011">Fig. 10</figref>, the supporting arm 36g and the supporting arm 36f connect the frame 44 and the upper menu key 36 together. The supporting arm 36g and the supporting arm 36f include knee bends 36k (sharply curved, portions) and 36n and 36m, respectively, for providing resiliency that allows the upper menu key 36 to resiliently displace in directions shown by arrows U1 and U2. Likewise, the supporting arm 37g and the supporting arm 37f connect the frame 44 and the lower menu key 37 together. The supporting arm 37g and the supporting arm 37f include knee bends 37k (sharply curved portion) and 37n and 37m, respectively, for providing resiliency that allows the lower menu key 37 to resiliently displace in directions shown by arrows L1 and L2. Still likewise, the supporting arm 39d and the supporting arm 39e connect the frame 44 and the back key 39 together. The supporting arm 39d and the supporting arm 39e include knee bends 39f and 39g (sharply curved portion) and knee bends 39h and 39i, respectively, for providing resiliency that allows the back key 39 to resiliently displace in a direction shown by arrow B1.

0024As described above, the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 each include at least one knee bend in their corresponding supporting arms such that the knee bend provides resiliency of the key in specific directions. In other words, when external forces are exerted on the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39, the knee bends resiliently deform such that these keys are to resiliently displace in the U1 and U2 directions, the L1 and L2 directions, and the B1 direction, respectively.

0025<figref idref="f0011">Fig. 11</figref> illustrates an angle θ through which a portion 102 curves relative to a portion 101 about a bent portion 100. The respective knee bends are bent by the angle θ equal to or greater than 90 degrees and not larger than 180 degrees so that the respective supporting arms may be resiliently deformed without difficulty.

0026Referring back to <figref idref="f0003">Figs. 3</figref> and <figref idref="f0004">4</figref>, the frame 44 includes a first post 47 (<figref idref="f0004">Figs. 4</figref> and <figref idref="f0008">7</figref>) and a second post 48 that are located at longitudinal end portions of the frame 44 and at substantially midway between widthwise ends of the frame 44. When the button key assembly 45 is assembled to the case 33 (<figref idref="f0007">Fig. 6</figref>) , the first and second posts 47 and 48 are fittingly received in a circular recess 49 and an elongated circular recess 50, respectively. The display section 30 is electrically connected to a circuit board 32 via cables (not shown). The display section 30 and the display cover 31 are securely mounted to the case 33 by means of, for example, screws (not shown) such that the display cover 31 covers the front side of the display section 30.

0027The circuit board 32 includes a round hole 51 and an elongated hole 52 spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The case 33 includes a first post 53 and a second post 54 formed thereon, and received in the round hole 51 and elongated hole 52, respectively. The circuit board 32 is fixed to the case 33 by means of, for example, screws.

0028Referring to <figref idref="f0007">Fig, 6</figref>, the case 33 includes a single button hole 56 for receiving the upper menu key 36, lower, menu key 37, and back key 39 therein, and includes no partitions that isolate these operational keys from one another. The button hole 56 has a perimeter portion 56a and a perimeter portion 56b.

0029The engagement relation among the button hole 56, the abutments 36d and 36e of the upper menu key 36, the abutments 37d and 37e of the lower key 37, the abutment 39c of the back key 39 will be described.

0030The upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 are spaced apart from one another by the first gap T1 (e.g., 0.8 mm) before the button key assembly 45 is assembled to the case 33. The side surface 36a of the upper menu key 36, side surface 37a of the lower menu key 37, and side surface 39a of the back key 39 have a radius of curvature substantially the same as the surface of the perimeter portion 56a of the button hole 56, so that the side surfaces 36a and 37a may comfortably slide on the perimeter portion 56a once the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 33. Likewise, the side surface 36b of the upper menu key 36 and the side surface 37b of the lower menu key 37 have a radius of curvature substantially the same as the surface of a perimeter portion 56b of the button hole 56, so that the side surfaces 36b and 37b may comfortably slide on the perimeter portion 56b.

0031The relation between the diameter of the perimeter 56a of the button hole 56, and the radii of the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 will be described with reference to <figref idref="f0012 f0013 f0014">Figs. 12A-12C</figref>. <figref idref="f0012">Fig. 12A</figref> illustrates the various dimensions of the button hole 56. <figref idref="f0013">Fig. 12B</figref> illustrates the various dimensions of the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37 and back key 39 after the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 33. <figref idref="f0014">Fig. 12C</figref> illustrates the positional relationship among the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37 and back key 39 after the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 33.

0032Referring to <figref idref="f0012">Fig. 12A</figref>, the perimeter portion 56a includes a diameter D1 equivalent, to the diameter of an imaginary circle A (centered at "201"), and the perimeter portion 56b includes a diameter D3 equivalent to the diameter of an imaginary circle B (centered at "202"). The center-to-center distance W between the two imaginary circles A and B is such that the two imaginary circles A and B overlap each other by a predetermined amount.

0033Referring to <figref idref="f0013">Fig. 12B</figref>, the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 are spaced apart from one another by the first gap T1 (e.g., 0.8 mm) before the button key assembly 45 has been mounted to the case 33, and the side surface 36a, side surface 37a, and side surface 39a have a radius of curvature substantially the same as that of the imaginary circle A having the diameter D1 about the center 201. Further, the abutments 36d, 37d, and 39c project further radially outwardly than the diameter of the perimeter portion 56a of the button hole 56, i.e., an imaginary circle C that is circumscribed around the abutments 36d, 37d, and 39c has a diameter D2 slightly larger than the diameter D1. The diameters D, D2, D3, and D4 are 33 mm, 33.6 mm, 21.6 mm, and 21 mm in the first embodiment.

0034The imaginary circle B having the diameter D3 lies on the side surface 36b of the upper menu key 36 and the side surface 37b of the lower menu key 37. An imaginary circle D that is circumscribed around, the abutments 36e and 37e has a diameter D4 slightly smaller than the diameter D3. In other words, the abutments 36e and 37e project from the upper menu key 36 and lower menu key 37 radially outwardly from the center 201 further than the perimeter portion 56b of the button hole 56 before the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 33. It is to be noted that the upper menu key 36 and lower menu key 37 are on either sidle of an imaginary plane cutting through the passing through the first and second posts 47 and 48 and generally perpendicular to the front surface of the case 33, and are mirror images of one another. Another way of looking art the assembly is that the upper menu key 36 and lower menu key 37 are symmetrical with respect to a line passing through the centers 201 and 202. Likewise, the back key 39 is symmetrical about the line passing through the centers 201 and 202.

0035As described above, a second gap T2 smaller than the first gap T1 is maintained between the perimeter portion 56a and the surface 36a, between the perimeter portion 56a and the side surface 37a, and between the perimeter portion 56a and the side surface 39a. The radius of curvature of the perimeter portion 56b is substantially equal to that of surface 36b and side surface 37b. The side surfaces 36a and 37a may be any shape as long as they do not outwardly extend further from the center 201 than the imaginary circle C having the diameter D2. The side surfaces 36b and 37b may be of any shape as long as they do not outwardly extend further from the center 201 than the imaginary circle D having diameter D4.

0036For example, if the perimeter portion 56a of the button hole 56 has a diameter of 33 mm, and the perimeter portion 56b of the button hole 56 has a diameter of 21.6 mm, then the side surfaces 36a, 137a, and 39a are designed to have a diameter of 33 mm, the side surfaces 36b and 37b are designed to have a diameter of 21. 6 mm, the abutments 36d, 37d, and 39c are designed to be inscribed in the imaginary circle having a diameter of D2=33.6 mm, and the abutments 36e and 37e are designed to be on the imaginary circle D having a diameter of D4=21 mm. These diameters are those before the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 3.3.

0037The operation of the button keys of the aforementioned configuration will be described.

0038When a user wants to select, for example, the number of pages to be printed and the type of a medium to be printed on, he depresses the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 to select appropriate settings. As described previously, once the first, post 47 and the second post 48 have been fittingly received in the circular recess 49 (<figref idref="f0004">Fig. 4</figref>) and the elongated circular recess 50, respectively, the first post 47 and second post 48 are positioned accurately in a plane normal to the direction in which the operational keys are pressed.

0039The surfaces of the abutments 36d, 37d, and 39c are inscribed in the imaginary circle C having the diameter D2 larger than the diameter of the perimeter portion 56a. Therefore, when the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 are inserted in the button hole 56, the abutments 36d, 37d, and 39c abut the perimeter portion 56a of the button hole 56. Because the surfaces of the abutments 36e and 37e are on the circumference of the imaginary circle D having a diameter D4 smaller than the perimeter portion 56b of the button hole 56, the abutments 36e and 37e are pressed against the perimeter portion 56b of the button hole 56.

0040When the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 33, the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 are pushed by the perimeter portions 56a and 56b in the U1 and U2 directions, L1 and L2 directions, and B1 direction, respectively, as shown in <figref idref="f0011">Fig. 10</figref>. Thus, the knee bends 36k, 36n, 36m, 37k, 37n, 37m, 39f, 39g, 39h, and 39i resiliently deform such that the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 are displaced in such directions as to reduce the gap between adjacent ones of these keys from the first gap T1 (e.g., approx. 0.8 mm) to the second gaps2 (e.g., approx. 0.2 mm).

0041Once the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 have been assembled to the case 33, the second gap T2 between adjacent ones of these keys 36, 37, 39 is smaller than the first gap T1 (e.g., 0.8 mm), the difference in gap being equal to the difference between the diameter of the button hole 56 and the diameter of the imaginary circle C in which the abutments 36d, 36e, 37d, 37e, and 39c are inscribed. The decrease in the gap in this manner is effective in minimizing rattling of the operational keys after the button key assembly 45 has been assented to the case 33. The difference is approx. 0.6 mm, providing that the perimeter portions 56a and 56b have diameters of 33 mm and 21.6 mm, respectively, and the abutments 36d, 37d, and 39c are inscribed in the imaginary circle C having a diameter of 33.6 mm, and the surfaces of abutments 36e and 37e are on the circumference of the imaginary circle D having an outer diameter of 21 mm.

0042In the first embodiment, the abutments 36d, 36e, 39c, 37d, 37e of the respective operational keys abut the perimeter portions 56a and 56b of the button hole 56, thereby decreasing the gaps from the first gap T1 to the second gap T2. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the abutments of the respective operational keys may abut other portions of the case 33 than the perimeter portions 56a and 56b of the button hole 56, so that the first gaps T1 decrease to the second gaps T2.

0043As described above, when the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 have been inserted into the button hole 56, the abutment 36d, 36e, 37d, 37e, and 39c abut the perimeter portions 56a and 56b, so that the gaps between adjacent ones of the upper menu key 36, lower menu key 37, and back key 39 may be decreased from the first gap T1 to the second gap T2. Thus, the rattling of the operational keys due to the smaller second gaps T2 between adjacent ones of the operational keys is minimized. For example, the configuration is effective in minimizing the rattling of the operational keys in directions perpendicular to the direction in which the operational keys are depressed, thereby improving the operability of the operational keys.

0044The first embodiment allows the operational keys to be spaced apart by the sufficiently large gap (e.g., T1 shown in <figref idref="f0008">Fig. 7</figref>) during the manufacture of the button key assembly 45 by molding. Thus, the mold for molding the operational keys may be designed to have sufficient mechanical strength.

Second Embodiment

0045<figref idref="f0015">Fig. 13</figref> is a front view illustrating an operator panel 129 of a second embodiment.

0046<figref idref="f0016">Fig. 14</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B of <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 13</figref>.

0047<figref idref="f0017">Fig. 15</figref> is a partial expanded view of an area depicted at 500 shown in <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 13</figref>.

0048<figref idref="f0018">Fig. 16</figref> is a perspective view of a button key assembly 145 as seen obliquely from above.

0049<figref idref="f0019">Fig. 17</figref> is a perspective view of the button key assembly 145 as seen obliquely from under.

0050Referring to <figref idref="f0015">Fig. 13</figref>, the operator panel 129 differs from the operator panel 29 in the configuration of an upper menu key 136, a lower menu key 137, and a back key 139. Elements similar to those in the first embodiment have been given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment except for the operator panel 129. Thus, the second embodiment will be described with reference to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> as required.

0051Just as in the first embodiment, the upper menu key 136 and lower menu key 137 are on either side of an imaginary plane cutting through the passing through the first and second posts 47 and 48 and generally perpendicular to the front surface of the operator panel 129, and are mirror images of one another. Another way to look at this configuration is that the upper menu key 136 and lower menu key 137 are symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane generally perpendicular to the front, surface of the operator panel 129. The back key 139 is also symmetrical with respect to the imaginary plane. Referring to <figref idref="f0017 f0018 f0019">Figs. 15-17</figref>, the upper menu key 136 includes a projection 136a that extends over a distance substantially equal to a half of the thickness of an upper portion of the upper menu key 136, extending in a direction in which, the upper menu key 136 is pressed. There is a predetermined gap or a first gap T1 (e.g., 0.8 mm) between a projection 139b of the back key 139 and a side surface 136b of the upper menu key 136. The upper menu key 136 includes a side surface 136c that extends from the projection 136a in a direction parallel to the direction in which, the upper menu key 136 is pressed. The side surface 136c is further away from the projection 139b than the side surface 136b.

0052The upper menu key 136 further includes a rib 136d formed on the side surface 136c, the rib 136d extending from the projection 136a in the direction in which the upper menu key 136 is pressed. The rib 136d includes a surface flush with the side surface 136b of the back key 139. In other words, the surface of the rib 136d and the side surface 136b lie in the same plane.

0053The operation of the button keys of the aforementioned configuration will be described.

0054In the first embodiment, once the button key assembly 45 has been assembled to the case 33, the second gap T2 is only about 0.2 mm. Therefore, when the user depresses the back key 39, the back key 39 is difficult to move while maintaining this small gap T2. As the back key 39 moves, the back key wall portion 39b slides on the upper menu key wall 36c and the lower menu key wall 37c.

0055In the second embodiment, the first gap T1 between adjacent ones of the upper menu key 136, lower menu key 137, and back key 139 is defined by the projection 139b, the side surfaces 136b and 137b. In addition, the rib 136d is flush with the side surface 136b, and extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the back key 139 is pressed. The rib 137d is also flush with the surface 137b, and extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the back key 139 is depressed. When the back key 139 is depressed, the projection 139b slides on the rib 136d and the rib 137d. The remaining portion of the operation is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

0056When one of the upper menu key 136, lower menu key 137, and back key 139 is pressed, the pressed key moves while being in contact with the adjacent keys. It is to be noted that the pressed key has a smaller total area in contact with the adjacent keys in the second embodiment than in the first embodiment.

0057As described above, the configuration of the button key assembly 145 provides substantially the same advantages as the button key assembly 45 of the first embodiment. The smaller total area of an operational key in contact with the adjacent keys is effective in minimizing the friction between the pressed operational key and the adjacent operational keys, thus facilitating the smooth movement of the pressed operational key Thus, the configuration of the second embodiment improves the ease of operation of the operational keys.

0058The first gap T1 defined between upper menu key 136 and the back key 139, and the first gap T1 defined between the lower menu key 137 and the back key 139 do not extend over a great depth, eliminating extremely thin portions of a mold so that the usable lifetime of the mold may be prolonged.

0059While the embodiments have been described in terms of three operational keys, i.e., upper menu key, lower menu key and back key, the invention is not limited to this. While the operational keys form a generally cylindrical appearance when they are assembled together, the invention is not limited to this. The adjacent operational keys may have any shape.

0060Although the embodiments have been described with respect to an operator panel of an image forming apparatus, the invention may also be applicable to copying machines, printers, facsimile machines, personal computers, telephones, and gaming machines.

0061The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

0062<b>An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be summarised as follows:</b>

0063Button keys (36, 37, 39), resilient supports (36f, 36g, 39d, 39e, 37g, 37f) and a frame (44) are molded in one piece such that the button keys are resiliently movable and are spaced apart by a gap. Each of the button keys includes an engagement portion (36d, 39c, 37d, 36e, 37e). A case (33) includes a button hole (56) formed therein. The case is assembled to the frame (44) such that the button keys are received in the button hole. After the case (33) has been assembled to the frame (44) such that the plurality of adjacent button keys are received in the button hole (56) and such that the engagement portion abuts a perimeter portion of the button hole (56), the second gap (T2) being smaller than the first gap (T1).