Display device, operating device, and imaging apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device, an operating device and an imaging apparatus. The display device includes a sheet on which a pattern is printed, a light source that emits light to illuminate the pattern, and a light guide that guides the light emitted from the light source to the sheet. The light guide includes an incident surface provided at one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof and an exit surface provided at the other end portion thereof. The incident surface is smaller than an area in the sheet on which the pattern is printed when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The exit surface includes a first exit surface that overlaps at least a portion of the pattern and has a portion overlapping the light source, and a second exit surface that overlaps at least a portion of the pattern and does not overlap the light source. The second exit surface is closer to the sheet than the first exit surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to display devices, operating devices, and imaging devices, and for example to imaging devices having an operating portion and a display portion. Background Technology

[0002] In imaging equipment such as copiers, printers, and fax machines, miniaturization and versatility are required. In conventional imaging equipment, the sheet is fed by a feed roller and then conveyed by a transfer roller. The toner image is then transferred to the sheet via a transfer roller and a photosensitive drum, and fixed to the sheet by a fixing unit. In single-sided printing, the sheet is ejected by an ejector roller. In double-sided printing, the sheet is reversed by the ejector roller, conveyed through a double-sided conveyor path, conveyed again by the transfer roller, and ejected in the same manner as in single-sided printing.

[0003] For the operating and display parts of imaging devices, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-299444, various methods are used depending on the product specifications, such as mechanical button methods, plate methods, and electrostatic touch panels. Among these methods, the plate method (in which a plate having control and display parts is fixed to the outer surface of the imaging device) is commonly used as an inexpensive construction. This construction uses mechanical buttons, electric touch switches, light guides, LEDs, etc., under the plate. This method is such that when the user operates the plate, the plate contacts the mechanical button below it, and the contact portion that contacts the touch switch on the mechanical button is switched on and off when the touch switch is pressed. Additionally, in the plate method, light guides are used to allow light emitted from LEDs to pass through and illuminate icons printed on the plate surface to indicate errors to the user. The plate method is widely used in imaging devices, etc.

[0004] However, in recent years, higher performance requirements have emerged for improving the usability of the operating and display components compared to traditional methods, such as user operability and visibility. In particular, design feasibility must be considered during the design process, for example, placing LEDs in the center of buttons and making the mechanical buttons themselves illuminate to improve visibility. Furthermore, product miniaturization reduces the available space for the operating components themselves, and as products become more diverse through variations in the operating components, component placement may be more constrained by the limitations imposed by standardization. Maintaining usability has become a challenge because it is difficult to design to meet these requirements and improve button operability and visibility.

[0005] When using LEDs and light guides to illuminate icons, depending on the icon's design, the area directly above the LEDs may emit intense light, potentially leading to uneven illumination. One solution for uneven illumination is to use a milky-white material for the light guides, but this can cause the light to be too diffused, reducing the overall light output. Furthermore, for usability, if the icon is designed to be generally invisible due to its color matching the background of the board, and only becomes visible when illuminated, a higher LED output is required. However, high-intensity LEDs are expensive; to manufacture LEDs cost-effectively, devices such as light guides made of transparent materials are needed to concentrate and evenly emit stronger light.

[0006] Additionally, operability may be reduced if there is no gap or only a very small (narrow) gap between the plate and the mechanical button cover covering the area around the mechanical button when the user presses down. On the other hand, if the gap between the plate and the mechanical button cover is large, the part of the plate other than the area of ​​the mechanical button being pressed by the user may also bend, which may deteriorate the appearance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention has the following structure.

[0008] (1) A display device for displaying information to a user, the display device comprising: a first plate having a pattern corresponding to the information printed on the first plate; a light source configured to emit light to illuminate the pattern; and a light guide including an incident surface and an exiting surface, the incident surface being disposed at one end of the light guide relative to a first direction perpendicular to the first plate and allowing light emitted from the light source to be incident, the exiting surface being disposed at another end of the light guide relative to the first direction and allowing light incident from the incident surface to be exited, and the light guide being configured to guide light emitted from the light source to the first plate, wherein, when viewed along the first direction, the incident surface is smaller than the area of ​​the first plate in which the pattern is printed, wherein, when viewed along the first direction, the exiting surface includes a first exiting surface and a second exiting surface, the first exiting surface overlapping at least a portion of the pattern and having a portion overlapping the light source, the second exiting surface overlapping at least a portion of the pattern and not overlapping the light source, and wherein the second exiting surface is closer to the first plate than the first exiting surface.

[0009] (2) An imaging device, comprising: a display device according to (1); and an imaging portion configured to form an image on a recording material.

[0010] (3) An operating device for user-performed operations, the operating device comprising: a second plate having a pattern printed on the second plate corresponding to the operation; a button that moves in a movement direction by being pressed via the second plate; a cover member covering the periphery of the button; and a switch that switches an electrical signal in association with pressing the button, wherein the button includes a contact surface that contacts the second plate when the button is pressed via the second plate, wherein the cover member includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being configured to contact the second plate; and wherein the first surface is higher than the second surface, and the second surface is positioned closer to the button than the first surface relative to a direction perpendicular to the movement direction.

[0011] (4) An imaging device comprising: an operating device according to (3) and an imaging portion configured to form an image on a recording material.

[0012] (5) An imaging device comprising: a display device according to (1); an operating device according to (3); and an imaging portion configured to form an image on a recording material.

[0013] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a laser beam printer according to Embodiments 1, 2 and 3.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a laser beam printer according to Embodiments 1, 2 and 3.

[0016] Figure 3 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the construction of the display operation panel according to Embodiment 1 and the construction below the display operation panel.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operation button according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 5 Parts (a) and (b) are top and sectional views showing the construction of the display portion according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 6 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the construction of the operation button according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 7Parts (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the construction of the operation button according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the construction of the operation button in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0022] [Imaging equipment]

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a laser beam printer as an imaging device, which includes an imaging section that forms an image on a sheet P, which is a recording material. The laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as "printer 100") includes an imaging section for forming an image, a sheet feeding device for separating and feeding the sheets P one by one to the imaging section, a laser scanner unit, a fixing unit, and an ejection tray. Here, the imaging section includes components that can be attached to and detached from the printer 100 body, such as a processing cartridge and a transfer roller. Furthermore, the processing cartridge includes a photosensitive drum 114, a charging roller (not shown), a developing unit (not shown), a cleaning section (not shown), etc.

[0024] The printer 100 also includes a control unit 120 that controls the entire printer 100. The control unit 120 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, timers, etc. The CPU controls each operation of the printer 100 by executing programs stored in the ROM while using RAM as a temporary working area. The printer 100 also includes a display operation section 20 for users to perform various operations on the printer 100. Information input from the display operation section 20 is sent to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 also displays information such as the status of the printer 100 on the display operation section 20. Details of the display operation section 20 will be described later.

[0025] Printer 100 receives image information from an external device such as a personal computer. When control unit 120, which processes the image information, sends a print signal, feed roller 111 rotates. This allows sheet P stacked on the feed cassette to be conveyed by transfer roller 112 to transfer roller 113. Simultaneously, printer 100 forms an electrostatic latent image on photosensitive drum 114 based on the image information and print instructions, and develops the electrostatic latent image using toner to form a toner image. The toner image formed on photosensitive drum 114 is transferred to sheet P via transfer roller 113 to form an unfixed toner image on sheet P.

[0026] The location where the toner image on the photosensitive drum 114 is transferred by the transfer roller 113 is called the transfer section. The sheet P is fed to the fixing unit 115, where the unfixed toner image is fixed onto the sheet P. The location where the unfixed toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 115 is called the fixing section. Afterwards, the sheet P is discharged by the discharge roller 116 onto the discharge tray 118. Alternatively, in the case of double-sided printing where the image is formed on both sides of the sheet P, the sheet P is fed to the fixing unit 115, and then the conveying direction of the sheet P is reversed at the discharge roller 116, and the sheet P is conveyed to the double-sided path 117. The sheet P passes through the double-sided path 117 and is again conveyed to the transfer section and the fixing section, and after images are formed on both sides of the sheet P, the sheet P is discharged onto the discharge tray 118.

[0027] [Example 1]

[0028] [Display Operation Section]

[0029] The following describes an example of the display operation section 20 of the printer 100. Here, Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of printer 100. The conveying direction of sheet P is defined as the front-to-back direction, the direction in which sheet P is discharged onto discharge tray 118 is defined as the front side (near side), and the direction opposite to the front side is defined as the rear side (back side). The left-to-right direction is defined as a direction substantially orthogonal to both the vertical and front-to-back directions, which are the directions when printer 100 is placed in the place of use, etc. Furthermore, the term "substantially orthogonal" includes not only the case where the directions are strictly orthogonal, but also the case where the directions can be considered substantially orthogonal.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the display operation section 20 is located on the left-near side of the top surface of, for example, printer 100. The display operation section 20 includes a display section 21, an operation section 22, and a display operation panel 201. Figure 3 Part (a) is a perspective view of the display operation section 20. The display operation panel 201 is fixed to the outer surface of the printer 100 as an integral part of the display section 21 and the operation section 22. The printer 100 also includes a button holder 202 and an electrical board 203 (see [reference]) as integral parts of the display section 21 and the operation section 22. Figure 4 ).

[0031] [Display section]

[0032] Display section 21 is a display device for displaying information to the user. For example... Figure 3As shown in section (a), the display operation panel 201 includes a paper icon 201a, a warning icon 201b, and a toner icon 201c, which serve as the display portion 21. The display operation panel 201 serves as a first panel on which patterns corresponding to the information to be displayed are printed. Hereinafter, the printed patterns are referred to as icons. The paper icon 201a indicates that there is no paper, notifying the user that the sheet P stored in the feed cassette has been consumed (hereinafter referred to as "paperless"). The warning icon 201b indicates that a paper jam has occurred during the conveying of the sheet P, notifying the user of paper jams, conveying delays, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "paper jam"). The toner icon 201c is an icon that notifies the user that the printer 100 is not equipped with a processing cartridge (hereinafter referred to as "no processing cartridge") or that the toner has been consumed (hereinafter referred to as "no toner"). The toner icon 201c indicates that the printer 100 is in a state of no processing cartridge or no toner.

[0033] The display operation panel 201 includes a restore button icon 201d, a cancel button icon 201e, and a power button icon 201f, which serve as the operation portion 22. The display operation panel 201 also functions as a second panel, on which patterns corresponding to user operations are printed. In Embodiment 1, the first and second panels are integrated into one unit. Furthermore, the display operation panel 201 can be configured to separate the first panel corresponding to the display portion 21 from the second panel corresponding to the operation portion 22.

[0034] The Resume button icon 201d is used to resume operation of the printer 100 after it has stopped. Pressing the Resume button icon 201d will cause the printer 100 to resume printing. The Cancel button icon 201e is used to cancel a job sent to the printer 100. Pressing the Cancel button icon 201e will cancel the job. The Power button icon 201f is used to turn the power on and off of the printer 100 main unit. Pressing the Power button icon 201f will turn the printer 100 power on and off.

[0035] Paper icon 201a, warning icon 201b, toner icon 201c, restore button icon 201d, cancel button icon 201e, and power button icon 201f are printed on the display control panel 201. Furthermore, the construction is not limited to printing the icons on the display control panel 201, but may include, for example, attaching stickers with icons already drawn on them to the display control panel 201. Hereinafter, paper icon 201a, warning icon 201b, toner icon 201c, restore button icon 201d, cancel button icon 201e, and power button icon 201f are also referred to as icon portions. Each icon portion is configured to allow light to pass through.

[0036] Figure 3Part (b) indicates from Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the operation panel 201 after removing the state display of part (a). Below the operation panel 201 are a light guide 211, an operation button 221, and an operation button cover 222. The operation button cover 222 covers the area surrounding the operation button 221. The operation button 221d is pressed via the reset button icon 201d. The operation button 221e is pressed via the cancel button icon 201e. The operation button 221f is pressed via the power button icon 201f. Operation buttons 221d, 221e, and 221f are also referred to as button portions. The first outer peripheral surface 222a, the second outer peripheral surface 222b, the anti-tipping surface 222c, and the wall portion 222d will be described later.

[0037] [Reducing the structure of light inhomogeneity]

[0038] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of arrow AA in part (a). The display section 21, from top to bottom, consists of a display operation panel 201, a light guide 211, a button holder 202, and display LEDs 212, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown. The LED 212 in the display section is a light source that emits light to illuminate the icon, and it is mounted on the electrical board 203, which serves as the first substrate.

[0039] Figure 5 Part (a) is a top view showing the relationship between the toner icon 201c, the light guide 211, and the display portion LED 212, and part (b) is a cross-sectional view of arrow BB in part (a). The light guide 211, acting as a guiding member, passes through the display portion LED 212. The light guide 211 includes an incident surface 211a, which is located at one end in a first direction perpendicular to the display operation panel 201 (in Embodiment 1, the first direction is the vertical direction, hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction), and light emitted from the display portion LED 212 enters this incident surface. Additionally, the light guide 211 includes an exit surface located at the other end in the longitudinal direction, from which light incident from the incident surface 211a exits. The light guide 211 guides the light emitted from the display portion LED 212 to the display operation panel 201.

[0040] Here, as Figure 5 As shown in part (a), when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the incident surface 211a (dashed circle) of the light guide 211 is smaller than the area on the display operation panel 201 where the icons are printed. Furthermore, the light guide 211 has a cylindrical shape at least on one side of the incident surface 211a, and its cross-section is circular, as shown in part (a). Figure 5As shown in part (a). Additionally, when viewed longitudinally, the emitting surface of the light guide 211 includes two surfaces: a top emitting surface 211b, which is a first emitting surface including a portion overlapping at least a portion of the icon and overlapping the display portion LED 212; and a top outward emitting surface 211c, which is a second emitting surface including a portion overlapping at least a portion of the icon but not overlapping the display portion LED 212. The top outward emitting surface 211c is closer to the display operation panel 201 than the top emitting surface 211b.

[0041] The light guide 211 receives light emitted by the display portion LED 212 from the incident surface 211a, and emits light from the directly above exiting surface 211b, which is located directly above the incident surface 211a, and another directly above exiting surface 211c (other than the directly above exiting surface 211b). More specifically, the portion directly above the display portion LED 212 is designated as the directly above exiting surface 211b, while the portion not directly above the display portion LED 212 is designated as the directly above exiting surface 211c. The directly above exiting surface 211b is positioned closer to the incident surface 211a than the directly above exiting surface 211c. This allows the directly above exiting surface 211c to emit light from a position closer to the display operation panel 201 than the directly above exiting surface 211b. Regarding the amount of emitted light, the amount of light emitted from the directly above exiting surface 211b is greater than the amount of light emitted from the directly above exiting surface 211c. Furthermore, the arrangement of the top emitting surface 211b and the top outward emitting surface 211c can be determined based on the design of an icon portion.

[0042] For example, Figure 5 The toner icon 201c shown in part (a) includes a portion consisting of three circles and a U-shaped portion. In Embodiment 1, by providing an upward emitting surface 211b below the portion consisting of the three circles and an upward outward emitting surface 211c below the U-shaped portion, the toner icon 201c is uniformly illuminated. The height difference between the upward emitting surface 211b and the upward outward emitting surface 211c is denoted as Δh (see [reference]). Figure 5 (b) section), to prevent uneven light on the toner icon 201c and make it easily visible. The height difference ΔH can be adjusted according to the design of the icon section.

[0043] exist Figure 5 In the cross-sectional view shown in part (b), the length L1 of the incident surface 211a is shorter than the length L3 of the toner icon 201c. Furthermore, the length L1 of the incident surface 211a is shorter than the combined length L2 of the overhead exiting surface 211b and the overhead exiting surface 211c. Additionally, lengths L1, L2, and L3 represent the orientation of the operation buttons 221. Figure 2 The length in the front-to-back direction (of the incident surface 211a). This relationship also applies to area: the area of ​​the incident surface 211a is smaller than the combined area of ​​the exiting surface 211b and the exiting surface 211c directly above. Furthermore, area is the area of ​​a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). Figure 5 The area of ​​the incident surface 211a shown by the dashed line in part (a) is smaller than the area of ​​the entire toner icon 201c of the display operation panel 201 (i.e., the area to be illuminated (the luminous surface)).

[0044] The reason L1 is shorter than L2 and L3 is due to the lack of space caused by this structure. Furthermore, depending on the positional relationship and angle between the display portion LED 212 and the incident surface 211a, even with a longer L1, differences in the amount of light reaching the toner icon 201c will occur. Therefore, a method for uniformly illuminating the toner icon 201c needs to be designed.

[0045] By emitting light from the upward emitting surface 211b, which has a higher light intensity than the upward emitting surface 211c, at a position further away from the display operation panel 201, the light intensity on the display operation panel 201 at the position corresponding to the upward emitting surface 211b decreases. This makes the light intensity from the upward emitting surface 211b at the position on the display operation panel 201 the same as the light intensity from the upward emitting surface 211c, thereby reducing the unevenness of light on the display operation panel 201.

[0046] Furthermore, the space between the upward emitting surface 211b and the display operation panel 201 is an air layer, through which light emitted from the upward emitting surface 211b diffuses.

[0047] [Operation Section]

[0048] The operation section 22 is a user-operated operating device. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the operation section 22, from top to bottom, consists of a display operation panel 201, an operation button 221, an operation button cover 222, a button holder 202, three touch switches 223, and three operation LEDs 224. The operation LEDs 224 are light sources that emit light to illuminate icons. The operation LEDs 224 are mounted on an electrical board 203, which serves as a second substrate. That is, in Embodiment 1, the first substrate on which the display LEDs 212 are mounted and the second substrate on which the operation LEDs 224 are mounted are integrated into one unit. Alternatively, the display LEDs 212 and the operation LEDs 224 can be mounted on separate substrates.

[0049] When the operation button 221 (button) is pressed via the display operation panel 201, it moves in the moving direction (vertical direction in Embodiment 1). The operation button cover 222, which is a cover member, is provided to be closer to the operation button 221 side (button side) than the display operation panel 201, and covers the area around the operation button 221.

[0050] Touch switches 223 switch electrical signals in association with the pressing of operation buttons 221. The electrical signals are transmitted to control unit 120. Furthermore, the switch is not limited to touch switches, but can be any switch that switches electrical signals when external force is applied. Furthermore, the switch is not limited to mechanical switches. The three touch switches 223 are: touch switch 223d, which moves up and down in association with operation buttons 221d; touch switch 223e, which moves up and down in association with operation buttons 221e; and touch switch 223f, which moves up and down in association with operation buttons 221f. The three touch switches 223 are mounted on an electrical board 203, which serves as a second substrate.

[0051] Operation button 221 includes a plate contact surface (contact surface) 221a that contacts the display operation plate 201 when pressed (see...). Figure 7 Additionally, the operation button cover 222 includes a second outer peripheral surface 222b, which is the first surface. When the operation button 221 is not pressed, the height of the first surface in the direction of movement is substantially the same as that of the plate contact surface 221a (see [reference]). Figure 7 Here, the term "substantially identical height" includes not only cases where the heights are strictly identical, but also cases where the heights can be considered substantially identical.

[0052] The operation button 221 includes an incident surface 221c disposed on the opposite end of the plate contact surface 221a in the direction of movement, into which light emitted from the operation portion LED 224 enters (see [link]). Figure 6 (b) Specifically, operation button 221d includes an incident surface 221cd, operation button 221e includes an incident surface 221ce, and operation button 221f includes an incident surface 221cf. Furthermore, operation button 221 has a cylindrical shape. The plate contact surface 221a of operation button 221 serves as an exit surface for emitting light entering from the incident surface 221c. That is, operation button 221 serves as a guide member for directing light emitted from the operation portion LED 224 to the display operation plate 201.

[0053] The operation button cover 222 includes a first outer peripheral surface 222a, which is a second surface. When the operation button 221 is pressed, the height of the second surface in the direction of movement is substantially the same as that of the plate contact surface 221a (see [reference]). Figure 7The first outer peripheral surface 222a is positioned closer to the operating button 221 than the second outer peripheral surface 222b in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement (see...). Figure 7 The first outer peripheral surface 222a and the second outer peripheral surface 222b are connected in a stepped manner (see...). Figure 7 The operating button cover 222 is configured substantially parallel to the direction of movement and includes an anti-tipping surface 222c that is a control surface that does not contact the operating button 221 when it is not pressed (see [link]). Figure 7 Here, the term "fundamentally parallel" includes not only the case where objects are strictly parallel, but also the case where objects can be considered substantially parallel. Details will be described below using accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 6 Part (a) is a top perspective view of the button portion of the operation section 22. Figure 6 Part (b) is a bottom perspective view of the button portion of the operation section 22. The button holder 202 includes a button holding portion 202a, a button flexible pair 202b, and a button pressing portion 202c, each of which is provided in three places. The button holding portion 202a holds the operation button 221. When the user presses the operation button 221, the button flexible pair 202b bends. When the operation button 221 is pressed, the button pressing portion 202c presses the touch switch 223.

[0055] The three button holding portions 202a are specifically: button holding portion 202ad for holding operation button 221d; button holding portion 202ae for holding operation button 221e; and button holding portion 202af for holding operation button 221f. The three button flexible pairs 202b are specifically: button flexible pair 202bd that bends when operation button 221d is pressed; button flexible pair 202be that bends when operation button 221e is pressed; and button flexible pair 202bf that bends when operation button 221f is pressed. The three button pressing portions 202c are specifically: button pressing portion 202cd that is associated with pressing operation button 221d; button pressing portion 202ce that is associated with pressing operation button 221e; and button pressing portion 202cf that is associated with pressing operation button 221f.

[0056] When viewed from above, the three operating sections of LED 224 on electrical board 203 (see...) Figure 4Each of these is located in the center of the operation button 221. When viewed from above, the operation portions LEDs 224 are: operation portion LED 224d located in the center of operation button 221d; operation portion LED 224e located in the center of operation button 221e; and operation portion LED 224f located in the center of operation button 221f. Additionally, the operation button 221 also functions as a light guide, allowing light to pass through it. In other words, the light guide also functions as the operation button 221. The operation button 221, which also functions as a light guide, includes an incident surface 221c, similar to the light guide 211 described above (see...). Figure 6 (b) and the exit surface (plate contact surface 221a). In addition, the area of ​​the incident surface is smaller than the area of ​​the exit surface.

[0057] [Operation button cover]

[0058] An operable component with good operability and visibility is required. A method for providing an operable component with good operability and visibility is described.

[0059] Figure 7 It shows Figure 3 The sectional view of arrow AA in part (a) shows a detailed view of the area near the operation panel 201, operation button 221 and operation button cover 222. Figure 7 Part (a) shows the state of operation button 221 before it is pressed. Figure 7 Part (b) shows the state of operation button 221 when it is being pressed. Operation button 221 is located directly below the restore button icon 201d, cancel button icon 201e, and power button icon 201f on the display control panel 201, respectively.

[0060] The operation button 221 includes a plate contact surface 221a that contacts the display operation panel 201 when the user presses the operation button 221 via the icon portion. The plate contact surface 221a is also an emission surface from which light emitted from the operation portion LED 224 and passing through the operation button 221, which acts as a light guide, is emitted. The operation button cover 222 includes a first outer peripheral surface 222a, a second outer peripheral surface 222b, an anti-tipping surface 222c, and a wall portion 222d. The first outer peripheral surface 222a covers the periphery of the operation button 221. The second outer peripheral surface 222b is a ring outside the first outer peripheral surface 222a, is stepped higher than the first outer peripheral surface 222a, and is the surface that contacts the display operation panel 201. The anti-tipping surface 222c prevents the operation button 221 from tipping over. The wall portion 222d extends upward from the first outer peripheral surface 222a and connects the first outer peripheral surface 222a to the second outer peripheral surface 222b. In other words, if the distance from the center of the operation button 221 to the anti-tipping surface 222c is defined as R1, and the distance from the center of the operation button 221 to the wall portion 222d is defined as R2, then distance R2 is greater than distance R1 (R2 > R1). The anti-tipping surface 222c is a side surface of the first outer peripheral surface 222a and contacts the operation button 221 when operated by the user. The second outer peripheral surface 222b may always be in contact with the display operation panel 201, or may only be in contact with the display operation panel 201 when the user operates the button 221.

[0061] exist Figure 7 In the normal state shown in part (a) (the state where the operation button 221 is not pressed), the height of the second outer peripheral surface 222b is approximately the same as the height of the contact surface 221a of the operation button 221 contact display panel 201. When in... Figure 7When the operation button 221 shown in part (b) is pressed by the user, and the button pressing portion 202c of the button holder 202 and the touch switch 223 contact and abut against each other, the height of the first outer peripheral surface 222a is approximately the same as the height of the plate contact surface 221a of the operation button 221. That is, the distance traveled by the operation button 221 from its unpressed state to its pressed state and the button pressing portion 202c contacting the touch switch 223 is approximately equal to the height of the wall portion 222d. In other words, under normal conditions, the distance between the plate contact surface 221a and the second outer peripheral surface 222b is shorter than the distance between the plate contact surface 221a and the first outer peripheral surface 222a relative to the direction of movement. Furthermore, when the operation button 221 is pressed, the distance between the plate contact surface 221a and the first outer peripheral surface 222a is shorter than the distance between the plate contact surface 221a and the second outer peripheral surface 222b relative to the direction of movement. Furthermore, the term "fundamentally equal" includes not only cases where they are strictly equal, but also cases where they can be considered substantially equal.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown in section (b), the plurality of operation buttons 221 each include a first outer peripheral surface 222a and a second outer peripheral surface 222b. The second outer peripheral surface 222b is a portion disposed between each operation button 221 and is continuous. When each operation button 221 is pressed via the display operation panel 201, the display operation panel 201 bends. However, as Figure 7 As shown in section (b), the area where the operation panel 201 is bent is limited to the area S indicated by the dashed line.

[0063] The operation button 221 includes a flange portion 221b. The flange portion 221b protrudes toward the operation button cover 222. The operation button cover 222 includes a protrusion portion 222e. The protrusion portion 222e is positioned lower than the flange portion 221b of the operation button 221. This configuration ensures that when the operation button 221 is pressed, the flange portion 221b contacts the protrusion portion 222e, preventing the operation button 221 from being pressed further down. When the operation button 221 is not pressed, the flange portion 221b and the anti-tipping surface 222c do not contact each other, and a gap (space or clearance) of a predetermined distance is provided.

[0064] Therefore, by providing space between the display operation plate 201 and the first outer peripheral surface 222a, the operability of the operation portion 22 can be maintained. Furthermore, the second outer peripheral surface 222b is provided such that the area S of bending of the display operation plate 201 is limited to the area substantially directly above the first outer peripheral surface 222a. Therefore, the bending of the display operation plate 201 can be reduced. With this configuration, an operation portion 22 that maintains operability and has good visibility can be provided.

[0065] According to Embodiment 1 above, a display section with good visibility can be provided in the display section or operation section that uses a light source.

[0066] [Example 2]

[0067] In Embodiment 2, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the emitting surface 211b directly above the light guide 211 is roughened. In Embodiment 2, a roughening process (texturing) (e.g., using particles, etc.) is applied. Figure 5 The upward emitting surface 211b is shown in the diagram. This roughening process allows light to diffuse further on the upward emitting surface 211b. This processing of the upward emitting surface 211b becomes effective when it is difficult to adjust the amount of light, for example, because the step (height difference Δh) with the upward emitting surface 211c cannot be widened, or when it is desired to further reduce light inhomogeneity. Furthermore, the processing is not limited to roughening, but can include, for example, denting, embossing, or any other processing that roughens the surface of the upward emitting surface 211b. Additionally, the construction is not limited to processing the upward emitting surface 211b to diffuse light; a material with light-diffusing properties can also be provided on the upward emitting surface 211b.

[0068] According to Embodiment 2 above, a display section with good visibility can be provided in the display section or operation section that uses a light source.

[0069] [Example 3]

[0070] In Embodiment 3, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the first outer peripheral surface 222a and the second outer peripheral surface 222b are connected by an inclined plane. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the operation button cover 222 of Embodiment 3, showing the operation button 221 in an unpressed state. The first outer peripheral surface 222a and the second outer peripheral surface 222b of the operation button cover 222 are connected by a ramp 222d'. This differs from Embodiment 1, in which the first outer peripheral surface 222a and the second outer peripheral surface 222b are connected in a stepped manner by a wall 222d. When the display operation panel 201 is pressed by the user, the display operation panel 201 descends smoothly along the ramp 222d', thereby reducing scratches and marks on the display operation panel 201 that may be caused by bulges.

[0071] According to Embodiment 3 above, a display section with good visibility can be provided in the display section or operation section that uses a light source.

[0072] According to the present invention, a display with good visibility can be provided in a display or operating part that uses a light source.

[0073] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense to cover all variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A display device for displaying information to a user, the display device comprising: A first plate, on which a pattern corresponding to the information is printed; A light source configured to emit light to illuminate the pattern; as well as A light guide includes an incident surface and an exit surface. The incident surface is disposed at one end of the light guide relative to a first direction perpendicular to the first plate and allows light emitted from the light source to enter. The exit surface is disposed at the other end of the light guide relative to the first direction and allows light incident from the incident surface to exit. The light guide is configured to guide light emitted from the light source to the first plate. Specifically, when viewed along the first direction, the incident surface is smaller than the area in the first plate where the pattern is printed. Wherein, when viewed along the first direction, the emitting surface includes a first emitting surface and a second emitting surface. The first emitting surface overlaps with at least a portion of the pattern and has a portion overlapping with the light source. The second emitting surface overlaps with at least a portion of the pattern but does not overlap with the light source. The area printed with the pattern is smaller than the combined area of ​​the first and second emitting surfaces relative to a plane orthogonal to the first direction. The second emission surface is closer to the first plate than the first emission surface.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first exit surface is roughened.

3. The display device according to claim 1 further includes a first substrate, wherein the light source is mounted on the first substrate.

4. An imaging device, comprising: The display device according to claim 1; as well as The imaging portion is configured to form an image on the recording material.

5. An operating device for user-performed operations, the operating device comprising: The second plate has a pattern printed on it that corresponds to the operation. A button that moves in the direction of movement by being pressed via the second plate; A cover member that covers the periphery of the button; as well as A switch, which switches electrical signals in association with pressing the button. The button includes a contact surface that contacts the second plate when the second plate is pressed, thereby causing the button to be pressed via the second plate. The cover member includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement and is configured to contact the second plate. The second surface extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. The first surface is higher than the second surface relative to the direction of movement, and the second surface is positioned closer to the button than the first surface relative to a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. The button can be moved to a position where the contact surface is lower than the first surface relative to the direction of movement, and The button can be moved to a position on the contact surface that is the same as the position of the second surface relative to the direction of movement.

6. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein, The first surface and the second surface are connected in a stepped manner.

7. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein, The first surface and the second surface are connected by an inclined surface.

8. The operating device according to claim 5, wherein, The cover member includes a limiting surface, which is configured to be substantially parallel to the direction of movement and does not contact the button when the button is not pressed. The limiting surface is connected to the side opposite to the side where the second surface is connected to the first surface.

9. The operating device according to claim 5 further includes a second substrate, wherein the switch is mounted on the second substrate.

10. The operating device according to claim 9, further comprising a light source configured to emit light to illuminate the pattern; in, The button includes an incident surface disposed at an end opposite to the contact surface relative to the direction of movement, and allows light emitted from the light source to be incident. The contact surface of the button serves as an exiting surface, which allows light incident from the incident surface to be emitted. The button also functions as a light guide to direct light emitted from the light source to the second plate.

11. The operating device according to claim 10, wherein, The light source is mounted on the second substrate.

12. An imaging device, comprising: The operating device according to claim 5; as well as The imaging portion is configured to form an image on the recording material.

13. An imaging device, comprising: The display device according to claim 1; The operating device according to claim 5; and The imaging portion is configured to form an image on the recording material.

14. An imaging device, comprising: The display device according to claim 1 includes a first plate; The operating device according to claim 5 includes a second plate; and The imaging section is configured to form an image on the recording material. The first plate and the second plate are integrated.

15. An imaging device, comprising: The display device according to claim 1 includes a first substrate; The operating device according to claim 5 includes a second substrate; and The imaging section is configured to form an image on the recording material. in, The first substrate and the second substrate are integrated.

Images