Key input device for multifunction peripheral equipment

An image recording apparatus, comprising:

• a plurality of keys each comprising (i) a pressing surface, (ii) a back surface located on an opposite side of said each of the plurality of keys from the pressing surface, and (iii) a contact portion provided on the back surface;
• a holder having a sheet shape and comprising an urging member configured to urge at least one of the plurality of keys in a fourth direction that is opposite to a third direction directed from the pressing surface toward the back surface, the holder comprising a first surface and a second surface located on an opposite side of the holder from the first surface, the holder holding the plurality of keys, such that the plurality of keys are movable in the third direction and the fourth direction, in a state in which the plurality of keys are arranged on the first surface in at least one of a first direction parallel with the first surface and a second direction parallel with the first surface and intersecting the first direction;
• a conductive member having a sheet shape and opposed to the second surface of the holder;
• a circuit board comprising a switch surface and a plurality of switches arranged on the switch surface and each being a switch contactable with the contact portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of keys, the circuit board being disposed such that the conductive member is interposed between the switch surface and the second surface of the holder;
• and
• an image recorder configured to record an image on a sheet,
• wherein the holder comprises a plurality of first through holes, and the conductive member comprises a plurality of second through holes, and
• wherein at least one of the contact portion and the switch is inserted in a corresponding one first through hole of the plurality of first through holes, and at least one of the contact portion and the switch is inserted in a corresponding one second through hole of the plurality of second through holes.

A method of manufacturing a key input device, the key input device comprising:

• a plurality of keys each comprising (i) a pressing surface, (ii) a back surface located on an opposite side of said each of the plurality of keys from the pressing surface, and (iii) a contact portion provided on the back surface;
• a holder having a sheet shape and comprising an urging member configured to urge at least one of the plurality of keys in a fourth direction that is opposite to a third direction directed from the pressing surface toward the back surface, the holder comprising a first surface and a second surface located on an opposite side of the holder from the first surface, the holder holding the plurality of keys, such that the plurality of keys are movable in the third direction and the fourth direction, in a state in which the plurality of keys are arranged on the first surface in at least one of a first direction parallel with the first surface and a second direction parallel with the first surface and intersecting the first direction;
• a conductive member having a sheet shape and opposed to the second surface of the holder;
• and
• a circuit board comprising a switch surface and a plurality of switches arranged on the switch surface and each being a switch contactable with the contact portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of keys, the circuit board being disposed such that the conductive member is interposed between the switch surface and the second surface of the holder,
• wherein the holder comprises a plurality of first through holes, and the conductive member comprises a plurality of second through holes,
• wherein at least one of the contact portion and the switch is inserted in a corresponding one first through hole of the plurality of first through holes, and at least one of the contact portion and the switch is inserted in a corresponding one second through hole of the plurality of second through holes, and
• wherein the method of manufacturing the key input device comprises recording an image on the pressing surface in a state in which the plurality of keys are held by the holder.