OPERATION KEY, OPERATION PANEL, AND IMAGE FORMING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation key capable of preventing a key top from rotating if at all an arm part supporting the key top is damaged, and free from fear of adverse effect on operability and visibility, to provide an operation panel equipped with the operation key, and to provide an image forming device equipped with the operation panel. SOLUTION: The operation key 40 is provided with a key top 30 with a circular operating part 31 formed at an upper part to be inserted into a circular opening 22a of an operation panel cover 22, and with a pressing part 34 formed for pressing a switch 27 onto an underside of a flange part 32 protruded toward a side part of the operating part 31, and a frame body 35 supporting the key top in free rocking through arm parts 33 with elasticity. The frame body 35 is made provided with protruded rotation-preventing ribs 36 protruded toward either side of the pressing part 34 of the key top 30. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT