Input device

Abstract

To provide an input device capable of improving the convenience for a user.SOLUTION: An input device includes a housing and a touch pad which is disposed on at least one side surface out of a right-side surface, a left-side surface, a front-side surface, and a rear-side surface of the housing along an extension direction of the side surface. A guide portion is disposed on the side surface with the touch pad provided thereon, the guide portion being located below the touch pad, extending along the extension direction of the side surface, and protruding outward beyond the touch pad.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, input devices such as keyboards equipped with touch pads have been developed. In such input devices, it is required that a user can intuitively grasp the layout position of the touch pad.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an in-vehicle information device that includes a touch panel that detects touch operations and gesture operations, and a liquid crystal panel with the touch panel laminated on a display screen, and that controls the display image on the liquid crystal panel in response to operations performed on the touch panel.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses an input support means operating device in which a first direction position operation input unit that operates the position of a mouse pointer as an input support means in a first direction on a display screen of an electronic information device is positioned on a first edge formed by the intersection of the operating surface and a side surface of an operating device housing.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a point input device that has a raised edge without a sensing mechanism around the sensing portion of the point input unit of the point input device that has a built-in switch mechanism that detects depressing motions. By pressing only the edge, this point input device can detect only the depressing motion without changing the point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-059085 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-058986 A [Patent Document 3] JP 1998-124242 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] There is a demand for input devices equipped with touch pads to provide improved convenience for users.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can improve convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An input device according to one aspect of the present invention has a housing and a touchpad provided on at least one of the right side, left side, front side, and rear side of the housing along the extension direction of the side, and on the side on which the touchpad is provided, a guide portion is provided below the touchpad, extending along the extension direction of the side and protruding outward from the touchpad. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the input device can improve the convenience for the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the touch pad and the guide portion shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an input device. [Figure 8] 13(a) to 13(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating an input device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] 13(a) and 13(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating an input device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an input device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an input device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0014] In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the approximately vertical direction (height direction of input device 100), arrow A2 indicates the longitudinal direction (width direction) of input device 100 perpendicular to the height direction, and arrow A3 indicates the short side direction (depth direction) of input device 100 perpendicular to the height and width directions.

[0015] The input device 100 accepts an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the input operation by the user to an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) (not shown) electrically connected to the input device 100. In Fig. 1, a keyboard is shown as an example of the input device 100.

[0016] The input device 100 has a first housing 101 and a second housing 102. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are examples of housings. The second housing 102 is disposed below the first housing 101. The input device 100 has a plurality of keys 103, a plurality of buttons 104, a pointing device 105, and a plurality of touch pads 110. The plurality of keys 103, the plurality of buttons 104, the pointing device 105, and the plurality of touch pads 110 are all provided on the first housing 101.

[0017] The multiple keys 103 are used to input characters or alphanumeric characters. The multiple buttons 104 can be assigned functions similar to those of a left button, a right button, and a wheel button provided on a typical three-button mouse. The multiple keys 103 may be assigned other functions that are generally used in input devices. The pointing device 105 is used to designate an input position or coordinates on the screen of a display device (not shown) of an information processing device to which the input device 100 is connected.

[0018] The multiple touchpads 110 can be assigned gesture functions and output signals corresponding to operations such as touch, double touch, press, long press, swipe, pinch, etc. The multiple touchpads 110 are used to scroll up and down or left and right, rotate, or enlarge or reduce the screen of a display device of an information processing device to which the input device 100 is connected. Objects that can be rotated by the multiple touchpads 110 include objects selected on the screen.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a top view of the input device 100, Fig. 3 is a right side view of the input device 100, Fig. 4 is a front side view of the input device 100, and Fig. 5 is a rear side view of the input device 100. The shape of the left side of the input device 100 is symmetrical to the shape of the right side shown in Fig. 3.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the multiple keys 103 are provided on the top surface of the first housing 101. The multiple buttons 104 are provided from the top surface to the front side surface of the first housing 101. The pointing device 105 is provided on the top surface of the first housing 101, similar to the multiple keys 103. The pointing device 105 is provided at a position based on the position of the buttons 104, taking into consideration that the pointing device 105 will be operated together with the buttons 104. For example, the pointing device 105 is provided at a position overlapping with the buttons 104 when viewed from the short side direction of the input device 100, i.e., in the long side direction.

[0021] The touch pads 110 are provided on the right side, left side, front side, and rear side of the first housing 101 along the extension direction of each side. In this embodiment, one touch pad 110 is provided on each of the right side and left side of the first housing 101, and two touch pads 110 are provided, divided left and right, on each of the front side and rear side of the first housing 101. The touch pad 110 includes a touch sensor 111 and a cover 112.

[0022] The touch sensor 111 is a sensor that detects a touch by a user. The touch sensor 111 is provided on the inside of the right side surface, the left side surface, the front side surface, and the rear side surface of the first housing 101 along the extension direction of each side surface.

[0023] The cover 112 is provided so as to cover the touch sensor 111. In this embodiment, the cover 112 of the touch sensor 111 is also used as the cover of the first housing 101. The cover 112 of the touch sensor 111 may be provided separately from the cover of the first housing 101. The cover 112 is provided with a convex portion 106. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the convex portion 106 is provided inside a position facing an end of the touch sensor 111 in the extension direction of the touchpad 110. By providing the convex portion 106 on the cover 112, the user can intuitively grasp the arrangement position of the touch sensor 111 provided inside the cover 112, that is, the operation area of ​​the touchpad 110, on the cover 112, and can reliably operate the touchpad 110. Furthermore, by providing the protrusion 106 on the cover 112, even if the operation area of ​​the touchpad 110 is divided into two, the user can intuitively grasp each operation area of ​​the touchpad 110 and can reliably operate each touchpad 110.

[0024] The touch pad 110 does not have to be provided on all of the right side, left side, front side, and rear side of the first housing 101, but may be provided on at least one side. The convex portion 106 may be provided at a position facing the end of the touch sensor 111, not inside the position facing the end of the touch sensor 111. The cover 112 may be provided with a recess recessed toward the touch sensor 111 instead of the convex portion 106. In these cases, too, the user can intuitively grasp the operation area of ​​the touch pad 110 on the cover 112, and can reliably operate the touch pad 110. The convex portion 106 may be omitted.

[0025] Guide parts 120 are provided on the right side, left side, front side and rear side of the second housing 102, i.e., on the right side, left side, front side and rear side on which the touchpad 110 is provided in the input device 100. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the guide parts 120 extend below the touchpad 110 in the extension direction of each side on which the touchpad 110 is provided and protrude outward from the touchpad 110.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the touch pad 110 and the guide portion 120 shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line AA.

[0027] 6, the guide unit 120 has a flat portion 121 that extends from the side surface of the first housing 101 on which the touchpad 110 is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the height direction A1, that is, that extends substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the input device 100. By touching the flat portion 121, the user can intuitively grasp the arrangement position of the touchpad 110 and can reliably operate the touchpad 110. The user can accurately operate the touchpad 110 without visually checking the touchpad 110, and the input device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0028] Furthermore, the guide section 120 has a chamfered shape. In this embodiment, the guide section 120 has a C-chamfered shape (tapered) at the corners. The guide section 120 may have an R-chamfered shape (rounded) at the corners. This reduces the likelihood of the guide section 120 getting caught when the user operates the touchpad 110. The user can move his / her finger smoothly while touching the touchpad 110, and the input device 100 can improve the operability for the user.

[0029] Guide section 120 is provided so as to protrude 0.1 [mm] or more from each side surface of first housing 101 on which touchpad 110 is provided. Preferably, guide section 120 is provided so as to protrude 0.2 [mm] or more from each side surface of first housing 101 on which touchpad 110 is provided. More preferably, guide section 120 is provided so as to protrude 1.0 [mm] or more from each side surface of first housing 101 on which touchpad 110 is provided.

[0030] In an experiment in which users were made to operate the touchpad 110 while varying the amount of protrusion of the guide portion 120, when the guide portion 120 was protruded by 0.1 [mm] or more, 90% or more of the users were able to grasp the arrangement position of the touchpad 110. Therefore, by providing the guide portion 120 so as to protrude by 0.1 [mm] or more, the users can grasp the arrangement position of the touchpad 110 and can operate the touchpad 110 appropriately. In addition, "http: / / www.files.tachilab.org / publications / paper2000 / shinmeimae200803TVRSJ.pdf" shows that a human finger can sense an object that is 0.2 [mm] or more. Therefore, by providing the guide portion 120 so as to protrude by 0.2 [mm] or more, the users can certainly recognize the guide portion 120 and can operate the touchpad 110 appropriately. In addition, in the above experiment, when the guide portion 120 was protruded by 1.0 [mm] or more, all the users were able to grasp the arrangement position of the touchpad 110. Therefore, by providing guide portion 120 so as to protrude by 1.0 [mm] or more, the user can more reliably grasp the arrangement position of touchpad 110, and can operate touchpad 110 more reliably.

[0031] Although guide unit 120 is provided as an integral part along the periphery of second housing 102, guide unit 120 may be provided individually in correspondence with each of multiple touch pads 110. Guide unit 120 does not have to have a chamfered shape.

[0032] 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the input device 100. The input device 100 further includes an interface circuit 130, a communication device 140, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like in addition to the above-mentioned components.

[0033] The interface circuit 130 acquires operation signals corresponding to user input operations output from each of the multiple keys 103 , the multiple buttons 104 , the pointing device 105 , and the multiple touch pads 110 , and transmits them to the processing circuit 160 .

[0034] The communication device 140 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from an information processing device (not shown) through a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless communication protocol using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IEEE802.15. The input device 100 may have an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB instead of the communication device 140, and may be connected to an information processing device (not shown) by wire to transmit and receive signals.

[0035] The storage device 150 has memory devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 150 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the input device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) or a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory). The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the storage device 150.

[0036] The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program prestored in the storage device 150. The processing circuit 160 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used as the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 160 is connected to the interface circuit 130, the communication device 140, the storage device 150, and the like, and controls each of these parts. The processing circuit 160 acquires operation signals from each of the multiple keys 103, the multiple buttons 104, the pointing device 105, and the multiple touch pads 110 via the interface circuit 130. The processing circuit 160 converts the acquired operation signals into electrical signals that can be output from the communication device 140 and processed by the information processing device, and transmits them to the information processing device via the communication device 140.

[0037] As described above in detail, in the input device 100, the touchpad 110 is provided on the side, and the guide unit 120 is provided below the touchpad 110 so as to protrude outward from the touchpad 110. This allows the user to intuitively grasp the position of the touchpad 110, and the input device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0038] Furthermore, by providing the touchpad 110 on the side surface of the input device 100, the overall size of the input device can be reduced compared to a case where the touchpad is provided on the same surface on which multiple keys are provided, such as an input device provided on a laptop PC. Furthermore, by providing the touchpad 110 on the side surface of the input device 100, the input device 100 can prevent the user from erroneously operating the touchpad 110 by touching the touchpad 110 while typing the multiple keys 103. Furthermore, since the entire side surface of the input device 100 can be used as an area where the touchpad 110 can be installed, the structural restrictions on the touchpad 110 can be reduced.

[0039] Furthermore, since guide section 120 provided below touchpad 110 serves as a guide for grasping the arrangement position and operation area of ​​touchpad 110, the user can clearly grasp the arrangement position and operation area of ​​touchpad 110 and can move his / her finger along guide section 120. Furthermore, even if multiple touchpads 110 are provided, the user can clearly grasp the arrangement position of touchpad 110 by guide section 120.

[0040] Furthermore, since the touchpad 110 and the guide unit 120 are provided so as to extend along the extension direction of each side surface, the user can accurately operate the touchpad 110 while touching the guide unit 120 without visually checking. Furthermore, the user can accurately operate the touchpad 110 even if there are no irregularities or clear marks on the operation area of ​​the touchpad 110.

[0041] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 200 according to another embodiment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the input device 200 has each part of the input device 100. However, the input device 200 does not have the convex part 106, and has a touchpad 210 instead of the touchpad 110. The touchpad 210 has each part of the touchpad 110. However, the touchpad 210 has a cover 212 instead of the cover 112. In the cover 212, an area facing the touch sensor 111 and an area not facing the touch sensor 111 have different materials. For example, the area facing the touch sensor 111 is formed of a glass material or a metal material, and the area not facing the touch sensor 111 is formed of a resin such as ABS resin or PBT resin. The area not facing the touch sensor 111 may be formed of the same material as the housing of the input device 200 except for the cover 212. In addition, plastic, an aluminum seal, a glass film, a PP film, a textured sheet, or the like may be attached to the area facing the touch sensor 111. Also, embossing may be performed only on the area facing the touch sensor 111. Also, texture may be formed only on the area facing the touch sensor 111. Also, only the area facing the touch sensor 111 may be roughened (rough to the touch). By making the area facing the touch sensor 111 and the area not facing the touch sensor 111 different materials, the tactile sensations of the areas are different, and the user can intuitively grasp the operation area of ​​the touchpad 110. Also, by making it possible to change the material of the area not facing the touch sensor 111, the user can customize the material of the operation area of ​​the touchpad 210 to suit the user's preferences.

[0043] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 300 according to another embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8(b), the input device 300 has each part that the input device 100 has. However, the input device 300 does not have the convex part 106, and has a touchpad 310 instead of the touchpad 110. The touchpad 310 has each part that the touchpad 110 has. However, the touchpad 310 has a cover 312 instead of the cover 112. In the cover 312, an area facing the touch sensor 111 and an area not facing the touch sensor 111 have different colors. For example, the color of the area facing the touch sensor 111 is gray, and the color of the area not facing the touch sensor 111 is white. Since the area facing the touch sensor 111 and the area not facing the touch sensor 111 have different colors, a user can visually distinguish the operation area of ​​the touchpad 310.

[0045] FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 400 according to another embodiment.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8(c), the input device 400 has each part of the input device 100. However, the input device 400 does not have the convex part 106, and has a touchpad 410 instead of the touchpad 110. The touchpad 410 has each part of the touchpad 110. However, the touchpad 410 has a cover 412 instead of the cover 112. In the cover 412, the area facing the touch sensor 111 and the area not facing the touch sensor 111 have different shapes. For example, the shape of the area facing the touch sensor 111 is arched, and the shape of the area not facing the touch sensor 111 is flat. Since the area facing the touch sensor 111 and the area not facing the touch sensor 111 have different shapes, the user can intuitively grasp the position of the operation area of ​​the touchpad 410 by the difference in unevenness when touching the operation area of ​​the touchpad 410.

[0047] Note that the area facing the touch sensor 111 and the area not facing the touch sensor 111 may have different surface shapes. For example, the surface shape of the area facing the touch sensor 111 is formed to have projections and recesses, and the surface shape of the area not facing the touch sensor 111 is formed to be flat. When touching the operation area of ​​the touchpad 410, the user can intuitively grasp the position of the operation area of ​​the touchpad 410 based on whether or not there are projections and recesses.

[0048] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 500 according to another embodiment.

[0049] 9(a), the input device 500 has each unit included in the input device 100. However, the input device 500 does not have the convex portion 106, and has a touchpad 510 instead of the touchpad 110. The touchpad 510 includes a light emitter 513 and a vibrator 514 in addition to the touch sensor 111 and the cover 112.

[0050] The light emitter 513 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). A plurality of light emitters 513 are provided on the upper surface of the first housing 101 along the extension direction of each touchpad 510. The number of light emitters 513 may be one. The processing circuit 160 detects a touch operation at each position on the touchpad 510, and lights up the light emitter 513 arranged at the position where the touch operation was detected. This allows the user to know that the touchpad 510 is being operated correctly, and to intuitively know which position on the touchpad 510 is being touched.

[0051] The processing circuit 160 turns on the light emitter 513 when it detects a touch operation on the touch pad 510. This allows the user to know that the touch pad 510 is being operated correctly.

[0052] The vibrator 514 is, for example, a vibration motor. A plurality of the vibrators 514 are provided on the inside of the right side surface, the left side surface, the front side surface, and the rear side surface of the first housing 101 along the extension direction of each side surface. The number of the vibrators 514 may be one. The plurality of the vibrators 514 are uniformly arranged in the operation area of ​​the touchpad 510 at equal intervals. The processing circuit 160 detects a touch operation at each position of the touchpad 510, and vibrates the vibrator 514 arranged at the position where the touch operation is detected, using the detection of the touch operation as a trigger. By uniformly arranging the plurality of the vibrators 514 in the operation area of ​​the touchpad 510, the vibrator 514 is present at any position of the touchpad 510 touched by the user. Therefore, when the user touches the touchpad 510, the vibration of the vibrator 514 is transmitted to the user, and the user can more reliably know that the touchpad 510 is being operated correctly.

[0053] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 600 according to another embodiment.

[0054] 9(b), the input device 600 has each unit included in the input device 500. However, the input device 600 has a touchpad 610 instead of the touchpad 510. The touchpad 610 has each unit included in the touchpad 510. However, the touchpad 610 has a light emitter 613 instead of the light emitter 513. The light emitter 613 may be provided on the operation area of ​​the touchpad 610, that is, on each side surface of the first housing 101 on which the touchpad 610 is provided.

[0055] The processing circuit 160 may detect the type of touch operation at each position on the touchpad 510, 610, and light the light emitters 513, 613 in a manner corresponding to the type of the detected touch operation. For example, the processing circuit 160 changes the light emission color of the light emitters 513, 613 in response to the above-mentioned operations such as touch, double touch, press, long press, swipe, pinch, etc. The user can recognize the type of operation detected by the input device 100 from the difference in the light emission color of the light emitter 513, and can know whether the operation of the touchpad 510, 610 is being performed correctly.

[0056] Furthermore, the processing circuitry 160 may detect the type of touch operation at each position on the touchpads 510 and 610, and vibrate the vibrator 514 in a manner corresponding to the type of the detected touch operation. For example, the processing circuitry 160 changes the vibration pattern of the vibrator 514 in response to the above-mentioned operations such as a long press, a swipe, and a pinch. The user can recognize the type of operation detected by the input device 100 based on the difference in the vibration pattern of the vibrator 514, and can know whether the operation of the touchpads 510 and 610 is being performed correctly.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 700 according to another embodiment.

[0058] 10, the input device 700 has each part that the input device 100 has. However, the input device 700 has a touchpad 710 instead of the touchpad 110. The touchpad 710 has each part that the touchpad 110 has. However, the touchpad 710 has a cover 712 instead of the cover 112. A recess 715 that is recessed toward the touch sensor 111 is formed in the center in the height direction of the cover 712. This allows the user to more clearly grasp the position of the operation area of ​​the touchpad 710.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 800 according to another embodiment.

[0060] The input device 800 is a tablet terminal. As shown in FIG. 11, the input device 800 has a first housing 801 and a second housing 802. The first housing 801 and the second housing 802 are examples of housings. A display device 803 that displays an operation screen is provided on the upper surface of the first housing 801. The display device 803 has a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function, an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and an interface circuit that acquires an input signal from the touch panel, and displays the image data on the display. The display device 803 displays an operation screen including a software keyboard and the like according to control from the processing circuit, and outputs an operation signal according to an input operation by a user to the processing circuit. The input device 800 does not have multiple keys on the upper surface of the first housing 801. The input device 800 has a touch pad 810 having a function similar to that of the touch pad 110 and a guide unit 820 having a function similar to that of the guide unit 120. The touch pad 810 is provided on the right side, left side, front side, and rear side of the first housing 801 along the extension direction of each side. Guide unit 820 extends below touchpad 810 along the extension direction of the side surface on which touchpad 810 is provided and protrudes outward from touchpad 810. Note that touchpad 810 does not have to be provided on all of the right side surface, left side surface, front side surface, and rear side surface of first housing 801, and it is sufficient that touchpad 810 is provided on at least one side surface.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an input device 900 according to another embodiment.

[0062] The input device 900 is a speaker. As shown in FIG. 12, the input device 900 has a first housing 901 and a second housing 902. The first housing 901 and the second housing 902 are examples of housings. An audio output unit 903 that outputs audio is provided on the upper surface of the first housing 901. The input device 900 does not have a plurality of keys on the upper surface of the first housing 901. The input device 900 has a touchpad 910 having a function similar to that of the touchpad 110 and a guide unit 920 having a function similar to that of the guide unit 120. The touchpad 910 is provided on the right side, left side, front side, and rear side of the first housing 901 along the extension direction of each side surface. The guide unit 920 extends below the touchpad 910 along the extension direction of the side surface on which the touchpad 910 is provided and protrudes outward from the touchpad 910. The touch pad 910 does not have to be provided on all of the right side, left side, front side, and rear side of the first housing 901, but may be provided on at least one side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900 Input device, 101,801,901 First housing, 102,802,902 Second housing, 103 Key, 106 Convex portion, 110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910 Touch pad, 111 Touch sensor, 112,212,312,412,712 Cover, 513,613 Light emitter, 514 Vibrator, 120,820,920 Guide portion, 715 Concave portion

Claims

1. The casing and The housing has a touchpad provided along the longitudinal direction of at least one of its right side, left side, front side, and rear side, On the side surface where the touchpad is provided, a guide portion is provided that extends along the longitudinal direction of the side surface and protrudes from the touchpad, on the lower side of the housing side from the touchpad. An input device characterized by the following features.

2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of keys provided on the upper surface of the housing.

3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide portion has a chamfered shape.

4. The aforementioned touchpad is A touch sensor that detects user touch, Includes a cover that covers the touch sensor, The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover is provided with a convex or concave portion in the longitudinal direction of the touch pad at a position corresponding to the end of the touch sensor or on a side of that position toward the center of the touch pad.

5. The aforementioned touchpad is A touch sensor that detects user touch, Includes a cover that covers the touch sensor, The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover has a region facing the touch sensor and a region not facing the touch sensor, and the region is made of different materials, colors, or shapes.

6. The aforementioned touchpad is A touch sensor that detects user touch operations, The input device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a light-emitting device that illuminates the touched position or a vibrator that vibrates the touched position in conjunction with the touch operation.

7. The aforementioned touchpad is A touch sensor that detects user touch operations, The input device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a light-emitting device that lights up in a manner corresponding to the type of touch operation, or a vibrator that vibrates in a manner corresponding to the type of touch, in conjunction with the aforementioned touch operation.

8. The aforementioned touchpad is A touch sensor that detects user touch, Includes a cover that covers the touch sensor, The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a recess is formed in the central part of the cover in the height direction, which is recessed toward the touch sensor side.

9. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the touchpad is provided on the front side surface.

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