Input device

Abstract

To prevent a mistake in operation to pull up an operating part of a knob.SOLUTION: A panel member has a panel upper surface part, and an opening. A knob has a base part, a front wall part, and an operating part. The operating part has a pressing operation surface part that is pressed by an operator. When seen from a virtual swing central axis direction, a relative position in the vertical direction of the pressing operation surface part to the panel upper surface part is located above the panel upper surface part in a neutral state where the pressing operation surface part is released from operating force, and when the pressing operation surface part pressed by the operating force is transitioned from the neutral state to the same plane as the panel supper surface part, the amount of pressing of the knob at a contact becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, and the pressing operation surface part is located at a position where the contact does not generate a signal. When the pressing operation surface part further pressed by the operating force is transitioned to a position below the panel upper surface part, the amount of pressing of the knob at the contact becomes equal to or more than the predetermined amount, and the pressing operation surface part is located at a position where the contact generates a signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 below disclose an in-vehicle switch device including a switch, a swinging knob, and a panel member, in which the switch is pressed when the knob swings by an operating force from a user, and a signal generated thereby drives an electric mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the in-vehicle switch device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the entire upper surface of the knob was exposed to the operation surface. Further, in the in-vehicle switch device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the operation portion of the knob protruded above the panel member. Therefore, for example, when an unintended force was applied to the operation surface due to mischief by a child or the like, the knob swung and the switch generated a signal, so that there was a risk that the electric mechanism was driven and the vehicle occupants were put in danger.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An input device according to an embodiment includes a housing, a panel member that covers the housing, a knob that is operated by an operator, and a contact that generates a signal when the knob is pressed with a predetermined pressing amount or more. The panel member has a panel upper surface portion having a planar shape and an opening formed in the panel upper surface portion and exposing at least a part of the knob. The knob has a virtual swing center axis supported by the housing, a base portion covered by the panel upper surface portion and swinging around the virtual swing center axis, a front wall portion provided on the base portion and extending from below the opening toward the opening, and an operation portion provided at an end of the front wall portion and exposed from the opening to receive an operating force from the operator. The operation portion has a pressing operation surface portion that is pressed by the operator. When viewed from the direction of the virtual swing center axis, the vertical relative position of the pressing operation surface portion with respect to the panel upper surface portion is located above the panel upper surface portion in a neutral state released from the operating force, and when the pressing operation surface portion pressed by the operating force transitions to the same plane as the panel upper surface portion from the neutral state, the pressing amount of the contact by the knob becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, and the contact is provided at a position where no signal is generated. When the pressing operation surface portion further pressed by the operating force transitions below the panel upper surface portion, the pressing amount of the contact by the knob becomes a predetermined amount or more, and the contact is provided at a position where a signal is generated.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the input device according to an embodiment, the possibility of erroneous operation can be reduced, and the safety of vehicle occupants can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for convenience, the X-axis direction (the direction perpendicular to the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130) in the drawing is defined as the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction (the direction parallel to the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130) in the drawing is defined as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction (the direction perpendicular to the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130) in the drawing is defined as the up-down direction. However, the positive direction of the X-axis is the front direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is the right direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is the up direction. These indicate the relative positional relationship within the device and do not limit the installation direction or operation direction of the device. All devices with the same relative positional relationship within the device, regardless of different installation directions or operation directions, are included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0009] (Configuration of the Input Device 100) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a knob 130 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment cut along the cutting line A-A shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a left side view of an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an input device 100 according to an embodiment taken along the cross-sectional line A-A shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an input device 100 according to an embodiment taken along the cross-sectional line B-B shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a knob 130 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a knob 130 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 10 is a top view of a knob 130 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a knob 130 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a top view of a housing 110 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view of a housing 110 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a housing 110 included in an input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the position of a shaft portion 111B according to an embodiment.

[0010] The input device 100 shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 is installed in a vehicle such as an automobile and can be used as an input device for operating an in-vehicle device (for example, an electric power window) that is electrically driven.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the input device 100 includes two knobs 130 arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the front side (positive X-axis side), and two knobs 230 arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the rear side (negative X-axis side). By performing an operation of pressing or pulling up on the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230, four operation targets (for example, an electric power window) can be driven.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the input device 100 includes a housing 110, a panel member 120, two knobs 130, two knobs 230, a cover 140, and eight actuators 150.

[0013] The housing 110 is a resinous and box-shaped member having a hollow structure with an open lower portion. In the present embodiment, the housing 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the housing 110 is formed by an injection molding method. Inside the housing 110, the cover 140 is accommodated. On the upper portion of the housing 110, four support portions 111 for swingably supporting the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230 are provided. Each of the four support portions 111 has a plate shape and is provided with a mountain shape protruding upward (positive Z-axis direction) from the upper surface 110A of the housing 110 when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0014] Each of the four support portions 111 is provided at a position corresponding to each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230. That is, two of the four support portions 111 are provided side by side in the left - right direction (Y - axis direction) on the front side (positive X - axis side) of the upper surface 110A of the housing 110. Also, the other two of the four support portions 111 are provided side by side in the left - right direction (Y - axis direction) on the rear side (negative X - axis side) of the upper surface 110A of the housing 110.

[0015] Each support portion 111 has a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Each support portion 111 has a pair of left and right vertical wall-like outer wall portions 111A that form the rectangular cylindrical shape. Each support portion 111 has a pair of shaft portions 111B that project inward from each of the pair of left and right outer wall portions 111A. The shaft portion 111B has a cylindrical shape and is fitted into a bearing hole 131 formed in the knob 130, and is shaped to support the knob 130 so as to be swingable. The bearing hole 131 is formed in a rib 134C having a plate shape provided at the base portion 134 of the knob 130. The bearing hole 131 is an example of a "virtual swing center axis". The shaft portion 111B and the bearing hole 131 are provided parallel to the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The base portion 134 of the knob 130 has a side wall portion 134E that is disposed opposite to the support portion 111 of the housing 110 and is provided on the side opposite to the rib 134C with respect to the support portion 111. The side wall portion 134E is a protective wall that protects the shaft portion 111B and the bearing hole 131 from external forces, and is a structural wall that reinforces the physical strength of the base portion 134 by being provided over the entire side portion of the base portion 134. A through hole 131A is formed in the side wall portion 134E at a position corresponding to the bearing hole 131 in the Y-axis direction. The through hole 131A is a viewing hole for easily visually inspecting the fitting state of the shaft portion 111B and the bearing hole 131 in the assembly process. The through hole 131A is preferably provided coaxially with the bearing hole 131. A through hole 134F that penetrates the base portion 134 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is formed in the upper portion of the base portion 134. The through hole 134F is a through hole that penetrates in the Z-axis direction and is formed by the rib 134C and the side wall portion 134E. By providing the through hole 134F, the rib 134C is easily elastically deformed, making it easier to assemble. Also, when the through hole 134F is provided, for example, when a problem is found after assembly and it becomes necessary to disassemble the housing 110 and the knob 130, it is easy to insert a disassembly tool between the support portion 111 and the rib 134C. A through hole 134G that penetrates the base portion 134 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is provided in the upper portion of the base portion 134. The through hole 134G is provided on the cover 140 and is a light guide hole that guides light from a light source (not shown) disposed below the through hole 134G.

[0016] Since the support portion 111 and the rib 134C have a plate shape, after assembly, for example, when a strong force is applied to the knob 130 and a high load is applied to the shaft portion 111B and the bearing hole 131, the support portion 111 and the rib 134C elastically deform to follow each other and maintain the fitting state. According to this, it becomes difficult to disassemble the housing 110 and the knob 130.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the support portion 111 of the housing 110 of the present embodiment has a mountain shape with a vertex when viewed from the Y-axis direction. And the shaft portion 111B is provided at the top of the mountain shape.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the bearing hole 131 is provided in the upper part of the base portion 134 (the portion in the positive Z-axis direction), and the distance from the panel upper surface portion 121 is adjusted to be small up to the limit where the strength of the base portion 134 and the bearing hole 131 is allowed.

[0019] As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance between the shaft portion 111B of the housing 110 and the panel upper surface portion 121 becomes as small as the limit value at which the through hole 131A and the panel upper surface portion 121 do not interfere with each other after assembly. In other words, the virtual swing center axis (through hole 131A) provided at the base portion 134 of the knob 130 is arranged at the highest position in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the space below the panel upper surface portion 121. That is, the knob 130 is arranged close to the panel upper surface portion 121. Specifically, the first inclined surface portion 134A and the second inclined surface portion 134B, which will be described later in detail, are formed at the upper end portion of the base portion 134 of the knob 130, so that the swinging knob 130 does not interfere with the panel upper surface portion 121. According to this, without increasing the distance from the panel upper surface portion 121 to the front of the upper surface 140A, it is easy to increase the distance in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the position where the knob 130 and the actuator 150 that shifts in the vertical direction come into contact to the push switch 142. Therefore, even when the distance between the bearing hole 131 and the second pressing portion 133B in the X-axis direction is reduced, the direction of the moment generated when the operating force is transmitted from the second pressing portion 133B to the tip portion 151 of the actuator 150-2 can be made closer to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). According to this, since the operating force is efficiently transmitted from the knob 130 to the actuator 150-2, it becomes easy to design the operating feel and the operating load. In addition, according to this, the possibility that the force lost when the operating force is transmitted damages the knob 130 can be reduced. Also, it becomes easy to set the distance between the bearing hole 131 and the second pressing portion 133B in the X-axis direction while maintaining the state where the discomfort of the operating load due to the loss of force does not occur, so that the input device 100 can be easily miniaturized in the X-axis direction. Also, since it becomes easy to adjust the arrangement of the second pressing portion 133B in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) while maintaining the state where the discomfort of the operating load due to the loss of force does not occur, the degree of freedom in designing the operating load when a pulling operation is performed is increased. Therefore, for example, by a method such as setting the operating load when a pressing operation is performed and the operating load when a pulling operation is performed to be approximately the same, it becomes easy to perform a design that takes into account balance from the viewpoint of the operating feel.Further, by providing the first inclined surface portion 134A and the second inclined surface portion 134B, when it becomes difficult for the knob 130 and the upper surface portion 121 of the panel to buffer each other, it becomes easier to align the angle at which the second pressing portion 133B contacts the tip portion 151 of the actuator 150-1 and the angle at which the first pressing portion 133A contacts the tip portion 151 of the actuator 150-2. According to this, it becomes easier to adjust the operating load when the operating portion 136 is pressed and the operating load when the operating portion 136 is pulled. For example, it becomes easier to make the operating force required for the pressing operation and the force required for the pulling operation the same magnitude.

[0020] The housing 110 has a pair of guide portions 112 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction for each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230. That is, the housing 110 has a total of eight guide portions 112. Each guide portion 112 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction.

[0021] The panel member 120 is a resin-made box-shaped member having a hollow structure. Inside the hollow structure, the housing 110 and the base portion 134 of the knob 130 are arranged. In the present embodiment, the panel member 120 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Inside the panel member 120, the housing 110, the two knobs 130, and the two knobs 230 are accommodated. That is, the panel member 120 is provided above the housing 110 and covers the housing 110. The panel member 120 is, for example, a member constituting the console of the driver's seat of a vehicle. In the present embodiment, the panel member 120 and the housing 110 are directly in contact and fixed by snap-in coupling, but the panel member 120 and the housing 110 may be indirectly fixed via other members.

[0022] The panel member 120 has a panel upper surface portion 121 with a planar shape parallel to the XY plane. In the panel upper surface portion 121 of the panel member 120, a rectangular opening 122 is formed with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the longitudinal direction in a plan view from above (the positive Z-axis direction). In particular, two openings 122 are formed side by side in the front-rear direction in the panel upper surface portion 121. The opening 122 is a hole into which a finger is inserted when the operator pulls the operation portion 136 of the knob 130. The operation portion 136 of the knob 130 is disposed to be exposed at the rear portion of the opening 122 and receives the operating force from the operator.

[0023] Also, for each of the two openings 122, the panel member 120 has a part of the panel upper surface portion 121 (front end portion 122A) that constitutes the front side (positive X-axis direction) of the opening 122, a bottom wall portion 123 provided substantially parallel to the XY plane below the opening 122, and a connecting portion 123A that extends downward from the front end portion 122A and connects the front end portion 122A and the bottom wall portion 123. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the bottom wall portion 123 and the connecting portion 123A have a curved shape and cover the front side (positive X-axis side) and the lower side (negative Z-axis side) of the space 120A below the opening 122 in the panel member 120.

[0024] Each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230 is a resin member that receives an operating force from an operator and swings. Each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a hollow structure. In the assembly process, the support portion 111 of the housing 110 is inserted into the hollow structure from the lower side. Each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230 is disposed above the housing 110 and is swingably supported with respect to the housing 110 by being connected to the corresponding support portion 111 of the housing 110. Each knob 130 has a bearing hole 131 on each of its left and right side surfaces. Each knob 130 is rotatably supported with respect to the housing 110 about a pair of left and right shaft portions 111B provided on the support portion 111 by fitting each of the pair of left and right bearing holes 131 of each knob 130 into each of the pair of left and right shaft portions 111B. The range of the rotational stroke of each knob 130 is defined by a mechanical stopper 124, which will be described in detail later, and the lower end of the stroke of the push switch 142-1. When the knob 130 rotates, the operation portion 136 swings upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) and downward (in the negative Z-axis direction). Each knob 130 has two ribs 134C (see FIGS. 8 and 9) parallel to the XZ plane. The two ribs 134C are respectively disposed on the left side and the right side of the hollow structure. The bearing hole 131 is formed so as to penetrate the rib 134C in the Y-axis direction. Each knob 130 also has a front wall portion 135 formed continuously with the front end portion 134D (an example of "one end") of the front side of the base portion 134. As shown in FIG. 2, the front wall portion 135 closes the side in the positive X-axis direction of the knob 130. In the present embodiment, the front wall portion 135 has a plate shape substantially parallel to the YZ plane, but the front wall portion 135 does not necessarily have to have a planar shape. The front wall portion 135 may, for example, include a curved surface shape in part, have a shape with undulations, or include a wavy shape in part. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the front wall portion 135 extends from the front end portion 134D on the front (positive X-axis direction) side of the base portion 134 toward the rear side of the opening 122. The upper end portion of the front wall portion 135 has an operation portion 136 that extends parallel to the XY plane and receives an operation by an operator.Note that the operation unit 136 preferably extends in a direction intersecting the front wall portion 135 and parallel to the virtual swing center axis, and it is not necessary for the operation unit 136 to extend parallel to the XY plane. When the operation unit 136 is extended parallel to the XY plane, it is easier to visually recognize the operation unit 136 even when its size is set small. The operation unit 136 is arranged along the end portion on the rear side of the opening 122 in the neutral state. In other words, the front wall portion 135 extends substantially upward from the end portion 134D of the knob 130. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the panel member 120 is provided to face the operation unit 136 of the knob 130 at a portion on the negative X-axis side of the inner wall 121B constituting the opening 122, and has an opposing portion 121A (an example of a "first opposing surface portion") formed in a direction obliquely intersecting the panel upper surface portion 121. An operation unit 136 parallel to the panel upper surface portion 121 is formed at the upper end portion of the front wall portion 135 of the knob 130, and the operation unit 136 is arranged on the rear side of the opening 122. In other words, the operation unit 136 is arranged to face the opposing portion 121A of the panel upper surface portion 121 constituting the rear side of the opening 122, and is arranged in front of the opposing portion 121A (in the positive X-axis direction). On the negative X-axis side of the operation unit 136, there is an opposing portion 136C (an example of a "second opposing surface portion") arranged to face the opposing portion 121A. In order to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter, in the neutral state, the distance between the opposing portion 121A and the opposing portion 136C is preferably set to be as small as possible while maintaining a size that does not interfere with each other. The opposing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the opposing portion 136C of the knob 130 have a planar shape or a curved surface shape with a minute gap and are parallel to each other. The angles of the opposing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the opposing portion 136C of the knob 130 do not need to be completely parallel, and there may be a deviation as long as the operation of the knob 130 is not hindered. Also, from the viewpoint of reducing the distance between the opposing portion 121A and the opposing portion 136C, it is preferable that the opposing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the opposing portion 136C of the knob 130 have a curved surface shape centered on the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130.As shown in FIG. 7, the opposing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the opposing portion 136C of the knob 130 are preferably formed obliquely with respect to the plane direction (XY plane direction) formed by the panel upper surface portion 121. According to this, the possibility of dust and water entering the apparatus from the through hole 134G can be made smaller. In addition, the possibility of a problem occurring in which the rotation of the knob 130 is stacked due to a foreign object being caught between the knob 130 and the panel upper surface portion 121 can be reduced. Further, the front wall portion 135 extends substantially downward from the end portion 134D of the knob 130 and closes the front side of the base portion 134. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, generally the front wall portion 135 has a planar shape, but the front wall portion 135 may partially have a curved surface shape.

[0025] In the internal space 130A of the knob 130, a first pressing portion 133A is provided on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the pair of left and right bearing holes 131. The first pressing portion 133A is a downward horizontal planar portion and is in contact with the tip portion 151 of the actuator 150-1, and presses the actuator 150-1 when the knob 130 swings downward (negative Z-axis direction).

[0026] In the internal space 130A of the knob 130, a second pressing portion 133B is provided on the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the pair of left and right bearing holes 131. The second pressing portion 133B is a downward horizontal planar portion and is in contact with the tip portion 151 of the actuator 150-2, and presses the actuator 150-2 when the knob 130 swings upward (positive Z-axis direction).

[0027] The cover 140 is a rigid resin-made flat plate-like member that closes the lower opening 110B of the housing 110 by being fitted into the lower opening 110B. The cover 140 has a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) in a plan view from above. The upper surface 140A of the cover 140 functions as a substrate, and various electronic components are mounted thereon. A plurality of engaging claws 141 are provided on the side surface of the cover 140.

[0028] The cover 140 is fixed to the housing 110 in a posture where the upper surface 140A is parallel to the XY plane by engaging a plurality of engaging claws 141 with each of a plurality of openings 114 formed on the side surface of the housing 110. In the present embodiment, the cover 140 is described as a single member, but the cover 140 may be a combination of a substrate and a resin member.

[0029] On the upper surface 140A of the cover 140, two push switches 142-1 and 142-2 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) with the push switch 142-1 on the front side (positive X-axis side) below each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230. That is, a total of eight push switches 142 (an example of "contacts pressed by knobs") are arranged on the upper surface 140A of the cover 140. The push switch 142 is a switch mechanism that generates a signal when pressed by a predetermined pressing amount or more. In the present embodiment, a tact switch (registered trademark) is used as an example of the push switch 142, but the push switch 142 may be any electrical element that switches when the knob 130 rotates, and does not have to be a tact switch (registered trademark). The push switch 142 may be a rubber dome switch. The push switch 142 may be a double-action type tact switch (registered trademark) incorporating two return members capable of reverse operation. Also, the contacts of the present application are not limited to those in which a contact member and a return member are built into the contact mechanism as described above, and may be a combination of a contact member and a return member set to interlock. For example, the push switch 142 may be a signal generation mechanism configured by combining a pressure sensor and a return member. The push switch 142 may be a detection signal generation mechanism configured by combining, for example, a force conversion member that replaces the rotational stroke of the knob 130 with a linear stroke parallel to the upper surface 140A, a sliding contact mechanism, and a return member. The push switch 142 may be a signal generation mechanism configured by combining, for example, an optical detection mechanism including an infrared sensor or the like capable of detecting the distance between the knob 130 and the upper surface 140A of the cover 140 and a return member.

[0030] Each of the eight actuators 150 is a resin-made and columnar member disposed above the corresponding push switch 142. Each actuator 150 is disposed in the guide portion 112 of the housing 110 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The actuator 150 is disposed inside the guide portion 112 such that the curved tip portion 151 faces upward.

[0031] The input device 100 has, for each of the four push switches 142, a front-side (positive X-axis side) actuator 150-1 and a rear-side (negative X-axis side) actuator 150-2.

[0032] For the actuator 150-1, the tip portion 151 is in contact with the first pressing portion 133A of the knob 130, and the lower surface 152 is in contact with the upper surface of the push switch 142-1. For the actuator 150-2, the tip portion 151 is in contact with the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130, and the lower surface 152 is in contact with the upper surface of the push switch 142-2.

[0033] (Operation of the input device 100) When the knob 130 is not being operated, the input device 100 configured as described above is biased upward equally in the front and rear directions from the push switches 142-1 and 142-2 to the first pressing portion 133A and the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130 via the actuators 150-1 and 150-2. Thereby, when the knob 130 is not being operated, the knob 130 can maintain a neutral state.

[0034] When the operator pulls up the operation portion 136 of the knob 130, the knob 130 swings upward to the front, and the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130 presses the push switch 142-2 via the actuator 150-2. As a result, the push switch 142-2 switches to the on state and outputs a detection signal.

[0035] Also, when the operator presses down the operation portion 136 of the knob 130, the knob 130 swings downward forward, and the first pressing portion 133A of the knob 130 presses the push switch 142-1 via the actuator 150-1. As a result, the push switch 142-1 switches to the on state and outputs a detection signal.

[0036] Furthermore, when the operation of the knob 130 is released, the knob 130 returns to the neutral state and maintains the neutral state by utilizing the biasing force from the push switch 142-1 or the push switch 142-2.

[0037] Here, in the input device 100 according to an embodiment, the knob 130 has a virtual swing center axis that is swingably supported by the support portion 111 of the housing 110, and has a base portion 134 covered by the panel upper surface portion 121.

[0038] Also, the knob 130 has a front wall portion 135 and an operation portion 136. The front wall portion 135 has a plate shape parallel to the axial direction of the virtual swing center axis, and at least a part thereof extends from one end on the side closer to the opening 122 of the base portion 134 toward the opening 122. The operation portion 136 is provided at the end portion on the side of the opening 122 of the front wall portion 135 and receives an operation force from the operator.

[0039] The operation portion 136 of the knob 130 has a pressing operation surface portion 136A, a pulling operation surface portion 136B, and a first rib 137. The pressing operation surface portion 136A has a planar shape. The pressing operation surface portion 136A is provided on the same plane as the upper panel surface portion 121 in a neutral state released from the operating force applied to the operation portion 136. The pulling operation surface portion 136B is formed on the back side of the pressing operation surface portion 136A in the operation portion 136 and intersects the front wall portion 135 to form a concave portion. In other words, the pulling operation surface portion 136B is an inner angle formed by the intersection of the operation portion 136 and the front wall portion 135 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The pulling operation surface portion 136B forms a concave portion on the back side of the pressing operation surface portion 136A and on the side far from the virtual swing center axis (through hole 131A). The first rib 137 is provided in the concave portion, connects the front wall portion 135 and the pulling operation surface portion 136B, and extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the virtual swing center axis. A pair of the first ribs 137 are provided on one edge portion and the other edge portion of the front wall portion 135 in the axial direction of the virtual swing center axis. In other words, a pair of the first ribs 137 are provided on the front wall portion 135 spaced apart in the virtual swing center axis direction.

[0040] Accordingly, when the input device 100 according to an embodiment performs an operation of pulling up the operation portion 136 by the operator's finger, the pulling operation surface portion 136B can surely catch the operator's finger, and thus the operation can be surely performed.

[0041] In particular, in the present embodiment, the operation portion 136 has a substantially four semi-circular shape when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), and the pulling operation surface portion 136B, which is the lower surface of the operation portion 136, is a horizontal plane. Accordingly, when the input device 100 according to an embodiment performs an operation of pulling up the operation portion 136 by the operator's finger, it is possible to suppress the operator's finger from slipping off the pulling operation surface portion 136B, and thus the operation can be performed more surely.

[0042] Further, the pressing operation surface portion 136A of the operation unit 136 has a planar shape parallel to the XY plane and is on the same plane as the panel upper surface portion 121 of the panel member 120.

[0043] As a result, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the operation unit 136 can be prevented from protruding more than the panel upper surface portion 121, and it is possible to make it difficult for an object to get caught on the operation unit 136, so that it is possible to suppress the operation of pulling up the operation unit 136 from being erroneously operated.

[0044] Note that the term "on the same plane" includes not only the case where the height position of the pressing operation surface portion 136A exactly matches the height position of the panel upper surface portion 121, but also the case where the height position of the pressing operation surface portion 136A is slightly higher than the height position of the panel upper surface portion 121, and the case where the height position of the pressing operation surface portion 136A is slightly lower than the height position of the panel upper surface portion 121. In the present embodiment, the pressing operation surface portion 136A of the knob 130 in the neutral state is arranged at a position 0.1 mm higher than the panel upper surface portion 121 in the vertical relative position with respect to the panel upper surface portion 121. Further, in the present embodiment, when the pressing operation surface portion 136A is pressed downward and shifted by 1.4 mm, the push switch 142-1 generates a signal when it is pressed by 1.5 mm or more (an example of "a predetermined amount or more"). Therefore, for example, when an operator performs an action such as resting an elbow on the panel upper surface portion 121 and the pressing operation surface portion 136A is pressed, and when the pressing operation surface portion 136A is shifted by 0.1 mm to the same height as the panel upper surface portion 121, the pressing amount of the push switch 142-1 of the knob 130 is smaller than 1.5 mm, which is the predetermined amount for generating a signal. Therefore, the push switch 142-1 does not generate a signal. When the height position of the pressing operation surface portion 136A is originally set to be lower than the height position of the panel upper surface portion 121, even if the operator rests an elbow on the panel upper surface portion 121, the pressing operation surface portion 136A is not pressed and does not shift. Therefore, the push switch 142-1 does not generate a signal. In the configuration of the present embodiment, since the panel upper surface portion 121 covers the upper part of the base portion 134 of the knob 130, when the operator performs an action such as resting an elbow on the panel upper surface portion 121, there is no possibility that the knob 130 accidentally rotates in the opposite direction to the above, so there is no risk that the rear push switch 142-2 is pressed.

[0045] Further, the base portion 134 of the knob 130 is provided on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the virtual swing center axis (i.e., the bearing hole 131) when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130, and has a first inclined surface portion 134A inclined downward to the front, and is provided on the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the virtual swing center axis (i.e., the bearing hole 131), and has a mountain shape having a second inclined surface portion 134B inclined downward to the rear. In other words, when the base portion 134 is viewed from the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130, it is provided on the side of the panel upper surface portion 121 and closer to the opening 122 than the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130, and has a first inclined surface portion 134A inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel upper surface portion 121 increases as the distance from the opening 122 to the panel upper surface portion 121 decreases. Further, when the base portion 134 is viewed from the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130, it is provided on the side of the panel upper surface portion 121 and on the side opposite to the first inclined surface portion 134A with respect to the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130, and has a second inclined surface portion 134B inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel upper surface portion 121 increases as the distance from the opening 122 to the panel upper surface portion 121 increases. In the present embodiment, the first inclined surface portion 134A has a planar shape, but it may have a curved surface shape as long as the tendency of the inclined direction with respect to the panel upper surface portion 121 is the same as described above. The same applies to the second inclined surface portion 134B.

[0046] Accordingly, the input device 100 according to an embodiment can bring the virtual swing center axis (i.e., the bearing hole 131) of the knob 130 closer to the panel upper surface portion 121 (i.e., can increase the height position of the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130), and by the base portion 134 having the above-described mountain shape, it is possible to prevent the base portion 134 from interfering with the panel upper surface portion 121 when the knob 130 swings.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the panel upper surface portion 121 of the panel member 120 has a protruding mechanical stopper 124 provided toward the first inclined surface portion 134A on the lower surface of the panel upper surface portion 121 (the surface on the side facing the first inclined surface portion 134A of the knob 130) and on the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the opening 122. The mechanical stopper 124 faces the first inclined surface portion 134A of the base portion 134 of the knob 130 with a predetermined distance therebetween, and abuts against the front end portion (the end portion on the positive X-axis side) of the first inclined surface portion 134A when the knob 130 swings upward by a predetermined amount.

[0048] Thereby, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can regulate the upward swing amount of the knob 130 to a predetermined amount. Further, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can efficiently transmit the restraining force by the mechanical stopper 124 to the operator's finger by bringing the mechanical stopper 124 into contact with the front end portion (that is, in the vicinity of the operation portion 136) of the first inclined surface portion 134A of the base portion 134, and can suppress the bending of the entire knob 130, so that the breakage of the knob 130 can be suppressed.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the knob 130 has a pair of first ribs 137 provided at the corner portion 138 formed by the front wall portion 135 and the operation portion 136 at both ends in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first rib 137 has a substantially triangular plate shape perpendicular to each other, the upper side is connected to the operation portion 136, and the rear side is connected to the front wall portion 135.

[0050] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can increase the strength of the operation unit 136 and prevent the operation unit 136 from being damaged. Further, since the input device 100 according to one embodiment is provided at both ends in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130 of the pair of first ribs 137, when the operator's finger pulls up the operation unit 136, the operator's finger can be inserted between the pair of first ribs 137, and the pair of first ribs 137 can be prevented from interfering with the operation. Note that the corner 138 formed by the front wall portion 135 and the operation unit 136 is an example of a "concave-shaped portion" and is an acute angle. In other words, the inner angle formed by the intersection of the operation unit 136 on the back surface side (the side in the negative Z-axis direction) of the operation unit 136 and the side far from the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130 (the side in the positive X-axis direction) and the front wall portion 135 is an acute angle. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the shape formed by the front wall portion 135 and the operation unit 136 is similar to the shape of the Arabic numeral "7".

[0051] (An example of suitable dimensions) FIG. 16 is a transparent view showing an example of suitable dimensions in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. The dotted line drawn in the figure of FIG. 16 indicates the position of the base portion 134 disposed below the panel upper surface portion 121 and its rear end portion 134H.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 16, the dimension of the operation portion 136 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is defined as width L1, and the dimension obtained by subtracting the width dimension occupied by the operation portion 136 from the dimension of the entire knob 130 is defined as width L2. Also, the dimension obtained by subtracting L1 from the dimension of the opening 122 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is defined as width L3. Width L1 is preferably set to the minimum dimension required for an average adult male to press the operation portion 136 with a fingertip without discomfort. Width L3 is set to the dimension required for an adult male to insert a fingertip into the opening 122 when performing a pulling operation. Width L2 is set in consideration of width L1, width L3, the operating load when performing a pressing operation, the operating load when performing a pulling operation, and the condition that the rear end portion 134H of the base portion 134 and the front end portion 122A of the panel member 120 do not interfere with each other. Considering the general market need that the input device tends to be small, width L2 is preferably set as small as possible.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the width L1 of the operation portion 136 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is 6 mm. Also, the width L2 obtained by subtracting the dimension of the operation portion 136 from the dimension of the entire knob 130 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is 12 mm. That is, the ratio of the width L1 of the operation portion 136 to the width L2 obtained by subtracting the dimension of the operation portion 136 from the dimension of the entire knob 130 is 6:12. When the width L1 is 6 mm, the width L2 is preferably between 11 mm and 13 mm. In other words, when comparing the dimensional ratios, if the value of width L1 is set to 1, the value of width L2 is preferably between 1.8 and 2.2. When the width L2 is set to 10 mm or less, it becomes difficult to set the operating load when performing a pressing operation and the operating load when performing a pulling operation to be of the same magnitude, so the balance of the operating feel deteriorates. When the width L2 is set to 14 mm or more, the input device becomes larger. Since the base portion 134 of the input device 100 of the present embodiment has the first inclined surface portion 134A and the second inclined surface portion 134B, it is easy to set the width L2 to a suitable value.

[0054] Also, in the present embodiment, the dimension (width L3) obtained by subtracting the width L1 from the dimension (28 mm) of the opening 122 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is 22 mm. That is, the ratio of the dimension L3 obtained by subtracting the width L1 from the dimension of the opening 122 to the dimension L1 of the operation unit 136 is 22:6. From the perspective of market needs for miniaturization, it is preferable that the width L3 is set to be as small as possible while maintaining a size large enough for an adult male to insert a fingertip into the opening 122. On the other hand, when the operator operates the input device 100 by blind touch without visually observing it, the shape from the front end portion 122A to the connection portion 123A preferably has a curved surface shape with a predetermined radius of curvature so that it is easier to find the position to be operated relying on the sense of touch. When a curved surface shape is formed from the front end portion 122A to the connection portion 123A, it becomes easier for the operator to find the operation unit 136 relying on the sense of touch. When a curved surface shape is not formed from the front end portion 122A to the connection portion 123A, the minimum dimension required for the width L3 is 11 mm. The width L3 is set large depending on the magnitude of the radius of curvature of the curved surface provided at the connection portion 123A. From the perspective of maintaining good operability, the width L3 is preferably set in the range of 11 mm to 22 mm. In other words, when comparing the dimension ratios, if the value of the width L1 is taken as 1, the value of the width L3 is preferably between 1.8 and 3.7.

[0055] (Modification Example 1 of the Knob 130) FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of a modification example 1 of the knob 130 included in the input device according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a top view of a modification example 1 of the knob 130 included in the input device according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a modification example 1 of the knob 130 included in the input device according to an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a second rib 238 included in a modification example 1 of the knob 130 according to an embodiment.

[0056] The knob 230 shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 is a first modification of the knob 130 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the knob 230 has a second rib 238 that extends parallel to the XZ plane from the front wall portion 235 toward the negative X-axis side. The end face on the upper side (positive Z-axis side) of the second rib 238 is a first inclined surface portion 234A. When viewed from the Y-axis direction of the knob 230, the first inclined surface portion 234A is provided on the positive X-axis side of the virtual swing center axis (i.e., the bearing hole 231) of the base portion 234 of the knob 230. Further, the knob 230 is provided on the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the virtual swing center axis (i.e., the bearing hole 131) of the base portion 234 and has a second inclined surface portion 234B that is inclined downward to the rear. In the example shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the knob 230 has four second ribs 238 arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. Each of the four second ribs 238 is a wall perpendicular to the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis.

[0057] Thereby, the knob 230 can reinforce the front wall portion 235 and the base portion 234, and can suppress deformation of the front wall portion 235 when the operation portion 236 receives an operation.

[0058] The knob 230 has a configuration that is superior in productivity compared to other embodiments of the present application. The directions (W1 direction, W2 direction) parallel to the XZ plane shown in FIG. 20 are the directions in which the mold is removed when manufacturing the knob 230 using a resin molding method. All the shapes constituting the knob 230 except for the bearing hole 231 do not collide with the mold removal directions (W1 direction, W2 direction). In order to reduce the working force required for mold removal, it is preferable that all the shapes constituting the knob 230 except for the bearing hole 231 are set to shapes that obliquely intersect the mold removal directions (W1 direction, W2 direction shown in FIG. 20). When viewed from the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis, the inner angle formed by the intersection of the operation portion 236 and the front wall portion 235 is set to an acute angle. Further, when viewed from the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis, the inner angle formed by the intersection of the front wall portion 235 and the first inclined surface portion 234A is set to an acute angle. When viewed from the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the virtual swing center axis, the operation portion 236, the front wall portion 235, and the first inclined surface portion 234A have a shape similar to the alphabet "Z".

[0059] (Modification Example 2 of Knob 130) FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a through-hole included in Modification Example 2 of Knob 130 according to an embodiment. Knob 330 shown in FIG. 21 is Modification Example 2 of Knob 130 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, Knob 330 has a through-hole 335A that penetrates front wall portion 335 on the side of operation portion 336 rather than at end portion 334D in front wall portion 335. Thereby, Knob 330 can discharge the water that has entered between front wall portion 335 and first inclined surface portion 334A from through-hole 335A. In other words, a through-hole 335A for draining the water that has been wetted from the gap between operation portion 336 and panel upper surface portion 121 to the outside of Knob 330 is formed in front wall portion 335 of Knob 330.

[0060] (Modification Example 3 of Knob 130) FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a through-hole included in Modification Example 3 of Knob 130 according to an embodiment. Knob 430 shown in FIG. 22 is Modification Example 3 of Knob 130 according to an embodiment. Knob 430 has a pair of side wall portions 434E provided perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 22, Knob 430 has a through-hole 434I that penetrates side wall portion 434E on the side of operation portion 436 rather than at end portion 434D in side wall portion 434E. Thereby, Knob 430 can discharge the water that has entered between wall portion 435 and first inclined surface portion 434A from through-hole 434I. In other words, a through-hole 434I for draining the water that has been wetted from the gap between operation portion 436 and panel upper surface portion 121 to the outside of Knob 430 is formed in side wall portion 434E that is perpendicular to the virtual swing center axis direction (Y-axis direction) of Knob 430.

[0061] (Modification Example of Input Device 100) FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of an input device 500 including a modification 4 of a knob 130 according to an embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the modification 4 of the knob 130 according to an embodiment. The input device 500 includes a knob 530 (an example of a "knob") without a light guide hole. Therefore, the input device 500 does not have an illumination display function. As shown in FIG. 24, in the knob 530 of the input device 500, since a through hole for light guide is not formed in the base portion 534 and the first inclined surface portion 534A and the second inclined surface portion 534B are continuous, the base portion 534 is structurally stronger than the base portion in other embodiments. For this reason, particularly since there is a margin in the structural strength in the peripheral portion of the second inclined surface portion 534B, even if the rear end portion 534H of the base portion 534 is dimensionally cut to the front side, the risk of the peripheral portion of the second inclined surface portion 534B being damaged is reduced. That is, since the dimension of the base portion 534 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) can be reduced, the dimension of the input device 500 can be reduced. Further, although the upper surface portion 121 of the panel of the input device 100 has the same outer contour size in plan view as the outer contour of the entire panel member 120, the upper surface portion 521 of the panel of the input device 500 (an example of an "upper surface portion of the panel") in plan view is smaller than the outer contour size of the panel member 520. Other configurations of the input device 500 are the same as those of the input device 100.

[0062] As described above in detail for one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 100, 100-2 Input device 110 Housing 110A Upper surface 110B Lower opening 111 Support portion 111A Outer wall portion 111B Shaft portion 111C Base portion 112 Guide portion 114 Opening 120 Panel member 120A Space 121 Panel upper surface 121A Opposite part 122 Opening 123 Bottom wall part 124 Mechanical stopper 130 Knob 130A Internal space 131 Bearing hole 133A First pressing part 133B Second pressing part 134 Base part 134A First inclined surface part 134B Second inclined surface part 134C Rib 134D End part (one end) 134E Side wall part 134F Through hole 134G Through hole 134H Rear end part 135 Front wall part 136 Operation part 136A Pressing operation surface part 136B Pulling operation surface part 136C Opposite part 137 First rib 138 Corner part 140 Cover 140A Upper surface 141 Engaging claw 142, 142-1, 142-2 Push switch (contact point) 150, 150-1, 150-2 Actuator 151 Tip part 152 Lower surface 230 Knob 234A First inclined surface part 234D End part (one end) 235 Front wall part 238 Second rib 330 Knob 335 Front wall part 334A First inclined surface part 334D End part (one end) 335A Through hole 338 Second rib 430 Knob 434E Side wall part 434I Through-hole 500 Input device 530 Knob 534 Base 534A First inclined surface 534B Second inclined surface 534H Rear end portion

Claims

1. The casing and A panel member covering the aforementioned housing, A knob operated by the operator, When the knob is pressed beyond a predetermined amount, a contact generates a signal. Equipped with, The aforementioned panel member is The upper surface of the panel has a planar shape, An opening formed on the upper surface of the panel, which exposes at least a portion of the knob, It has, The aforementioned knob is A base having a virtual pivot axis supported by the housing, covered by the upper surface of the panel, and pivoting around the virtual pivot axis, A front wall portion provided at the base and extending from below the opening toward the opening, An operating part provided at the end of the front wall portion, which is exposed through the opening and receives operating force from the operator, It has, The operating section has a pressing operating surface that is pressed by the operator, When viewed from the direction of the virtual pivot axis axis, the vertical relative position of the pressing operating surface with respect to the upper surface of the panel is above the upper surface of the panel in the neutral state released from the operating force, and when the pressing operating surface, pressed by the operating force, transitions from the neutral state to being on the same plane as the upper surface of the panel, the amount of pressure applied to the contact by the knob becomes less than the predetermined amount, and the contact is positioned so as not to generate the signal. When the pressing operation surface, which is further pressed by the aforementioned operating force, moves below the upper surface of the panel, the amount of pressure applied to the contact by the knob becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, and the contact is positioned to generate the signal. An input device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned base is, When viewed from the direction of the virtual pivot axis axis, a first inclined surface is provided on the side of the panel upper surface that is closer to the opening than the virtual pivot axis, and is inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel upper surface increases as the distance from the opening decreases relative to the panel upper surface, When viewed from the direction of the virtual pivot axis axis, the second inclined portion is provided on the opposite side of the first inclined portion in the front-rear direction with respect to the virtual pivot axis axis, and is inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel top surface increases as the distance from the opening increases with respect to the panel top surface. has The input device according to feature 1.

3. When viewed from the direction of the virtual pivot axis, the internal angle formed by the intersection of the operating part and the front wall on the back side of the pressing operating surface of the operating part, and on the side farther from the virtual pivot axis, is acute. The input device according to feature 1.

4. When the width of the operating section in the front-to-back direction is set to 1, the value obtained by subtracting the width of the operating section from the overall dimension of the knob in the front-to-back direction is between 1.8 and 2.

2. The input device according to feature 1.

5. When the width of the operating part in the front-to-back direction is 6 mm, the dimension obtained by subtracting the width of the operating part from the total dimension of the knob in the front-to-back direction is 12 mm. The input device according to feature 4.

6. When the width of the operating section in the front-to-back direction is set to 1, the value obtained by subtracting the width of the operating section from the overall dimension of the opening in the front-to-back direction is between 1.8 and 3.

7. The input device according to feature 1.

7. When the width of the operating section in the front-to-back direction is 6 mm, the dimension obtained by subtracting the width of the operating section from the total dimension of the opening in the front-to-back direction is 22 mm. The input device according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned knob is When viewed from the direction of the virtual pivot axis, the operating portion and the front wall portion intersect at an internal angle, and a concave portion is formed on the back side of the pressing operating surface of the operating portion, and on the side farther from the virtual pivot axis, forming a pulling operating surface. It has a first rib provided within the concave portion, connecting the front wall portion and the tension operation surface portion, and extending in a planar direction perpendicular to the virtual pivot center axis direction. The input device according to feature 2.

9. The first ribs are provided in pairs on the front wall portion, spaced apart in the direction of the virtual pivot center axis. The input device according to feature 8.

10. The aforementioned knob is The front wall portion has a second rib that extends in a planar direction perpendicular to the virtual pivot center axis direction, with its end face forming the first inclined surface portion of the base. The input device according to feature 2.

11. The aforementioned panel member is The knob has a mechanical stopper that extends toward the first inclined surface and contacts the first inclined surface of the knob when the knob swings by a predetermined amount due to a pulling operation on the pulling surface. The input device according to feature 8.

12. A through-hole is formed in the front wall portion of the knob to drain water that has been caught in the gap between the operating portion and the opening in the upper surface of the panel to the outside of the knob. The input device according to feature 2.

13. The knob has a pair of side walls perpendicular to the axis of the virtual pivot center, and through holes are formed in the side walls to drain water that has fallen into the gap between the operating part and the opening on the upper surface of the panel to the outside of the knob. The input device according to feature 2.

14. The panel member has a first opposing surface portion that is provided on the inner wall constituting the opening, facing the operating portion of the knob, and is formed in a direction that intersects the upper surface portion of the panel at an oblique angle. The operating portion of the knob has, in the neutral position, a second opposing surface that is parallel to the first opposing surface with a minute gap between them. The input device according to feature 1.

15. The pressing operation surface portion has a planar shape and is provided parallel to the upper surface portion of the panel in the neutral state. The input device according to feature 1.

16. Housing and A panel member covering the aforementioned housing, A knob operated by the operator, When the knob is pressed beyond a predetermined amount, a contact generates a signal. Equipped with, The aforementioned panel member is The upper surface of the panel has a planar shape, An opening formed on the upper surface of the panel, which exposes at least a portion of the knob, It has, The aforementioned knob is A base having a virtual pivot axis supported by the housing, covered by the upper surface of the panel, and pivoting around the virtual pivot axis, A front wall portion provided on the base and extending from the side of the base toward the opening, An operating section provided on the front wall, exposed through the opening, and receiving operating force from the operator, It has, The side of the operating section facing the virtual pivot axis has the same curvature as the side surface of a cylinder centered on the virtual pivot axis, and has a curved shape that overlaps with the side surface of the cylinder. An input device characterized by the following features.

17. Housing and A panel member covering the aforementioned housing, It comprises a knob operated by the operator, The aforementioned panel member is The upper surface of the panel has a planar shape, The panel has an opening formed on the upper surface that exposes at least a portion of the knob, The knob has a virtual pivot axis supported by the housing, and a base that is covered by the upper surface of the panel and pivots around the virtual pivot axis. The aforementioned base is, A first inclined surface is inclined in such a direction that the distance from the panel's upper surface increases as the distance from the opening decreases relative to the panel's upper surface, It has a second inclined portion that is inclined in a direction in which the distance from the upper surface of the panel increases as the distance from the opening increases relative to the upper surface of the panel. An input device characterized by the following features.

18. When the knob is pressed by a predetermined amount or more, a contact that generates a signal and Equipped with, The aforementioned knob is A front wall portion provided on the base and extending from the side of the base toward the opening, An operating section provided on the front wall, exposed through the opening, and receiving operating force from the operator, has The input device according to feature 17.

Images