Input device

Abstract

To provide an input device having no operating knob lateral sliding structure provided on a back side of a touch panel display.SOLUTION: An input device is provided, comprising an operating knob 21 disposed on a front surface 11a of a touch panel display 11, a design member 12 provided at one end of the touch panel display 11 in a longitudinal direction, and a lateral sliding rail 13 provided within the design member 12 to support the operating knob 21 in such a way that the operating knob is slidable in a lateral direction of the touch panel display 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with in-vehicle devices such as navigation devices, audio devices, and center displays. As an input device for such in-vehicle devices, an operation knob (hereinafter referred to as an operation knob) is often adopted for the purpose of reducing the line-of-sight movement of passengers during driving. Such a conventional input device is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operation knob is supported so as to be slidable horizontally on the front surface of a display (hereinafter referred to as a "touch panel display") integrated with a capacitive touch panel. Since this operation knob needs to move along the curved edge of the design member, it is supported using a pendulum-type horizontal slide structure.

[0005] However, since the above horizontal slide structure is provided on the back surface of the touch panel display, the thickness of the input device is increased. As a result, in the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, there are restrictions on its installation position.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an input device in which a horizontal slide of an operation knob is not provided on the back surface of a touch panel display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The input device relating to this disclosure is positioned on the front of a touch panel display. The vertical end of the touch panel display is inserted. An operating knob, a design element provided at one end of the touch panel display in the vertical direction, and a design element It is covered from the front and positioned hidden on the back side of the design member. It also includes a lateral slide rail that supports the operating knob so that it can slide horizontally across the touch panel display. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, the input device does not have a lateral sliding structure for the operation knob on the back of the touch panel display. As a result, the input device can have greater flexibility in its installation position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the input device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of the input device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2A is a front view of the input device. Figure 2B is a side view of the input device. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the operating knob according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the operating knob according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the operating knob according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a perspective view with the control knob in the center position. Figure 6B is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 6A. [Figure 7] Figure 7A shows the operating knob when it has moved slightly vertically from its center position. Figure 7B is a close-up view of the main part of Figure 7A. [Figure 8] Figure 8A shows the operating knob when it has moved slightly laterally from its center position. Figure 8B is a close-up view of the main part of Figure 8A. [Figure 9]Perspective view of the operation knob according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] Exploded perspective view of the operation knob according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11A is a perspective view when the operation knob is disposed at the center position. FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 12A is a view when the operation knob is slightly moved vertically from the center position. FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13] FIG. 13A is a view when the operation knob is slightly moved horizontally from the center position. FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 13A.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1. The operation knob 21 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of the operation knob 21 according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] The input device according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 assumes an input device for in-vehicle equipment mounted on a vehicle. The in-vehicle equipment is, for example, a navigation device, an audio device, a center display, and the like. Such an input device is provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat on the dashboard in the vehicle interior. Therefore, the input device can receive operation inputs from the driver in the driver's seat and the passenger in the passenger seat (hereinafter referred to as "user").

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the input device is a device that is long in the vertical direction as a whole. Also, the input device is installed with the vertical direction aligned with the up-and-down direction. The input device includes a touch panel display 11, a design member 12, a horizontal slide rail 13, and an operation knob 21.

[0015] The touch panel display 11 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The touch panel display 11 has its long side arranged in the vertical direction. The touch panel display 11 is integrated by overlapping a capacitive touch panel and a display. A frame 11b is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the touch panel display 11. Also, the front surface 11a of the touch panel display 11 constitutes a touch operation surface and is capable of receiving a touch operation from the user.

[0016] The design member 12 is attached to the lower part which is one end in the vertical direction of the touch panel display 11. Also, the design member 12 is arranged on the front side of the touch panel display 11. The design member 12 is a member that extends in the horizontal direction of the input device. The length of the design member 12 is longer than the length of the lower side of the touch panel display 11.

[0017] The horizontal slide rail 13 is a member that extends in the horizontal direction (width direction) of the input device. The horizontal slide rail 13 is attached to the design member 12 and is arranged on the back surface side of the design member 12. For this reason, the horizontal slide rail 13 is covered from the front by the design member 12 and is hidden on the back surface side of the design member 12.

[0018] The operation knob 21 moves horizontally, vertically, or horizontally relative to the touch panel display 11 by the user's movement operation. The operation knob 21 also rotates when the user rotates it. Furthermore, the operation knob 21 makes contact with the front surface 11a of the touch panel display 11 when the user pushes it in. This operation knob 21 is supported so as to be able to slide horizontally on the horizontal slide rail 13. This operation knob 21 can be retracted to the left or right side to a position where it does not overlap with the front surface 11a of the touch panel display 11.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the operating knob 21 will be described using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the operating knob 21 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the operating knob 21 according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the operating knob 21 includes an operating member 31, a connecting member 32, a lateral movable member 33, a vertical movable member 34, a fixing member 35, leaf springs (first biasing members) 36a, 36b, leaf springs (second biasing members) 37a, 37b, a retaining member 38, and a lateral sliding member 39.

[0021] The operating member 31 is the part that the user grips when operating the operating knob 21. This operating member 31 has a support portion 31a and a rotating operating portion 31b. The support portion 31a rotatably supports the rotating operating portion 31b. This rotating operating portion 31b is formed in an annular shape.

[0022] The connecting member 32 connects the operating member 31 described above with the lateral movable member 33, which will be described later. The operating member 31 and the connecting member 32 are connected using a long screw 41, a sleeve 42, and a nut 43. The connecting member 32 and the lateral movable member 33 are fixed to each other using a screw 44.

[0023] The long screw 41 is inserted from the upper side of the support portion 31a of the operating member 31. The nut 43 is positioned on the lower side of the lateral movable member 33, and the long screw 41 is tightened onto the nut 43. At this time, the sleeve 42 is sandwiched between the support portion 31a of the operating member 31 and the lateral movable member 33. The long screw 41 passes through this sleeve 42. As a result, a gap equal to the length of the sleeve 42 is formed between the operating member 31 and the lateral movable member 33. The lower part of the touch panel display 11 is inserted into this gap. Therefore, the operating knob 21 functions as a push button when the rotary operating portion 31b of the operating member 31 is pressed toward the front surface 11a of the touch panel display 11, making contact with the front surface 11a.

[0024] The lateral movable member 33 is supported so as to be movable laterally relative to the vertical movable member 34. This lateral movable member 33 has a lateral sliding groove 33a (see Figure 5B). The lateral sliding groove 33a is formed on the lower surface of the lateral movable member 33. This lateral sliding groove 33a extends laterally.

[0025] The vertically movable member 34 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the fixed member 35. This vertically movable member 34 has a horizontal guide portion 34a and a vertical sliding portion 34b.

[0026] The lateral guide portion 34a is formed in a convex shape on the upper surface of the vertically movable member 34. This lateral guide portion 34a extends in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the lateral guide portion 34a can be fitted into the lateral sliding groove 33a of the laterally movable member 33. Therefore, the lateral guide portion 34a can support the lateral sliding groove 33a so that it can slide in the lateral direction. In other words, the vertically movable member 34 supports the laterally movable member 33 so that it can move in the lateral direction.

[0027] The leaf springs 36a and 36b are elastic members that can be elastically deformed. The leaf springs 36a and 36b are provided between the lateral movable member 33 and the vertical movable member 34. The base ends of the leaf springs 36a and 36b are fixed to the vertical movable member 34 using screws 45. At this time, the tip of leaf spring 36a abuts against the lateral movable member 33, biasing the lateral movable member 33 toward the right in the lateral direction. Similarly, the tip of leaf spring 36b abuts against the lateral movable member 33, biasing the lateral movable member 33 toward the left in the lateral direction. Therefore, the lateral movable member 33 is positioned at the lateral center position on the vertical movable member 34 by the biasing forces from both sides of the leaf springs 36a and 36b in the lateral direction.

[0028] The vertical sliding portion 34b is formed in a convex shape on the lower surface of the vertically movable member 34. This vertical sliding portion 34b extends in the vertical direction.

[0029] The fixing member 35 is fixed to the lateral sliding member 39 using screws 48. This fixing member 35 has a vertical guide groove 35a.

[0030] The vertical guide groove 35a is formed on the upper surface of the fixed member 35. This vertical guide groove 35a extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the vertical guide groove 35a can be fitted with the vertical sliding portion 34b of the vertically movable member 34. Therefore, the vertical guide groove 35a can support the vertical sliding portion 34b so that it can slide in the vertical direction. In other words, the fixed member 35 supports the vertically movable member 34 so that it can move in the vertical direction.

[0031] The leaf springs 37a and 37b are elastic members that can be elastically deformed. The leaf springs 37a and 37b are provided between the vertically movable member 34 and the fixed member 35. The base ends of the leaf springs 37a and 37b are fixed to the fixed member 35 using screws 46. At this time, the tip of leaf spring 37a abuts against the vertically movable member 34, biasing the vertically movable member 34 downward in the vertical direction. The tip of leaf spring 37b abuts against the vertically movable member 34, biasing the vertically movable member 34 upward in the vertical direction. Therefore, the vertically movable member 34 is positioned at the vertical center position on the fixed member 35 by the biasing forces from both sides in the vertical direction of the leaf springs 37a and 37b.

[0032] The retaining member 38 holds the lateral movable member 33 and the vertical movable member 34 by pressing them down from above. This retaining member 38 contacts the upper surface of the lateral movable member 33 and is fixed to the fixing member 35 using screws 47.

[0033] The lateral sliding member 39 is supported so as to be able to slide laterally relative to the lateral sliding rail 13.

[0034] Next, the operation of the control knob 21 will be explained using Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 shows the control knob 21 in the center position. Figure 7 shows the control knob 21 moved a small distance vertically from the center position. Figure 8 shows the control knob 21 moved a small distance horizontally from the center position.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, when the user does not move the operating knob 21 in the lateral or vertical direction, the lateral movable member 33 and the vertical movable member 34 are positioned at the center of the operating knob 21 relative to each other. Specifically, the lateral movable member 33 is positioned at the center by the biasing force of the leaf springs 36a and 36b. Similarly, the vertical movable member 34 is positioned at the center by the biasing force of the leaf springs 37a and 37b.

[0036] Furthermore, even when the user slides the operating knob 21 horizontally, the horizontally movable member 33 and the vertically movable member 34 are positioned at the center of the operating knob 21 relative to each other. When the user slides the operating knob 21 horizontally, the operating force applied by the user to the operating knob 21 is large, while when the user moves the operating knob 21 horizontally and vertically, the operating force applied by the user to the operating knob 21 is small.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7, when a user applies a small operating force to the operating knob 21 in the vertical direction (for example, upward), the vertical movable member 34 moves upward from the center position against the biasing force of the leaf spring 37a, together with the horizontal movable member 33. That is, the vertical sliding portion 34b of the vertical movable member 34 moves upward along the vertical guide groove 35a of the fixed member 35. When the user releases the small operating force, the vertical movable member 34 returns to the center position from the upward direction due to the biasing force of the leaf spring 37a, together with the horizontal movable member 33. That is, the vertical sliding portion 34b of the vertical movable member 34 moves upward along the vertical guide groove 35a of the fixed member 35 and returns to the center position.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, when a user applies a small operating force to the operating knob 21 in the lateral direction (for example, to the left), the lateral movable member 33 moves from the center position to the left against the biasing force of the leaf spring 36a without moving the vertical movable member 34. That is, the lateral sliding groove 33a of the lateral movable member 33 moves to the left along the lateral guide portion 34a of the vertical movable member 34. When the user releases the small operating force, the lateral movable member 33 returns to the center position from the left due to the biasing force of the leaf spring 36a without moving the vertical movable member 34. That is, the lateral sliding groove 33a of the lateral movable member 33 moves from the left along the lateral guide portion 34a of the vertical movable member 34 and returns to the center position.

[0039] As described above, the input device according to Embodiment 1 comprises an operation knob 21 positioned on the front surface 11a of the touch panel display 11, a design member 12 provided at one vertical end of the touch panel display 11, and a lateral slide rail 13 provided within the design member 12 to support the operation knob 21 so that it can slide laterally across the touch panel display 11. Therefore, the input device does not have a lateral sliding structure for the operation knob 21 on the back surface of the touch panel display 11. As a result, the input device can have greater flexibility in its installation position.

[0040] Furthermore, the operation knob 21 according to Embodiment 1 includes an operation member 31 positioned with a gap between it and the front surface 11a of the touch panel display 11, a lateral slide member 39 supported so as to be slidable on a lateral slide rail 13, a fixing member 35 fixed to the lateral slide member 39, a vertical movable member 34 supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the fixing member 35, a lateral movable member 33 connected to the operation member 31 and supported so as to be horizontally movable relative to the vertical movable member 34, a retaining member 38 that holds the lateral movable member 33 and the vertical movable member 34, leaf springs 36a and 36b provided on the vertical movable member 34 that bias the lateral movable member 33 toward the center position of the operation knob 21, and leaf springs 37a and 37b provided on the fixing member 35 that bias the vertical movable member 34 toward the center position of the operation knob 21. As a result, the input device can move the operation knob 21 in small increments in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0041] Embodiment 2. The operation knob 22 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. The input device according to Embodiment 2 is equipped with an operation knob 22 in place of the operation knob 21 of the input device according to Embodiment 1. Components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0042] The configuration of the operating knob 22 will be explained using Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the operating knob 22 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the operating knob 22 according to Embodiment 2.

[0043] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the operating knob 22 comprises an operating member 31, a connecting member 32, a lateral sliding member 39, a cover member 51, a vertically movable member 52, a laterally movable member 53, a support member 54, a fixing member 55, and an elastic rubber (biasing member) 56.

[0044] The cover member 51 covers and protects the vertically movable member 52, the horizontally movable member 53, the support member 54, and the elastic rubber 56, which will be described later. This cover member 51 is formed in a circular shape. The cover member 51 also has two vertical openings 51a and two horizontal openings 51b. The vertical openings 51a and horizontal openings 51b open into the annular side wall of the cover member 51 and are arranged alternately at approximately 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction of the side wall. The two vertical openings 51a face each other and open in the vertical direction. The two horizontal openings 51b open into each other and open in the horizontal direction. Note that in Figure 10, only one of the vertical openings 51a and horizontal openings 51b is shown.

[0045] The vertically movable member 52 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the horizontally movable member 53. The vertically movable member 52 is attached to the ceiling surface of the cover member 51. The vertically movable member 52 is fixed to the ceiling surface of the cover member 51 using a screw 61. The screw 61 passes through the vertically movable member 52, the cover member 51, and the connecting member 32, and is fastened to a nut 62 on the outside of the connecting member 32. The vertically movable member 52 also has a vertical sliding portion 52a. This vertical sliding portion 52a is provided on the lower surface of the vertically movable member 52 in a convex shape and extends in the vertical direction.

[0046] The lateral movable member 53 is supported by the support member 54 so as to be movable in the lateral direction. This lateral movable member 53 is formed in a substantially circular shape. The lateral movable member 53 also has a vertical projection 53a, a vertical guide groove 53b, a lateral projection 53c, and a lateral sliding groove 53d.

[0047] The vertical projection 53a extends in the vertical direction and protrudes from the outer circumference of the horizontally movable member 53. This vertical projection 53a penetrates the vertical opening 51a of the cover member 51 and is slidably supported within the vertical opening 51a. The vertical guide groove 53b is a groove that forms the upper surface of the vertical projection 53a and extends in the vertical direction. This vertical guide groove 53b engages with the vertical sliding portion 52a of the vertically movable member 52 and supports the vertical sliding portion 52a so that it can slide in the vertical direction.

[0048] The lateral projection 53c extends laterally and protrudes from the outer circumference of the lateral movable member 53. This lateral projection 53c penetrates the lateral opening 51b of the cover member 51 and is slidably supported within the lateral opening 51b. The lateral sliding groove 53d is a groove that forms the lower surface of the lateral projection 53c and extends laterally.

[0049] Specifically, the vertical guide groove 53b is a groove formed on the upper surface of the lateral movable member 53. The lateral sliding groove 53d is a groove formed on the lower surface of the lateral movable member 53. In this case, the vertical projection 53a is positioned higher than the lateral projection 53c.

[0050] The support member 54 is fixed to the fixing member 55 using a screw 63. The screw 63 passes through the support member 54 and fastens to the fixing member 55. The support member 54 also has a lateral guide portion 54a. This lateral guide portion 54a is provided in a convex shape on the upper surface of the support member 54 and extends in the lateral direction. The lateral guide portion 54a can be fitted into the lateral sliding groove 53d of the lateral movable member 53. Therefore, the lateral guide portion 54a can support the lateral sliding groove 53d so that it can slide in the lateral direction.

[0051] The fixing member 55 is secured to the lateral sliding member 39 using screws 64.

[0052] The elastic rubber 56 is an elastic member that can be elastically deformed. This elastic rubber 56 is formed in an annular shape. The inner diameter of the elastic rubber 56 is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the lateral movable member 53. The elastic rubber 56 is provided along the outer circumference of the lateral movable member 53 so as to tighten the outer circumference toward the inside.

[0053] At this time, as shown in Figure 11, the elastic rubber 56 passes above the vertical projection 53a of the lateral movable member 53 and contacts the end face of the vertical sliding portion 52a of the vertical movable member 52. Also, the elastic rubber 56 passes below the lateral projection 53c of the lateral movable member 53 and contacts the end face of the lateral guide portion 54a of the support member 54. Therefore, a biasing force (elastic force) directed radially inward by the elastic rubber 56 acts on the vertical movable member 52, the lateral movable member 53, and the support member 54.

[0054] Next, the operation of the operating knob 22 will be explained using Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 shows the operating knob 22 in the center position. Figure 12 shows the operating knob 22 moved a small distance vertically from the center position. Figure 13 shows the operating knob 22 moved a small distance horizontally from the center position. Note that in Figures 11 to 13, the cover member 51 is removed.

[0055] As shown in Figure 11, when the user does not move the operating knob 22 in the vertical or horizontal direction, the vertically movable member 52 and the horizontally movable member 53 are positioned at the center of the operating knob 22 relative to each other. Specifically, the vertically movable member 52 and the horizontally movable member 53 are positioned at the center by the biasing force of the elastic rubber 56.

[0056] Furthermore, even when the user slides the operating knob 22 horizontally, the vertically movable member 52 and the horizontally movable member 53 are positioned at the center of the operating knob 22 relative to each other. When the user slides the operating knob 22 horizontally, the operating force applied by the user to the operating knob 22 is large, while when the user moves the operating knob 22 vertically and horizontally, the operating force applied by the user to the operating knob 22 is small.

[0057] As shown in Figure 12, when a user applies a small operating force to the operating knob 22 in the vertical direction (for example, upward), the vertical movable member 52 moves upward from the center position against the biasing force of the elastic rubber 56 without moving the horizontal movable member 53. That is, the vertical sliding portion 52a of the vertical movable member 52 moves upward along the vertical guide groove 53b of the horizontal movable member 53. When the user releases the small operating force, the vertical movable member 52 returns to the center position from the upward direction due to the biasing force of the elastic rubber 56 without moving the horizontal movable member 53. That is, the vertical sliding portion 52a of the vertical movable member 52 moves from the upward direction along the vertical guide groove 53b of the horizontal movable member 53 and returns to the center position.

[0058] As shown in Figure 13, when a user applies a small operating force to the operating knob 22 in the lateral direction (for example, to the left), the lateral movable member 53 moves to the left from the center position, in conjunction with the vertical movable member 52, against the biasing force of the elastic rubber 56. That is, the lateral sliding groove 53d of the lateral movable member 53 moves to the left along the lateral guide portion 54a of the support member 54. When the user releases the small operating force, the lateral movable member 53 returns to the center position from the left, in conjunction with the vertical movable member 52, due to the biasing force of the elastic rubber 56. That is, the lateral sliding groove 53d of the lateral movable member 53 moves from the left along the lateral guide portion 54a of the support member 54, returning to the center position.

[0059] As described above, the operation knob 22 according to Embodiment 2 comprises an operation member 31 positioned with a gap between it and the front surface 11a of the touch panel display 11, a horizontal sliding member 39 supported so as to be slidable on a horizontal sliding rail 13, a vertical movable member 52 fixed to the operation member 31, a support member 54 fixed to the horizontal sliding member 39, a horizontal movable member 53 that supports the vertical movable member 52 so as to be movable in the vertical direction and is supported laterally relative to the support member 54, and an elastic rubber 56 provided around the vertical movable member 52, the horizontal movable member 53, and the support member 54, which biases the vertical movable member 52, the horizontal movable member 53, and the support member 54 toward their inward directions. Therefore, the input device can move the operation knob 22 in small increments in both the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, the input device can improve the operability of the operation knob 22.

[0060] Within the scope of this disclosure, it is possible to freely combine the embodiments, modify any component in each embodiment, or omit any component in each embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 11 Touch panel display, 11a Front, 11b Frame, 12 Design member, 13 Horizontal slide rail, 21,22 Operating knob, 31 Operating member, 31a Support part, 31b Rotating operating part, 32 Connecting member, 33 Horizontal movable member, 33a Horizontal sliding groove, 34 Vertical movable member, 34a Horizontal guide part, 34b Vertical sliding part, 35 Fixing member, 35a Vertical guide groove, 36a,36b,37a,37b Leaf spring, 38 Retaining member, 39 Horizontal slide member, 41 Long screw, 42 Sleeve, 43 Nut, 44~48 Screw, 51 Cover member, 51a Vertical opening, 51b Horizontal opening, 52 Vertical movable member, 52a Vertical sliding part, 53 Horizontal movable member, 53a Vertical protrusion, 53b Vertical guide groove, 53c Lateral protrusion, 53d lateral sliding groove, 54 support member, 54a lateral guide part, 55 fixing member, 56 elastic rubber, 61 screw, 62 nut, 63, 64 screws.

Claims

1. An operating knob positioned on the front of the touch panel display, into which one vertical end of the touch panel display is inserted, A decorative element provided at one end in the vertical direction of the aforementioned touch panel display, The system includes a lateral slide rail that is covered from the front by the design member and hidden on the back side of the design member, and which supports the operation knob so that it can slide laterally across the touch panel display. An input device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned operating knob is An operating member is positioned with a gap between it and the front surface of the touch panel display, A lateral sliding member supported so as to be slidable on the aforementioned lateral sliding rail, A fixing member fixed to the aforementioned lateral sliding member, A vertically movable member is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the fixed member, A lateral movable member is connected to the aforementioned operating member and is supported so as to be movable in the lateral direction relative to the aforementioned vertical movable member, A retaining member that holds the vertically movable member and the horizontally movable member, A first biasing member is provided on the vertically movable member and biases the horizontally movable member toward the center position of the operating knob, The fixed member is provided with a second biasing member that biases the vertically movable member toward the center position of the operating knob. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

3. The vertically movable member moves vertically together with the horizontally movable member. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 2.

4. The first biasing member is, This is a leaf spring whose base end is supported by the vertically movable member, and whose tip contacts the horizontally movable member from both sides in the lateral direction. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 2.

5. The second biasing member is, This is a leaf spring whose base end is supported by the fixed member and whose tip contacts the vertically movable member from both sides in the vertical direction. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 2.

6. The aforementioned operating knob is An operating member is positioned with a gap between it and the front surface of the touch panel display, A lateral sliding member supported so as to be slidable on the aforementioned lateral sliding rail, A vertically movable member fixed to the aforementioned operating member, A support member fixed to the aforementioned lateral sliding member, A vertically movable member is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a horizontally movable member is supported horizontally with respect to the support member, The system comprises a vertically movable member, a horizontally movable member, and a biasing member provided around the support member, which biases the vertically movable member, the horizontally movable member, and the support member toward their respective inward directions. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

7. The lateral movable member moves vertically together with the vertical movable member. The input device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is a feature of the present invention.

8. The biasing member is an annular elastic rubber. The input device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is a feature of the present invention.

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