Input device

Abstract

In the present invention: a panel member has a panel upper surface part and openings; a nob has a base part, a front wall part, and an operation part; the operation part has a pressing operation surface part to be pressed by an operator; when viewed from a virtual pivot center axis direction, in a neutral state of being free from an operating force, the relative position of the pressing operation surface part in the vertical direction with respect to the panel upper surface part is located above the panel upper surface part; when the pressing operation surface part is pressed as the result of an operating force from the neutral state and the pressing operation surface part moves to the same plane as the panel upper surface part, the pressing amount at a contact point by the nob becomes smaller than a prescribed amount, and the contact point is provided at a position where no signal is generated; and when the pressing operation surface part is pressed further as a result of the pressing force and moves below the panel upper surface part, the pressing amount at the contact point by the nob becomes greater than the prescribed amount, and the contact point is provided at a position where a signal is generated.

Description

Input Devices

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

[0002] The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an in-vehicle switch device that includes a switch, a swinging knob, and a panel member, and when the knob swings due to operating force from the user, the switch is pressed, and the signal generated thereby drives an electric mechanism.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-169309 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-202084

[0004] However, in the in-vehicle switch device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the entire top surface of the knob is exposed to the operating surface. In addition, in the in-vehicle switch device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the operating portion of the knob protrudes above the panel member. Therefore, if an unintended force is applied to the operating surface, for example, by a child playing with it, the knob may swing, causing the switch to generate a signal, which may activate the electric mechanism and put the vehicle occupants in danger.

[0005] An input device according to one embodiment includes a housing, a panel member covering the housing, a knob operated by an operator, and a contact point that generates a signal when the knob is pressed by more than a predetermined amount of pressure. The panel member has a panel upper surface portion having a planar shape and an opening formed in the panel upper surface portion that exposes at least a part of the knob. The knob has an imaginary swing center axis supported by the housing, a base portion that is covered by the panel upper surface portion and swings around the imaginary swing center axis, a front wall portion that is provided on the base and extends from below the opening toward the opening, and an operation portion that is provided at an end of the front wall portion and is exposed from the opening to receive an operating force from the operator. The operation unit has a pressure operation surface portion that is pressed by the operator, and when viewed from the direction of the imaginary swing central axis, the relative position of the pressure operation surface portion in the up-down direction with respect to the panel upper surface portion is located above the panel upper surface portion in a neutral state where it is released from the operating force, and when the pressure operation surface portion is pressed by the operating force from the neutral state and transitions to be on the same plane as the panel upper surface portion, the amount of pressure on the contact by the knob becomes smaller than a predetermined amount, and the contact is located in a position where it does not generate a signal, and when the pressure operation surface portion is further pressed by the operating force and transitions downward below the panel upper surface portion, the amount of pressure on the contact by the knob becomes greater than a predetermined amount, and the contact is located in a position where it generates a signal.

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

[0007] 10A cross-sectional view of a knob included in an input device according to an embodiment, taken along the cutting line shown in FIG. 10A perspective view of the external appearance of an input device according to an embodimentA plan view of an input device according to an embodimentA left side view of an input device according to an embodimentA cross-sectional view of an input device according to an embodiment, taken along the A-A cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 2A exploded perspective view of an input device according to an embodimentA cross-sectional view of an input device according to an embodiment, taken along the B-B cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 2A perspective view of the external appearance of a knob included in an input device according to an embodiment, viewed from diagonally above a side view of a housing included in the input device according to the embodiment; a bottom view of a housing included in the input device according to the embodiment; a cross-sectional view illustrating the position of a shaft portion according to the embodiment; a transparent view showing an example of preferred dimensions of the input device according to the embodiment; an upper perspective view of a first modified knob included in the input device according to the embodiment; a top view of a first modified knob included in the input device according to the embodiment; a bottom view of a first modified knob included in the input device according to the embodiment; a cross-sectional view illustrating a second rib included in the first modified knob of the embodiment; a cross-sectional view illustrating a through-hole included in a second modified knob of the embodiment; a cross-sectional view illustrating a through-hole included in a third modified knob of the embodiment;

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, the X-axis direction (a direction perpendicular to the imaginary swing center axis of the knob 130) in the drawings will be defined as the front-to-rear direction, the Y-axis direction (a direction parallel to the imaginary swing center axis of the knob 130) will be defined as the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction (a direction perpendicular to the imaginary swing center axis of the knob 130) will be defined as the up-to-down direction. Note that the positive X-axis direction will be defined as the forward direction, the positive Y-axis direction will be defined as the rightward direction, and the positive Z-axis direction will be defined as the upward direction. These directions indicate relative positional relationships within the device and do not limit the installation direction or operation direction of the device. Any devices that have the same relative positional relationships within the device, even if they have different installation directions or operation directions, are all within the scope of the present invention.

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

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

[0011] 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 side of the X-axis), and two knobs 230 arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the rear side (negative side of the X-axis). The input device 100 can drive four operation targets (e.g., electric power windows) by pressing or pulling up the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230.

[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 box-shaped member made of resin and having a hollow structure with an open bottom. In this embodiment, the housing 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the housing 110 is formed by injection molding. A cover 140 is housed inside the housing 110. Four support portions 111 are provided on the upper part of the housing 110 to swingably support the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230. Each of the four support portions 111 has a plate shape and, when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), has a mountain shape that protrudes upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) from the top surface 110A of the housing 110.

[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 on the front side (positive side of the X axis) of the upper surface 110A of the housing 110, side by side in the left-right direction (Y axis direction). The other two of the four support portions 111 are provided on the rear side (negative side of the X axis) of the upper surface 110A of the housing 110, side by side in the left-right direction (Y axis direction).

[0015] Each support portion 111 has a generally rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Each support portion 111 has a pair of vertical outer wall portions 111A on the left and right that form the rectangular cylindrical shape. Each support portion 111 has a pair of shaft portions 111B that protrude inward from each of the pair of outer wall portions 111A. The shaft portions 111B are cylindrical and fit into bearing holes 131 formed in the knob 130 to support the knob 130 in a swingable manner. The bearing holes 131 are formed in a plate-shaped rib 134C provided on the base 134 of the knob 130. The bearing holes 131 are an example of a "virtual swing center axis." The shaft portions 111B and the bearing holes 131 are arranged parallel to the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). The base 134 of the knob 130 has a sidewall 134E that faces the support 111 of the housing 110 and is provided on the opposite side of the support 111 from the rib 134C. The sidewall 134E is a protective wall that protects the shaft 111B and the bearing hole 131 from external forces and is a structural wall that reinforces the physical strength of the base 134 by being provided over the entire lateral portion of the base 134. The sidewall 134E has a through-hole 131A formed in a position corresponding to the bearing hole 131 in the Y-axis direction. The through-hole 131A is a peephole that facilitates visual inspection of the fit between the shaft 111B and the bearing hole 131 during the assembly process. The through-hole 131A is preferably coaxial with the bearing hole 131. A through-hole 134F that penetrates the base 134 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is formed in the upper part of the base 134. The through-hole 134F is a through-hole penetrating the Z-axis direction and constituted by the rib 134C and the side wall portion 134E. Providing the through-hole 134F facilitates assembly because the rib 134C is more easily deformable. Furthermore, providing the through-hole 134F makes it easier to insert a disassembly tool between the support portion 111 and the rib 134C, for example, if a defect is discovered after assembly and it becomes necessary to disassemble the housing 110 and the knob 130. The upper portion of the base 134 is provided with a through-hole 134G penetrating the base 134 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The through-hole 134G is provided on the cover 140 and serves as a light guide hole for guiding light from a light source (not shown) located below the through-hole 134G.

[0016] Because the support portion 111 and the rib 134C have a plate shape, after assembly, when a strong force is applied to the knob 130 and a high load is placed on 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 fitted state. This makes it difficult for the housing 110 and the knob 130 to disassemble.

[0017] 13 to 15, the support portion 111 of the housing 110 of this embodiment has a mountain shape with an apex when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The shaft portion 111B is provided at the apex of the mountain shape.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, bearing hole 131 is provided at the top of base 134 (the part in the positive direction of the Z axis), and is adjusted so that the distance from panel top surface 121 is as small as possible within the allowable limit of the strength of base 134 and bearing hole 131.

[0019] 7 , the distance between shaft portion 111B of housing 110 and panel top surface portion 121 after assembly is reduced to the limit value at which the distance between through-hole 131A and panel top surface portion 121 does not interfere with base portion 134 and panel top surface portion 121. In other words, the imaginary swing center axis (through-hole 131A) provided in base portion 134 of knob 130 is positioned at the highest position in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) in the space below panel top surface portion 121. In other words, although knob 130 is positioned very close to panel top surface portion 121, first inclined surface portion 134A and second inclined surface portion 134B, which will be described in detail later, are formed at the upper end of base portion 134 of knob 130, so that the swinging knob 130 does not interfere with panel top surface portion 121. This facilitates increasing the vertical (Z-axis) distance from the position where the knob 130 and the actuator 150, which shifts vertically, abut to the push switch 142 without increasing the distance from the panel top surface 121 to the front of the top surface 140A. Therefore, even if 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 151 of the actuator 150-2 can be made closer to the vertical (Z-axis) direction. This allows the operating force to be efficiently transmitted from the knob 130 to the actuator 150-2, facilitating the design of the operating feel and operating load. Furthermore, this reduces the possibility that the force lost during the transmission of the operating force will damage the knob 130. Furthermore, since it is easy to set a small distance between the bearing hole 131 and the second pressing portion 133B in the X-axis direction while maintaining a state in which the operating load does not feel strange due to loss of force, it becomes easier to miniaturize the input device 100 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, since it is easy to adjust the position of the second pressing portion 133B in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) while maintaining a state in which the operating load does not feel strange due to loss of force, it becomes easier to design the operating load when performing a pulling operation. Therefore, for example, by setting the operating load when performing a pressing operation and the operating load when performing a pulling operation to be approximately the same, it becomes easier to design a device that takes into account balance in terms of operating feel.Furthermore, by providing first inclined surface portion 134A and second inclined surface portion 134B, when it becomes difficult for knob 130 and panel top surface portion 121 to cushion each other, it becomes easy to align the angle at which second pressing portion 133B contacts tip portion 151 of actuator 150-1 and the angle at which first pressing portion 133A contacts tip portion 151 of actuator 150-2. This makes it easy to adjust the operating load when pressing operation of operation unit 136 and the operating load when pulling operation of operation unit 136. For example, it becomes easy to align the operating force required for pressing operation and the force required for pulling operation to be the same magnitude.

[0020] The housing 110 has a pair of guide portions 112 arranged side by side in front and behind 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 that extends in the vertical direction.

[0021] The panel member 120 is a box-shaped member made of resin and has a hollow structure. The housing 110 and the base 134 of the knob 130 are disposed inside the hollow structure. In this embodiment, the panel member 120 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 110, two knobs 130, and two knobs 230 are housed inside the panel member 120. 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 that constitutes a console of a driver's seat in a vehicle. In this embodiment, the panel member 120 and the housing 110 are directly in contact with each other and fixed by snap-in connection, but the panel member 120 and the housing 110 may also be fixed indirectly via another member.

[0022] The panel member 120 has a panel upper surface 121 that is flat and parallel to the XY plane. A rectangular opening 122 is formed in the panel upper surface 121 of the panel member 120, with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction). In particular, two openings 122 are formed in the panel upper surface 121, one in front of the other, side by side. The openings 122 are holes into which an operator inserts his or her finger when pulling the operating portion 136 of the knob 130 to operate it. The operating portion 136 of the knob 130 is exposed and positioned at the rear of the opening 122, and receives an operating force from the operator.

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

[0024] Each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230 is a resin member that swings in response to an operating force from an operator. Each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape and a hollow structure. During the assembly process, the support portion 111 of the housing 110 is inserted into the hollow structure from below. Each of the two knobs 130 and the two knobs 230 is disposed above the housing 110 and connected to the corresponding support portion 111 of the housing 110, thereby being supported so as to be swingable relative to the housing 110. Each knob 130 has a bearing hole 131 on each of its left and right side surfaces. Each of the pair of left and right bearing holes 131 is fitted onto a pair of left and right shaft portions 111B provided on the support portion 111, thereby supporting each knob 130 rotatably relative to the housing 110 with the pair of left and right shaft portions 111B serving as a virtual swing center axis. The rotation stroke range of each knob 130 is determined by the mechanical stopper 124 (described in detail below) and the lower end of the stroke of the push switch 142-1. When the knob 130 rotates, the operating 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 located on the left and right sides of the hollow structure. The bearing hole 131 is formed to penetrate the ribs 134C in the Y-axis direction. Each knob 130 also has a front wall portion 135 formed contiguous with the front end portion 134D (an example of a "one end") of the base portion 134. As shown in FIG. 2, the front wall portion 135 closes the positive X-axis side of the knob 130. In this embodiment, the front wall 135 has a plate shape that is approximately parallel to the YZ plane, but the front wall 135 does not necessarily have to have a planar shape. The front wall 135 may, for example, have a partially curved shape, an undulating shape, or a partially wavy shape. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 , the front wall 135 extends from an end 134D on the front (positive X-axis direction) side of the base 134 toward the rear side of the opening 122. An operating unit 136 that extends parallel to the XY plane and accepts operations by an operator is provided at the upper end of the front wall 135.Note that the operating unit 136 preferably extends in a direction intersecting the front wall 135 and parallel to the imaginary swing center axis; the operating unit 136 does not need to extend parallel to the XY plane. If the operating unit 136 extends parallel to the XY plane, the operating unit 136 can be easily viewed from above even when its dimensions are small. In the neutral state, the operating unit 136 is disposed along the rear edge of the opening 122. In other words, the front wall 135 extends substantially upward from the end 134D of the knob 130. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the panel member 120 has a facing portion 121A (an example of a “first facing surface portion”)) that is provided on the negative side of the X-axis of the inner wall 121B that constitutes the opening 122, facing the operating unit 136 of the knob 130 and oriented diagonally intersecting the panel upper surface 121. An operating portion 136 parallel to the panel upper surface 121 is formed at the upper end of the front wall 135 of the knob 130, and is located on the rear side of the opening 122. In other words, the operating portion 136 is located opposite the opposing portion 121A of the panel upper surface 121, which forms the rear side of the opening 122, and is located in front of the opposing portion 121A (positive direction of the X-axis). The operating portion 136 has an opposing portion 136C (an example of a "second opposing surface") located opposite the opposing portion 121A on the negative side of the X-axis. To prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, it is preferable that the distance between the opposing portions 121A and 136C in the neutral state be set as small as possible while maintaining a size sufficient to prevent interference with each other. The opposing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the opposing portion 136C of the knob 130 have planar or curved shapes that are parallel to each other with a small gap between them. The angles of the facing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the facing portion 136C of the knob 130 do not need to be perfectly parallel, and may be misaligned as long as it is within a range that does not interfere with the operation of the knob 130. Furthermore, from the perspective of reducing the distance between the facing portion 121A and the facing portion 136C, it is preferable that the facing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the facing portion 136C of the knob 130 have the same curvature as the side surface of a cylinder centered on the imaginary swing central axis of the knob 130, and have a curved shape that overlaps with the side surface of this cylinder.As shown in FIG. 7 , the facing portion 121A of the panel member 120 and the facing portion 136C of the knob 130 are preferably formed at an angle relative to the plane (XY plane) formed by the panel top surface 121. This reduces the possibility of dust or water entering the device through the through-hole 134G. It also reduces the possibility of the knob 130 becoming stuck due to a foreign object being caught between the knob 130 and the panel top surface 121. 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 this embodiment, the front wall portion 135 has a generally flat shape, but a portion of the front wall portion 135 may have a curved shape.

[0025] A first pressing portion 133A is provided in the internal space 130A of the knob 130, forward (on the positive side of the X axis) of the pair of left and right bearing holes 131. The first pressing portion 133A is a horizontally flat portion facing downward, and abuts against the tip end 151 of the actuator 150-1, and presses the actuator 150-1 when the knob 130 swings downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0026] A second pressing portion 133B is provided in the internal space 130A of the knob 130, rearward (on the negative side of the X axis) of the pair of left and right bearing holes 131. The second pressing portion 133B is a horizontally flat portion facing downward, which abuts against the tip end 151 of the actuator 150-2 and presses the actuator 150-2 when the knob 130 swings upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0027] The cover 140 is a flat, hard resin member that fits into the lower opening 110B of the housing 110 to close the lower opening 110B. When viewed from above, the cover 140 has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). The top surface 140A of the cover 140 functions as a circuit board, and various electronic components are mounted on it. A plurality of engagement claws 141 are provided on the side surfaces of the cover 140.

[0028] The cover 140 is fixed to the housing 110 with its upper surface 140A parallel to the XY plane by engaging the multiple engagement claws 141 with the multiple openings 114 formed in the side surface of the housing 110. In this 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 top surface 140A of the cover 140, below each of the two knobs 130 and two knobs 230, two push switches 142-1 and 142-2 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), with the push switch 142-1 facing forward (positive side of the X-axis). In other words, a total of eight push switches 142 (an example of a "contact pressed by a knob") are arranged on the top surface 140A of the cover 140. The push switches 142 are switch mechanisms that generate a signal when pressed with a predetermined amount of pressure or more. Note that in this embodiment, a tactile switch (registered trademark) is used as an example of the push switch 142; however, the push switch 142 need not be a tactile switch (registered trademark) as long as it is an electrical element that switches when the knob 130 is rotated. The push switch 142 may also be a rubber dome switch. The push switch 142 may also be a double-action tactile switch (registered trademark) incorporating two return members that can be reversed. Furthermore, the contacts of the present application are not limited to those in which a contact member and a reset member are built into the contact mechanism as described above, but may also be a combination of a contact member and a reset member that are configured to interlock. For example, the push switch 142 may be a signal generating mechanism configured by combining a pressure sensor and a reset member. The push switch 142 may be a detection signal generating mechanism configured by combining, for example, a force conversion member that converts the rotational stroke of the knob 130 into a linear stroke parallel to the top surface 140A, a sliding contact mechanism, and a reset member. The push switch 142 may be a signal generating mechanism configured by combining, for example, an optical detection mechanism that includes an infrared sensor or the like and can detect the distance between the knob 130 and the top surface 140A of the cover 140, and a reset member.

[0030] Each of the eight actuators 150 is a cylindrical resin member disposed above the corresponding push switch 142. Each actuator 150 is disposed within 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 within the guide portion 112 so that the curved tip portion 151 faces upward.

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

[0032] The tip 151 of the actuator 150-1 abuts against the first pressing portion 133A of the knob 130, and the bottom surface 152 abuts against the top surface of the push switch 142-1. The tip 151 of the actuator 150-2 abuts against the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130, and the bottom surface 152 abuts against the top surface of the push switch 142-2.

[0033] (Operation of Input Device 100) In input device 100 configured as described above, when knob 130 is not being operated, push switches 142-1 and 142-2 apply equal upward force to first pressing portion 133A and second pressing portion 133B of knob 130 via actuators 150-1 and 150-2, respectively. This allows knob 130 to maintain a neutral state when knob 130 is not being operated.

[0034] When the operator pulls up the operating portion 136 of the knob 130, the knob 130 swings upward, and the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130 presses the push switch 142-2 via the actuator 150-2, causing the push switch 142-2 to switch on and output a detection signal.

[0035] When the operator presses down the operating portion 136 of the knob 130, the knob 130 swings downward, causing the first pressing portion 133A of the knob 130 to press the push switch 142-1 via the actuator 150-1, which switches the push switch 142-1 to the on state and outputs a detection signal.

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

[0037] Here, in the input device 100 according to one 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 that is covered by the panel top surface portion 121 .

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

[0039] The operation unit 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. In a neutral state where the operation unit 136 is released from an operating force, the pressing operation surface portion 136A is provided on the same plane as the panel upper surface portion 121. The pulling operation surface portion 136B is formed on the rear side of the pressing operation surface portion 136A of the operation unit 136 and intersects with the front wall portion 135 to form a concave portion. In other words, the pulling operation surface portion 136B is an interior angle formed by the intersection of the operation unit 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 rear side of the pressing operation surface portion 136A and on the side farther from the virtual swing center axis (through-hole 131A). The first rib 137 is provided in the recessed portion, connects the front wall portion 135 and the pulling operation surface portion 136B, and extends in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the imaginary swing central axis. A pair of first ribs 137 is provided on one edge portion and the other edge portion of the front wall portion 135 in the axial direction of the imaginary swing central axis. In other words, the pair of first ribs 137 is provided on the front wall portion 135 and spaced apart in the direction of the imaginary swing central axis.

[0040] As a result, in the input device 100 of one embodiment, when the operator uses his / her finger to pull up the operation unit 136, the operator's finger can be securely hooked onto the pulling operation surface unit 136B, thereby enabling the operation to be performed reliably.

[0041] In particular, in this embodiment, the operation unit 136 has a generally quarter-circular shape when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), and the pull operation surface 136B, which is the underside of the operation unit 136, is a horizontal surface. As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can prevent the operator's finger from slipping off the pull operation surface 136B when the operator pulls up the operation unit 136 with his / her finger, thereby enabling the operation to be performed more reliably.

[0042] The pressing operation surface 136 A 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 121 of the panel member 120 .

[0043] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can prevent the operation unit 136 from protruding beyond the panel top surface 121, making it difficult for objects to get caught on the operation unit 136, thereby preventing the operation of pulling up the operation unit 136 from being performed incorrectly.

[0044] Note that "on the same plane" does not necessarily mean that the height position of pressing operation surface 136A and the height position of panel top surface 121 are completely the same, but also includes a case where pressing operation surface 136A is slightly higher than the height position of panel top surface 121, or a case where pressing operation surface 136A is slightly lower than the height position of panel top surface 121. In this embodiment, pressing operation surface 136A of knob 130 in the neutral state is positioned 0.1 mm higher in the up-down direction than panel top surface 121. In this embodiment, when pressing operation surface 136A downward to move it 1.4 mm, push switch 142-1 generates a signal when pressed 1.5 mm or more (an example of "a predetermined amount or more"). Therefore, for example, when an operator places their elbow on panel top surface 121, thereby pressing press operation surface 136A and shifting press operation surface 136A by 0.1 mm to the same height as panel top surface 121, push switch 142-1 does not generate a signal because the amount of pressure applied by knob 130 to push switch 142-1 is less than 1.5 mm, which is the predetermined amount for generating a signal. If the height position of press operation surface 136A is originally set to a position lower than the height position of panel top surface 121, press operation surface 136A is not pressed and does not shift even if the operator places their elbow on panel top surface 121, and therefore push switch 142-1 does not generate a signal. In the configuration of this embodiment, the panel top surface 121 covers the top of the base 134 of the knob 130, so when the operator does something like resting their elbow on the panel top surface 121, there is no possibility that the knob 130 will accidentally rotate in the opposite direction to that described above, and there is no risk of the rear push switch 142-2 being pressed.

[0045] Furthermore, when viewed in the axial direction of the imaginary swing central axis of the knob 130 (i.e., the Y-axis direction), the base 134 of the knob 130 has a mountain shape including a first inclined surface 134A that is provided forward (on the positive side of the X-axis) of the imaginary swing central axis (i.e., the bearing hole 131) and inclined downward to the front, and a second inclined surface 134B that is provided rearward (on the negative side of the X-axis) of the imaginary swing central axis (i.e., the bearing hole 131) and inclined downward to the rear. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction of the imaginary swing central axis of the knob 130 (the Y-axis direction), the base 134 has the first inclined surface 134A that is provided closer to the panel upper surface 121 than the imaginary swing central axis of the knob 130 and closer to the opening 122, and is inclined in a direction such that the distance from the panel upper surface 121 increases as the distance from the opening 122 becomes closer to the panel upper surface 121. Furthermore, when viewed from the axial direction of the imaginary swing central axis of knob 130 (the Y-axis direction), base 134 has second sloped surface 134B, which is provided on the panel upper surface 121 side, opposite first sloped surface 134A with respect to the imaginary swing central axis of knob 130, and which is inclined in a direction in which the distance from panel upper surface 121 increases as the distance from opening 122 increases with respect to panel upper surface 121. In this embodiment, first sloped surface 134A has a flat shape, but it is sufficient that the tendency of the inclination with respect to panel upper surface 121 is the same as above, and first sloped surface 134A may have a curved shape. The same applies to second sloped surface 134B.

[0046] As a result, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130 (i.e., the bearing hole 131) can be brought closer to the panel top surface 121 (i.e., the height position of the virtual swing center axis of the knob 130 can be made higher), and since the base 134 has the mountain shape, the base 134 can be prevented from interfering with the panel top surface 121 when the knob 130 swings.

[0047] 5 and 7, the panel upper surface portion 121 of the panel member 120 has a protruding mechanical stopper 124 provided on the underside of the panel upper surface portion 121 (the surface facing the first inclined surface portion 134A of the knob 130) and on the rear side (negative side of the X axis) of the opening 122, protruding toward the first inclined surface portion 134A. The mechanical stopper 124 faces the first inclined surface portion 134A of the base 134 of the knob 130 at a predetermined distance, and comes into contact with the front end portion (positive end portion of the X axis) of the first inclined surface portion 134A when the knob 130 swings upward by a predetermined amount.

[0048] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can restrict the amount of upward swing of the knob 130 to a predetermined amount. Furthermore, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can efficiently transmit the restraining force of the mechanical stopper 124 to the operator's finger by abutting the mechanical stopper 124 against the front end of the first inclined surface 134A of the base 134 (i.e., near the operating unit 136), thereby preventing the entire knob 130 from bending and therefore preventing damage to the knob 130.

[0049] 8 and 9 , the knob 130 has a pair of first ribs 137 provided at a corner 138 formed by the front wall 135 and the operating portion 136, at both ends in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaginary swing center axis of the knob 130. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first rib 137 has a vertical, approximately triangular plate shape, with an upper side connected to the operating portion 136 and a rear side connected to the front wall 135.

[0050] As a result, the input device 100 according to an embodiment can increase the strength of the operation unit 136 and prevent damage to the operation unit 136. Furthermore, the input device 100 according to an embodiment provides the pair of first ribs 137 at both ends in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) of the imaginary swing center axis of the knob 130. Therefore, when the operator pulls up the operation unit 136 with his / her fingers, the operator can insert his / her fingers between the pair of first ribs 137, preventing the pair of first ribs 137 from interfering with the operation. The corner 138 formed by the front wall 135 and the operation unit 136 is an example of a "concave portion" and is an acute angle. In other words, the interior angle formed by the intersection of the operation unit 136 and the front wall 135 on the back side (negative Z-axis side) of the operation unit 136 and on the side farther from the imaginary swing center axis of the knob 130 (positive X-axis side) 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 operating portion 136 resembles the Arabic numeral "7."

[0051] 16 is a perspective view showing an example of suitable dimensions of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. The dotted lines in the drawing of Fig. 16 indicate the positions of the base 134 disposed below the panel upper surface portion 121 and its rear end portion 134H.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 16 , width L1 represents the dimension of the operation unit 136 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction), and width L2 represents the dimension obtained by subtracting the width of the operation unit 136 from the overall dimension of the knob 130. Furthermore, width L3 represents the dimension obtained by subtracting L1 from the dimension of the opening 122 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). Width L1 is preferably set to the minimum dimension required for an average adult male to comfortably press the operation unit 136 with his fingertip. Width L3 is set to the dimension required for an adult male to insert his fingertip into the opening 122 when performing a pulling operation. Width L2 is set taking into consideration widths L1, L3, the operating load during a pressing operation, the operating load during a pulling operation, and the condition that the rear end 134H of the base 134 does not interfere with the front end 122A of the panel member 120. Considering the general market trend toward smaller input devices, width L2 is preferably set as small as possible.

[0053] In this embodiment, the width L1 of the operation unit 136 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) is 6 mm. Furthermore, the width L2, calculated by subtracting the dimensions of the operation unit 136 from the overall dimensions of the knob 130 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction), is 12 mm. That is, the ratio of the width L1 of the operation unit 136 to the width L2, calculated by subtracting the dimensions of the operation unit 136 from the overall dimensions of the 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 ratio, if the value of the width L1 is 1, the value of the width L2 is preferably between 1.8 and 2.2. Setting the width L2 to 10 mm or less makes it difficult to set the operating loads for pressing and pulling operations to approximately the same magnitude, resulting in an unbalanced operational feel. Setting the width L2 to 14 mm or more results in an input device that is too large. In the input device 100 of this embodiment, the base 134 has the first inclined surface 134A and the second inclined surface 134B, so that the width L2 can be easily set to a suitable value.

[0054] In this embodiment, the dimension (width L3) of the opening 122 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) minus the width L1 is 22 mm. That is, the ratio of the dimension L3 (28 mm) of the opening 122 minus the width L1 to the dimension L1 of the operation unit 136 is 22:6. In light of the market need for compactness, it is preferable that the width L3 be set as small as possible while still allowing an adult male to insert his fingertip into the opening 122. Meanwhile, when an operator operates the input device 100 by touch without visually inspecting it, it is preferable that the shape from the front end 122A to the connecting portion 123A have a curved shape with a predetermined radius of curvature so that the operator can easily find the operation position by touch. A curved shape from the front end 122A to the connecting portion 123A makes it easier for the operator to find the operation unit 136 by touch. If no curved surface is formed from the front end 122A to the connecting portion 123A, the minimum required dimension for the width L3 is 11 mm. The width L3 is set to a large value depending on the radius of curvature of the curved surface provided at the connecting 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 dimensional ratios, if the value of the width L1 is 1, the value of the width L3 is preferably between 1.8 and 3.7.

[0055] (First Modification of Knob 130) Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of a first modification of the knob 130 included in the input device according to an embodiment. Fig. 18 is a top view of the first modification of the knob 130 included in the input device according to an embodiment. Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the first modification of the knob 130 included in the input device according to an embodiment. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second rib 238 included in the first modification of the knob 130 according to an embodiment.

[0056] The knob 230 shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 is a first variation of the knob 130 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 , the knob 230 has a second rib 238 extending parallel to the XZ plane from the front wall portion 235 toward the negative X-axis direction. The upper end face (positive Z-axis side) of the second rib 238 forms a first inclined surface 234A. When viewed from the Y-axis direction of the knob 230, the first inclined surface 234A is located on the positive X-axis side of the imaginary pivot axis of the base 234 of the knob 230 (i.e., the bearing hole 231). The knob 230 also has a second inclined surface 234B that is located rearward (negative X-axis side) of the imaginary pivot axis of the base 234 (i.e., the bearing hole 131) and is inclined downward toward the rear. 17 to 20, the knob 230 has four second ribs 238 arranged in the Y-axis direction. Each of the four second ribs 238 forms a wall perpendicular to the axial direction of the imaginary swing central axis (the Y-axis direction).

[0057] This allows the knob 230 to reinforce the front wall portion 235 and the base portion 234, and makes it possible to suppress deformation of the front wall portion 235 when the operating portion 236 receives an operation.

[0058] The knob 230 has a configuration superior in productivity to other embodiments of the present application. The directions parallel to the XZ plane (W1 direction, W2 direction) shown in FIG. 20 are the directions in which a mold is removed when manufacturing the knob 230 using a resin molding method. All shapes constituting the knob 230, excluding the bearing hole 231, do not collide with the mold removal direction (W1 direction, W2 direction). To reduce the labor force required to remove the mold, all shapes constituting the knob 230, excluding the bearing hole 231, are preferably designed to intersect obliquely with the mold removal direction (W1 direction, W2 direction shown in FIG. 20). When viewed from the axial direction of the virtual swing central axis (Y-axis direction), the interior angle formed by the intersection of the operating portion 236 and the front wall portion 235 is set to an acute angle. Furthermore, when viewed from the axial direction of the virtual swing central axis (Y-axis direction), the interior angle formed by the intersection of the front wall portion 235 and the first slope portion 234A is set to an acute angle. When viewed in the axial direction of the imaginary swing center axis (Y-axis direction), the operating portion 236, the front wall portion 235, and the first inclined surface portion 234A form a shape similar to the letter "Z."

[0059] (Modification 2 of Knob 130) FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a through-hole in Modification 2 of knob 130 according to an embodiment. Knob 330 shown in FIG. 21 is Modification 2 of knob 130 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21 , knob 330 has through-hole 335A penetrating front wall portion 335, closer to operation portion 336 than end portion 334D of front wall portion 335. This allows knob 330 to discharge water that has entered between front wall portion 335 and first slope portion 334A through through-hole 335A. In other words, through-hole 335A is formed in front wall portion 335 of knob 330 to discharge water that has entered through a gap between operation portion 336 and panel top surface portion 121 to the outside of knob 330.

[0060] (Third Modification of Knob 130) FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a through-hole in a third modification of the knob 130 according to an embodiment. The knob 430 shown in FIG. 22 is the third modification of the knob 130 according to an embodiment. The knob 430 has a pair of side walls 434E arranged perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 22, the knob 430 has a through-hole 434I penetrating the side walls 434E closer to the operating unit 436 than the end 434D of the side walls 434E. This allows the knob 430 to discharge water that has entered between the wall 435 and the first inclined surface 434A through the through-hole 434I. In other words, the side walls 434E perpendicular to the imaginary swing central axis direction (Y-axis direction) of the knob 430 have a through-hole 434I for discharging water that has entered through a gap between the operating unit 436 and the panel upper surface 121 to the outside of the knob 430.

[0061] (Modifications of the Input Device 100) FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of an input device 500 including a fourth modification of the knob 130 according to an embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the fourth modification 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 illuminated display function. As shown in FIG. 24 , the knob 530 of the input device 500 does not have a through-hole for light guide in the base 534. The first sloped surface 534A and the second sloped surface 534B are continuous, so the base 534 is structurally stronger than the bases of other embodiments. Therefore, there is ample structural strength, particularly around the second sloped surface 534B. Therefore, even if the rear end 534H of the base 534 is dimensionally shortened forward, the risk of the periphery of the second sloped surface 534B being damaged is reduced. That is, the dimension of the base 534 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) can be reduced, thereby reducing the dimension of the input device 500. Furthermore, the size of the outer contour of the panel top surface 121 of the input device 100 in a plan view is the same as the outer contour of the entire panel member 120, but the size of the outer contour of the panel top surface 521 (an example of a "panel top surface") of the input device 500 in a plan view is smaller than the size of the outer contour of the panel member 520. The other configurations of the input device 500 are the same as those of the input device 100.

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

[0063] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-000829, filed on January 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] 100, 100-2 Input device 110 Housing 110A Top 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 portion 121A Opposing portion 122 Opening 123 Bottom wall portion 124 Mechanical stopper 130 Knob 130A Internal space 131 Bearing hole 133A First pressing portion 133B Second pressing portion 134 Base portion 134A First inclined portion 134B Second inclined portion 134C Rib 134D End portion (one end) 134E Side wall portion 134F Through hole 134G Through hole 134H Rear end portion 135 Front wall portion 136 Operation portion 136A Press operation surface portion 136B Pull operation surface portion 136C Opposing portion 137 First rib 138 Corner portion 140 Cover 140A Upper surface 141 Engagement claw 142, 142-1, 142-2 Push switch (contact point) 150, 150-1, 150-2 Actuator 151 Tip portion 152 Lower surface 230 Knob 234A First inclined surface portion 234D End portion (one end) 235 Front wall portion 238 Second rib 330 Knob 335 Front wall portion 334A First inclined surface portion 334D End portion (one end) 335A Through hole 338 Second rib 430 Knob 434E Side wall portion 434I Through hole 500 Input device 530 Knob 534 Base portion 534A First inclined portion 534B Second inclined portion 534H Rear end portion

Claims

1. A housing, a panel member covering the housing, a knob operated by an operator, and a contact that generates a signal when pressed by the knob by a predetermined pressing amount or more, wherein 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 pressed by the operator, and 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 the predetermined amount, and the contact is provided at a position where the signal is not generated, and 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 equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, and the contact is provided at a position where the signal is generated. An input device characterized by the above.

2. The base portion has a first inclined surface portion provided on the side of the panel upper surface portion closer to the opening than the virtual swing center axis and inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel upper surface portion increases as the distance from the opening to the panel upper surface portion decreases when viewed from the direction of the virtual swing center axis, and a second inclined surface portion provided on the side opposite to the first inclined surface portion in the front-rear direction with respect to the virtual swing center axis and inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel upper surface portion increases as the distance from the opening to the panel upper surface portion increases when viewed from the direction of the virtual swing center axis. The input device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein an inner angle formed by the intersection of the operation unit and the front wall unit on the back surface side of the pressing operation surface portion of the operation unit and on the side far from the virtual swing center axis is an acute angle when viewed from the direction of the virtual swing center axis.

4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein when the value of the width of the operation unit in the front-rear direction is set to 1, the value of the dimension obtained by subtracting the dimension of the width of the operation unit from the overall dimension of the knob in the front-rear direction is between 1.8 and 2.

2.

5. The input device according to claim 4, wherein when the width of the operation unit in the front-rear direction is 6 mm, the dimension obtained by subtracting the dimension of the width of the operation unit from the overall dimension of the knob in the front-rear direction is 12 mm.

6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein when the value of the width of the operation unit in the front-rear direction is set to 1, the value of the dimension obtained by subtracting the dimension of the width of the operation unit from the overall dimension of the opening in the front-rear direction is between 1.8 and 3.

7.

7. The input device according to claim 6, wherein when the width of the operation unit in the front-rear direction is 6 mm, the dimension obtained by subtracting the dimension of the width of the operation unit from the overall dimension of the opening in the front-rear direction is 22 mm.

8. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the knob forms a concave portion on the back surface side of the pressing operation surface portion of the operation unit and on the side far from the virtual swing center axis at an inner angle formed by the intersection of the operation unit and the front wall unit when viewed from the direction of the virtual swing center axis, and forms a pulling operation surface portion, and has a first rib provided in the concave portion and connecting the front wall unit and the pulling operation surface portion and extending in a plane direction perpendicular to the direction of the virtual swing center axis.

9. The input device according to claim 8, wherein a pair of the first ribs are provided on the front wall unit at intervals in the direction of the virtual swing center axis.

10. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the knob has a second rib provided on the front wall unit and extending in a plane direction perpendicular to the direction of the virtual swing center axis, and an end surface thereof forms the first inclined surface portion of the base portion.

11. The panel member has a mechanical stopper that extends toward the first inclined surface portion of the knob and abuts against the first inclined surface portion of the knob when the knob swings by a predetermined amount by a pulling operation on the pulling operation surface portion. The input device according to claim 8, characterized in that.

12. A through hole for draining water that has entered from the gap between the operation portion and the opening portion of the panel upper surface portion to the outside of the knob is formed in the front wall portion of the knob. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

13. The knob has a pair of side wall portions perpendicular to the direction of the virtual swing center axis, and through holes for draining water that has entered from the gap between the operation portion and the opening portion of the panel upper surface portion to the outside of the knob are formed in the side wall portions. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

14. The panel member is provided opposite to the operation portion of the knob on the inner wall constituting the opening portion, and has a first opposing surface portion formed in a direction obliquely intersecting the panel upper surface portion. The operation portion of the knob has a second opposing surface portion that is parallel to the first opposing surface portion with a minute gap in the neutral state. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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

16. 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 pressed by the knob by 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 that exposes at least a part of the knob. The knob has a virtual swing center axis supported by the housing, a base portion that is covered by the panel upper surface portion and swings around the virtual swing center axis, a front wall portion provided on the base portion and extending from the side of the opening portion of the base portion toward the opening portion, and an operation portion provided on the front wall portion, exposed from the opening portion, and receiving an operating force from the operator. The side of the operation portion on the side of the virtual swing center axis has the same curvature as the side surface of a cylinder centered on the virtual swing center axis and has a curved surface shape that overlaps the side surface of the cylinder. An input device, characterized in that.

17. A housing, a panel member covering the housing, a knob operated by an operator, and a contact that generates a signal when pressed by the knob by a predetermined pressing amount or more, wherein 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 the side of the base portion on the opening side toward the opening, and an operation portion provided on the front wall portion, exposed from the opening, and receiving an operating force from the operator; the base portion has, when viewed from the virtual swing center axis direction, a first inclined surface portion provided on the side of the panel upper surface portion and closer to the opening than the virtual swing center axis and inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel upper surface portion increases as the distance from the opening to the panel upper surface portion decreases, and a second inclined surface portion provided on the side opposite to the first inclined surface portion in the front-rear direction with respect to the virtual swing center axis and inclined in a direction in which the distance from the panel upper surface portion increases as the distance from the opening to the panel upper surface portion increases. An input device characterized by the above.

Images