JP2011065940A - Press-operation type input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide "a press-operation type input device" in which an arbitrary push switch can be press-operated appropriately even if a user does not keep an eye on hands. <P>SOLUTION: In an input device 11 in which respective operation keys 2 of a plurality of numbers of push switches 1 are exposed at the front face plate 8a and arranged in rows, contact rubber 3 installed at a molded rubber body is integrated into the push switches 1, and the input device is equipped with a guide convex stripe part 10 neighboring one side part 2a of respective operation keys 2 and an elastic support member 31 to support this guide convex stripe part 10. The guide convex stripe part 10 is exposed at the front face plate 8a and frontward protruded, and the user is able to carry out press-operation of the arbitrary operation key 2 with a finger mounted on the guide convex stripe part 10. The elastic support member 31 is one part (thick wall part) of the molded rubber body, and when a prescribed load is added to the guide convex stripe part 10, this is displaced in a direction in which the guide convex stripe part 10 is pressed accompanied with elastic deformation of the elastic support member 31. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pressing operation type input device that selectively operates a plurality of push switches arranged in a row.

  In many cases, an operation panel of a plurality of push switches is arranged on an instrument panel or the like of a car. However, a user who is driving can easily select a desired operation key from among these many operation keys. If you look closely, you will lose your attention to the front. Therefore, conventionally, a shelf-shaped guide portion extending in the lateral direction is provided on the lower side of the console box so that the user can place a finger different from the finger pressing the operation key on the guide portion. A technique for improving the performance is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such a conventional technique, the position of each operation key can be grasped by searching with reference to the guide portion, so that it is relatively easy to press a finger against a desired operation key even during driving. In addition, since the fingers can be supported by this guide portion, the operation load applied to the operation keys can be easily adjusted.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-76856

  However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the shelf-shaped guide portion is formed as a hard protrusion, the user strongly hits the guide portion against the guide portion while trying to press the operation key without looking at the hand. There was a possibility. In addition, it is difficult to say that operability is good for an unfamiliar user because it is necessary to operate with a plurality of fingers.

  In addition, in this conventional technique, a guide part is provided at a position slightly away from the operation key of the push switch, and it is assumed that the finger that presses the operation key is different from the finger that is placed on the guide part. Even if the finger on the key is slid in a predetermined direction along the guide portion by a predetermined amount, the position is likely to be displaced. For this reason, when the user does not look at his / her hand during driving or the like and slides his / her finger along the guide portion and tries to press a desired operation key, there is a high possibility of erroneous operation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a state of the art, and its purpose is that the user can accurately press and operate any push switch without gazing at the hand, and the operation feeling is also good. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressing operation type input device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a press operation type input device in which the operation keys of a plurality of push switches are exposed on the operation panel and arranged in a row, in the arrangement direction of the operation keys. A guide ridge that extends along one side of each operation key and is adjacent to each other, and an elastic support member that supports the guide ridge, and the guide ridge is exposed to the operation panel and moves forward. It protrudes, and it is possible to press any operation key with a finger placed on the guide ridge, and when a predetermined load is applied to the guide ridge, the elastic support member is elastically deformed. Along with this, the guide protrusion was displaced in the pressurized direction.

  In the press operation type input device configured as described above, since the guide protrusion is adjacent to one side of each operation key, the user can reasonably press the operation key with a finger pressed against the guide protrusion. It can be operated, and it is easy to slide the finger along the guide ridge to the position of a desired operation key. In addition, since the guide ridge is supported by the elastic support member, even when the user hits the guide ridge strongly with a finger that is about to be placed on the guide ridge, the impact is generated by the elastic support member. It is greatly relieved by elastic deformation. Therefore, the user can always operate the input device with peace of mind. Even if the stroke of pressing the operation key is large, as long as the guide ridge is displaced with a load smaller than the operation load, the movement of the finger that pushes the operation key deeply is obstructed by the guide ridge. It is never done.

  In the above configuration, molding rubber such as contact rubber that is pressed by operating keys is incorporated in each push switch, and the number of parts is reduced when the elastic support member is formed integrally with this molding rubber. This makes it easier to reduce the cost of the input device. However, a spring member or the like other than the contact rubber can be used as the elastic support member.

  Further, in the above configuration, if a stopper portion that defines a range in which the finger can slide is projected at both longitudinal ends of the guide ridge portion, the finger is slid on the guide ridge portion. The user can grasp the range in which the finger can slide without having to look at the guide ridge if the finger comes into contact with the stopper, and the stopper can prevent the finger from falling off the guide ridge. Blind touch operation is easier. In addition, when the finger slid on the guide ridge part hits the stopper part, the stopper part slightly displaces in the pressurized direction to weaken the impact. It is hard to occur and the operational feeling is improved.

  In the above configuration, the operation panel is provided with a concave groove extending along the arrangement direction of the operation key group, and the concave groove is adjacent to the other side of each operation key on the side opposite to the guide protrusion. Even if the fingernail of the user's finger to press the operation key is long, the tip of the nail (toe) can escape into the groove, so the operation key can be pressed without worrying about damage to the long nail become able to.

  Further, in the above configuration, the top surface of each operation key is concavely curved and is raised on the side of the guide protrusion, and one side of each operation key in the non-operating state is abbreviated as the guide protrusion. It is preferable that the fingertips of the fingers placed on the guide ridges are naturally placed on the top surface of the operation keys if they are arranged at the same height.

  Further, in the above configuration, a push switch that can perform a two-step pressing operation of shallow pressing and deep pressing is used, and a load necessary for displacing the guide protrusion is necessary for the shallow pressing operation of the push switch. If the operation load is set to be larger than the necessary operation load and smaller than the operation load necessary for the deep push operation, the user can perform the shallow push operation of the push switch without displacing the guide protrusion on which the finger is placed. Since the guide protrusion is always displaced during the deep pressing operation, the shallow pressing operation and the deep pressing operation can be clearly distinguished, and an input device having multiple functions and good operability can be obtained.

  In this case, the push switch is switched to the shallow push operation state in a state where one side portion of the operation key is flush with the guide protrusion or projecting forward from the guide protrusion, and the operation key If the push switch is switched to the deep-push operation state while one side of the guide is deeper than the guide ridge, the user simply touches the finger to the guide ridge, and the finger touches Since one side of the operation key can be pushed down to the same height as the guide ridge, it is possible to switch the push switch to the shallow push operation state without being particularly aware of the pushing operation. A sensor function similar to a touch sensor can be realized.

  According to the pressing operation type input device of the present invention, since the guide protrusion extending along the arrangement direction of the operation key group is adjacent to one side of each operation key, the user presses against the guide protrusion. The operation key can be pressed with ease with a finger, and the finger can be easily slid along the guide ridge to the position of the desired operation key. In addition, since the guide ridge is supported by the elastic support member, it is possible to greatly reduce the impact when the user hits the guide ridge strongly against the guide ridge, and to push the operation key deeply. There is no possibility that the movement of the guide will be hindered by the guide protrusion. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pressing operation type input device that can accurately press an arbitrary push switch without gazing at the user's hand and has a good operation feeling.

It is a front view of the press operation type input device concerning the example of an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which is carrying out the sliding movement of the finger along the guide protrusion provided in this input device. It is a block diagram of a control system including the input device. It is a principal part side view which shows the non-operation state of the arbitrary operation keys in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the push switch at the time of the non-operation corresponding to FIG. It is a principal part side view which shows the state by which the operation key of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the push switch at the time of the shallow push operation corresponding to FIG. It is a principal part side view which shows the state by which the operation key of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the push switch at the time of the deep press operation corresponding to FIG. It is a characteristic view which shows the relationship between the operation load of this push switch, and a pressing stroke.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the pressing operation type input device 11 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of operation keys 2 of the push switches 1 are arranged in a line, and the operation keys 2 A guide protrusion 10 is erected on the arranged front plate (operation panel) 8a. 4 to 10 are for explaining the structure and operation of the push switch 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the input device 11 is connected to an in-vehicle control device 40 and a display device 50.

  The push operation type input device 11 is for operating a vehicle-mounted control device 40 such as a car air conditioner or a car audio. A user presses an operation key 2 of an arbitrary push switch 1 provided on the input device 11. By pressing the stroke, a control signal for executing a desired operation is output to the in-vehicle control device 40. In addition, the input device 11 is connected to a display device 50 installed at a place where the user can easily see, and information on which operation key 2 the user's finger is currently placed on and various operations. The operation contents assigned to the key 2 are displayed on the display screen of the display device 50. The display device 50 is also connected to the in-vehicle control device 40, and the current control content of the in-vehicle control device 40 can be displayed on the display screen of the display device 50.

  The input device 11 is provided with a plurality of push switches 1, and the operation keys 2 of the push switches 1 are arranged in a horizontal row. Each push switch 1 has the same structure, and has a contact rubber 3 that is a part of a molded rubber body mounted on a substrate 7 and an operation key 2 mounted on the contact rubber 3. Movable contacts 4a and 4b are fixed to the contact rubber 3, and the movable contacts 4a and 4b can be brought into contact with and separated from fixed contacts 5a and 5b provided on the substrate 7. The plurality of push switches 1 are housed in a housing configured by combining an upper case 8 and a lower case 9. Each operation key 2 is arranged so as to be movable up and down (possible forward and backward) in an opening provided on the front plate 8a of the upper case 8, and the top surface (front surface) of each operation key 2 is exposed to the front plate 8a. It can be pressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, guide protrusions 10 that extend linearly along a group of operation keys 2 arranged in a row are arranged at positions adjacent to one side 2 a of each operation key 2. The guide ridge 10 is mounted on the thick portion 31 of the molded rubber body and is elastically supported. The upper portion of the guide ridge 10 is exposed to the front plate 8a and forward (the operation key 2). It protrudes in the upward movement direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, when the user places the finger F on the top surface (front surface) of the guide protrusion 10, the user can press the desired operation key 2 with the fingertip of the finger F. Yes. The front plate 8a is provided with a concave groove 8b extending along the arrangement of the operation key 2 group, and the concave groove 8b is adjacent to the other side of each operation key 2 on the side opposite to the guide protrusion 10. . The concave groove 8b is for releasing the tip of the finger F that presses the operation key 2.

  The structure of the push switch 1 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation key 2 when not operated is pressed against the upper case 8 by the biasing force of the contact rubber 3, and the play of the operation key 2 is caused by this pretension. Sticking is prevented. Further, an illumination area (not shown) is provided on the top surface of the operation key 2, and this illumination area is illuminated by the light of the LED 6 mounted on the substrate 7. On the substrate 7, a first fixed contact 5a is provided around the LED 6, and a second fixed contact 5b is provided around the first fixed contact 5a. As shown in FIG. 5, when not operated, the first movable contact 4a and the second movable contact 4b of the contact rubber 3 can be contacted and separated directly above the first fixed contact 5a and the second fixed contact 5b, respectively. Has been placed. The push switch 1 includes a first switch circuit that turns on when the first movable contact 4a contacts the first fixed contact 5a, and an on state when the second movable contact 4b contacts the second fixed contact 5b. And a second switch circuit that switches to the second switch circuit.

  The top surface of the operation key 2 is concavely curved and rises on the guide protrusion 10 side. Moreover, although the one side part 2a of the operation key 2 of the non-operation state protrudes only a small amount A forward with respect to the guide protrusion part 10 as shown in FIG. 4, this one side part 2a and the guide protrusion part Since the height position of the part 10 is substantially the same, when the user places the finger F on the guide protrusion 10, the fingertip is placed on the top surface of the operation key 2 very naturally.

  The contact rubber 3 includes a base portion 3a placed on an area surrounding the second fixed contact 5b on the substrate 7, a drive cylinder portion 3b and a driven cylinder portion 3c arranged concentrically, and a drive cylinder portion 3b. The click generating wall 3d that connects the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder and the outer peripheral surface of the driven cylinder 3c over the entire circumference, and the outer peripheral surface of the drive cylinder 3b is connected to the base 3a over the entire circumference. A flexible deformation wall portion 3e is provided, and the base portion 3a supports the drive cylinder portion 3b via the flexible deformation wall portion 3e. Since the top surface of the drive cylinder part 3b is located at the uppermost end of the contact rubber 3, the operation key 2 is mounted on the drive cylinder part 3b, and an operation load is applied to the top surface of the drive cylinder part 3b. Yes. Since the drive cylinder part 3b supports the driven cylinder part 3c via the click generation wall part 3d, when the operation cylinder is applied and the drive cylinder part 3b moves downward (retracts), the driven cylinder part 3c is driven by the drive cylinder part. Driven by 3b and moves down. The bottom surface of the driven cylinder portion 3c is disposed close to the substrate 7, and the first movable contact 4a is fixed to the bottom surface of the driven cylinder portion 3c. The bottom surface of the drive cylinder portion 3b is disposed at a position slightly away from the substrate 7, and the second movable contact 4b is fixed to the bottom surface of the drive cylinder portion 3b. The click generation wall 3d can be buckled and deformed during a pressing operation, and a click feeling is generated when buckled. The flexible deformation wall portion 3e is formed so as to begin to bend with a light operation load, and is gradually bent without buckling during a pressing operation.

  The push switch 1 incorporating such a contact rubber 3 has a shallow push operation that switches the first switch circuit on by pushing the operation key 2 shallowly with a light operation force, and an operation key with a relatively strong operation force. A deep pressing operation for switching the second switch circuit to an ON state can be performed by pressing 2 deeply.

  The two-stage pressing operation of the push switch 1 will be described with reference to the feeling curve of FIG. FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the operation load and the pressing stroke when the operation key 2 is pressed. As shown in the figure, the contact rubber 3 is pushed and bent via the operation key 2 when the operation load is 0.2 N (about 20 g weight) or more. This is because the operation key 2 is pre-tensioned. This pre-tension prevents the operation key 2 from rattling, and the operation key 2 is unintentionally pressed by an external vibration. It is considered not to become. Further, when not operated, the contact rubber 3 in the push switch 1 has a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 5, and the first and second movable contacts 4a, 4b are the first and second fixed contacts 5a, 5b, respectively. It is arranged right above.

  When an operation load of 0.2 N or more is applied to the operation key 2, the contact rubber 3 first moves down the drive cylinder part 3 b and the driven cylinder part 3 c as the flexible deformation wall part 3 e is gradually bent. However, since the distance between the driven cylinder portion 3c and the substrate 7 is small, the downward movement of the driven cylinder portion 3c is restricted by the substrate 7 when the pressing stroke reaches S1 (about 0.22 mm). Then, the first movable contact 4a comes into contact with the first fixed contact 5a. That is, the first switch circuit is turned on in a very small pressing stroke S1 of less than 0.5 mm, and the operation load necessary to realize the pressing stroke S1 is as extremely light as 0.32 N (about 33 g weight).

  When the operation key 2 that has been operated to be shallowly pushed is further pushed, the drive cylinder portion 3b moves downward while the downward movement of the driven cylinder portion 3c is restricted, so that the flexible deformation wall portion 3e not only continues to bend but also the click generation wall. Part 3d begins to bend. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the inclination angle of the feeling curve suddenly increases when the pressing stroke S1 is exceeded. When the operation load is 3.17 N (about 324 g weight), the pressing stroke can be increased to S2 (about 1.12 mm). However, when the pressing stroke exceeds S2, the click generation wall 3d is elastically buckled. The pressing stroke suddenly increases to S3 (about 1.63 mm), the operation load is suddenly reduced, and a click feeling is caused accordingly. As a result, the downward movement of the drive cylinder portion 3b is in the state of FIG. 9 restricted by the substrate 7, and the second movable contact 4b comes into contact with the second fixed contact 5b. That is, the user can switch the second switch circuit to the ON state by applying an operation load of 3.17 N or more to the operation key 2 and pushing it in by 1.6 mm or more.

  That is, the push switch 1 can be switched to the shallow push operation state by applying an operation load of 0.32 N or more to the operation key 2 and pushing it down by 0.22 mm or more, but supports the guide protrusion 10. In order to push and bend the thick portion 31, a load of at least 1N or more is required. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, just by placing the finger F on the guide ridge 10 by the user, one side 2 a of the operation key 2 is pushed down to a height position equivalent to the guide ridge 10. The push switch 1 is easily switched to the shallow pushing operation state, but the guide protrusion 10 itself does not move down with such a load. However, when the operation key 2 is deeply pressed with the finger F placed on the guide protrusion 10, it is necessary to apply an operation load of 3.17 N or more. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The thick portion 31 is pushed and bent, and the guide protrusion 10 is moved downward accordingly.

  The relationship between the one side 2a of the operation key 2 and the height position of the guide protrusion 10 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. Although only a small amount A (0.3 to 0.5 mm) protrudes, the pressing stroke S1 required for the shallow pressing operation of the operation key 2 is further smaller than this very small amount A, so as shown in FIG. If the user pushes one side 2a of the operation key 2 with his / her finger F to a height position equivalent to that of the guide protrusion 10, the push switch 1 corresponding to the operation key 2 can be switched to the shallow push operation state. . In addition, since the operation load necessary for realizing the pressing stroke S1 is as extremely low as 0.32 N, the operation key 2 that comes into contact with the fingertip of the finger F when the user lightly presses the finger F against the guide protrusion 10. Is naturally pushed down to the state shown in FIG. Therefore, the user can perform the shallow press operation of the operation key 2 very easily without being aware of the pressing operation. Further, since the pressing stroke S3 required for the deep pressing operation of the operation key 2 is sufficiently larger than the minute amount A, unless the user presses the operation key 2 deeply with the fingertip of the finger F pressed against the guide protrusion 10. The push switch 1 corresponding to the operation key 2 cannot be switched to the deep press operation state. FIG. 8 shows a state where the operation key 2 is pressed deeply with the fingertip of the finger F.

  Since the guide protrusion 10 is elastically supported by the thick part 31 of the molded rubber body, when a predetermined load is applied, the thick part 31 is elastically deformed and the guide protrusion 10 is pressurized. Displaces in the specified direction. Therefore, even when the user tries to place the finger on the guide protrusion 10, even if his / her finger hits the guide protrusion 10 strongly, the impact is alleviated by the elastic deformation of the thick portion 31. The possibility that an uncomfortable bumping feeling is transmitted to the user's finger is low. In the present embodiment, the load (the predetermined load) necessary for displacing the guide protrusion 10 is larger than the operation load necessary for the shallow push operation of the push switch 1 and is used for the deep push operation. It is set smaller than the required operating load. Therefore, the user can perform the shallow push operation of the push switch 1 without displacing the guide ridge portion 10 on which the finger is placed, and the guide ridge portion 10 is always displaced during the deep push operation. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the stopper part 10a which prescribes | regulates the range which can slide the finger F is protruded in the longitudinal direction both ends of the guide protrusion part 10. As shown in FIG. That is, when the user slides and moves the finger F on the guide protrusion 10, the finger F slides without looking at the guide protrusion 10 because the finger F abuts against the stopper portion 10 a. It is possible to grasp that the end of the possible range has been reached. In addition, since the longitudinal direction end part of the thick part 31 can be pushed and bent diagonally, even if the finger slid on the guide protrusion 10 collides with the stopper part 10a, the stopper part 10a It works to weaken the impact by slightly displacing in the pressurized direction, so that an unpleasant butting feeling is hardly transmitted to the fingers.

  In the pressing operation type input device 11 in which a plurality of such push switches 1 are arranged in a row, when a user presses a finger against the guide protrusion 10, the operation key 2 that receives a load by the fingertip is provided. The shallow push operation is almost automatically performed. Further, if this finger is slid along the longitudinal direction of the guide protrusion 10, the plurality of operation keys 2 arranged in a row can be sequentially shallowly pressed. Therefore, if the user looks at the display screen of the display device 50 installed in an easily visible place, the user can grasp which operation key 2 the user's finger is currently placed on without having to bother to watch the hand. Therefore, the desired operation key 2 can be accurately selected and deeply pressed while sliding the finger along the guide protrusion 10. As a result, a control signal for executing the operation content assigned to the operation key 2 that has been pressed deeply is output from the input device 11 to the in-vehicle control device 40.

  As described above, in the press operation type input device 11 according to the present embodiment, the guide ridge portion 10 is adjacent to one side portion of each operation key 2, so that the user can move to the guide ridge portion 10. The operation key 2 can be pushed and operated with ease with the placed finger, and the finger can be easily slid along the guide ridge 10 to the position of the desired operation key 2. Further, since the guide ridge 10 is elastically supported by the thick portion 31 of the molded rubber body, when the user tries to place his / her finger on the guide ridge 10, the finger is placed on the guide ridge 10. Even if it hits strongly, the impact is relieved by the elastic deformation of the thick portion 31. Therefore, the user can always operate the input device 11 with peace of mind. In addition, when the user presses the operation key 2 with a finger placed on the guide protrusion 10 slightly deeply, the guide protrusion 10 that receives a load from the finger is displaced in the pressurized direction. The deep pressing operation is not hindered by the strip 10.

  In the input device 11, a thick portion 31 that elastically supports the guide protrusion 10 is formed in a part of a molded rubber body that is continuous with the contact rubber 3 of each push switch 1. Therefore, the number of parts is very small, and the cost of the apparatus can be easily reduced. However, when the actuator that drives the movable contact made of a leaf spring or the like is made of molded rubber, an elastic support member that supports the guide protrusion 10 may be formed integrally with the molded rubber. Further, a spring member other than rubber can be used as the elastic support member for supporting the guide protrusion 10.

Moreover, in this input device 11, the stopper part 10a is protrudingly provided in the longitudinal direction both ends of the guide protrusion part 10, and the range in which the finger can slide on the guide protrusion part 10 is defined by the stopper part 10a. In addition, the stopper 10a prevents the fingers from falling off from the guide protrusion 10. Therefore, it is very easy for the user to perform a blind touch operation by placing a finger on the guide protrusion 10. In addition, when the finger slid on the guide protrusion 10 collides with the stopper 10a, the stopper 10a slightly displaces in the pressurized direction and weakens the impact. In this input device 11, the groove 8b extends along the arrangement of the operation keys 2 group on the front plate 8a of the upper case 8. Since the concave groove 8b is adjacent to each operation key 2 on the side opposite to the guide protrusion 10, even if the fingernail of the user's finger pressing the operation key 2 is long, the tip of this nail Can escape into the groove 8b. When such a concave groove 8b is provided in the front plate 8a, the operation key 2 can be pressed and operated without worrying about damage to a long nail when the user is a woman or the like, so that the practical value is high.

  In addition, the input device 11 uses a push switch 1 that can perform a two-step pressing operation of shallow pressing and deep pressing, and the user particularly performs a pressing operation with the fingertip of the finger pressed against the guide protrusion 10. The operation key 2 can be pressed lightly without being conscious of it. Then, if this finger is slid in the longitudinal direction of the guide ridge 10, the plurality of operation keys 2 can be sequentially pressed shallowly, so this input device 11 is similar to a touch sensor. Sensing is possible. Therefore, a desired push switch 1 can be accurately selected and operated deeply without neglecting forward attention even during driving. In addition, the input device 11 is configured to be able to perform a shallow push operation without displacing the guide ridge portion 10 on which a finger is placed, and to be always accompanied by a displacement of the guide ridge portion 10 during the deep push operation. The user can clearly distinguish between the shallow push operation and the deep push operation, and is a multi-function input device with good operability. However, it goes without saying that the operability and the operational feel can be improved by the guide protrusion 10 even when a push switch capable of only a deep push operation is used.

1 Push switch 2 Operation key 2a One side of the operation key 3 Contact rubber (molded rubber)
4a, 4b Movable contact 5a, 5b Fixed contact 7 Substrate 8 Upper case (housing)
8a Front plate 8b Groove 10 Guide protrusion 10a Stopper 11 Input device 31 Thick part (elastic support member)
40 On-vehicle control device 50 Display device F Finger

Claims (7)

In the press operation type input device in which each operation key of the plurality of push switches is exposed to the operation panel and arranged in a row,
A guide protrusion that extends along the arrangement direction of the operation keys and is adjacent to one side of each operation key; and an elastic support member that supports the guide protrusion.
The guide ridge portion is exposed to the operation panel and protrudes forward. An arbitrary operation key can be pressed with a finger placed on the guide ridge portion, and a predetermined amount is applied to the guide ridge portion. A pressing operation type input device, wherein, when a load is applied, the guide protrusion is displaced in a pressurized direction along with elastic deformation of the elastic support member.   2. The press according to claim 1, wherein a molded rubber that is pressed by the operation key is incorporated in the push switch, and the elastic support member is formed integrally with the molded rubber. Operation type input device.   3. The pressing operation type input device according to claim 1, wherein a stopper portion for defining a range in which a finger can slide is projected at both longitudinal ends of the guide protrusion.   4. The operation panel according to claim 1, wherein the operation panel is provided with a groove extending along an arrangement direction of the operation key group, and the operation key is provided on the opposite side of the guide protrusion from the operation key. A pressing operation type input device characterized by being adjacent to the other side portion.   5. The operation key according to claim 1, wherein a top surface shape of the operation key is concavely curved and is raised on the guide ridge side, and one side of the operation key in a non-operation state. The pressing operation type input device is characterized in that the portion is arranged at a height position substantially equal to the guide protrusion.   In any one of Claims 1-5, while using the push switch which can perform the press operation of two steps of shallow pushing and deep pushing, the load required to displace the said guide protrusion part is the said. A pressing operation type input device which is set so as to be larger than an operation load necessary for a shallow push operation of a push switch and smaller than an operation load necessary for a deep push operation.   7. The push switch according to claim 6, wherein the one side portion of the operation key is flush with the guide ridge portion or the push switch is in a shallow push operation state in a state of protruding forward from the guide ridge portion. The push operation type input device is characterized in that the push switch is switched to a deep push operation state in a state where the switch is switched and one side portion of the operation key is immersed more than the guide protrusion.

Images