Abstract: A force sense imparting type input apparatus includes an exterior decoration plate having an opening, an operation lever supported by a stick controller positioned inside the exterior decoration plate in such a manner as to be capable of rocking, encoders for detecting a rocking amount and a rocking direction of the operation lever, motors for imparting desired external force to the operation lever, and a control unit for controlling driving of the motors on the basis of an output signal outputted from the encoders, wherein an operation knob is provided to an upper end of the operation lever protruding outward from the opening, and can be pushed or pulled in an axial direction of the operation lever with a neutral position of the operation knob as a reference, and the push-pull operation of the operation knob selectively operates first and second push switches.

Abstract: A depression switch 700 in a multidirectional input device A comprises a key top 710 which is provided below an operating member 400 so as to penetrate a bottom plate portion 211 of a lower case 220 and to be movable in a vertical direction, an elastically deformable dome-shaped movable contact piece 720 abutting the key top 710 moved downward, one fixed electrode 731 provided below an end portion 721 of the movable contact piece 720 on a substrate 100, the other fixed electrode 732 provided at the position of contacting a central portion 722 of the elastically deformed movable contact piece 720 on the substrate 100 and a spacer 740 for electrically connecting the end portion 721 of the movable contact piece 720 to the one fixed electrode 731.

Abstract: A switch device includes a base member, an operation member conducting a rotating operation in a first direction and a second direction, a pushing operation in a third direction, and a tilting operation in forward and backward directions, an urging member which urges the operation member constantly so that the operation member is restored to a reference position, a first and a second switches which are operated by the rotating operation of the operation member in the first and second directions, a third switch, which is operated by the pushing operation of the operation member; and a fourth and a fifth switches which are operated by the tilting operation in the forward and backward direction of the operation member. The first, second and third directions is parallel to a surface or the base member. The forward and back ward directions are perpendicular to the surface of the base member.

Abstract: A button key structure integrated with a speaker consists of a direction key, a lower lid and a speaker. The direction key is hollow and includes an outer key and an inner key. The outer key is slightly smaller than the key opening and is extended outside the casing. The inner key is slightly larger than the key opening and is confined between the casing and a circuit board. The inner key has contact points located at the bottom to correspond to touch switches located on the circuit board. The lower lid couples with the direction key to form a housing compartment to house the speaker. The speaker connects electrically to the circuit board through a conductive rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromechanical roller-key assembly of simple and robust construction. The assembly may be integrated in electronic equipment and generate digital control signals in response to an instantaneous change in angular position of a user-operated roller. The roller-key assembly according to the present invention is suitable for being manufactured with very small outer dimensions and with fewer and simpler mechanical parts compared to prior art roller-key assemblies, thereby making the roller-key assembly suitable for a simplified and automated factory assembly.

Abstract: An information handling apparatus comprises a scrolling wheel; a platform comprising at least one pivot well; a pivot pin attaching the rolling wheel to the platform and allowing rolling movement of the wheel in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: When a control lever is slid to move a driver housed in a quadrangular case in a given direction, the movement of the driver allows the driver to push one of resilient legs of movable contacts corresponding to the direction of movement. This movement resiliently slides the corresponding movable contact along an inner surface of the sidewall of the case and brings the movable contact into contact with a corresponding fixed contact. This structure can provide a multi-directional slide switch of low profile that has a small number of members and is easily assembled.

Abstract: The device comprises a support (16) provided with a proximal end (16P) carrying first and second control buttons (22, 24) and a distal end (16D) carrying means forming an electrical contactor. The support (16) also carries at least a first control ring (1B) mounted to turn about a geometrical axis called longitudinal axis (X), and first and second control rods (40, 42) that are longitudinally displaceable through the first control ring (18), each having a proximal end connected to a corresponding control button (22, 24) and a distal end for actuating the electrical contactor means. The first and second control rods (40, 42) include mutual longitudinal guide means (44, 46, B). The invention is applicable to controlling windscreen wipers and a computer on board a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular selection button for actuating contact elements. Said button comprises a housing (6), spring-loaded switching lugs (81) and according to requirements a control switch (10), a rotary knob (11) or a key-operated switch (2) as a rotating actuator, in addition to one of several transmission members (4; 4?; 5; 5?), which transmits the movement from the actuator (10; 11; 2) to the switching lugs (81) via switching cam elements (42; 52). Stops and counter-stops which are fixed and displaceable respectively with respect to the housing (6) form various stop elements that can be used to select the number of switching positions and actuation modes. The various stops are configured on the housing (6), on the key-operated actuator (2) and on the second stop slides (92) that are to be inserted into the housing (6). The various counter-stops are configured in the control switch (10), in the rotary knob (11) and on the transmission members (4; 4?; 5; 5?).

Abstract: A rotary push switch device includes a cylindrical rotary push knob, which is subjected to push and rotary operations, a rotary drive plate, which is rotated by the rotary push knob, a push knob, which is disposed inwardly of the rotary push knob and pushed, and a push rubber contact element which is pressed by pushing the push knob. When the push knob is subjected to the push operation, the rotary push knob is also pushed in association with the push knob, and when the rotary push knob is subjected to the rotary operation, the push knob is prevented from being rotated in association with the rotary push knob.

Abstract: A function switch includes a switch base fixed to an apparatus and formed with a plurality of angularly spaced pitches, a knob, base disposed rotatably within an annular opening in the switch base, an external knob disposed on the switch seat and connected securely to the knob base for co-rotation therewith, and a spring member fixed to the knob base and having a resilient extension portion with engaging tongue slidably engaging the switch base to prevent removal therebetween. The engaging tongue collides against a respective groove to generate a clicking sound when the external knob is turned together with the knob base with respect to the switch base.

Abstract: A switching element for a rotary or linear encoder which generates pulse signals indicative of rotary or linear position, and direction and rate of change of such position. The invention is characterized by use of a patterned and cured solder-mask material which defines insulated or nonconductive surfaces, with a pattern of conductive wiper-contacting segments therebetween. The invention enables fast and economical fabrication as compared to known encoder switching elements.

Abstract: A rotary switch is disclosed. The switch has a rotatable barrel which has an axis of rotation. The switch also has an encoder pattern for sensing rotation of the barrel. The encoder pattern extends in a longitudinal direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the barrel.

Abstract: A flange section presses a tip of one of four elastic arms upon tilting of a controlling unit formed of a stick and the flange section. The pressed elastic arm operates one of individual-switches disposed at four corners of a switch case. Each elastic arm extends from each side of the quadrangular switch case to at least a middle point of a side, which is adjacent and parallel to the arm. Using this structure, a four-directional control switch, which can effectively use a space in an electronic apparatus, can be obtained.

Abstract: An input device and a portable electronic device using the input device are disclosed, wherein a first selection item is selected by a first rotary electric part through a first operating member and a second selection item is selected by a second rotary electric part through a second operating member. The input device and the portable electronic device are simple and easy to operate and are excellent in operability.

Abstract: The electrical turn/pull switch for vehicle lighting has an operating part (14) that is mounted in a switch housing (12) so as to be rotatable as well as axially movable. The movable contact elements (22, 24, 26) of a contact carrier (20) interact with fixed contact elements (30). The contact elements for the turn switch function (22) and for the axial switch function (24, 26) are integrated on the contact carrier (20). An actuation part (16) entrained by the operating part (14) has cams and/or ramps (18) that engage the movable contact elements (24, 26) and actuate them.

Abstract: A multi-positional switch that provides an immediate tactile sensation to the operator regarding the various switching positions of the switch through touch sensing includes a push button mounted to a housing which is capable of being depressed and toggled for moving a drive stem interconnected thereto into electrical engagement with either axial or radially disposed contact terminals projecting from the lower end of the housing. A toggle plate is mounted within the housing and provides a surface for the drive stem to ride upon and provide resistance in order to contact the radially disposed terminals when the push button is toggled, while depression of the push button in the axial direction causes the drive stem to pass through an aperture of the toggle plate, forcibly contacting and passing by a resistance pin subjacent the toggle plate for engaging an axial mounted terminal for conveying the tactile feel to the operator.

Abstract: A rotary switch for vehicles including a plurality of fixed rotational positions and several spring-loaded axial positions. A first axial position is activated by a pushing movement and a second axial position is activated by a pulling movement.

Abstract: An electrical switch arrangement includes a validation switch and four selection switches, all operated by an actuator (31) that can be pivoted about two horizontal axes and can be depressed. A dome center tripper (28) that can be depressed to operate the validation switch has a periphery engaged with an outer contact (44). The actuator has four feet (88) spaced in different horizontal directions from a vertical axis (33). A selection tripper (72) lying on top of the center tripper, has four branches (78) that each lies under one of the actuator feet. When the actuator is tilted, one of the feet depresses one of the branches against one of four selection contacts (56) to close a corresponding selection switch. When a selection switch is closed, current flows from the corresponding selection contact (56) through the selection tripper (72) and center tripper (28), to the outer contact (44), so only a single tail (58) (to be soldered to a circuit board) is required for each selection switch.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a shaft, a first switch and a second switch, a potentiometer including a first and a second terminal, and an electric controller. The first switch is coupled to a first device, whereas the second switch is coupled to a second device. The shaft is coupled to the first switch and the second switch, and is moved to a first position to selectively connect power, through the first switch, to the first device, and to a second position to selectively connect power, through the second switch, to the second device. The potentiometer is coupled to the shaft, and provides a variable resistance between the first and the second terminal in relation to the movement of the shaft. The electric controller is coupled to the potentiometer, and electrically controls the power to the first device and/or the second device in relation to the variable resistance between the first and the second terminal of the potentiometer.

Abstract: A multi-direction switch that is less likely to generate erroneous movement and may reduce fabrication and assembly difficulty includes redesigned metal conductive legs of a joystick and corresponding electrode elements so that the interval between the metal conductive legs and the electrode elements increases to prevent the metal conductive legs from mistakenly connecting the electrode elements when the joystick is depressed thereby to increase oscillation amplitude of the joystick and improve the operation maneuverability thereof.

Abstract: A rotation key device for a portable terminal which includes a rotation key configured to rotate in forward and reverse directions. The rotation key device comprises a base plate, which is attached, at a lower surface thereof, to an upper surface of a first printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in a body of the portable terminal. A second PCB is attached to the upper surface of the base plate and is provided with a plurality of contact surfaces. A ring-shaped washer is attached to the upper surface of the second PCB, a rotation key is attached to the upper surface of the ring-shaped washer so that it can rotate in forward and reverse directions by a force applied thereto, a contact plate is provided in the rotation key, with a plurality of contact terminals, and a fixed button is coupled with the center of the rotation key so that the rotation key is rotatable.

Abstract: A switch device in which two operators are aligned with another operator in between, and a switch device having a dial section (a middle operator) of a jog dial and operation buttons (outer operators) of two operation button switches placed closely to one anther with the dial section in between, and an operation plane of the operation button is formed on a slanted plane that becomes higher the further it is from the jog dial section.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body and at least one electric switch attached to the steering wheel body. The switch, for adaptation to the length of the fingers of a driver, is adjustably attached to the steering wheel body in such a way that it can be adjusted by the driver to assume various positions relative to the steering wheel body.

Abstract: A portable telephone includes a multi-function key-switch unit in which a key top is operated in a plurality of directions. The multi-function key-switch unit comprises a stick switch which comprises a switch body and a stick projecting from the switch body, and the approximately cylindrical key top which is attached to the stick. The key top has a stopper portion provided on the bottom surface thereof, the stopper portion coming into contact with the switch body when the key top is operated to more than a predetermined degree so as to prevent the key top from inclining more than a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes a top substrate holding an electronic component having an operating shaft at its center; a frame surrounding this top substrate; and a bottom substrate on which plural push switches are disposed. Both substrates are rockably configured along two rocking axes intersecting at right angles which are perpendicular to a rotation axis of the operating shaft. This configuration allows to output a signal different for each pressing, rotating, or rocking operation of the operating shaft. The multidirectional input device with a comfortable tactile feedback during use can be assembled in advance as an independent device.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a rotary-push switch group placed on a switch lever. The switch group includes rotary and push switches each having movable contacts supported on corresponding fixed contacts. The rotary switch includes a rotary actuating element actuable to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the switch lever to actuate its movable contacts. The push switch includes an actuating element actuable to move axially along the longitudinal axis in response to axially directed pushing movement to actuate its movable contacts. The fixed contacts associated with the movable contacts of the rotary switch lie in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis. A slider is engaged to the rotary actuating element to rotate therewith to guide the movable contacts of the rotary switch concentrically about the longitudinal axis. The slider is push-decoupled to the rotary actuating element such that pushing movement is absent from being felt by the slider.

Abstract: A multifunction switch is used to scroll through a set of system modes, such as ambient temperature and radio volume. The switch can also be used to choose a particular system mode from the set of system modes. The same switch can then be used to adjust a parameter associated with the system mode, for example, adjusting the volume level (parameter) of the radio volume (system mode). The multifunction switch includes a switch body for actuating the switch. The switch also includes a display portion for displaying system mode information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tactile switch assemblies having stepped printed circuit boards for use with snap-domes in surgical instruments. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure a tactile switch assembly for use with a surgical instrument includes a substrate, an inner terminal disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and having a first height, an outer terminal disposed on the upper surface of the substrate and substantially surrounding the inner terminal and having a second height which is greater than the height of the inner terminal and a snap-dome secured to the substrate and having a periphery engaged to and in electrical communication with the outer terminal. The snap-dome is depressible through a range wherein, upon inversion of the snap-dome, an apex of the snap dome electrically connect the inner and outer terminals.

Abstract: An electrical switch or operating device is disclosed for controlling/operating an electrically controlled bicycle component. In one embodiment, the operating device controls/operates a bicycle shift device and a bicycle suspension. The operating device has a base portion, a toggle portion, a button portion, three electrical contact switches, and a clicking mechanism. The clicking mechanism is positioned in a manner to provide for a compact arrangement of the operating device. The toggle portion is pivotally mounted to the base portion to move from a toggle neutral position to first or second contact positions where the toggle portion depresses either the first or electrical contact switches. The button portion is movably coupled to the toggle portion between a button neutral position where the button portion is spaced from the third electrical contact switch and a third contact position where the button portion depresses the third electrical contact switch.

Abstract: In a multi-operational electronic device of the present invention, a first switch, which operates when an operating lever is tilted, is so configured that a circular domelike resilient movable contact large enough to cover a plurality of first fixed contacts is partially turned inside out. A connecting part connects an outer cylinder holding a rotary resilient contact, which effects generation of a rotary signal, with an inner cylinder fixed to an operating shaft so that the outer and inner cylinders move with each other in a rotating direction to generate the electric signal and contract vertically to press a central switch.

Abstract: A membrane button key structure with a built-in speaker consists of a membrane key, a bottom lid and a speaker. The membrane key includes a four-way key and a plurality of hot keys connecting with one another through a membrane and corresponding to touch switches located on a circuit board. The circuit board has a carved opening with the center of the four-way key located thereabove and the bottom lid located therebelow to form a housing compartment to accommodate the speaker. Besides housing the speaker, the extra space of the housing compartment functions as an acoustic chest for the speaker.

Abstract: A structure of an electronic switch is disclosed. The structure of the electronic switch comprises an adjustment groove in the neck portion of the button, a pressing element disposed in the adjustment groove, and an elastic plate area which is defined by a slit of the case of the switch. A plurality of pressing points in a form of grooves is disposed on the elastic plate area at a position where the adjustment groove is positioned, wherein the grooves correspond to every electrical signals generated by the switch, allowing to press and push the button to move the pressing element in right and left, or up and down directions through an external force, in doing so, the pressing element presses the corresponding pressing points generating the corresponding obvious synchronization contact stimulation.

Abstract: A rear-mount integrated rotary encoder comprises a mechanical portion and a printed circuit board portion. The mechanical portion of a rear mount integrated rotary encoder comprises a housing including a bushing for receiving one end of a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft passes through an open front portion of the housing and is mechanically connected to exposed rotatable circuit contacting members. The printed circuit board portion has an encoder contact pattern formed thereon. The printed circuit board has an area larger than the cross sectional area of the housing. The encoder contact pattern surrounds (or is at least concentric with respect to) an aperture in the circuit board. The rotatable shaft of the rotary encoder is passed through the aperture such that the rotatable circuit contacting members contact the encoder contact pattern on the circuit board.

Abstract: A rotation key device for a portable terminal which includes a rotation key configured to rotate in forward and reverse directions. The rotation key device comprises a base plate, which is attached, at a lower surface thereof, to an upper surface of a first printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in a body of the portable terminal. The base plate is centrally provided at an upper surface thereof with a plurality of coupling protrusions in order to couple a second PCB, a ring-shaped washer, a rotation key, and a contact plate, to the base plate. A fixed button is coupled with the coupling protrusions of the base plate protruded from the contact plate, thereby retaining the second PCB, the ring-shaped washer, the rotation key, and the contact plate. The fixed button is centrally attached to the upper surface of the second PCB.

Abstract: An electrical switch or operating device is disclosed for controlling/operating an electrically controlled bicycle component. In one embodiment, the operating device controls/operates a bicycle shift device and a bicycle suspension. The operating device has a base portion, a toggle portion, a button portion, three electrical contact switches, and a clicking mechanism. The clicking mechanism is positioned in a manner to provide for a compact arrangement of the operating device. The toggle portion is pivotally mounted to the base portion to move from a toggle neutral position to first or second contact positions where the toggle portion depresses either the first or electrical contact switches. The button portion is movably coupled to the toggle portion between a button neutral position where the button portion is spaced from the third electrical contact switch and a third contact position where the button portion depresses the third electrical contact switch.

Abstract: A rotary knob device (1, 20) having a key function includes a key (5, 30) in a rotary knob (2, 23), which is operated separately from the rotary knob so that the key (5, 30) need not also be moved when the rotary knob (2, 23) is moved. In this regard, a holder (6, 24.1) is provided inside the rotary knob (2, 23), on which the rotary knob (2, 23) and the key (5, 30) are mounted to be thereby linked together structurally while functioning separately. The rotational control is transmitted by the rotary knob (2, 23), while key, linear movement, control is transmitted through the separate key (5, 30).

Abstract: A button device includes a button (20), a spring (40) and a receiving portion (62) formed in a bezel (60). The button has a base (22), a plurality of locking hooks (24) and contacting blocks (26) extending rearwardly from a periphery of a back of the base, and a contacting pole (28) extending rearwardly from a middle of the back of the base. An annular guiding sleeve (30) is formed on the back of the base, and the spring is placed over the guiding sleeve. A plurality of apertures (64) is defined in a rearmost part of the receiving portion, for extension of the locking hooks. A plurality of holes (66, 68) is defined in the rearmost part of the receiving portion, for extension of the contacting blocks and contacting pole. An annular groove (70) is defined in the rearmost part of the receiving portion, for accommodating the guiding sleeve.

Abstract: A push-button control knob having rotational and axial degrees of freedom includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and an integrally arranged hub and rim disposed between said first and second ends. The hub has a first central hole and the rim has a plurality of through-holes. An actuator assembly is disposed within the housing, and a bias spring is disposed between the housing and the actuator assembly for biasing the actuator assembly in a first direction.

Abstract: An improved four-way switch is provided that can prevent erroneous switching operation. A closed circuit is formed by cooperatively tilting a control knob and a tiltable member in an intended direction or by depressing only the control knob, thus selectively providing electrical signals. The tiltable member, having contact spring units extended in four directions therefrom, and the control knob are disposed separately. The control knob is vertically engaged slidably into the square hole of the tiltable member. The protruded portions of the control knob are detachably engaged into the recessed portions of the tiltable member. When the center switch means is operated, only the control knob descends vertically and then restores. When the four-way switch means is operated, the tiltable member and the control knob operate in a linkage mode.

Abstract: A rear-mount integrated rotary encoder comprises a mechanical portion and a printed circuit board portion. The mechanical portion of a rear mount integrated rotary encoder comprises a housing including a bushing for receiving one end of a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft passes through an open front portion of the housing and is mechanically connected to exposed rotatable circuit contacting members. The printed circuit board portion has an encoder contact pattern formed thereon. The printed circuit board has an area larger than the cross sectional area of the housing. The encoder contact pattern surrounds (or is at least concentric with respect to) an aperture in the circuit board. The rotatable shaft of the rotary encoder is passed through the aperture such that the rotatable circuit contacting members contact the encoder contact pattern on the circuit board.

Abstract: A switch having good maneuverability includes a switch case, a rocker-button unit having a hole therein and a rotating shaft located at a side of the rocker button unit and held at the switch case, and a push-button unit movably disposed in the hole. Further, the switch includes a slider whose upper surface comes in contact with a lower surface of the push-button unit, and the slider is movably accommodated in the switch case.

Abstract: An operating device (100) is provided with: a switch portion (4) having a rotation shaft (3); and a rotating operation portion (1) comprising an engagement portion (2) with which the rotation shaft is engaged. A stage difference portion (2a, 3a) is formed on at least one of the rotation shaft and the engagement portion for regulating a movement of the engagement portion with respect to the rotation shaft in an axial direction of the rotation shaft so as to form a space (10, 12) within the engagement portion at a tip side of the rotation shaft when the rotation shaft is engaged with the engagement portion.

Abstract: An electrical switch including a housing, four fixed contact elements fixed with respect to the housing, and four movable contact elements movable with respect to the housing. Each of the movable contact elements is positioned directly opposite from a respective fixed contact element. An actuating member is movable from a neutral position into four actuating positions. In each actuating position the actuating member actuates a respective movable contact element causing the respective movable contact element to contact a respective fixed contact element for enabling a corresponding switching function. An auxiliary frame surrounds the actuating member and is positioned within the housing. A first pair of opposed connecting elements connects the actuating member to the auxiliary frame. The first pair of opposed connecting elements form a first pivot axis. A second pair of opposed connecting elements connect the auxiliary frame to the housing.

Abstract: In a complex operation input device according to the invention, a rotary electrical part manipulated with an operating member and a double-action push switch unit are arranged in a layered state in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotary electrical part. As a result, the device can be reduced in lateral size, and therefore it is made possible to provide a complex operation input device which can be used with a portable digital camera particularly suitably.

Abstract: A multidirectional switch includes (a) a case having a common contact and plural fixed contacts; (b) a contacting unit whose intermediate section is in contact with the common contact, and a tip of an arm extending from the intermediate section faces one of the fixed contacts at a given interval; (c) a spring placed on the contacting unit, and an end of a movable section at an intermediate section of the spring being in contact with the tip of the arm, and a bowed section extending from the movable section being retained by the case; (d) a cover with a hole for covering the case; and (e) an operating unit having a depressing section, being mounted movably to the case or the cover, and the depressing section extending through the hole of the cover for being brought into contact with the end of the movable section of the spring.

Abstract: An operating device having a static eliminator capable of effectively grounding any static electricity surge through a switch operating button to exterior frame members or to ground within an electronic apparatus, and an electronic apparatus having such an operating device, comprises a rotatable dial for selecting one operation mode from among a plurality of modes, a button disposed in a recess portion in the center of the dial for pushing a switch located in the recess portion at the lower position of the dial, a rotary conductive member disposed within the recess portion provided in the center of the dial and capable of rotating together with the dial, and a fixed conductive member held by a base member for holding the dial. The rotary conductive member and the fixed conductive member are kept in constant contact.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes a dome-shaped switching element (100) that closes a switch when the dome center portion (118) is depressed against a terminal (104, 106), wherein an actuator member (36) has a lower portion (44) that extends through a hole (120) in the dome element and into a bore (46) that guides the actuator member lower portion in sliding movement. A coding wheel (52) that is fixed to the actuator member, includes a conductive portion (60) with at least one contacting tooth (62) and a non-contacting part or space (200) that both lie on an imaginary circle (220). A plurality of pairs of contacts (74, 84, 86) are in vertical alignment with the circle, and each contacting tooth engages a selected pair of the contacts in a selected rotational position of the actuation member about its vertical axis A.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to improve, in a switch device in which two operators are aligned with one operator in between, the operability thereof, and a switch device (11) according to the present invention has a dial section (23) (a middle operator) of a jog dial (20) and operation buttons (24, 24) (outer operators) of two operation button switches (21) placed closely to one another with the dial section in between, and an operation plane (35) of the operation button is formed on a slanted plane (35a) which becomes higher the further it is from the jog dial section.

Abstract: The device comprises a casing having a bottom wall with a common contact; a first fixed contact held by the casing; and a first movable contact which can be brought into or out of contact with the first fixed contact; a handle which can be tilted in many different directions to generate an electric signal; and a second movable contact which touches the common contact. The first movable contact has a contact area which touches the second movable contact. When the handle is tilted, the first fixed contact and the first movable contact touch each other to establish continuity between the first fixed contact and the common contact through the first movable contact, the contact area and the second movable contact, generating a first electric signal.