Patent ID: 6399904
Filing Date: 2002-06-04
Classification: G05G,H01H

Abstract:
A multiple contact input device, comprising:a base defining a periphery; a case formed by said base and a side wall extending upwardly from the periphery of said base; a cover body fixed to said base; a first movable portion and second movable portions, said first movable portion and said second movable portions each defining an upper surface; a sheet; a metallic spring member; a first switch; plural second switches disposed on a plurality of peripheral portions of said base, positioned at regular intervals around said first switch; said base including said first switch and said second switches; an operation member including a plate-shaped portion, first pressing portion for operating said first switch, and plural second pressing portions corresponding to said respective second switches; a one-side-member formed as one of: a projection and a receiving portion, arranged at each position between two respective second pressing portions disposed on said operation member and adjacent of each other; and other-side-members formed as one of: a projection and a receiving portion arranged on said base for touching said one-side-member when said operation member is swung, thereby preventing the two second pressing portions on both sides of said one-side-member from pressing simultaneously the two second switches corresponding thereto, wherein said sheet is applied to the upper surface of said first movable portion and said second movable portions, said metallic spring member being situated between said cover and said plate-shaped portion for elastically urging said operation member away from said cover body, and urging with said first switch said operation member toward a neutral position, which is set at a non-pressing position where all said second pressing portions do not press said second movable portions.