Patent Publication Number: US-8987621-B2

Title: Press operation device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Application No. 2012-120414, filed on May 28, 2012, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a press operation device used in an electronic equipment provided in a vehicle and the like. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventionally, as an operation device installed in various electronic equipments, a press operation device is known. For example, in a case of being installed in a vehicle such as a car, such a press operation device is used for operating an electronic equipment of the vehicle such as an air conditioner, a car navigation system, or a car audio system. 
     An example of such a press operation device is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. This press operation device is provided with a plurality of operation members  110  ( FIG. 9 ) and a holding member  130  ( FIG. 10 ) holding the operation members  110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the operation member  110  includes an operated part  111  that is press-operated, sidewalls  112  formed on a back side of the operated part  111 , and engaged parts  113  that are engaged by the holding member  130 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the holding member  130  includes a plurality of holding parts  132  divided from each other by a partition wall  131 . The holding parts  132  each have a shape capable of respectively holding each of the operation members  110 . Further, each of the holding parts  132  includes a first insertion hole  133  and a second insertion hole  134  allowing the engaged parts  113  of the operation member  110  to be respectively inserted thereinto. The engaged parts  113  are respectively inserted into the insertion holes  133 ,  134  and become in contact with a back side of the holding member  130 . Thereby, the operation member  110  is held by the holding part  132 . 
     Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-009132 
     In the press operation device described in Patent Document 1, in order to allow insertion of the engaged parts  113 , a dimension of each of the insertion holes  133 ,  134  in an aligned direction (left-right direction in  FIG. 10 ) of the insertion holes must be configured to be larger than a thickness dimension that is a sum of a dimension of the sidewall  112  in the aligned direction and a dimension of the engaged part  113  in the aligned direction. This can lead to problems, for example, such as the following.
     (1) In a case such as when an impact is applied to the press operation device, the engaged parts  113  of the plurality of the operation members  110  may slip out from respective insertion holes  133 ,  134 . Therefore, there is a possibility that the operation members  110  may simultaneously drop out from the holding member  130 .   (2) The holding member  130  is prevented from being reduced in size in the aligned direction, which prevents the operation member  110  from being reduced in size in the same direction. Specifically, there is a case where a light source for illuminating the operated part  111  of the operation member  110  is provided on a printed circuit board arranged on the back side of the holding member  130 . In this case, in order to secure an illumination range of the light source, it is necessary that a dimension between the first insertion hole  133  and the second insertion hole  134  of the holding part  132  in the aligned direction be equal to or larger than a predetermined dimension. As described above, the dimension of each of the insertion holes  133 ,  134  in the aligned direction is configured to be larger than the thickness dimension. Therefore, it is unavoidable that the holding parts  132  each become large in the aligned direction and thus it is also unavoidable that the operation members  110  each become large in the aligned direction. \   

     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is made to solve the above described problem. A purpose of the present invention is to provide a press operation device capable of shortening a dimension of a portion of a holding member that allows an engaged part of an operation member to be inserted therethrough. 
     To solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a press operation device, which includes a first operation member having a first operated part that is press-operated; a second operation member adjacent to the first operation member and having a second operated part that is press-operated in a direction same as a pressing direction of the first operation member; and a holding member holding the first operation member and the second operation member. The first operation member includes a first sidewall having a shape that extends from a back surface of the first operated part along the pressing direction; and a first engaged part protruding from a fore end part of the first sidewall toward a second operation member side to be engaged by the holding member. The second operation member includes a second sidewall having a shape that extends from a back surface of the second operated part along the pressing direction; and a second engaged part protruding from a fore end part of the second sidewall toward a first operation member side to be engaged by the holding member. The holding member includes a holding member main body having an inner peripheral surface of a shape that allows insertion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall along a direction same as the pressing direction and surrounds together the first operation member and the second operation member; a partition wall interposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and dividing the first operation member and the second operation member; a first limiting part limiting displacement of the first sidewall in a direction away from the partition wall; and a second limiting part limiting displacement of the second sidewall in a direction away from the partition wall. The partition wall includes a movable part capable of relative displacement with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the holding member main body in an aligned direction of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The movable part includes a first engagement part engaging the first engaged part so as to restrict displacement of the first engaged part in a direction opposite to an insertion direction of the first operation member by becoming in contact with the first engaged part from an upstream side in the insertion direction; a second engagement part engaging the second engaged part so as to restrict displacement of the second engaged part in the direction opposite to the insertion direction by becoming in contact with the second engaged part from the upstream side in the insertion direction; and an elastically deformable part that elastically deforms so as to allow the first engagement part and the second engagement part to be displaced in the aligned direction. The first limiting part has a shape such that a dimension between the first engagement part and the first limiting part in a state in which the elastically deformable part is not elastically deformed is smaller than a first thickness dimension that is a sum of a dimension of the first sidewall in the aligned direction and a dimension of the first engaged part in the aligned direction. The second limiting part has a shape such that a dimension between the second engagement part and the second limiting part in the state in which the elastically deformable part is not elastically deformed is smaller than a second thickness dimension that is a sum of a dimension of the second sidewall in the aligned direction and a dimension of the second engaged part in the aligned direction. When the first engagement part receives an external force in a direction away from the first limiting part, the elastically deformable part elastically deforms in such a manner that the first engagement part is displaced in the direction away from the first limiting part until a dimension between the first engagement part and the first limiting part is larger than the first thickness dimension and insertion of the first engaged part into between the first engagement part and the first limiting part is allowed. When the second engagement part receives an external force in a direction away from the second limiting part, the elastically deformable part elastically deforms in such a manner that the second engagement part is displaced in the direction away from the second limiting part until a dimension between the second engagement part and the second limiting part is larger than the second thickness dimension and insertion of the second engaged part into between the second engagement part and the second limiting part is allowed. 
     In the press operation device of the present embodiment, the dimension between the first engagement part and the first limiting part in the state in which the elastically deformable part is not elastically deformed is smaller than the first thickness dimension (sum of the dimension of the first sidewall in the aligned direction and the dimension of the first engaged part in the aligned direction). The dimension between the second engagement part and the second limiting part in the state in which the elastically deformable part is not elastically deformed is smaller than the second thickness dimension (sum of the dimension of the second sidewall in the aligned direction and the dimension of the second engaged part in the aligned direction). Further, the elastically deformable part is provided in the partition wall. When the first engagement part receives an external force in the direction away from the first limiting part, the elastically deformable part elastically deforms in such a manner that the first engagement part is displaced in the direction away from the first limiting part until the dimension between the first engagement part and the first limiting part is larger than the first thickness dimension and insertion of the first engaged part into between the first engagement part and the first limiting part is allowed. When the second engagement part receives an external force in the direction away from the second limiting part, the elastically deformable part elastically deforms in such a manner that the second engagement part is displaced in the direction away from second limiting part until the dimension between the second engagement part and the second limiting part is larger than the second thickness dimension and the insertion of the second engaged part into between the second engagement part and the second limiting part is allowed. Therefore, while allowing the operation members to be installed to the holding member, the dimensions of the portions of the holding member into which the engaged parts of the operation members are inserted can be shortened. 
     This allows, for example, the first operation member and the second operation member to be prevented from simultaneously slipping out. Further, in the case where the light sources for illuminating the operated parts are provided, it is possible to reduce the dimensions of the holding member and the operation members in the aligned direction while securing illumination ranges of the light sources. 
     Specifically, the sum of the dimension between the first engagement part and the first limiting part in the state in which the elastically deformable part is not elastically deformed and the dimension between the second engagement part and the second limiting part in the state in which the elastically deformable part is not elastically deformed is smaller than the sum of the first thickness dimension and the second thickness dimension. Therefore, after the two engaged parts are engaged by the engagement parts, even when an impact or the like is applied t the press operation device, the operation members can be prevented from simultaneously dropping out from the holding member. 
     Further, the dimension between the first engagement part and the first limiting part in the state in which the elastically deformable part is not elastically deformed is shortened. Therefore, for example, in the case where the light source for illuminating the first operation member is provided, it is possible to shorten a dimension between the light source and the partition wall while securing an illumination range of the light source. This allows the dimension of the first operation member in the aligned direction to be reduced. The same applied to the second operation member side. 
     Further, in the present invention, the partition wall includes a fixed part fixed on the holding member main body by being connected to the inner peripheral surface of the holding member main body; and the movable part. The movable part has a shape that extends from the fixed part along the insertion direction and is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface. The elastically deformable part elastically deforms in such a manner that the first engagement part and the second engagement part are displaced in the aligned direction. 
     In this way, the movable part is held by the fixed part. Therefore, the position of the movable part in the area surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the holding member main body is stable. Further, the movable part containing the elastically deformable part is not restricted by the inner peripheral surface. Therefore, the elastically deformable part can easily deform. 
     In this case, it is desirable that the first sidewall include a first deformable part that elastically deforms in a manner allowing the first engaged part to be displaced in a direction approaching the first limiting part when the first engaged part receives an external force in the direction approaching the first limiting part, that the second sidewall include a second deformable part that elastically deforms in a manner allowing the second engaged part to be displaced in a direction approaching the second limiting part when the second engaged part receives an external force in the direction approaching the second limiting part, that the first limiting part be formed at a position that allows the first engaged part to be displaced in the direction approaching the first limiting part, and that the second limiting part be formed at a position that allows the second engaged part to be displaced in the direction approaching the second limiting part. 
     In this way, when the first engaged part engages with the first engagement part, the first engagement part can be displaced in the direction away from the first limiting part and the first engaged part can be displaced in the direction approaching the first limiting part. Therefore, the first operation member can be smoothly installed. Similarly, when the second engaged part engages with the second engagement part, the second engagement part can be displaced in the direction away from the second limiting part and the second engaged part can be displaced in the direction approaching the second limiting part. Therefore, the second operation member can be smoothly installed. 
     As described above, according to the present invention, a press operation device can be provided in which a dimension in an aligned direction of operation members in a holding member can be shortened. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a press operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the press operation device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view along a line in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along a line IV-IV in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a state viewed from a back side of the press operation device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a state in which a portion of a holding member illustrated in  FIG. 5  is omitted; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a state viewed from a different angle in which a portion of the holding member illustrated in  FIG. 5  is omitted; 
         FIG. 8  is diagram explaining a state in which an elastically deformable part and a first deformable part illustrated in  FIG. 3  have deformed; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an operation member of a conventional press operation device described in Patent Document 1; and 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a holding member of the conventional press operation device described in Patent Document 1. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description is taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . In each of the drawings, an end part of a first operation member  10  (to be described later) on a side opposite to a second operation member  20  side is omitted. Further, in the following explanation, an operated parts  11 ,  21  (to be described later) side (upper side in  FIG. 3 ) is a surface side or a front end side, and an opposite side (lower side in  FIG. 3 ) of that side is a back side or a rear end side. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , a press operation device according to the present embodiment is provided with a first operation member  10  that is press-operated in a particular direction (downward direction in  FIG. 3 ), a second operation member  20  that is adjacent to the first operation member  10  and is press-operated in the same direction as the pressing direction of the first operation member  10 , and a holding member  30  holding the first operation member  10  and the second operation member  20 . The press operation device is housed in a case  40 . The case  40  houses a printed circuit board  42  on a more rear end side than the press operation device. A detection element  44  detecting a press operation of each operation member and light sources  46  for illuminating the operation members are mounted on the printed circuit board  42 . 
     The first operation member  10  has a first operated part  11  that is press-operated, a first sidewall  12  that has a shape extending from a back surface of the first operated part  11  along the pressing direction, and a first engaged part  13  that is connected to a fore end part of the first sidewall  12  and is engaged by the holding member  30 . The first operation member  10  is inserted into the holding member  30  along a direction same as the pressing direction, thereby being held by the holding member  30 . 
     The first operated part  11  has a substantially rectangular shape. The first sidewall  12  is connected to the back surface of the first operated part  11  at a site near the second operation member  20 . Further, the first operated part  11  has a protruding part  11   a  of a shape protruding toward the second operation member  20  side from the site at which the first sidewall  12  is connected. The protruding part  11   a  is formed in a shape covering a front end side of a partition wall  31  (to be described later). 
     The first sidewall  12  has a shape that is long in one direction (up-down direction in  FIG. 3 ). The first sidewall  12  is formed in such a manner that a thickness dimension of the first sidewall  12  in an aligned direction (left-right direction in  FIG. 3 ) of the operation members is uniform over the entire area of the first sidewall  12  along a longitudinal direction. As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  and the like, the first sidewall  12  has a first sidewall main body  12   a  that has a shape extending from the back surface of the first operated part  11  along the pressing direction, and a first deformable part  12   b  that has a shape extending from a rear end surface of the first sidewall main body  12   a  along the pressing direction. In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a portion of the holding member  30  in a front side of the paper is omitted. The first sidewall main body  12   a  has a predetermined dimension in a third direction that is orthogonal to the aligned direction (first direction) of the operation members and the longitudinal direction (second direction) of the first sidewall  12 . The first deformable part  12   b  has a dimension in the third direction smaller than the dimension of the first sidewall main body  12   a  in the same direction (the third direction being orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction), and has a shape that extends from substantially a central portion, in the third direction, of a rear end surface of the first sidewall main body  12   a  toward the rear end side. The first deformable part  12   b  is capable of deflective deformation using a boundary with the first sidewall main body  12   a  as a fulcrum point in a manner allowing a rear end part of the first deformable part  12   b  to be displaced in a direction away from the second operation member  20  (direction approaching a first limiting part  36  (to be described later)). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6  and the like, the first engaged part  13  has a shape protruding from the rear end part of the first deformable part  12   b  toward the second operation member  20  side. Specifically, the first engaged part  13  has a shape in which its amount of protrusion from the first deformable part  12   b  becomes smaller from its front end toward its rear end. Further, a front end surface (end surface on an upstream side in the pressing direction) of the first engaged part  13  is formed flat. By applying an external force to the first engaged part  13  in a direction opposite to the protruding direction from the first deformable part  12   b , the first deformable part  12   b  deflectively deforms to allow the first engaged part  13  to move away from the partition wall  31  (to approach the first limiting part  36 ). 
     The second operation member  20  has a shape similar to the first operation member  10 . The second operation member  20  has a second operated part  21  that is press-operated, a second sidewall  22  that is formed on a back surface of the second operated part  21 , a second engaged part  23  that is connected to a rear end part of the second sidewall  22  and is engaged by the holding member  30 , a third sidewall  24  that is formed on the back side of the second operated part  21 , and a third engaged part  25  that is connected to a rear end part of the third sidewall  24  and is engaged by the holding member  30 . The third sidewall  24  and the third engaged part  25  have the same shapes as that of the second sidewall  22  and the second engaged part  23 , and thus, their explanation is omitted. The second operation member  20  is also inserted into the holding member  30  along a direction same as the pressing direction, thereby being held by the holding member  30 . 
     The first operated part  21  has a substantially rectangular shape. The second sidewall  22  has a shape that extends along the pressing direction from a site near the first operation member  10  on the back surface of the second operated part  21 . The second sidewall  22  has a shape that is symmetric to that of the first sidewall  12  with respect to the partition wall  31 , and the second engaged part  23  has a shape that is symmetric to that of the first engaged part  13  with respect to the partition wall  31 , and thus, their explanation is omitted. 
     The holding member  30  has a holding member main body  38 , the partition wall  31  that is interposed between the first operation member  10  and the second operation member  20  dividing between these operation members, the first limiting part  36  limiting the displacement of the rear end part of the first sidewall  12 , a second limiting part  37  limiting the displacement of the rear end part of the second sidewall  22 , and a third limiting part  39  limiting the displacement of the third sidewall  24 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the holding member main body  38  has an inner peripheral surface  38   a , which has shape that allows insertion of the first sidewall  12  and the second sidewall  22  along a direction same as the pressing direction and surrounds together the first operation member  10  and the second operation member  20 . 
     The partition wall  31  partitions the area surrounded by the inner peripheral surface  38   a  into an area where the first operation member  10  is inserted and an area where the second operation member  20  is inserted. Specifically, the partition wall  31  is provided between the first sidewall  12  and the second sidewall  22  and has a shape that is long in a direction same as the longitudinal direction of the sidewalls  12 ,  22 . The partition wall  31  has a fixed part  32  fixed on the holding member main body  38 , and a movable part capable of relative displacement with respect to the inner peripheral surface  38   a  in the aligned direction (first direction) of the first sidewall  12  and the second sidewall  22 . The movable part has a shape that extends from a rear end surface of the fixed part  32  along a direction same as the insertion direction of the operation members  10 ,  20 . The movable part has an elastically deformable part  33  capable of elastic deformation, a first engagement part  34  engaging the first engaged part  13 , and a second engagement part  35  engaging the second engaged part  23 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the fixed part  32  is fixed to the holding member main body  38  by being connected to the inner peripheral surface  38   a  at two sides in the third direction (direction that is orthogonal to the aligned direction of the sidewalls  12 ,  22  and the longitudinal direction of the partition wall  31 ). 
     The elastically deformable part  33  has a shape that extends from the rear end surface of the fixed part  32  toward the rear end side and is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface  38   a . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7  and the like, the elastically deformable part  33  has a dimension in the third direction smaller than the dimension of the fixed part  32  in the same direction. The elastically deformable part  33  is connected to a substantially central portion in the third direction of the rear end surface of the fixed part  32 . When an external force in the first direction acts on a rear end part of the elastically deformable part  33 , the elastically deformable part  33  deflectively deforms using a boundary with the fixed part  32  as a fulcrum point in a manner allowing the rear end part to be displaced in the first direction, that is, in a direction approaching the first sidewall  12  side or in a direction approaching the second sidewall  22  side. A rear end surface of the elastically deformable part  33  is formed flat. In the present embodiment, the elastically deformable part  33  having a shape that is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface  38   a  is described. However, the elastically deformable part  33  may also have a shape that is connected to the inner peripheral surface  38   a  as far as the elastically deformable part  33  is capable of elastic deformation using a boundary with the fixed part  32  as a fulcrum point in a manner allowing the rear end part of the elastically deformable part  33  to be displaced in the direction the first sidewall  12  side or the direction approaching the second sidewall  22  side. 
     The first engagement part  34  engages the first engaged part  13  when a rear end surface of the first engagement part  34  becomes in contact with an upper end surface (end surface on the upstream side in the insertion direction of the first sidewall  12 ) of the first engaged part  13  in a manner preventing displacement of the first engaged part  13  in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, that is, preventing the first operation member  10  from slipping out from the holding member  30 . Specifically, the first engagement part  34  has a shape protruding from a rear end part of the elastically deformable part  33  toward the first sidewall  12  side. The rear end surface of the first engagement part  34 , that is, the surface in contact with the front end surface of the first engaged part  13 , is formed flat. The rear end surface of the first engagement part  34  and the rear end surface of the elastically deformable part  33  are on the same plane. The second engagement part  35  has a shape that is the same as the first engagement part  34  except that the second engagement part  35  protrudes from the rear end part of the elastically deformable part  33  toward the second sidewall  22  side, and thus, its explanation is omitted. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  6  and  8  and the like, the first limiting part  36  is provided on an opposite side of the partition wall  31  across the first sidewall  12 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a state in the middle of installation of the first operation member  10  after the second operation member  20  has been installed to holding member  30 . The first limiting part  36  limits displacement of the rear end part of the first deformable part  12   b  in a direction away from the partition wall  31 . Specifically, the displacement of the rear end part of the first deformable part  12   b  in the direction away from the partition wall  31  is restricted by the contact of the first deformable part  12   b  with an inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36 . Further, the first limiting part  36  is configured to be at a position such that a dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36  in a state in which an external force in the first direction is not acting on the first engagement part  34  and the elastically deformable part  33  is not elastically deformed is smaller than a first thickness dimension that is a sum of a dimension of the first sidewall  12  in the first direction and a dimension of the first engaged part  13  in the first direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second limiting part  37  has a shape that is symmetric to that of the first limiting part  36  with respect to the partition wall  31 , and thus, its explanation is omitted. Further, the third limiting part  39  has a shape that is symmetric to that of the second limiting part  37  with respect to a central axis of the second operation member  20 , and thus, its explanation is omitted. 
     Here, when an external force such as that the first engagement part  34  pushes the rear end part of the elastically deformable part  33  toward the second engagement part  35  side is applied to the first engagement part  34 , the elastically deformable part  33  elastically deforms in a manner that the first engagement part  34  is displaced in a direction away from the first limiting part  36 . This allows the dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36  to be larger than the first thickness dimension, and thus allows the first engaged part  13  to be inserted between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36 . The same applies to the second engagement part  35 . That is, the elastically deformable part  33  deflectively deforms in a manner allowing the first engagement part  34  and the second engagement part  35  to be displaced in the first direction between the first limiting part  36  and the second limiting part  37 . 
     The detection element  44  detecting a press operation of the second operation member  20  is mounted at a position that is pressed by the rear end part of the third sidewall  24  of the second operation member  20 . The light source  46  for illuminating the second operated part  21  is mounted between the second limiting part  37  and the third limiting part  39 . Space between the second limiting part  37  and the third limiting part  39  is configured large enough to secure an illumination range of the light source  46 . 
     Next, an assembly process of the press operation device is explained. 
     First, the printed circuit board  42  is housed in the case  40 . Then, the holding member  30  is housed in the case  40  in such a manner that the holding member  30  is position on a front end side of the printed circuit board  42 . 
     Next, in the present embodiment, first, the second operation member  20  is installed to the holding member  30 . Specifically, the second operation member  20  is inserted with the second engaged part  23  and the third engaged part  25  at front into the side for installing the second operation member  20  in the area surrounded by the inner peripheral surface  38   a  of the holding member main body  38 . The second sidewall  22  and the third sidewall  24  behave in the same way, so here only the second sidewall  22  side is explained. When the second operation member  20  is inserted, until the second engaged part  23  becomes in contact with the second engagement part  35 , a dimension between the second engagement part  35  and an inner surface  37   a  of the second limiting part  37  is smaller than a second thickness dimension (sum of the dimension of the second sidewall  22  in the first direction and the dimension of the second engaged part  23  in the first direction). 
     When the second engaged part  23  becomes in contact with the second engagement part  35 , an external force acts on the second engagement part  35  in a direction in which the second engagement part  35  moves away from the second limiting part  37 , and as a result, the elastically deformable part  33  begins to deform. Further, an external force acts on the second engaged part  23  in a direction in which the second engaged part  23  moves away from the elastically deformable part  33 , and as a result, the second deformable part  22   b  begins to elastically deform. Thereafter, as the insertion of the second sidewall  22  proceeds, the second engaged part  23  and the second engagement part  35  are displaced in directions away from each other. Specifically, the second deformable part  22   b  elastically deforms until the rear end part of the second deformable part  22   b  becomes in contact with the inner surface  37   a  of the second limiting part  37 , and the elastically deformable part  33  elastically deforms in a manner that the second engagement part  35  is displaced in the direction away from the second limiting part  37  until the dimension between the second engagement part  35  and the inner surface  37   a  of the second limiting part  37  becomes larger than the second thickness dimension. As a result, the dimension between the second engagement part  35  and the inner surface  37   a  of the second limiting part  37  becomes larger than the second thickness dimension. Therefore, the insertion of the second engaged part  23  between the second engagement part  35  and the second limiting part  37  is allowed. After the second engaged part  23  has passed through between the second engagement part  35  and the second limiting part  37 , the elastically deformable part  33  returns to its neutral position, and the front end surface of the second engaged part  23  becomes in contact with the rear end surface of the second engagement part  35 , and thereby, the second engaged part  23  is engaged by the second engagement part  35 . 
     Next, the first operation member  10  is installed to the holding member  30 . That is, the first operation member  10  is inserted with the first engaged part  13  at front into the side for installing the first operation member  10  in the area surrounded by the inner peripheral surface  38   a  of the holding member main body  38 . In this case, until the first engaged part  13  becomes in contact with the first engagement part  34 , a dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36  is smaller than the first thickness dimension (sum of the dimension of the first sidewall  12  in the first direction and the dimension of the first engaged part  13  in the first direction). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , when the first engaged part  13  becomes in contact with the first engagement part  34 , an external force acts on the first engagement part  34  in a direction in which the first engagement part  34  moves away from the first limiting part  36 , and as a result, the elastically deformable part  33  begins to deform. Further, an external force acts on the first engaged part  13  in a direction that the first engaged part  13  moves away from the elastically deformable part  33 , and as a result, the first deformable part  12   b  begins to elastically deform. Thereafter, as the insertion of the first sidewall  12  proceeds, the first engaged part  13  and the first engagement part  34  are displaced in directions away from each other. Specifically, the first deformable part  12   b  elastically deforms until the rear end part of the first deformable part  12   b  becomes in contact with the inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36 , and the elastically deformable part  33  elastically deforms in a manner that the first engagement part  34  is displaced in the direction away from the first limiting part  36  until the dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36  becomes larger than the first thickness dimension. As a result, the dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36  becomes larger than the first thickness dimension. Therefore, the insertion of the first engaged part  13  between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36  is allowed. After the first engaged part  13  has passed through between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36 , the elastically deformable part  33  returns to its neutral position, and the front end surface of the first engaged part  13  becomes in contact with the rear end surface of the first engagement part  34 , and thereby, the first engaged part  13  is engaged by the first engagement part  34 . The dimension between the elastically deformable part  33  and the second sidewall  22  may also be configured in such a manner that, when the first engaged part  13  is inserted, as a result of that the elastically deformable part  33  has elastically deformed in the manner that the first engagement part  34  is displaced in the direction away from the first limiting part  36 , the second engagement part  35  becomes in contact with the second deformable part  22   b  and presses the second deformable part  22   b , and thereby the second deformable part  22   b  elastically deforms in a manner that the rear end part of the second deformable part  22   b  is displaced in the direction approaching the second limiting part  37 . 
     As explained above, in the press operation device of the present embodiment, the dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36  in the state in which the elastically deformable part  33  is not elastically deformed is smaller than the first thickness dimension (sum of the dimension of the first sidewall  12  in the aligned direction and the dimension of the first engaged part  13  in the aligned direction). The dimension between the second engagement part  35  and the second limiting part  37  in the state in which the elastically deformable part  33  is not elastically deformed is smaller than the second thickness dimension (sum of the dimension of the second sidewall  22  in the aligned direction and the dimension of the second engaged part  23  in the aligned direction). Further, the elastically deformable part  33  is provided in the partition wall  31 . When the first engagement part  34  receives an external force in the direction away from the first limiting part  36 , the elastically deformable part  33  elastically deforms in such a manner that the first engagement part  34  is displaced in the direction away from the first limiting part  36  until the dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36  is larger than the first thickness dimension and insertion of the first engaged part  13  into between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36  is allowed. When the second engagement part  35  receives an external force in the direction away from the second limiting part  37 , the elastically deformable part  33  elastically deforms in such a manner that the second engagement part  35  is displaced in the direction away from second limiting part  37  until the dimension between the second engagement part  35  and the second limiting part  37  is larger than the second thickness dimension and the insertion of the second engaged part  23  into between the second engagement part  35  and the second limiting part  37  is allowed. Therefore, while allowing the operation members to be installed to the holding member  30 , the dimensions of the portions of the holding member  30  into which the engaged parts of the operation members are inserted can be shortened. 
     This allows, for example, the first operation member  10  and the second operation member  20  to be prevented from simultaneously slipping out. Specifically, the sum of the dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36  in the state in which the elastically deformable part  33  is not elastically deformed and the dimension between the second engagement part  35  and the second limiting part  37  in the state in which the elastically deformable part  33  is not elastically deformed is smaller than the sum of the first thickness dimension and the second thickness dimension. Therefore, after the two engaged parts are engaged by the engagement parts, even when an impact or the like is applied to the press operation device, the operation members can be prevented from simultaneously dropping out from the holding member  30 . 
     Further, in the case where the light sources  46  for illuminating the operated parts are provided, it is possible to reduce the dimensions of the holding member  30  and the operation members in the aligned direction while securing illumination ranges of the light sources  46 . Specifically, in the press operation device of the present embodiment, the dimension between the first engagement part  34  and the first limiting part  36  in the state in which the elastically deformable part  33  is not elastically deformed is shortened. Therefore, it is possible to shorten a dimension between the light source  46  and the partition wall  31  while securing an illumination range of the light source  46  for illuminating the first operated part  11 . This allows the dimension of the first operation member  10  in the aligned direction to be reduced. Similarly, it is possible to shorten a dimension between the light source  46  and the partition wall  31  while securing an illumination range (dimension between the second limiting part  37  and the third limiting part  39 ) of the light source  46  for illuminating the second operated part  21 . This allows the dimension of the second operation member  20  in the aligned direction to be reduced. 
     It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein in all aspects are for exemplary purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above explanation of the embodiments, but by the appended claims, and further includes all modifications equivalent to or within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     For example, in the present embodiment, an example is explained in which the light sources  46  are provided for illuminating the operated parts. However, the light sources  46  may be omitted. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, an example is explained in which, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , small clearances are formed between the first sidewall  12  and the first limiting part  36  and between the second sidewall  22  and the second limiting part  37  in the state in which the operation members are installed to the holding member  30 . However, it is also possible that these clearances are not formed. That is, it is also possible to have such a configuration that, in the state in which the operation members are installed to the holding member  30 , the first sidewall  12  and the inner surface  36   a  of the first limiting part  36  are in contact with each other and the second sidewall  22  and the inner surface  37   a  of the second limiting part  37  are in contact with each other. In this case, when the operation members are inserted into the holding member  30 , only the elastically deformable part  33  deforms. 
     It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular structures, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 
     The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, and various variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.