Patent Publication Number: US-2023154701-A1

Title: Composite input device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-187132, filed on Nov. 17, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The disclosures herein generally relate to composite input devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an electrical composite-operation type component that includes a knob for receiving inputs from tilting, rotating, and pressing operations. 
     However, since the components (an annular rotor and a rotational motion detection sensor) for detecting the rotation input are arranged further outside than the component (an outer shaft) that tilts together with the knob, the equipment footprint of the electrical composite-operation type component disclosed in 
     Patent Document 1 is large. 
     Related-Art Documents 
     Patent Documents 
     [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-16114 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A composite input device according to one embodiment includes a first detector configured to detect a rotating operation; a second detector configured to detect a tilting operation; and a substrate disposed perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotating operation. 
     In a plan view in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the first detector is disposed inside an imaginary circle. The imaginary circle has a center at an intersection of the substrate and the rotational axis of the rotating operation and has an outer circumference that passes through an outer edge of the second detector positioned farthest from the center of the imaginary circle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects and further features of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an outer perspective view of a composite input device according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is an outer perspective view of the composite input device according to the embodiment without the illustration of a housing; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a cross-section of the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is a view illustrating the configuration of a press detection mechanism included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is a view illustrating the configuration of a rotation detection mechanism included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a view illustrating the configuration of the rotation detection mechanism included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is a plan view of a substrate included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is an outer perspective view illustrating the configuration of a tilt detection mechanism included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the tilt detection mechanism included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  are views for explaining the fitting configuration of a holder and an actuator included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a cross section of the composite input device according to the embodiment taken along a plane that passes through a rotational axis; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a perspective view of a knob included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  13 B  is an exploded view of the knob included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  14    is a bottom view of the knob included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  15 A  is a view illustrating the assembly process of the knob, the holder, and the actuator included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  15 B  is an upper perspective view of the configuration of the knob, the holder, and the actuator included in the composite input device according to the embodiment when the knob, the holder, and the actuator are assembled; 
         FIG.  15 C  is a lower perspective view of the configuration of the knob, the holder, and the actuator included in the composite input device according to the embodiment when the knob, the holder, and the actuator are assembled; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of the holder included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  17    is a top view of the holder included in a composite input device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  18    is a bottom view of the holder included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view of the housing included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  20 A  is a bottom view of the housing included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  20 B  is a bottom view of the configuration of the knob, a light guide, the holder, a torsion spring, the housing, and the actuator included in the composite input device according to the embodiment when the knob, a light guide, the holder, a torsion spring, the housing, and the actuator are assembled; 
         FIG.  21    is a side view of the housing included in the composite input device according to the embodiment taken along a line E-E indicated in  FIG.  20   ; 
         FIG.  22 A  is a perspective view of the holder included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  22 B  is a perspective view of the configuration of the knob, the holder, and the torsion spring included in the composite input device according to the embodiment when the knob, the holder, and the torsion spring are assembled; 
         FIG.  22 C  is a side view of the holder included in the composite input device according to the embodiment; 
         FIG.  22 D  is a cross-sectional view of the holder included in the composite input device according to the embodiment taken along a line F-F indicated in  FIG.  22 C ; 
         FIG.  23 A  is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the holder and the actuator of the composite input device according to the embodiment in a neutral position; 
         FIG.  23 B  is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the holder and the actuator of the composite input device according to the embodiment in a state in which a rotating operation has been performed; and 
         FIG.  24    is a top view of the composite input device according to the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     According to one embodiment, a composite input device that has a small equipment footprint can be implemented. 
     Outline of Composite Input Device  100   
       FIG.  1    is an outer perspective view of a composite input device  100  according to the embodiment. For the sake of descriptive convenience in the following description, assume that the X-axis direction is the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction, and the Z-axis is the vertical direction. Note that the +X-axis direction is the front direction, the +Y-axis direction is the right direction, and the +Z-axis is the upper direction. 
     The composite input device  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1    can be used as, for example, a composite input device for operating a device (for example, a power seat) installed in a vehicle such as an automobile. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the composite input device  100  includes a housing  108  having a rectangular cuboid shape and a knob  102  provided so as to protrude upward from an upper surface of the housing  108 . An operator can operate the composite input device  100  by pressing, tilting, and rotating the knob  102 . When released from the operating force from the operator, the knob  102  of the composite input device  100  returns to a neutral position illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     The operator can perform pressing and sliding operations on the composite input device  100  by pressing and sliding a first operation portion  102 A of the knob  102  along a rotational axis AX in a pressing direction D1 (downward in the -Z-axis direction). 
     The operator can also perform tilting operations on the composite input device  100  by tilting the knob  102  in each of a tilting direction D2 (frontward in the +X-axis direction), a tilting direction D3 (rearward in the -X-axis direction), and a tilting direction D4 (rightward in the +Y-axis direction) that are perpendicular to the rotational axis AX. The operator can also perform an operation to tilt the knob  102  in a tilting direction D5 (leftward in the -Y-axis direction). 
     The operator can also perform rotating operations on the composite input device  100  by rotating a second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  in each of a rotation direction D6 (clockwise direction) and a rotation direction D7 (counterclockwise direction) that are centered on the rotational axis AX. The operation to rotate the knob  102  in the rotation direction D6 is performed within the range of a stroke in which the angle of the second operation portion  102 C is shifted clockwise by a predetermined angle θ with reference to the neutral position illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The operation to rotate the knob  102  in the rotation direction D7 is performed within the range of a stroke in which the angle of the second operation portion  102 C is shifted counterclockwise by a predetermined angle -θ with reference to the neutral position. In this embodiment, the predetermined angle θ is 20°. 
     Configuration of Composite Input Device  100   
       FIG.  2    is an exploded perspective view of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  3    is an outer perspective view of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment without the illustration of the housing  108 .  FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a cross section of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  13 A  is a perspective view of the knob  102  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  13 B  is an exploded view of the knob  102  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  14    is a bottom view of the knob  102  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  19    is a perspective view of the housing  108  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIGS.  20 A and  20 B  each are a bottom view of the housing  108  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  21    is a side view of the housing  108  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment taken along a line E-E indicated in  FIG.  20 A .  FIG.  22 A  is a perspective view of a holder  106  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  22 B  is a perspective view of a configuration when the knob  102 , the holder  106 , and a torsion spring  107  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment are been assembled.  FIG.  22 C  is a side view of the holder  106  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  22 D  is a cross-sectional view of the holder  106  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment taken along a line F-F indicated in  FIG.  22 C . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the composite input device  100  includes the knob  102 , a cover  109 , the housing  108 , a light guide  103 , the holder  106 , the torsion spring  107 , an actuator  110 , a substrate  130 , and a cover  104 . 
     The knob  102  is a member that is operated by the operator and is made of synthetic resin. As illustrated in  FIGS.  13 A,  13 B, and  14   , the knob  102  includes the first operation portion  102 A, a shaft portion  102 B, and the second operation portion  102 C. The first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B are formed integrally. The first operation portion  102 A and the second operation portion  102 C are formed as separate parts. The first operation portion  102 A and the second operation portion  102 C are fitted to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in the vertical direction and to be rotatable relative to each other about the rotational axis AX. 
     The first operation portion  102 A is a member that receives the operating force of a pressing operation performed in the pressing direction D1 by the operator. The first operation portion  102 A has a flat shape and a circular shape in a plan view from the +Z-axis direction. Also, the first operation portion  102 A is a member that is illuminated by the light from an LED  134 , which will be described in detail later. 
     The shaft portion  102 B is a member extending downward (-Z-axis direction) from the center of the first operation portion  102 A. The shaft portion  102 B is inserted into a support shaft  111  of the actuator  110  and guides the first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B to slide in the vertical direction. The shaft portion  102 B includes slide guides  102 B a  (to be described in detail later). Each slide guide  102 B a  is provided in contact with a corresponding slide guide  111 A of the actuator  110  (to be described in detail later). The sliding of the slide guides  102 B a  of the knob  102  and the slide guides  111 A of the actuator  110  allows the shaft portion  102 B to be slidably supported in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by the actuator  110 . A distal end portion  102 B c  (an example of a “distal end portion”) on the lower side of the shaft portion  102 B is provided above a protrusion  131 A of a press detection switch  131 . The distal end portion  102 B c  contacts and presses the protrusion  131 A of the press detection switch  131  when a pressing operation is performed on the knob  102 . 
     The first operation portion  102 A of the knob  102  and the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  are made of a synthetic resin material having a light transmitting property. The shaft portion  102 B functions as a light guide. When light enters from a surface of incidence  102 B d  (see  FIGS.  5  and  13 A ) formed on the lower end portion of the knob  102 , the knob  102  can guide the light to its upper end surface (that is, the first operation portion  102 A). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  includes a light diffusion portion  102 B e  that is disposed in a position coupled to the first operation portion  102 A. In this embodiment, the area of the first operation portion  102 A, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 , is larger than the area of the shaft portion  102 B. However, since the light diffusion portion  102 B e  is included between the first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B, the light guided in the shaft portion  102 B is diffused by the light diffusion portion  102 B e  and is subsequently guided to the first operation portion  102 A. Hence, the light that enters from the surface of incidence  102 B d  of the shaft portion  102 B thoroughly illuminates the entire first operation portion  102 A. The shape and the effect of the light diffusion portion  102 B e  of the knob  102  will be described later. 
     Display marks (not illustrated) may be displayed on the first operation portion  102 A of the knob  102  to allow the operator to recognize the tilting directions D2 to D5 or the rotation directions D6 and D7 more easily. The display marks can be formed by a method such as printing or imprinting. Although the first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B are formed integrally in this embodiment, the first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B may also be formed as separate parts and be subsequently fitted to each other. For example, the first operation portion  102 A can be decorated more easily when the first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B are formed as separate parts. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  13 B , the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  includes a grip portion  102 C a  and a holder coupling portion  102 C b  that is fixedly coupled to the grip portion  102 C a . The second operation portion  102 C is a member that receives the operating forces of tilting operations performed in the tilting directions D2 to D5 and the operating forces of the rotating operations performed in the rotation directions D6 and D7 by the operator. The grip portion  102 C a  is an annular part that surrounds the periphery of the first operation portion  102 A, and is gripped by the operator during a tilting operation and a rotating operation. The holder coupling portion  102 C b  is a member that is to be locked by coupling portions  106 B a  provided on a first cylinder portion  106 B of the holder  106 , which is illustrated in  FIG.  11 A . In this embodiment, the grip portion  102 C a  and the holder coupling portion  102 C b  are formed as separate parts and then assembled, but they may be formed integrally. 
     The first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B slide downward integrally when the operator applies an operating force on the first operation portion  102 A in the pressing direction D1 (downward). At this time, the second operation portion  102 C does not slide downward. More specifically, the first operation portion  102 A and the second operation portion  102 C are fitted to each other such that they can slide relative to each other in the vertical direction. In addition, the holder coupling portion  102 C b  of the second operation portion  102 C is coupled to the holder  106 . The holder  106  is configured to rotate about the rotational axis AX but to be hindered from sliding in the vertical direction. Thus, the second operation portion  102 C coupled to the holder  106  rotates together with the holder  106 , but is hindered from sliding in the vertical direction. Hence, when the operator applies an operating force onto the first operation portion  102 A in the pressing direction D1 (downward), the first operation portion  102 A slides in the pressing direction D1, but the second operation portion  102 C does not slide downward. 
     When the operator applies an operating force on the second operation portion  102 C in one of the tilting directions D2 to D5, the first operation portion  102 A and the second operation portion  102 C tilt together. 
     The second operation portion  102 C rotates when the operator applies an operating force on the second operation portion  102 C in one of the rotation directions D6 and D7. Furthermore, the operating force is transmitted to the holder  106  coupled to the holder coupling portion  102 C b , thus rotating the holder  106 . At this time, the second operation portion  102 C rotates, but the first operation portion  102 A does not rotate because the rotation of the first operation portion  102 A is restricted by the slide guides  102 B a  that are in contact with the slide guides  111 A of the actuator  110 . 
     A surface treatment or the like for increasing decorative properties may be performed on a part of or the entire surface of the second operation portion  102 C. The second operation portion  102 C may be configured to be detachable from the first operation portion  102 A. That is, the composite input device  100  may be configured to allow a user to replace the second operation portion  102 C by selecting one second operation portion  102 C from a plurality of second operation portions  102 C with different decorative designs. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2    and in  FIGS.  19  to  21   , the housing  108  is a container-shaped member with a hollow structure, and the outer shape of the housing  108  is a rectangular cuboid. The housing  108  is member made of synthetic resin. The housing  108  accommodates the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102 , the light guide  103 , the holder  106 , the torsion spring  107 , the actuator  110 , and the substrate  130 . A pedestal portion  108 B of a uniform height is formed on the center of an upper surface  108 A of the housing  108 . A circular opening  108 C centered on the rotational axis AX in a plan view is formed on the pedestal portion  108 B. The support shaft  111  of the knob  102  and the first cylinder portion  106 B of the holder  106  are inserted in the opening  108 C of the housing  108 . The annular cover  109  that covers the upper surface and the outer peripheral surface of the pedestal portion  108 B is attached to the pedestal portion  108 B. A circular opening  109 A centered on the rotational axis AX in a plan view is formed on the cover  109 . The cover  109  is a member that includes a body molded from a white synthetic resin having a light transmitting property. The upper surface and the side surface of the molded body of the cover  109  is covered with a film coating. The cover  109  also includes an illumination display portion (illustration omitted in the drawings) that has been formed by removing a part of the film coating by laser machining. The illumination display portion includes arrow shapes that indicate the tilting directions D2 to D5 illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Note that the illumination display portion may also have a shape that indicates the rotation directions D6 and D7. The housing  108  includes supporting surfaces  114  that are provided in contact with a first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110 . The supporting surfaces  114  support the actuator  110  so as to allow the actuator  110  to rotate. Each supporting surface  114  has a recessed spherical shape. The housing  108  includes guide surfaces  108 E a , which are provided in contact with pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110  (to be described in detail later), and guide walls  108 E that include the guide surfaces  108 E a . 
     The light guide  103  is a member made of synthetic resin having a light transmitting property. The light guide  103  is disposed above the substrate  130 . The light guide  103  guides the light beams emitted from four LEDs  135 - 1  to  135 - 4  provided on the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 , and emits the light beams from the back side of the cover  109  toward the illumination display portion, thereby lighting the illumination display portion of the cover  109 . The light guide  103  includes an annular body portion  103 A, which is disposed below the pedestal portion  108 B, and four legs  103 B. The four legs  103 B are provided at 90° intervals with respect to the body portion  103 A. The four legs  103 B extends downward from the body portion  103 A. The lower surface of each of the four legs  103 B faces a corresponding one of the four LEDs  135 - 1  to  135 - 4 , and serves as a plane of incidence through which the light from the corresponding one of the four LEDs  135 - 1  to  135 - 4  enters. 
     The holder  106  is a member configured to support the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102 . The holder  106  is a member that transmit the operating force from a rotating operation. The holder  106  is a member made of synthetic resin. As illustrated in  FIG.  11 A , the holder  106  has an approximately cylindrical shape. By fitting each supporting rotation portion  112  of the actuator  110  to a corresponding supported rotation portion  106 D formed in a second cylinder portion  106 C (to be described in detail later), the holder  106  is rotatably supported by the actuator  110 . The holder  106  is also supported by the actuator  110  by abutting protrusions  106 F (to be described in detail later) against a base  110 D of the actuator  110 . The support shaft  111  of the actuator  110  is inserted inside the first cylinder portion  106 B of the holder  106 , and the first cylinder portion  106 B abuts the support shaft  111 . Hence, the rotation of the holder  106  is guided by the support shaft  111  of the actuator  110 . The coupling portions  106 B a  provided on the first cylinder portion  106 B of the holder  106  are locked by the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102 . Hence, the holder  106  is configured to rotate with the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  when the operator rotates the knob  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  22 B , the torsion spring  107  includes a body portion  107 A and an extending part  107 B 1 , which extends from one end of the body portion  107 A in a normal direction of a circle centered on the rotational axis AX. In addition, the torsion spring  107  includes an extending part  107 B 2 , which extends from the other end of the body portion  107 A in a normal direction of a circle centered on the rotational axis AX, and engaging portions  107 C, each provided on the distal end of the corresponding one of the extending parts  107 B 1  and  107 B 2 . The body portion  107 A of the torsion spring  107  is a part wound into a coil, and is disposed around the protrusions  106 F with the protrusions  106 F of the holder  106  serving as a core. The extending part  107 B 1  of the torsion spring  107  contacts an arm  106 A 1  of the holder  106 . The extending part  107 B 2  of the torsion spring  107  contacts an arm  106 A 2  of the holder  106 . Each of two engaging portions  107 C of the torsion spring  107  is inserted into and is locked by a corresponding one of openings  110 G of the actuator  110  illustrated in  FIGS.  17  and  18   . When the operator performs a rotating operation on the knob  102  in the rotation direction D6, the operating force thereof is transmitted to the holder  106  via a holder coupling portion  102 C b  of the knob  102 , thus rotating the holder  106  clockwise. When the holder  106  rotates clockwise, the arm  106 A 1  of the holder  106  presses the extending part  107 B 1  of the torsion spring  107 , thus causing the body portion  107 A of the torsion spring  107  to elastically deform. When released from the operating force from the rotation operation in the rotation direction D6, the extending part  107 B 1  of the torsion spring  107  presses the arm  106 A 1  of the holder  106  in a direction in which the holder  106  returns to the neutral position based on the restoring force from the body portion  107 A of the torsion spring  107 . When the restoring force is transmitted from the extending part  107 B 1  of the torsion spring  107 , the holder  106  rotates counterclockwise and returns to the neutral position. When the operator performs a rotating operation on the knob  102  in the rotation direction D7, the operating force thereof is transmitted to the holder  106  via the holder coupling portion  102 C b  of the knob  102 , thus rotating the holder  106  counterclockwise. When the holder  106  rotates counterclockwise, the arm  106 A 2  of the holder  106  presses the extending part  107 B 2  of the torsion spring  107 , thus causing the body portion  107 A of the torsion spring  107  to elastically deform. When released from the operating force from the rotation operation in the rotation direction D7, the extending part  107 B 2  of the torsion spring  107  presses the arm  106 A 2  of the holder  106  in a direction in which the holder  106  returns to the neutral position based on the restoring force from the body portion  107 A of the torsion spring  107 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  16  to  18   , actuator  110  includes the annular base  110 D and the support shaft  111  that extends upward from the center of the base  110 D and has an approximately cylindrical shape. The support shaft  111  is a part where the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  is inserted and disposed. The support shaft  111  holds the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  so that the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  can slide the vertical direction. 
     The actuator  110  includes the first wall portion  110 B that extends upward from the outer peripheral portion of the base  110 D. The first wall portion  110 B has a shape obtained by cutting out a portion of a spherical shape. The first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110  is disposed in contact with the supporting surfaces  114  of the housing  108 . Hence, the actuator  110  is rotatably guided about the center of the spherical shape. As a result, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob  102 , the actuator  110  rotates about the center of the spherical shape. 
     The actuator  110  includes a second wall portion  110 C that extends upward from the upper end of the first wall portion  110 B. The second wall portion  110 C has an approximately cylindrical shape. The second wall portion  110 C of the actuator  110  is a part where the holder  106  is inserted, and is a part disposed to face the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion  106 C of the holder  106 . The actuator  110  includes the supporting rotation portions  112  that protrude from the second wall portion  110 C toward the second cylinder portion  106 C of the holder  106 . The supporting rotation portions  112  are fitted to the supported rotation portions  106 D of the holder  106 , thus allowing the actuator  110  to rotatably support the holder  106 . The actuator  110  is a member made of resin. 
     The actuator  110  also includes the four pressing portions  113  that protrude from the first wall portion  110 B in four directions of front, rear, left, and right. The pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110  are parts that press tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  when the knob  102  is tilted tilting directions D2 to D5 and the actuator  110  rotates about the center of the spherical shaped formed by the first wall portion  110 B. Each pressing portion  113  of the actuator  110  is shaped like a stopper for restricting the rotation of the actuator  110  in the rotation directions D6 and D7 by abutting against the guide surfaces  108 E a  of the housing  108 . The four pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110  are provided above the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . The four pressing portions  113  are provided in contact with the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . The tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  that contact the pressing portions  113  press the actuator  110  upward. As a result, the pressed actuator  110  is urged against the supporting surfaces  114  of the housing  108  of the first wall portion  110 B. As illustrated in  FIG.  20 B , each of the pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110  is provided in contact with a corresponding pair of the guide walls  108 E of the housing  108 . As illustrated in  FIG.  20 A , the housing  108  includes four pairs of two guide surfaces  108 E a  that are disposed in opposition to each other. Each pressing portion  113  of the actuator  110  is disposed between the pair of opposing guide surfaces  108 E a  and contacts the guide surfaces  108 E a . Hence, when an operating force in directions that causes the actuator  110  to rotate in the rotation directions D6 and D7 is transmitted to the actuator  110  due to the application of the operating force on the knob  102  by the operator, the actuator  110  does not rotate in the rotation directions D6 and D7. Note that when the operator applies an operating force for a tilting operation on the knob  102 , the actuator  110  rotates about the center of the spherical shape formed by the first wall portion  110 B. The pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110  presses the any one of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . Note that the detailed configuration of the actuator  110  will be described later with reference to  FIGS.  9  to  11   . 
     The substrate  130  is a flat-plate member. The substrate  130  is preferably made of a hard synthetic resin and is preferably an epoxy substrate. The substrate  130  has a square shape in a plan view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 . The substrate  130  is disposed inside the housing  108  in a posture perpendicular to the rotational axis AX. The cover  104  is disposed below the substrate  130 . The substrate  130  is fixed to the cover  104 , and the substrate  130  is fixed to the cover  104  by any fixing method (for example, by a snap-fit engagement or screwing). The substrate  130  is provided with a wiring circuit made of a conductive material. Through holes  133 - 1  and  133 - 2  are provided in the substrate  130 . Each of the through-holes  133 - 1  and  133 - 2  has an arc-shaped shape formed along a circumference whose center is an intersection with the rotational axis AX in a plan view from the direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 . As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , when seen in a plan view in a direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 , the through-holes  133 - 1  and  133 - 2  of the substrate  130  are arranged inside a circle C. The circle C has a center at an intersection of the rotational axis AX and the substrate  130  and has an outer circumference that passes through outer edges  132 - 1 A,  132 - 2 A,  132 - 3 A, and  132 - 4 A of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  positioned farthest away from the center of the circle C. The circle C is an example of an “imaginary circle”. Furthermore, when seen in a plan view in a direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 , the through holes  133 - 1  and  133 - 2  of the substrate  130  are formed in an area B that is between the press detection switch  131  and the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the press detection switch  131 , the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 , the LED  134 , and the LEDs  135 - 1  to  135 - 4  are mounted on the upper surface  130 A (an example of a “surface on one side”) of the substrate  130 . The press detection switch  131  is disposed at the center (on the rotational axis AX) of the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 . The press detection switch  131  is provided with a protrusion  131 A that protrudes upward (in the +Z-axis direction). Pressing the upper surface of the protrusion  131 A switches on the press detection switch  131 . 
     The tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  each are an example of a “second detector”. The tilt detection switch  132 - 1  is disposed closer to the front side (+X-axis side) than the press detection switch  131  is to the front side (+X-axis side). The tilt detection switch  132 - 2  is disposed closer to the rear side (-X-axis side) than the press detection switch  131  is to the rear side (-X-axis side). The tilt detection switch  132 - 3  is disposed closer to the right side (+Y-axis side) than the press detection switch  131  is to the right side (+Y-axis side). The tilt detection switch  132 - 4  is disposed closer to the right side (-Y-axis side) than the press detection switch  131  is to the right side (-Y-axis side). Each of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  is provided with a protrusion  132 A that protrudes upward (in the +Z-axis direction). Each of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  is switched on when the upper surface of the corresponding protrusion  132 A is pressed. 
     The cover  104  is a flat-plate member made of synthetic resin, and covers a lower opening  108 D of the housing  108 . The cover  104  is fixed to the housing  108  by any fixing method (for example, a snap-fit engagement or screwing) in a state where the cover  104  is covering the lower opening  108 D of the housing  108 . 
     Configuration of Press Detection Mechanism 
       FIG.  5    is a view illustrating the configuration of a press detection mechanism included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  15 A  is a view for explaining the procedure for assembling the knob  102 , the holder  106 , and the actuator  110  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  15 B  an upper perspective view illustrating the configuration of the knob  102 , the holder  106 , and the actuator  110  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment when the knob  102 , the holder  106 , and the actuator  110  are assembled.  FIG.  15 C  is a lower perspective view illustrating the configuration of the knob  102 , the holder  106 , and the actuator  110  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment when the knob  102 , the holder  106 , and the actuator  110  are assembled. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the distal end portion  102 B c  on the lower side of the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  contacts the protrusion  131 A of the press detection switch  131  provided on the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 . The shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  is inserted in the support shaft  111  of the actuator  110  illustrated in  FIG.  11 A . As a result, the knob  102  is held slidably in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As illustrated in  FIGS.  13 A and  14   , the outer shape of the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  is a cylindrical shape that has the rotational axis AX as the central axis. The shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  includes grooves that extend in a vertical direction along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion  102 B and are formed by the surfaces (the slide guides  102 B a ) that intersect a circle centered on the rotational axis AX. Each slide guide  102 B a  of the knob  102  is provided in contact with the corresponding slide guide  111 A, which protrudes from the support shaft  111  of the actuators  110  toward the rotational axis AX as illustrated in  FIG.  11 A . The slide guides  111 A of the actuator  110  and the slide guides  102 B a  of the knob  102  are shaped to guide the sliding of the first operation portion  102 A and the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  in the vertical direction by sliding. The slide guides  102 B a  of the knob  102  are shaped to restrict the rotation of the knob  102 . The slide guides  102 B a  of the knob  102  are arranged in directions that intersect the circle centered on the rotational axis AX. Hence, when the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  attempts to rotate in the rotation direction D6 or the rotation direction D7, the slide guides  102 B a  collide with the slide guide  111 A of the actuator  110 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  13 A and  14   , the knob  102  includes abutment portions  102 B b  that protrude from the shaft portion  102 B in a direction away from the rotational axis AX in the X-Y plane direction. The abutment portions  102 B b  and abutment portions  111 B, which protrude from the actuator  110  as illustrated in  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B , are shaped like stoppers that define the upper-end limit position of the stroke of a slide performed in the vertical direction of the knob  102 . When a pressing operating force is not applied on the first operation portion  102 A, the knob  102  pressed upward by the restoring force from the press detection switch  131 , and the abutment portions  102 B b  are urged against the abutment portions  111 B of the actuator  110 . As a result, the knob  102  is held by the press detection switch  131  and the actuator  110 . Note that it is preferable for the abutment portions  102 B b  of the knob  102  and the abutment portions  111 B of the actuator  110  to have a snap-in shape. Providing the abutment portions  102 B b  and the abutment portions  111 B with a snap-in shape allows the knob  102  to be assembled in the form illustrated in  FIGS.  15 A and  15 B , thereby facilitating the assembly of the knob  102 . At this time, after the knob  102  is disposed above a configuration obtained by fitting the holder  106  to the actuator  110 , the knob  102  is slid downward and joined to the configuration. As illustrated in  FIG.  15 C , the distal end portion  102 B c  of the knob  102  here is inserted in an opening  110 F that is provided at the center of the base  110 D of the actuator  110 . 
     When the operator is not performing a pressing operation on the knob  102 , the protrusion  131 A of the press detection switch  131  is in contact with the distal end portion  102 B c  of the knob  102  as illustrated in  FIG.  5   . Here, the protrusion  131 A of the press detection switch  131  is in a state where it is slightly pressed downward by the distal end portion  102 B c  of the knob  102 . Simultaneously, the protrusion  131 A of the press detection switch  131  presses the distal end portion  102 B c  of the knob  102  upward based on the restoring force of an elastic deformation member (illustration omitted) provided inside the press detection switch  131 . Although the elastic deformation member slightly bends, it does not bend to a degree that will switch on the press detection switch  131 . Hence, the press detection switch  131  is in an off state. 
     When the operator presses the knob  102  in the pressing direction D1 (downward), the knob  102  slides downward, and the distal end portion  102 B c  of the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  presses the protrusion  131 A of the press detection switch  131 . As a result, the press detection switch  131  is switched on. When released from the operating force of the pressing operation, the knob  102  returns to the neutral position based on the restoring force from the press detection switch  131 . 
     Note that as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the surface of incidence  102 B d  is formed on the lower end portion (the part on the -X-axis side) of the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102 . The surface of incidence  102 B d  has a curved shape that is obtained by partially cutting the lower end portion. The surface of incidence  102 B d  is disposed above the LED  134  provided on the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130  (that is, in a position closer to the -X-axis side than the press detection switch  131 ). The LED  134  is disposed in a position where the light emitted from the LED  134  will enter the surface of incidence  102 B d  of the knob  102 . 
     Note that the knob  102  is an example of a “third member”. In addition, the press detection switch  131  is an example of a “third contact”. When seen in a plan view in a direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 , the press detection switch  131  is disposed in a position that overlaps with an intersection where the rotational axis AX and the substrate  130  meet. Furthermore, the configuration related to the pressing detection that includes the knob  102  and the press detection switch  131  is an example of a “third detector”. By including the “third detector”, the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment can detect that the pressing operation has been performed when the operator performs a pressing operation on the knob  102 . 
     Configuration of Rotation Detection Mechanism 
       FIGS.  6  and  7    are views illustrating the configuration of a rotation detection mechanism included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  6    illustrates the rotation detection mechanism when viewed from the side of the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 .  FIG.  7    illustrates the rotation detection mechanism viewed when from the side of a lower surface  130 B of the substrate  130 .  FIG.  16    is a perspective view of the holder  106  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  17    is a top view of the holder  106  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  18    is a top view of the holder  106  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  19    is a perspective view of the housing  108  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  20 A  is a bottom view of the housing  108  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  20 B  is a bottom view of the configuration obtained when the knob  102 , the light guide  103 , the holder  106 , the torsion spring  107 , the housing  108 , and the actuator  110  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment are assembled. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the holder  106  is a member that is coupled to the knob  102  and rotates together with the knob  102  in accordance with the rotation operation performed on the knob  102 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  15 A to  15 C , the holder  106  is disposed between the knob  102  and the actuator  110 . The supported rotation portions  106 D (to be described in detail later) being supported by the supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  enables the holder  106  to be supported by the actuator  110 . 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the holder  106  includes the two arms  106 A 1  and  106 A 2  that extend downward (in the -Z-axis direction) from a base portion  106 E (to be described in detail later). The arms  106 A 1  and  106 A 2  are formed integrally with the holder  106 . The arms  106 A 1  and  106 A 2  rotate together with the holder  106  about the rotational axis AX when the holder  106  rotates. The arms  106 A 1  and  106 A 2  each are an example of an “insertable portion”. As illustrated in  FIG.  15 C , the arms  106 A 1  and  106 A 2  are inserted in an opening  110 E of the actuator  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the substrate  130  includes the through holes  133 - 1  and  133 - 2  that have an arc shape along a circumference centered on the intersection of the rotational axis AX and the substrate  130 . The arm  106 A 1  of the holder  106  is inserted in the through hole  133 - 1 . When the holder  106  rotates about the rotational axis AX, the arm  106 A 1  of the holder  106  is able to move within the through hole  133 - 1  in the circumferential direction. The arm  106 A 2  of the holder  106  is inserted in the through hole  133 - 2 . When the holder  106  rotates about the rotational axis AX, the arm  106 A 2  of the holder  106  is able to move within the through hole  133 - 2  in the circumferential direction. As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , when seen in a plan view from the direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 , rotation detection switches  137  and  138  (first detectors) are arranged inside the circle C that has a center at an intersection of the rotational axis AX and the substrate  130  and has an outer circumference that passes through the outer edges of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the two rotation detection switches  137  and  138  are provided on the lower surface  130 B (an example of a “surface on the other side”) of the substrate  130 . The rotation detection switch  137  is disposed further outward on the substrate than the through hole  133 - 1  in the clockwise direction, and includes a projection  137 A that protrudes toward the side surface of the distal end of the arm  106 A 1 . The rotation detection switch  138  is disposed further outward on the substrate than the through hole  133 - 2  in the counterclockwise direction, and includes a projection  138 A that protrudes toward the side surface of the distal end of the arm  106 A 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , when the operating force from the rotation operation performed on the knob  102  is not applied, the lower end portions of the arm  106 A 1  and the arm  106 A 2  are positioned between the projection  137 A of the rotation detection switch  137  and the projection  138 A of the rotation detection switch  138 . Hence, the rotation detection switches  137  and  138  are in an off state. 
     When a rotation operation in the clockwise direction of the knob  102  is performed, the holder  106 , the arm  106 A 1 , and the arm  106 A 2  rotate together with the knob  102  in the clockwise direction. This causes the side surface of the distal end portion of the arm  106 A 1  to press the projection  137 A of the rotation detection switch  137  that is present in the direction of the rotation. As a result, the rotation detection switch  137  is switched on. 
     Conversely, when a rotation operation in the counterclockwise direction of the knob  102  is performed, the holder  106 , the arm  106 A 1 , and the arm  106 A 2  rotate together with the knob  102  in the counterclockwise direction. This causes the side surface of the distal end portion of the arm  106 A 2  to press the projection  138 A of the rotation detection switch  138  that is present in the direction of the rotation. As a result, the rotation detection switch  138  is switched on. 
     Note that the holder  106  is an example of a “first member”. In addition, the rotation detection switches  137  and  138  each are an example of a “first contact”. Furthermore, the holder  106  and the rotation detection switches  137  and  138  form a “first detector”. By including the “first detector”, the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment is able to detect the rotation operation of the knob  102 . As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the holder  106  and the rotation detection switches  137  and  138  are arranged further inward on the substrate  130  than the circle C that has a center at the intersection of the rotational axis AX and the substrate  130  and has an outer circumference that passes through the outer edges of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . 
     Arrangement of Rotation Detection Switches  137  and  138   
       FIG.  8    is a plan view of the substrate  130  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , in a plan view from the above, the rotation detection switches  137  and the rotation detection switch  138  are provided on the lower surface  130 B of the substrate  130 , and are arranged further inside of the substrate  130  than the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 , which are provided on the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 . Hence, the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment can be implemented as a composite input device with a small equipment footprint. 
     i-,D0561 Particularly, in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment, the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  (second contacts) and the press detection switch  131  (third contact) are provided on the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 , and the rotation detection switches  137  and  138  (first contacts) are provided on the lower surface  130 B of the substrate  130 . As a result, in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment, the rotation detection switches  137  and  138  can be disposed over the tilt detection switches  132 - 3  and the  132 - 4  in a plan view from above as illustrated in  FIG.  8   . Therefore, a composite input device that has a smaller equipment footprint can be implemented. 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , in a plan view from the above, the through holes  133 - 1  and  133 - 2  arranged in the substrate  130  are arranged further inside of substrate  130  than the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  provided on the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 . As a result, a composite input device that has a smaller equipment footprint can be implemented by the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment. 
     Configuration of Tilt Detection Mechanism 
       FIG.  9    is an outer perspective view illustrating the configuration of the tilt detection mechanism included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  10    is a plan view illustrating the tilt detection mechanism included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment. 
     The “tilt detection mechanism” included in the composite input device  100  includes the actuator  110  and the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the actuator  110  has, substantially, a cylindrical shape that is centered on the rotational axis AX and extends in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) along the rotational axis AX. As illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the second cylinder portion  106 C of the holder  106  is fitted inside the cylinder of the actuator  110 . This allows the actuator  110  to tilt in the tilting operation direction with the knob  102  and the holder  106  in accordance with the tilting operation performed on the knob  102 . Also, the four pressing portions  113 , which are arranged at 90° intervals and protrude outward in the radial direction, are provided at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the actuator  110  . Each pressing portion  113  has a shape obtained by dividing a cylinder by a vertical plane, and is disposed such that the resulting cross section with a plane shape faces downward. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , each of tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  is disposed, on the upper surface  130 A of the substrate  130 , in a position that faces the pressing surface  113 A of the corresponding one of the four pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110 . 
     Operation of Tilt Detection Mechanism 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , when a tilt operation is not performed on the knob  102 , the actuator  110 , together with the knob  102  and the holder  106 , is in a vertically upright position. That is, the actuator  110  is a state with no tilt with respect to the rotational axis AX. 
     At this time, none of the respective protrusions  132 A of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  are pressed by the pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110 . Hence, the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  are in an off state. 
     When a tilting operation is performed on the knob  102 , the actuator  110  tilts, together with the knob  102  and the holder  106  in the direction of the tilting operation. That is, the actuator  110  is tilted with respect to the rotational axis AX. 
     At this time, protrusion  132 A of one of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  that is in the direction of the tilting operation is pressed by the pressing surface  113 A of the corresponding one of the pressing portions  113  that is in the direction of the tilt operation. As a result, the one switch in the direction of the tilting operation is switched on. 
     Note that the actuator  110  is an example of a “second member”. In addition, the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  each are an example of a “second contact”. Furthermore, the actuator  110  and the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  form a “second detector”. By including the “second detector”, the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment is able to detect the tilt operation of the knob  102 . When seen in a plan view in a direction perpendicular to the substrate  130 , the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  are arranged at 90° intervals along a circumference centered on the intersection of the rotational axis AX and the substrate  130 . The arrangement of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  corresponds to the arrangement of the tilting directions D2 to D5 illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Fitting Configuration of Holder  106  and Actuator  110   
       FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  are views for explaining the fitting configuration of the holder  106  and the actuator  110  included in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  11 A,  11 B, and  22 A , the holder  106  includes the first cylinder portion  106 B, the second cylinder portion  106 C, the base portion  106 E, and the protrusions  106 F. The first cylinder portion  106 B has a cylindrical shape that is centered on the rotational axis AX and extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) along the rotational axis AX. The second cylinder portion  106 C is provided integrally with the lower end portion of the first cylinder portion  106 B, and has a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than that of the first cylinder portion  106 B centered on the rotational axis AX. The supported rotation portions  106 D are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion  106 C. The base portion  106 E is a part provided between the first cylinder portion  106 B and the second cylinder portion  106 C, and couples the first cylinder portion  106 B to the second cylinder portion  106 C. The base portion  106 E has a plane shape parallel to the X-Y plane direction. The protrusions  106 F are parts that protrude downward from the lower end of the first cylinder portion  106 B and abut against the base  110 D of the actuator  110 . The protrusions  106 F also serve as the core of the body portion  107 A of the torsion spring  107 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  16  to  18   , the actuator  110  includes the annular base  110 D that is provided in parallel to the X-Y plane, the first wall portion  110 B that extends upward from the outer end of the base  110 D, and the second wall portion  110 C that extends upward from the upper end of the first wall portion  110 B. The actuator  110  includes the cylindrical support shaft  111  that is centered on the rotational axis AX and extends upward from the base  110 D. The actuator  110  also includes the four pressing portions  113  that protrude from the first wall portion  110 B in the front direction, the rear direction, the right direction, and the left direction, respectively. The pressing portions  113  of the actuator  110  are arranged above the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4  and contact the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . 
     The first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110  has a shape obtained by partially cutting out a spherical shape, and is a part provided in contact with the supporting surfaces  114  of the housing  108  as illustrated in  FIG.  12   . The first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110  is urged against the supporting surfaces  114  of the housing  108  based on the restoring force of the tilt detection switches  132 - 1  to  132 - 4 . As a result, the first wall portion  110 B slides with respect to the supporting surfaces  114  of the housing  108 , thus rotating the actuator  110  with respect to the housing  108  about the center of the spherical shape formed by the first wall portion  110 B. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the second wall portion  110 C of the actuator  110  is an assembly composed of multiple plate-shaped bodies extending upward from the upper end of the first wall portion  110 B. Each plate-shaped body forming the second wall portion  110 C is disposed along the circumference of a cylindrical shape centered on the rotational axis AX. When coupled, the plate-shaped bodies forming the second wall portion  110 C form a cylindrical shape centered on the rotational axis AX. The actuator  110  includes the supporting rotation portions  112  that protrude from the second wall portion  110 C toward the rotational axis AX. 
     The actuator  110  includes an opening  110 A formed by the second wall portion  110 C. The holder  106 , which is supported by the second wall portion  110 C of the actuator  110 , is disposed in the opening  110 A. The second cylinder portion  106 C of the holder  106  is disposed opposing the second wall portion  110 C of the actuator  110 . 
     The support shaft  111  is a part where the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  is inserted so that the knob  102  is slidably supported in the vertical direction. The shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  is inserted in the cylindrical shape formed by the support shaft  111 . Furthermore, the support shaft  111  is a part that is inserted in the first cylinder portion  106 B of the holder  106 . When the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft  111  contacts the inner peripheral surface of the first cylinder portion  106 B of the holder  106 , the support shaft  111  serves as the rotational axis of the holder  106  and guides the rotation of the holder  106 . 
     The base  110 D of the actuator  110  is a part that couples the first wall portion  110 B to the support shaft  111 . The base  110 D of the actuator  110  is a part that supports the holder  106  by contacting the protrusions  106 F of the holder  106  illustrated in  FIGS.  22 A and  22 B . The base  110 D of the actuator  110  includes the opening  110 E in which the arms  106 A 1  and  106 A 2  of the holder  106  are inserted. The opening  110 E has an arc shape centered on the rotational axis AX. The base  110 D of the actuator  110  includes the opening  110 F in which the distal end portion  102 B c  of the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  is inserted. The opening  110 F is disposed in a position that intersects with the rotational axis AX of the base  110 D of the actuator  110 . The base  110 D of the actuator  110  includes two openings  110 G where the engaging portions  107 C of the torsion spring  107  are inserted and locked. Each opening  110 G has an arc shape centered on the rotational axis AX. The radius of the arc formed by the opening  110 G is greater than the radius of the arc formed by the opening  110 F. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  19    to 20B, the housing  108  includes eight guide walls  108 E. The guide surfaces  108 E a  of the housing  108  are shaped so as to restrict the rotation of the actuator  110  in the rotation directions D6 and D7 without impeding the rotation of the actuator  110  in the tilting directions D2 to D5 when the knob  102  is tilted. Each guide wall  108 E of the housing  108  has a flat-plate shape that is parallel to a corresponding one of the tilting directions D2 to D5, and extends in the vertical direction. A pair of the guide walls  108 E of the housing  108  are provided for each of the tilting directions D2 to D5. The pair of guide walls  108 E are disposed opposing each other with the pressing portion  113  interposed therebetween. Each guide wall  108 E includes the guide surface  108 E a  that is provided in contact with the pressing portion  113  of the actuator  110 . The housing  108  includes the supporting surfaces  114  provided in contact with the first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110 . The supporting surfaces  114  of the housing  108  have a recessed shape corresponding to the first wall portion  110 B. 
     After the second cylinder portion  106 C is disposed above the opening  110 A of the actuator  110  as illustrated in  FIG.  11 A , the holder  106  is fitted into the cylindrical shape formed by the second wall portion  110 C of the actuator  110 . Concurrently, the support shaft  111  of the actuator  110  is inserted into the cylindrical shape formed by the first cylinder portion  106 B of the holder  106 . Also concurrently, the arms  106 A 1  and  106 A 2  of the holder  106  are inserted in the opening  110 E formed in the base  110 D of the actuator  110 . Also concurrently, the supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  are fitted to supported rotation portions  106 D of the holder  106 . Also concurrently, the protrusions  106 F of the holder  106 , which are illustrated in  FIGS.  22 A and  22 B , are abutted against the base  110 D of the actuator  110 . Also concurrently, the torsion spring  107  is disposed between the holder  106  and the actuator  110 . In this manner, the holder  106  and the actuator  110  are integrated by assembling the parts that are configured guide the rotation. Hence, the actuator  110  holds the holder  106  rotatably in the circumferential direction centered on the rotational axis AX. 
     The supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  are shaped to rotatably support the holder  106  and to lock the actuator  110  and the holder  106  when a tilting operation is performed on the knob  102 . Each supporting rotation portion  112  has a hemispherical shape partially cut out from a spherical shape. The supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  are parts that rotatably support the holder  106 . When seen from above, the supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  are provided at 90° intervals along the circumference of the second wall portion  110 C. The outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion  106 C of the holder  106  includes the supported rotation portions  106 D at respective positions facing the four supporting rotation portions  112 . Each supported rotation portion  106 D has a recessed shape into which the supporting rotation portion  112  of the actuator  110  is fitted. Each supported rotation portion  106 D of the holder  106  has a curved recessed shape that is formed along the outer peripheral shape of the second cylinder portion  106 C. The supported rotation portions  106 D of the holder  106  are formed parallel to the X-Y plane direction along a circumference centered on the rotational axis AX. When viewed from the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion  106 C, each supported rotation portion  106 D of the holder  106  has recessed arc shape. The supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  and the supported rotation portions  106 D of the holder  106  are shaped as guides that are provided in contact with each other. By fitting the supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  into the supported rotation portions  106 D, the holder  106  is rotatably supported along the circumference centered on the rotational axis AX. By fitting the four supporting rotation portions  112  to the corresponding four supported rotation portions  106 D, the holder  106  is prevented from slipping upward from the actuator  110 . Hence, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob  102 , the holder  106  and the actuator  110  tilt together without disassembling. In other words, the holder  106  and the actuator  110  are coupled to each other so as to restrict a relative movement in a direction parallel to the rotational axis AX, but to allow relative movement in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion  106 C of the holder  106 . 
     Note that in the embodiment, the composite input device  100  includes a configuration where the supporting rotation portions  112  have a protruding shape and the supported rotation portions  106 D have a recessed shape. However, the composite input device  100  may include a configuration where the supporting rotation portions  112  have a recessed shape and the supported rotation portions  106 D have a protruding shape. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  22 D , the supported rotation portions  106 D of the holder  106  are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion  106 C in a plan view in a direction parallel to the rotational axis AX. The supported rotation portions  106 D of the holder  106  are formed along the circumference centered on the rotational axis AX. Four supported rotation portions  106 D are provided in the holder  106 . This number is the same as the number of the supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110 . Each supported rotation portion  106 D is formed in range of angle of 50° on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion  106 C along a circumference centered on the rotational axis AX. 
       FIG.  23 A  is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the holder  106  and the actuator  110  in the neural position of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  23 A  is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the holder  106  and the actuator  110  when a rotation operation is performed in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  23 A , when viewed in a plan view from the direction parallel to the rotational axis AX in a state where the knob  102  has been released from operating force and has returned to the neutral position, each supporting rotation portion  112  of the actuator  110  is positioned at the center of the corresponding supported rotation portion  106 D of the holder  106 . At this time, an angular position θ1 of an end of each supported rotation portion  106 D of the holder  106  is positioned at a predetermined angle θ with reference (0°) to an angular position θ0 of a corresponding end of the supporting rotation portion  112  of the actuator  110 . When the operator performs a rotating operation on the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  in the rotation direction D7, the holder  106  is rotated counterclockwise about the rotational axis AX by the operating force. As illustrated in  FIG.  23 B , when the holder  106  is rotated to the terminal position of the rotating operation of the holder  106 , the end of each supported rotation portion  106 D abuts against the corresponding supporting rotation portion  112  of the actuator  110 , and the holder  106  does not rotate any further. Subsequently, upon release from the operating force, the holder  106  returns to the neutral position based on the restoring force of the torsion spring  107 , and transmits the restoring force to the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  to cause the second operation portion  102 C to return to the neutral position. Therefore, the operator can perform a rotating operation on the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  in the rotation direction D7 with a stroke of 0° to 20°. 
     In a similar manner, when the operator performs a rotating operation on the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  in the rotation direction D6, the holder  106  is rotated clockwise about the rotational axis AX by the operating force. The holder  106  rotates until the terminal position and does not rotate any further. The operator can perform a rotating operation on the second operation portion  102 C of the knob  102  in the rotation direction D6 with a stroke of 0° to 20°. 
     Other Features 
     Other features of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment will described hereinafter with reference to  FIGS.  12  and  24   .  FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a cross section of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment taken along a plane that passes through the rotational axis AX.  FIG.  24    is a top view of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment.  FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment taken along a line G-G indicated in  FIG.  24   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  12   , the actuator  110  is supported by the holder  106  based on the engagement of the supporting rotation portions  112  of the actuator  110  and the supported rotation portions  106 D of the holder  106 . Here, as illustrated in  FIG.  12   , since each supporting rotation portion  112  of the actuator  110  has a hemispherical shape partially cut out from a spherical shape, the shape of the cross section of each supporting rotation portion  112  is a semicircle in a cross-sectional view taken along a plane that passes through the rotational axis AX. The shape of the cross section of each supported rotation portion  106 D of the holder  106  is semicircle, and each supported rotation portion  106 D has recessed shape into which the supporting rotation portions  112  is fitted. Hence, the cross section of the point of contact between the supporting rotation portions  112  and the supported rotation portions  106 D has a semicircular shape. This semicircular shape includes both a portion approximately vertical with respect to the upper direction (+Z-axis direction) and a portion approximately vertical with respect to the lower direction (-Z-axis direction). The supported rotation portions  106 D and the supporting rotation portions  112  are arranged at positions close to an imaginary line extended from an arc formed by the supporting surfaces  114  (to be described later). Hence, in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob  102  and an upward force (in the +Z-axis direction) is applied on the point of contact between each supporting rotation portion  112  and the corresponding supported rotation portion  106 D, the supporting rotation portions  112  and the supported rotation portions  106 D do not become unlocked. In a similar manner, in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob  102  and a downward force (in the -Z-axis direction)is applied on the point of contact between each supporting rotation portion  112  and the corresponding supported rotation portion  106 D, the supporting rotation portions  112  and the supported rotation portions  106 D do not become unlocked. In other words, for example, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob  102  and applies an operating force in a left-right direction with respect to the page of  FIG.  12   , the holder  106  and the actuator  110  will rotate integrally in a clockwise direction and a counter clockwise direction with respect to the page of  FIG.  12   . At this time, an upward force (in the +Z-axis direction) or a downward force (in the -Z-axis direction) is applied on the point of contact between each supported rotation portions  106 D and the corresponding supporting rotation portions  112 . However, even when an upward force or a downward force is applied, since each supported rotation portion  106 D and the corresponding supporting rotation portion  112  include portions approximately vertical to the direction of the applied force, the holder  106  and the actuator  110  do not become disengaged from each other by the operating force of the tilting operation. Hence, there is no displacement between the parts of the holder  106  and the parts of the actuator  110 . Furthermore, the holder  106  and the actuator  110  do not become disassembled. 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIGS.  12  and  14   , the shaft portion  102 B of the knob  102  has a cylindrical shape, which is centered on the rotational axis AX, and is inserted in the support shaft  111  of the actuator  110 . The knob  102  includes the light diffusion portion  102 B e  formed on the middle portion between the shaft portion  102 B and the first operation portion  102 A. The outer shape of the light diffusion portion  102 B e  is a quadratic surface shape. More specifically, the outer shape of the light diffusion portion  102 B e  is a one-sheet hyperboloid shape. Note that when the light diffusion portion  102 B e  is cut perpendicular to the rotational axis AX, the outer shape of the cross section will be a perfect circle no matter where the light diffusion portion  102 B e  is cut. However, the outer shape of the cross section may be an ellipse. 
     The area of the shaft portion  102 B cut perpendicular to the rotational axis AX is smaller than the area of the first operation portion  102 A in a plan view in a direction parallel to the rotational axis AX. The area of the shaft portion  102 B cut perpendicular to the rotational axis AX at a height position where the radius is smallest is smaller than the area of the shaft portion  102 B cut perpendicular to the rotational axis AX. Hence, most of the light from the LED  134  guided inside the shaft portion  102 B hits and is reflected by the light diffusion portion  102 B e  before reaching the first operation portion  102 A, changes its direction of the travel, is diffused, and subsequently reaches the first operation portion  102 A. As a result, the distribution of luminance on the illuminated first operation portion  102 A becomes uniform without bias. 
     Furthermore, as illustrated in  FIG.  12   , the first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110  has shape partially cut out from a spherical shape. Also, inside the housing  108 , supporting surfaces  114  provided to face the first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110  have recessed spherical shape that has the same curvature as the curvature of the first wall portion  110 B of the actuator  110 . As a result, in the composite input device  100  according to the embodiment, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob  102 , the outer surface of the first wall portion  110 B slides on the supporting surfaces  114  of the housing  108 . Thus, the actuator  110  rotates about the center of the spherical shape formed by the first wall portion  110 B. 
     An embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Various changes and modifications can be applied without departing from the scope of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims.