Patent ID: 7269439

Claim:
A slide-type multi-directional input key comprising: a key top which has an upper portion protruding from an insertion hole extending through an exterior member and a lower portion having a pushing member protruding downwardly therefrom and which is capable of sliding in the direction of a hole inner surface of the insertion hole; a plurality of contact input portions adapted to effect input upon receiving pressure from the pushing member when the key top is caused to slide, the plurality of contact input portions being formed by a membrane switch composed of a base film with a plurality of lower contact portions, a flexible film with a plurality of upper contact portions corresponding to the lower contact portions, and a spacer film forming a predetermined gap between the base film and the flexible film; and a key sheet formed of a rubber-like resilient material, the key sheet being adapted to support the key top so as to allow the key top to slide from the initial position in the direction of the hole inner surface of the insertion hole and in the return direction toward the initial position, the key sheet generating an elastic urging force whereby the key top returns automatically to the initial position, wherein the one pushing member is in a central portion of the lower portion of the key top, and the pushing member can effect input through the plurality of the contact input portions, wherein the key sheet is firmly attached to the key top and the exterior member.