Patent ID: 8274358

Claim:
A multidirectional input member comprising: a base plate; a looped sensor that includes a plurality of groups of non-contacting electrodes configured in a loop and that is formed on the base plate; and an operation plate located opposite to the base plate, wherein the operation plate has a first loop-shaped protrusion that is located at a plane opposite to the base plate, that is protruded toward the base plate side, that is opposite to the looped sensor, and that is configured with a resistant rubber member, the first protrusion has a configuration in which its sectional area of a plane parallel to the base plate is tapered in the direction from the operation plate side toward the base plate side, the base plate has at least one group of non-contacting electrodes at an inside region of the looped sensor, and the operation plate has a conducting second protrusion at a location that contacts the at least one group of electrodes in a plane opposite to the base plate.