An input device is provided which is configured such that no matter which position on an operation surface is pushed, the detection sensitivity of the pushing load is suppressed from varying due to different operation positions on the operation surface. An input device includes a first pressing member, a second pressing member, and a substrate. The first pressing member has an operation surface and a first axis and is tiltable around the first axis by the operation surface being pushed. The second pressing member has a second shaft and is tiltable around the second shaft by being pushed by a tilt of the first pressing member. The substrate includes at least one pressure sensor which is to be pushed by the second pressing member. A position of the first axis in the first pressing member is variable in accordance with a pushed position on the operation surface.

A multi-directional operation switch that can be miniaturized is provided. The multi-directional operation switch includes an operation rod that is rotatable about an operation rod axis, and is also tiltable. The operation rod has an inner end portion inserted in a hole in a circuit substrate, and a slider, which operates in conjunction with an operation of the operation rod, is provided on the inner end portion. The slider has a movable contact. The circuit substrate has a plurality of fixed contacts that are brought into contact with, and are electrically connected to, the movable contact when the slider rotates or slides.

In an operation input device, a supporting part supports an operation part to be displaceable with respect to the base part, and a reaction force generating part generates reaction force in an axial direction coaxial with the displacement direction in response to the displacement. The supporting part includes: a support member having: one end connected to the base part and another end protruded from the base part; and a plurality of plate springs respectively having a plate surface perpendicular to a center axis of the support member, arranged radially around the center axis, and a tip in a radial direction connected to the operation part. The reaction force generating part includes: an electromagnet generating magnetic force in an axial direction parallel to the center axis of the support member; and a magnetic member arranged opposite to the electromagnet to receive magnetic force to apply reaction force to the operation part.

A multifunction switch has a switching function for an electrical contact switch and a switching function for a mechanical element. The multifunction switch includes a swingable control body having a control pin, a movable contact coming into contact with the control pin, and a movable element having the control pin running therethrough and supported so as to be swingable. With the control pin being swung, the movable contact is pressed by the control pin to come into contact with a fixed contact and the movable element is swung by the control pin to implement mechanical switching for an additional element.

A control element is used for a display unit, a system includes a control element and a display unit, a method of using the control element and a method for operating a display unit in conjunction with the control element are described.

A rotation operation input device that achieve downsizing and excellent durability while offering clear and good operation feeling. The rotation operation input device comprises detected portions which is provided concentrically with a rotation operation member about a rotation axis and rotates along with rotation of the rotation operation member, and a detection unit which detects the detected portions and a phase of the rotation operation member. The detected portions are provided at a predetermined interval along an outer edge of the rotation operation member, this outer edge is provided with a recess/protrusion part, the recess/protrusion part has recess parts each positioned between the detected portions and protrusion parts each positioned on each straight line connecting each detected portion and the rotation axis, and an urging member that urges the recess/protrusion part is provided on a side opposite to the detected portions across the recess/protrusion part.

A user interface assembly that can be selectively attached to a housing of a tool, including mobile and handheld tools. The assembly can include a housing having an opening that extends through a first side of the housing. A user input device in the form of a rotatable and linearly displaceable control ring, which is housed in the housing, can extend within a portion of the opening such that the control ring is recessed from the first side of the housing. A display that can visually communicate tool information and selectable settings to the user can be positioned within the housing, and centrally located relative to a central bore of the control ring. The display, which can remain relatively static relative to a rotational displacement of the control ring, can be inwardly offset from a first side of the control ring, and thus also recessed within the housing.

A rotation operation input device that achieve downsizing and excellent durability while offering clear and good operation feeling. The rotation operation input device comprises detected portions which is provided concentrically with a rotation operation member about a rotation axis and rotates along with rotation of the rotation operation member, and a detection unit which detects the detected portions and a phase of the rotation operation member. The detected portions are provided at a predetermined interval along an outer edge of the rotation operation member, this outer edge is provided with a recess/protrusion part, the recess/protrusion part has recess parts each positioned between the detected portions and protrusion parts each positioned on each straight line connecting each detected portion and the rotation axis, and an urging member that urges the recess/protrusion part is provided on a side opposite to the detected portions across the recess/protrusion part.

A lever-type input device includes a lever having a shaft at a tip, and an operation knob of a cap-shape configured to be attached to the shaft. The operation knob includes a cylindrical bearing extending along an axis of the shaft. The bearing is configured to be fitted with the shaft by the shaft being inserted into the bearing from an opening of the operation knob. The bearing includes an elastically deformable cantilever extending along the axis of the shaft. The cantilever includes a fixed end at one end located at a side of the opening, and a free end at an opposite side with respect to the fixed end. The free end includes a hook configured to engage an engagement groove formed on an outer peripheral side surface of the shaft.

Provided is a multifunction switch (1) having a switching function for an electrical contact switch and a switching function for a mechanical element. The multifunction switch (1) includes a swingable control body (20) having a control pin (22), a movable contact (31) coming into contact with the control pin (22), and a movable element (40) having the control pin (22) running therethrough and swingably supported. With the control pin (22) being swung, the movable contact (31) is pressed by the control pin (22) to come into contact with a fixed contact (32) and the movable element (40) is swung by the control pin (22) to implement mechanical switching for an additional element.