Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Koichi Santo

Takayuki Ishikawa

Tetsuro Hanahara

Hitokazu Shitanaka

Shinji Okuma

Takeshi Fujii

A multi-way operation switch of the present invention includes an operation unit that is horizontally movable and rotatable; a plurality of first switch contacts for turning on and off the electrical coupling by horizontally moving the operation unit; and a second switch contact for turning on and off the electrical coupling by rotating the operation unit. This configuration allows the user to hold a single operation unit and operate multiple electronic apparatuses and setting modes by simply horizontally moving and rotating the operation unit. Accordingly, a smaller multi-way operation switch that is less prone to erroneous operation and which is easier to operate is achievable.

Multi-way operation switch, input device and input unit

A lighted switch unit having a light-shield structure at a lower end of an operating body is provided, in which an outer surface of the operating body is covered with a non-translucent covering layer, and a light-transmitting display part is formed on an upper part or side part of the body. The light-shield structure is such as an inclined part formed on an outer surface at the lower end of the operating body, with which an exposed area of a lower end of the inner surface of the operating body is made small so that an amount of a light that leaks out of a gap between the cover and the operating body is reduced. Thus, a lighted switch unit having good visibility is obtained with a simple structure.

Lighted switch unit

An EL sheet is used as a back light of an operating section of various electronic apparatuses. The EL sheet generates a stable click feel and is easily processed. A switch employing the EL sheet is also provided. An EL element layer is not formed at a bent section or its vicinity around a root section of a diaphragm. Only conductive patterns, which are coupled to a light-transmissible electrode layer and a back electrode layer respectively, are formed there. Instead of the conductive patterns, insulating film can be exposed there.

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Osaka, Japan

Koichi Santo