Switch device and input device using the same

Abstract

The switch device disclosed includes: a substantially disk-shaped operator; a substantially ring-shaped indicator provided between the operator and the light emitting elements disposed below the operator; and a visible portion formed in the center of an inner periphery of the operator. Since the indicator carrying indications of equipment functions in characters, symbols, figures or the like is formed separately from the operator, the indications will never turn sideways or upside down owing to the rotation of the operator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a switch device and an input device using the same in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the switch device and the input device using the same in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a plan view of the switch device and the input device using the same in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a plan view of the switch device and the input device using the same in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a conventional switch device and the input device using the same.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the conventional switch device and the input device using the same.

Claims

1. A switch device comprising: a substantially disk-shaped operator;a contact to switch on-off electrically by rotating of an operation axis fixed on a bottom surface of the operator; anda light emitting element to illuminate the operator from below,wherein a substantially ring-shaped indicator is provided between the operator and the light emitting element, and a visible portion is provided in a center of an inner periphery of the operator.

2. The switch device of claim 1, wherein the visible portion of the operator is formed in a dark color.

3. An input device comprising: a switch device including; a substantially disk-shaped operator;a contact to switch on-off electrically by rotating of an operation axis fixed on a bottom surface of the operator; anda light emitting element to illuminate the operator from below, wherein a substantially ring-shaped indicator is provided between the operator and the light emitting element, and a visible portion is provided in a center of an inner periphery of the operator; anda controller connected to the contact of the switch device and the light emitting element, wherein the controller turns on-off the light emitting element according to electrical switching of the contact.