A knob for performing a parallel operation, a rotational operation and a pushing operation relative to a case, a first rotor disposed rotatably to the case, a second rotor positioned face to face and adjacent to the first rotor in the direction of a knob rotational axis and disposed rotatably to the case and movable in a rotational, radial direction such that the knob performs the pushing operation in the direction of the knob rotational axis and makes rotational engagement to the second rotor, and a positioning engagement portion disposed between the first and the second rotor and disengaged against urging forces to allow movement of the second rotor in the direction of the knob rotational axis relative to the first rotor and perform rotational transmission between the first and the second rotor are provided. A detecting portion corresponding to any one of the parallel operation, the rotational operation and the pushing operation is activated based upon the operation.
A multi-directional input device includes an operating shaft capable of rotating around a central axis thereof and tilting in multiple directions from the central axis; a rotating body rotating together with the operating shaft to sequentially connect or disconnect a slide contact and a fixed contact; and a plurality of horizontal push switches operable by tilting the operating shaft. The engaging surface between the operating shaft and the rotating body forms a curved surface having both arc element and noncircular element. The operating shaft and the rotating body are always in contact with each other in a large area. Thus, in both tilting and rotating operation, even an extended period of use causes less abrasion.
