JP7541230B2 - Input Devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input device.

In the past, a waterproof switch has been proposed that includes a knob, a switch unit connected to the knob via a shaft, a case that houses the switch unit and has a through-hole through which the shaft passes, an elastic gasket that is provided in the through-hole and contacts the shaft, and a light source that is provided within the case so as to face the through-hole, the gasket being made of a light-transmitting material (see, for example, JP 2018-195411 A, etc.).

JP 2018-195411 A

However, in the above-mentioned waterproof switches, when the knob is pressed, the pressure is transmitted directly to the switch unit via the shaft. This gives the impression that the knob feels hard when pressed. Also, in the above-mentioned waterproof switches, the light that penetrates through the packing only dimly illuminates the area around the knob, so it is hard to say that any attention has been paid to the design.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an input device that not only allows for a design that utilizes light, but also provides a soft feel when pressing buttons.

The input device according to the present invention comprises:
A plate member having an opening;
a push button having a handle and a claw portion formed on an outer periphery of the handle ;
an elastic member having a head portion formed with an insertion hole through which the handle portion is inserted and located inside the push button;
A switch element located in the pressing direction of the push button;
a light source disposed on the opposite side of the elastic member to the side on which the push button is disposed;
a support portion having a cylindrical portion and supporting the elastic member ;
the pressing button is disposed within the opening of the plate member and spaced apart from an edge of the opening,
The elastic member is located between the push button and the light source, and at least a portion of the elastic member is translucent.
The handle portion is engaged with the head portion by the claw portion in a state where the handle portion is inserted into the insertion opening,
When the push button is pressed, the handle portion is guided by the cylindrical portion and moves in the pressing direction .

According to the above configuration, an elastic member is interposed between the push button and the switch element. This makes it possible to soften the feel when the push button is pressed. Also, according to the above configuration, the push button is disposed in the opening of the plate member at a distance from the edge of the opening, and at least a portion of the elastic member is translucent. This makes it possible to guide light into the gap that is generated between the push button and the edge of the opening, and ultimately makes it possible to implement a design that utilizes light by designing the shape of the gap. As described above, with this input device, not only can a design that utilizes light be implemented for the push button, but the feel when the push button is pressed can also be made softer.

In the present invention ,
It is preferable that the elastic member is made of an elastomer, has one end in contact with the push button, and has the other end supported by the support portion.

The above configuration makes it possible to soften the sensation from when you first start pressing the button until you press the button.

In the present invention,
It is preferable that the elastic member has a bottom portion that widens outward from the head portion toward the light source arrangement side.

The above configuration allows the user to press the push button relatively deeply, and reduces the difference in feel depending on where the push button is pressed.

In the present invention,
The elastic member has a longitudinal direction,
It is preferable that the bottom portion has a central portion in the longitudinal direction cut out.

The above configuration reduces the risk that the bottom of the elastic member will bend when the push button is pressed, making it difficult to push the button further. When the longitudinal center of the push button is pressed, the left and right parts of the elastic member do not interfere with the center part, allowing the user to feel the same sensation as when the left and right parts of the push button are pressed, and the elastic member can easily return to its original shape when pressure is released.

In the present invention,
It is preferable that the push button further comprises a light guiding section arranged so that at least a portion of the light guiding section is located in the gap between the edge of the opening and the push button when viewed from the outside.

The above configuration improves visibility of the push button.

In the present invention,
It is preferable that at least a portion of the light guiding portion is located in the gap between the edge of the opening and the press button.

The above configuration not only improves visibility of the push button, but also allows the light guide to be used as a guide for the push button, making the button move more smoothly.

In the present invention,
The elastic member further has an extension portion extending outward,
The extension portion preferably supports the light guide portion.

According to the above configuration, the light guide can be firmly fixed by pressing the light guide against the plate member with the elastic member.

The cooking appliance according to the present invention is also preferably equipped with the input device described above.

The above configuration not only allows for a design that uses light to be applied to the input device of the cooking appliance, but also makes it easier to feel when pressing the button.

1 is an external perspective view of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a plan view of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of a specific portion of the lid shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area indicated by the symbol CP in FIG. 4 . FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a region indicated by the symbol CL in FIG. 4 . FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of a mounting base constituting an input device of the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an elastic member of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a plan view of an elastic member of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of an elastic member of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of a central press button of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a central press button of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a central press button of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of Figure 14. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 14. FIG. 4 is a front view of a left side press button of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a left side press button of an input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a left side pressing button of the input device constituting the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of Figure 19. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG.

<Structure of rice cooker according to embodiment of the present invention>
The rice cooker 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an induction heating pressure rice cooker, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is mainly composed of a main body 110, an inner pot 130, a pot lid 135, a lid body 140, and a hinge part 150. These components will be described in detail below.

1 to 3, the main body 110 is mainly composed of a housing 111, an induction heating coil 112, a heat insulating material (not shown), a support stand 113, a ferrite core (not shown), a center sensor 114, a heat retention heater 115, a blower fan unit 116, a power supply circuit board 117, an automatic retractable power supply cord unit 118, and a lever mechanism 119. These components will be described in detail below.

1 to 3, the housing 111 is mainly composed of a container 111a, a shoulder member 111c, and a protective frame 111d, and houses a heat insulating material (not shown), a support base 113, a ferrite core (not shown), an induction heating coil 112, a center sensor 114, a heat retention heater 115, a blower fan unit 116, a power supply circuit board 117, an automatic retractable power cord unit 118, and a lever mechanism 119. Each of the components of the housing 111 will be described in detail below.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the housing 111a is mainly formed of a side wall portion 111x and a bottom wall portion 111y. The side wall portion 111x is a cylindrical enclosure wall portion having a substantially rounded rectangular shape in a plan view. The bottom wall portion 111y is a substantially rounded rectangular corner dish-shaped portion in a bottom view, and is formed on the lower side of the side wall portion 111x as shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, an intake port SO for drawing air from outside the housing 111 into the inside is formed on the rear side of the bottom wall portion 111y, and an exhaust port (not shown) for discharging air from inside the housing 111 to the outside is formed on the front side of the bottom wall portion 111y. As shown in Fig. 3, a blower fan unit 116 is arranged above the intake port SO. When the blower fan unit 116 is driven, external air is drawn into the housing 111 through the intake port SO, and the resulting air flow expels the heated air from the inside to the outside of the system through the exhaust port. In addition, a receiving tray portion RD is formed in the bottom wall portion 111y as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving tray portion RD is bulged downward (recessed/dented) near the center in the depth and width directions. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving tray portion RD is formed with a plurality of drainage ports EP.

The shoulder member 111c is a frame having a generally rounded rectangular shape in a plan view, and is fitted to the upper side of the side wall portion 111x of the container 111a as shown in FIG. 3, covering the edge of the upper opening of the container 111a. A generally circular opening is formed in the shoulder member 111c for inserting the inner pot 130. A lever mechanism 119 is disposed on the lower front side of the shoulder member 111c. As shown in FIG. 3, the protective frame 111d is attached to the shoulder member 111c at the protective frame flange portion FP (described below).

The protective frame 111d is a member that protects the outer periphery of the inner pot 130 and maintains the shape of the shoulder member 111c, and is mainly formed of an inner pot housing portion PA and a protective frame flange portion FP as shown in FIG. 3. The inner pot housing portion PA is a bowl-shaped portion that covers the outer periphery of the inner pot 130. An opening is formed in the center of the bottom wall of the inner pot housing portion PA, and the tip of the center sensor 114 protrudes from this opening. As described above, the protective frame flange portion FP is located below the shoulder member 111c, and maintains the shape of the shoulder member 111c by stretching the shoulder member 111c outward. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the base member 151 of the hinge part 150 is fastened to the rear side of the protective frame flange portion FP (the hinge part 150 will be described in detail later).

(2) Induction Heating Coil The induction heating coil 112 is used to induction heat the inner pot 130, and is attached to the lower surface of the bottom of the support stand 113 and the outer circumferential surface of the lower side, as shown in FIG. 3.

(3) Insulating material The insulating material is wrapped around the outer periphery of the inner pot accommodating portion PA of the protective frame 111d and the outer periphery of the induction heating coil 112, and serves to prevent heat generated from the inner pot 130 during cooking from leaking outside the inner pot accommodating portion PA.

(4) Support Base The support base 113 holds the induction heating coil 112, the center sensor 114, and the ferrite core. In addition, the support base 113 is formed with a drainage path for draining liquid such as water that enters between the center sensor 114 and the opening of the protective frame 111d.

(5) Ferrite Core The ferrite core is a component for preventing the magnetic flux generated when current is applied to induction heating coil 112 from escaping to the outside, and is held by support base 113 as described above.

(6) Center Sensor The center sensor 114 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the bottom of the inner pot 130 as well as detecting the presence or absence of the inner pot 130. It is supported by the support base 113 so as to be able to move freely up and down, and is biased upward by a coil spring.

(7) Heat Retention Heater The heat retention heater 115 is a heater for keeping the cooked rice warm after cooking, and is disposed inside the shoulder member 111c as shown in FIG.

(8) Blower Fan Unit The blower fan unit 116 is composed of an axial fan, a heat sink, and the like, and is disposed above the intake port SO of the bottom wall portion 111y of the housing 111a of the housing 111, as described above, with the rotation axis of the fan aligned substantially vertically (see FIG. 3). That is, when the blower fan in the blower fan unit 116 is driven, outside air is sucked in from the intake port SO and flows into the housing 111, and is sent upward as it is. The outside air sent upward is supplied to the power supply circuit board 117 and the like through the heat sink to cool those components and the like.

(9) Power Supply Circuit Board The power supply circuit board 117 is a board that constitutes the power supply circuit, and has an AC power supply, an inverter, a switching power supply, and several heat-generating components mounted thereon. The power supply circuit board 117 is accommodated in the rear space SR of the housing 111 as shown in FIG. 3. The power supply circuit board 117 is communicatively connected to a control circuit board 148 accommodated in the cover 140.

(10) Automatic Retractable Power Cord Unit Automatic retractable power cord unit 118 is comprised of a power cord and an automatic retracting mechanism (not shown), and is housed in the space behind housing 111 as shown in Fig. 3. The power cord is comprised of an attachment plug PG (see Figs. 1 and 2) and an electric wire (not shown). The attachment plug PG is disposed at the tip of the electric wire. The electric wire is wound around the automatic retracting mechanism so as to be freely extensible.

(11) Lever Mechanism The lever mechanism 119 is a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the lid body 140 and is mainly composed of an opening lever 119a, a stopper (not shown), and a spring member (not shown), and is disposed on the lower front side of the shoulder member 111c as described above (see FIG. 3).

The opening lever 119a is a swinging lever for opening the lid 140, and is disposed so as to protrude forward at the front upper end of the housing 111a of the housing 111 as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The opening lever 119a exerts a pressing force on the stopper via a spring member. The stopper exerted with a pressing force from the opening lever 119a rotates around its rotation axis. When the user rotates the opening lever 119a downward, the lock of the lid 140 against the main body 110 is released, and the lid 140 opens.

The stopper is mainly composed of a rotating shaft, a locking portion, and a pressure receiving portion, and is provided to be rotatable (swingable) on the container 111a of the main body 110. The locking portion has a curved tip and is provided on the upper end side of the stopper. This locking portion locks the claw portion of the claw member of the lid 140 when the lid 140 is closed.

The inner pot 130 is a bowl-shaped pot that opens upward and is inserted into the opening of the shoulder member 111c and is housed in the inner pot housing portion PA of the protective frame 111d with a specified gap. The inner pot 130 is a multi-layer body (clad material) of various aluminum alloys and stainless steel alloys, and can be induction-heated by the induction heating coil 112.

3. Pot Lid The pot lid 135 is a lid for the inner pot 130 as shown in FIG. 3, and is required when cooking a small amount of rice.

1 to 3, the lid body 140 is mainly composed of a lid substrate 141, a claw member (not shown), an exterior body 142, an input device 143, an information display panel DI, a pressure adjusting device 144, a power failure pressure release valve (not shown), a steam processing unit 147, a control circuit board 148, and an inner lid 146. These components will be described in detail below.

(1) Lid Board The lid board 141 supports parts and members such as the control circuit board 148, the pressure regulator 144, and the solenoid of the power failure pressure release valve. A reinforcing structure is constructed on the side of the lid board 141. As shown in FIG. 3, a movable member 152 of a hinge part 150 is fastened to the rear end of the lid board 141 (the hinge part 150 will be described in detail later). The hinge part 150 allows the lid body 140 to be opened and closed relative to the main body 110. In the hinge part 150, the lid body 140 is biased in the opening direction by a torsion spring 153. An inner lid 146 is detachably disposed on the lower surface of the lid board 141.

The lid base plate 141 is also formed with a receiving portion (not shown). This receiving portion is a portion that receives the valve assembly disposed in the inner lid 146. When the inner lid 146 is attached to the lid base plate 141, this receiving portion covers the valve box portion of the valve assembly (described below).

(2) Claw Member The claw member is a metal member having a pair of claw portions, and is disposed on the front side of the lid base plate 141. When the lid body 140 is closed, the claw portions of the claw member are engaged by the lever mechanism 119 of the main body 110.

(3) Exterior Body As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the exterior body 142 is a cover member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and covers the upper side of the lid substrate 141. As shown in Fig. 3, the rear end of the exterior body 142 does not have a conventional notch, and the lower edge is a smooth straight line. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the exterior body 142 is formed with an opening DO for exposing the information display panel DI, an opening POc for exposing the center push button Bc (described later) of the input device 143, an opening POl for exposing the left push button Bl (described later) of the input device 143, an opening POr for exposing the right push button Br (described later) of the input device 143, and a steam vent BO.

(4) Input Device As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the input device 143 is mainly composed of a mounting base 143A, an elastic member 143B, a central push button Bc, a left push button Bl, a right push button Br, a central light guiding ring Rc, a left light guiding ring Rl, a right light guiding ring Rr, a central annular gasket Kc, a left annular gasket Kl, a right annular gasket Kr, and a part of a control circuit board 148. These components will be described in detail below. The control circuit board 148 will be described in a separate section.

4 and 8, the mounting table 143A is mainly formed of a center table portion Mc, a left table portion Ml, a right table portion Mr, a left connecting portion Cl, a right connecting portion Cr, and a plurality of fastening portions Ff. These portions will be described in detail below.

(a) Central platform The central platform Mc is located in the longitudinal center of the mounting table 143A as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8, and is connected to the left platform Ml via the left connecting part Cl and to the right platform Mr via the right connecting part Cr. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8, the central platform Mc is mainly composed of a central mounting part Sc, a central guide tube part Gc, and a central bridge part Jc.

The central placement portion Sc is a portion for placing the hem portion STc of the central elastic portion Ec of the elastic member 143B and the intermediate portion WMc and the outer peripheral portion WOc of the wing portion WGc of the central elastic portion Ec, as shown in FIG. 5, and is formed of a cylindrical wall portion Qc, a lower annular wall portion Dc, and an upper annular wall portion Uc, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8. The cylindrical wall portion Qc is literally a portion having an approximately cylindrical shape, and as shown in FIG. 5, it defines the planar position of the central elastic portion Ec. The lower annular wall portion Dc is a portion having an annular shape, and extends inward from the lower end of the cylindrical wall portion Qc, as shown in FIG. 5. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, the hem portion STc of the central elastic portion Ec of the elastic member 143B is placed on this lower annular wall portion Dc. The upper annular wall portion Uc is an annular portion that extends outward from the upper end of the cylindrical wall portion Qc as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the middle portion WMc and the outer peripheral portion WOc of the wing portion WGc of the central elastic portion Ec of the elastic member 143B are placed on top of this upper annular wall portion Uc.

The central guide tube portion Gc is a generally cylindrical portion that guides the handle portion BZc of the central push button Bc, and as shown in FIG. 5, is positioned so that its axis overlaps with the axis of the cylindrical wall portion Qc of the central mounting portion Sc.

As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the central bridge section Jc extends radially from the lower end of the central guide tube section Gc to the lower annular wall section Dc, and supports the central guide tube section Gc by joining it to the central mounting section Sc.

(b) Left platform The left platform Ml is located on the left side of the mounting table 143A in the longitudinal direction and is connected to the central platform Mc via the left connector Cl, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8. The left platform Ml is mainly composed of a left mounting part Sl, a left guide tube part Gl, and a left bridge part Jl, as shown in Fig. 6.

The left side placement portion Sl is a portion for placing the bottom portion STl of the left side elastic portion El of the elastic member 143B and the middle portion WMl and the outer peripheral portion WOl of the wing portion WGl of the left side elastic portion El, as shown in FIG. 6, and is formed of an oval cylindrical wall portion Ql, a lower oval ring wall portion Dl, and an upper oval ring wall portion Ul as shown in FIG. The oval cylindrical wall portion Ql is a portion that literally has an approximately oval cylindrical shape, and as shown in FIG. 6, it defines the planar position of the left side elastic portion El. The lower oval ring wall portion Dl is a portion that has an oval ring shape, and extends inward from the lower end of the oval cylindrical wall portion Ql as shown in FIG. 6. Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, the bottom portion STl of the left side elastic portion El of the elastic member 143B is placed on this lower oval ring wall portion Dl. The upper oval ring wall Ul is an oval ring-shaped portion that extends outward from the upper end of the oval cylindrical wall Ql as shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the middle portion WMl and outer peripheral portion WOl of the wing portion WGl of the left elastic portion El of the elastic member 143B are placed on top of this upper oval ring wall Ul.

The left guide tube portion Gl is a generally cylindrical portion that guides the handle portion BZl of the left push button Bl, and as shown in FIG. 6, is positioned so that its axis overlaps with the axis of the long cylindrical wall portion Ql of the left placement portion Sl.

As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the left bridge section Jl extends radially from the lower end of the left guide tube section Gl to the lower oval ring wall section Dl, and supports the left guide tube section Gl by joining it to the left support section Sl.

(c) Right base The right base Mr is in a line-symmetrical relationship with the left base Ml across the center base Mc. For this reason, the right base Mr is designated in the drawings by replacing the suffix "l" of the reference numerals used in the description of the left base Ml with "r", and the description thereof will be omitted.

(d) Left Side Connector The left side connector Cl connects the central base Mc and the left base Ml as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8. This defines the positional relationship between the central push button Bc and the left push button Bl.

(e) Right-side Connector The right-side connector Cr is symmetrical to the left-side connector Cl across the central base Mc, so a description of the right-side connector Cr will be omitted.

(f) Fastening portion Fastening portions Ff are portions for fastening mounting base 143A to exterior body 142, and are formed in plurality on mounting base 143A. Screw holes (not shown) are formed in these fastening portions Ff, and mounting base 143A is fastened to exterior body 142 by screwing screws into the fastening portions of exterior body 142 through these screw holes.

(4-2) Elastic Member The elastic member 143B is made of a transparent or semi-transparent elastomer (i.e., a translucent elastomer) such as silicone rubber, and is mainly made up of a central elastic portion Ec, a left elastic portion El, a right elastic portion Er, a left connecting portion Ll, and a right connecting portion Lr, as shown in Figures 4 and 9 to 11. These portions will be described in detail below.

(a) Central Elastic Portion The central elastic portion Ec is mainly formed of a head portion HDc, a bottom portion STc, and a wing portion WGc, as shown in Figures 5 and 9 to 11. These portions will be described in detail below.

As shown in Fig. 5 and Figs. 9 to 11, the head HDc is a part having a cylindrical shape with a lid, and is formed from the upper wall HWc and the cylindrical part HCc. As shown in Figs. 5 and 10, the upper wall HWc is a relatively thick disk-shaped part. As shown in Fig. 10, the upper wall HWc has an opening Ac that is rectangular in plan view. As shown in Fig. 10, the opening Ac extends along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 143B in plan view. As shown in Fig. 5, the handle BZc of the central push button Bc is inserted into the opening Ac. As shown in Fig. 5, the handle BZc inserted into the opening Ac is engaged with the head HDc of the central elastic part Ec by its claw BNc (see Figs. 12 and 14). As shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical portion HCc extends downward from the outer edge of the upper wall portion HWc.

As shown in Figures 5, 9, and 11, the bottom portion STc is a relatively thin-walled portion that extends downward from the lower end of the cylindrical portion HCc of the head HDc. As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the bottom portion STc has a generally truncated conical cylindrical shape that widens outward as it extends downward. The thickness of the bottom portion STc is approximately 0.5 mm.

As shown in Figures 5 and 9 to 11, the wing portion WGc is a substantially annular portion mainly formed of the inner peripheral portion WIc, the intermediate portion WMc, and the outer peripheral portion WOc, and extends outward along a horizontal plane from near the lower end of the cylindrical portion HCc of the head HDc. As shown in Figure 5, the inner peripheral portion WIc is a relatively thin, substantially annular portion that extends outward along a horizontal plane from the lower end of the cylindrical portion HCc of the head HDc. As shown in Figure 5, the intermediate portion WMc is a substantially annular portion that is thicker than the inner peripheral portion WIc, and extends in the horizontal direction from the outer peripheral edge of the inner peripheral portion WIc. As shown in Figure 5, the outer peripheral portion WOc is a substantially annular portion that is thinner than the intermediate portion WMc but thicker than the inner peripheral portion WIc, and extends outward along a horizontal plane from the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate portion WMc.

(b) Left side elastic portion The left side elastic portion El is mainly formed of a head portion HDl, a bottom portion STl and a wing portion WGl as shown in Figures 6 and 9 to 11. These portions will be described in detail below.

As shown in Fig. 6 and Figs. 9 to 11, the head HDl is a part having a covered long cylindrical shape, and is formed from the upper wall HWl and the long cylindrical part HCl. As shown in Figs. 6 and 10, the upper wall HWl is a relatively thick disk-shaped part. As shown in Fig. 10, the upper wall HWl has an opening Al having a rectangular shape in a plan view. Note that this opening Al extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 143B in a plan view as shown in Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 6, the handle BZl of the left side push button Bl is inserted into this opening Al. Note that the handle BZl inserted into this opening Al is engaged with the head HDl of the left side elastic part El by its own claw BNl (see Figs. 17 and 19). The long cylindrical portion HCl extends downward from the outer edge of the upper wall portion HWl as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in Figures 6, 9, and 11, the bottom portion STl is a relatively thin-walled portion that extends downward from the lower end of the long cylindrical portion HC1 of the head portion HDl. As shown in Figures 6 and 11, the bottom portion STl has a generally truncated long conical cylindrical shape that widens outward as it extends downward. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the center of the bottom portion STl in the longitudinal direction is cut out. The thickness of the bottom portion STl is approximately 0.5 mm.

As shown in Fig. 6 and Figs. 9 to 11, the wing portion WGl is a substantially elliptical ring-shaped portion mainly formed by the inner peripheral portion WIl, the intermediate portion WMl, and the outer peripheral portion WOl, and extends outward along a horizontal plane from near the lower end of the elliptical cylindrical portion HCl of the head HDl. As shown in Fig. 6, the inner peripheral portion WIl is a relatively thin, substantially elliptical ring-shaped portion that extends outward along a horizontal plane from the lower end of the elliptical cylindrical portion HCl of the head HDl. As shown in Fig. 6, the intermediate portion WMl is a substantially elliptical ring-shaped portion that is thicker than the inner peripheral portion WIl, and extends in the horizontal direction from the outer peripheral edge of the inner peripheral portion WIl. As shown in Fig. 6, the outer peripheral portion WOl is a substantially elliptical ring-shaped portion that is thinner than the intermediate portion WMl but thicker than the inner peripheral portion WIl, and extends outward along a horizontal plane from the outer peripheral edge of the intermediate portion WMl.

(c) Right-side elastic portion The right-side elastic portion Er is in a line-symmetrical relationship with the left-side elastic portion El across the central elastic portion Ec. For this reason, the right-side elastic portion Er is designated in the drawings by replacing the suffix "l" of the reference numerals used for the left-side elastic portion El with "r", and the description thereof will be omitted.

(d) Left Side Connector The left side connector Ll connects the central elastic part Ec and the left side elastic part El as shown in Figs.

(e) Right Side Connector The right side connector Lr is symmetrical to the left side connector Ll across the central elastic portion Ec, so a description of the right side connector Lr will be omitted.

(4-3) Central Press Button The central press button Bc is a press button for starting rice cooking operation, and is mainly composed of a main body BMc and a cover BCc, as shown in Figures 12 to 16. Note that, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7, the central press button Bc is disposed so that the top surface of the cover BCc is exposed to the outside through an opening POc in the exterior body 142. These components will be described in detail below.

(a) Main Body The main body BMc, as shown in Figures 12, 14 to 16, is mainly formed of a top wall portion BVc, a side wall portion BXc, a wing portion BYc, a pair of positioning ribs BRc, a handle portion BZc and a pair of claw portions BNc.

As shown in Figures 14 to 16, the top wall BVc is a wall having a substantially disk shape, and is slightly inclined in the direction in which the positioning rib BRc is disposed. When the central push button Bc is assembled into the lid 140, the lower side is located on the front side of the lid 140, and the higher side is located on the rear side of the lid 140. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a pair of openings BOc are formed in the top wall BVc. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, these openings BOc are substantially square-shaped and face each other with the handle BZc in between.

The side wall portion BXc is a wall portion having a generally cylindrical shape as shown in Figures 15 and 16, and extends downward from the outer edge of the top wall portion BVc.

As shown in Figures 12 to 16, the wing portion BYc is a generally annular portion that extends outward from the lower end of the side wall portion BXc. As shown in Figure 5, the wing portion BYc is designed so that its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the central light guiding ring Rc. In other words, the wing portion BYc engages the central push button Bc with the central light guiding ring Rc so that the central push button Bc does not slip out upwards.

The positioning ribs BRc determine the attachment direction of the central elastic portion Ec of the elastic member 143B to the opening Ac, and extend downward from the underside of the top wall portion BVc as shown in Figures 14 and 16. As shown in Figure 14, these positioning ribs BRc face each other with the handle portion BZc in between. In addition, when viewed from below, the arrangement direction of the positioning ribs BRc is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the opening BOc.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the handle portion BZc is a cylindrical portion with a bottom, and extends downward from the center of the lower surface of the top wall portion BVc.

The claw portion BNc is formed on the lower part of the handle portion BZc as shown in Figures 14 and 15. As shown in Figure 15, the claw portion BNc is inclined outward from the lower side to the upper side of the handle portion BZc. Also, as shown in Figure 14, in bottom view, the arrangement direction of the claw portion BNc is the same as the arrangement direction of the openings BOc and is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the positioning rib BRc.

(b) Cover The cover BCc is a metal cover made of aluminum or the like, and covers the upper side of the top wall portion BVc of the main body BMc as shown in Figures 12 and 16. Note that, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, a semi-spherical protrusion portion BPc is formed in the center of the upper surface side of this cover BCc. Also, this cover BCc is attached to the upper surface of the top wall portion BVc of the main body BMc by double-sided tape, adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, or the like.

(4-4) Left-side push button The left-side push button Bl is a push button for setting a reservation, and as shown in Figures 17 to 21, is mainly composed of a main body BM1 and a cover BCl. As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7, the left-side push button Bl is disposed so that the top surface of the cover BCl is exposed to the outside through an opening PO1 in the exterior body 142. These components will be described in detail below.

(a) Main Body The main body BMl, as shown in Figures 17, 19 to 21, is mainly formed of a top wall portion BVl, a side wall portion BXl, a wing portion BYl, a pair of positioning ribs BRl, a handle portion BZl and a pair of claw portions BNl.

As shown in Figures 19 to 21, the top wall BVl is a wall having a generally oval disk shape, and is slightly inclined in the direction in which the tab BNl is disposed. When the left push button Bl is assembled into the lid 140, the low side is located on the front side of the lid 140, and the high side is located on the rear side of the lid 140. As shown in Figures 19 and 21, a pair of openings BOl are formed in the top wall BVl. As shown in Figures 19 and 21, these openings BOl are generally rectangular and face each other in the short direction, sandwiching the handle BZl therebetween.

The side wall portion BXl is a wall portion having a generally elongated cylindrical shape as shown in Figures 20 and 21, and extends downward from the outer edge of the top wall portion BVl.

As shown in Figures 17 to 21, the wing portion BYl is a portion that has a generally oval ring shape and extends outward from the lower end of the side wall portion BXl. As shown in Figure 6, the wing portion BYl is designed to be similarly larger than the left light guiding ring Rl. In other words, the wing portion BYl engages the left push button Bl with the left light guiding ring Rl so that the left push button Bl does not slip out upwards.

The positioning rib BRl determines the attachment direction of the left elastic part El of the elastic member 143B to the opening Al, and extends downward from the underside of the top wall part BVl as shown in Figures 19 and 20. As shown in Figure 19, these positioning ribs BRl face each other in the longitudinal direction, sandwiching the handle part BZl therebetween. In addition, when viewed from below, the arrangement direction of the positioning ribs BRl is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the opening BOl.

As shown in Figures 19 and 21, the handle portion BZl is a cylindrical portion with a bottom, and extends downward from the center of the lower surface of the top wall portion BVl.

The claw portion BNl is formed on the lower part of the handle portion BZl as shown in Figures 19 and 21. As shown in Figure 21, this claw portion BNl is inclined outward as it moves from the lower side to the upper side of the handle portion BZl. Also, as shown in Figure 19, when viewed from below, the arrangement direction of the claw portion BNl is the same direction (short direction) as the arrangement direction of the openings BOl, and is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the positioning rib BRl.

(b) Cover The cover BCl is a metal cover made of aluminum or the like, and covers the upper side of the top wall portion BVl of the main body BMl as shown in Figures 17 and 21. Note that, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, a linear protrusion portion BPl is formed on the upper surface of this cover BCl below the center in the longitudinal direction. Also, this cover BCl is attached to the upper surface of the top wall portion BVl of the main body BMl by double-sided tape, adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, or the like.

(4-5) Right Side Push Button The right side push button Br is a push button for canceling a command, and is linearly symmetrical to the left side push button Bl. For this reason, the right side push button Br is designated in the drawings by replacing the suffix "l" of the symbol used in the explanation of the left side push button Bl with "r", and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

(4-6) Central Light Guide Ring The central light guide ring Rc is a member having a substantially circular ring shape as shown in FIG. 7, and is mainly formed of a main body portion RMc and an annular protrusion portion RPc. The main body portion RMc has a circular ring shape as shown in FIG. 7. The annular protrusion portion RPc is a portion having a circular ring shape as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, and extends upward from the inner edge portion of the upper surface of the main body portion RMc. As shown in FIG. 5, the central light guide ring Rc is fixed such that the main body portion RMc is pressed against the edge portion of the opening POc of the exterior body 142 via the central annular packing Kc by the middle portion WMc of the wing portion WGc of the central elastic portion Ec of the elastic member 143B. Here, the annular protrusion portion RPc enters into the gap formed between the edge of the opening POc of the exterior body and the cover BCc of the central push button Bc. That is, when the light-emitting diode LS (described later) emits light, the light emitted from the light-emitting diode LS is emitted to the outside via the annular protrusion RPc of the central light-guiding ring Rc. This causes the area around the central push button Bc to light up. As described above, the wing BYc of the main body BMc of the central push button Bc is engaged with the inner edge of the lower surface of the central light-guiding ring Rc (see FIG. 5).

(4-7) Left Light Guide Ring The left light guide ring Rl is a member having a substantially elliptical ring shape as shown in FIG. 7, and is mainly formed of a main body RMl and an annular protrusion RPl. The main body RMl has an elliptical ring shape as shown in FIG. 7. The annular protrusion RPl is a part having an elliptical ring shape as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, and extends upward from the inner edge of the upper surface of the main body RMl. As shown in FIG. 6, the left light guide ring Rl is fixed such that the main body RMl is pressed against the edge of the opening POl of the exterior body 142 by the middle part WMl of the wing part WGl of the left elastic part El of the elastic member 143B. Here, the annular protrusion RPl enters into the gap formed between the edge of the opening POl of the exterior body and the cover BCl of the left push button Bl. That is, when the light-emitting diode LS (described later) emits light, the light emitted from the light-emitting diode LS goes out through the annular protrusion RP1 of the left light-guiding ring R1. This causes the area around the left push button Bl to light up. As described above, the wing BY1 of the body BM1 of the left push button Bl is engaged with the inner edge of the lower surface of the left light-guiding ring R1 (see FIG. 6).

(4-8) Right Light Guide Ring The right light guide ring Rr is in a line-symmetrical relationship with the left light guide ring Rl. For this reason, the right light guide ring Rr is given a reference numeral in the drawings in which the suffix "l" of the reference numeral used in the description of the left light guide ring Rl is replaced with "r", and the description thereof will be omitted.

(4-9) Central annular gasket The central annular gasket Kc is a circular annular gasket as shown in FIG. 7, and is disposed between the upper surface of the main body portion RMc of the central light-guiding ring Rc and the edge of the opening POc of the outer casing 142 as shown in FIG.

(4-10) Left Annular Gasket The left annular gasket Kl is an oval annular gasket as shown in FIG. 7, and is disposed between the upper surface of the main body portion RMl of the left light-guiding ring Rl and the edge of the opening POl of the exterior body 142 as shown in FIG.

(4-11) Right side annular packing The right side annular packing Kr is the same as the left side annular packing Kl. Therefore, the description of the right side annular packing Kr is omitted.

1 to 3, the information display panel DI is disposed immediately behind the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br of the input device 143. Various information such as rice cooking menu information, rice cooking progress information, etc. is displayed on the information display panel DI.
(6) Pressure Regulating Device The pressure regulating device 144 regulates the pressure inside the inner pot 130 to 1.03 to 1.3 atmospheres when the lid 140 is closed and pressure cooking is being performed.

(7) Power failure pressure relief valve The power failure pressure relief valve is a safety valve operated by a solenoid, and is disposed adjacent to the pressure adjustment device 144 in the center of the lid substrate 141. When the power failure pressure relief valve is de-energized due to, for example, a power failure or a plug being pulled out, it opens and releases the pressure inside the inner pot 130.

(8) Steam Processing Unit The steam processing unit 147 traps the water vapor rising from the inner pot 130 during rice cooking and returns it to the inner pot 130. As shown in FIG. 3, the steam processing unit 147 is disposed behind the lid 140.

(9) Control Circuit Board The control circuit board 148 is a board that constitutes the control circuit, and has electronic components mounted thereon, such as a microcomputer, a switch element Sw, and a light-emitting diode LS. The control circuit board 148 is communicatively connected to the input device 143 of the lid body 140, a stepping motor (not shown) of the pressure adjustment device 144, and a solenoid of the power failure pressure release valve, and is communicatively connected to the induction heating coil 112, center sensor 114, heat retention heater 115, blower fan unit 116, etc. of the main body 110 via the power supply circuit board 117.

5 and 6, the switch element Sw is arranged so that its upper portion enters inside the central guide tube portion Gc of the central base portion Mc of the mounting base 143A and inside the left guide tube portion Gl of the left base portion Ml. Although not shown, the switch element Sw is also arranged so that its upper portion enters inside the right guide tube portion Gr of the right base portion Mr. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, two light-emitting diodes LS are arranged below the central bridge portion Jc of the central base portion Mc of the mounting base 143A in a vertical cross-sectional view. Although not shown, the light-emitting diodes LS are arranged between the central bridge portions Jc in a plan view so that the generated light is not blocked by the central bridge portions Jc. The light emitted from the light emitting diodes LS passes through the elastic parts Ec, El, Er of the elastic member 143B, then reaches the light guiding rings Rc, Rl, Rr through the light guiding path PT formed between the main body BMc, BMl, BMr of each push button Bc, Bl, Br and the intermediate part WMc, WMl, WMr of each elastic part Ec, El, Er, and exits to the outside through the annular protrusions RPc, RPl, RPr of each light guiding ring Rc, Rl, Rr (see Figures 5 and 6). Although not shown, two light emitting diodes LS are also arranged under the left bridge part Jl of the left base part Ml of the mounting table 143A, and two are also arranged under the right bridge part Jr of the right base part Mr. The arrangement of these light emitting diodes LS in a plan view is the same as the arrangement of the light emitting diodes LS arranged under the central bridge part Jc.

(10) Inner Lid The inner lid 146 is a member for covering and sealing the upper part of the inner pot 130 as shown in Fig. 3, and is detachably attached to the underside of the lid base plate 141. An opening is formed in the inner lid 146, and a valve seat member (not shown) is fitted into the opening. The valve seat member is a cylindrical member, and its upper end functions as a valve seat. The opening of the valve seat member functions as a pressure adjustment port. As described above, the inner lid 146 is provided with a valve assembly for a power failure pressure release valve.

5. Hinge Parts As shown in Fig. 3, the hinge part 150 is mainly composed of a base member 151, a movable member 152, and a torsion spring 153. These components will be described in detail below. The base member 151 is fastened to the rear side of the protective frame flange portion FP of the protective frame 111d. The movable member 152 is attached to be rotatable relative to the base member 151 as shown in Fig. 3. The torsion spring 153 biases the movable member 152 in a direction to open the movable member 152.

<Operation of the input device etc. when inputting information in the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention>
(1) Central Push Button When the central push button Bc is pressed by a user of the rice cooker 100, the central push button Bc is pushed downward together with the central elastic part Ec. At this time, the bottom part STc of the central elastic part Ec is deformed so as to be crushed. As a result, the lower end of the handle part BZc of the central push button Bc presses the switch element Sw on the control circuit board 148. Then, the switch element Sw sends an input detection signal to the microcomputer.

When pressure is released from the central push button Bc, the central push button Bc is pulled back by the elastic force of the central elastic portion Ec. As a result, the lower end of the handle portion BZc of the central push button Bc moves away from the switch element Sw.

(2) Left-side push button The actions that occur when the left-side push button Bl is pressed and after the pressure is released are the same as those of the central push button Bc. Therefore, the description of these actions will be omitted. As described above, in the left-side elastic part El, the longitudinal center part of the hem part STl is cut out. Therefore, even if the user of the rice cooker 100 presses the center part of the left-side push button Bl, the left and right parts of the hem part STl of the left-side elastic part El do not interfere with the center part of the hem part STl of the left-side elastic part El, so that the user of the rice cooker 100 can get the same feeling as when the left and right parts of the left-side push button Bl are pressed, and the hem part STl of the left-side elastic part El can easily return to its original shape when the pressure is released.

(3) Right Button As described above, the structure related to the right button is symmetrical to the structure related to the left button across the center button. For this reason, the operation of the input device when inputting information using the right button will be omitted.

<Features of the rice cooker according to the embodiment of the present invention>
(1)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, elastic parts Ec, El, Er are interposed between the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br and the switch element Sw. This not only makes it possible to soften the feel when the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br are pressed, but also makes it possible to return the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br to their original positions by utilizing the elastic parts Ec, El, Er when the buttons are released from the button press.

(2)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a gap is formed between the edge of the openings POc, POl, and POr formed in the exterior body 142 and the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br, and the annular protrusions RPc, RPl, and RPr of the light-guiding rings Rc, Rl, and Rr are inserted into the gap. In addition, in this input device 143, the elastic member 143B is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent elastomer (i.e., an elastomer having translucency) such as silicone rubber. Therefore, the light generated from the light-emitting diodes LS can be guided between the edge of the openings POc, POl, and POr and the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br, and further, a design using light can be implemented by designing the shape of the gap and the annular protrusions RPc, RPl, and RPr of the light-guiding rings Rc, Rl, and Rr. In addition, the light-guiding rings Rc, Rl, and Rr can improve the visibility of the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br. Furthermore, the light guide rings Rc, Rl, and Rr can be used as guide members for the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br, making it possible to smoothly move the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br.

(3)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br are not pressed, the upper surfaces of the heads HDc, HDl, HDr of the elastic parts Ec, El, Er are in contact with the lower surfaces of the top wall parts BVc, BVl, BVr of the main bodies BMc, BMl, BMr of the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br. Therefore, in the input device 143, the feel of the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br can be softened from the beginning of pressing the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br to the time of pressing the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br.

(4)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the bottoms STc, STl, and STr of the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br are made thinner than the heads HDc, HDl, and HDr, so that the bottoms STc, STl, and STr are pressed when the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br are pressed. This allows the user of the rice cooker 100 to press the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br relatively deeply, and reduces the difference in the pressing sensation depending on the location of the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br that are pressed.

(5)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal center portions of the hem portions STl, STr of the left elastic portion El and the right elastic portion Er are cut out. Therefore, even when the center portion of the left push button Bl is pressed by the user of the rice cooker 100, the left and right portions do not interfere with the center portion of the hem portion STl of the left elastic portion El, so that the user of the rice cooker 100 can get the same feeling as when the left and right portions of the left push button Bl are pressed, and the hem portion STl of the left elastic portion El can easily return to its original shape when the pressure is released.

(6)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, annular packings Kc, Kl, Kr are sandwiched between the lower surfaces of the edges of the openings POc, POl, POr of the exterior body 142 and the upper surfaces of the main bodies RMc, RMl, RMr of the light guiding rings Rc, Rl, Rr, and the light guiding rings Rc, Rl, Rr are pressed upward by the middle parts WMc, WMl, WMr of the wing parts WGc, WGl, WGr of the elastic parts Ec, El, Er. Therefore, in this input device 143, the light guiding rings Rc, Rl, Rr can be firmly fixed.

(6)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, wing portions WGc, WGl, WGr are formed on the elastic portions Ec, El, Er, so that in the input device 143, even if liquid such as water seeps in through gaps between the edges of the openings POc, POl, POr formed in the exterior body 142 and the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br, the liquid can be prevented from reaching the control circuit board 148.

(7)
In the input device 143 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a light guide path PT is formed between the main body BMc, BMl, BMr of the push button Bc, Bl, Br and the intermediate portion WMc, WMl, WMr of the wing portion WGc, WGl, WGr of the elastic portion Ec, El, Er. Therefore, in the input device 143, it is possible to easily guide the light generated from the light emitting diode LS to the light guide ring Rc, Rl, Rr.

<Modification>
(A)
In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the rice cooker 100, but the present invention may be applied to other cooking appliances or other types of appliances.

(B)
In the above embodiment, the central push button Bc is circular, and the left push button Bl and the right push button Br are oval, but the shape and size of the push buttons are not particularly limited and can be selected arbitrarily.

(C)
In the above embodiment, the covers BCc, BCl, BCr are attached to the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br, but the covers BCc, BCl, BCr may be omitted. In such a case, it is preferable to close the openings BOc, BOl, BOr formed in the main bodies BMc, BMl, BMr of the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br from the viewpoint of waterproofing, etc.

(D)
In the above embodiment, the annular protrusions RPc, RPl, and RPr are formed on the light guiding ring, but the annular protrusions RPc, RPl, and RPr may be omitted.

(E)
In the above embodiment, the light guide rings Rc, Rl, Rr and the annular packings Kc, Kl, Kr are used, but the light guide rings Rc, Rl, Rr and the annular packings Kc, Kl, Kr may be omitted. In such a case, it is preferable to extend the edge of the opening POc, POl, POr to the position of the wing portion BYc, BYl, BYr of the main body BMc, BMl, BMr of the push button Bc, Bl, Br (see Figs. 5 and 6).

(F)
In the previous embodiment, when the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br are not pressed, the upper surfaces of the heads HDc, HDl, HDr of the elastic parts Ec, El, Er are in contact with the lower surfaces of the top wall parts BVc, BVl, BVr of the main bodies BMc, BMl, BMr of the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br. However, within the scope of the present invention, when the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br are not pressed, a gap may be formed between the lower surfaces of the top wall parts BVc, BVl, BVr of the main bodies BMc, BMl, BMr of the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br and the upper surfaces of the heads HDc, HDl, HDr of the elastic parts Ec, El, Er.

(G)
In the above embodiment, two light emitting diodes LS are arranged for each of the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br, but the number of light emitting diodes to be arranged is not particularly limited and may be selected arbitrarily.

(H)
Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the color of the light emitting diode is not particularly limited and may be selected arbitrarily.

(I)
Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the bodies BMc, BMl, BMr of the push buttons Bc, Bl, Br may be made transparent or semi-transparent, and parts of the covers BCc, BCl, BCr may be cut out to provide a design.

(J)
Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, a hem portion STc of the central elastic portion Ec corresponding to the central push button Bc may be partially cut out.

(K)
In the previous embodiment, the central elastic portion Ec, the left elastic portion El, and the right elastic portion Er are connected by the connecting portions Ll, Lr, but these portions may be independent and not connected.

(L)
Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, each of the push buttons Bc, Bl, and Br may be biased upward by a coil spring.

The above modifications may be applied alone or in combination.

100 Rice cooker (cooking appliance)
142 Exterior body (plate member)
143 Input device 143A Placement table 143B Elastic member Bc Central pressing button (pressing button)
B1 Left side push button (push button)
Br Right side push button (push button)
HDc, HDl, HDr Head LS Light emitting diode (light source)
POc, POl, POr Opening Rc Central light guiding ring (light guiding section)
Rl Left light guide ring (light guide part)
Rr Right light guide ring (light guide part)
STc, STl, STr Bottom part Sw Switch element WGc, WGl, WGr Wing part (extension part)

Claims (8)

A plate member having an opening;
a push button having a handle and a claw portion formed on an outer periphery of the handle ;
an elastic member having a head portion formed with an insertion hole through which the handle portion is inserted and located inside the push button;
A switch element located in the pressing direction of the push button;
a light source disposed on the opposite side of the elastic member to the side on which the push button is disposed;
a support portion having a cylindrical portion and supporting the elastic member ;
the pressing button is disposed within the opening of the plate member and spaced apart from an edge of the opening,
The elastic member is located between the push button and the light source, and at least a portion of the elastic member is translucent.
The handle portion is engaged with the head portion by the claw portion in a state where the handle portion is inserted into the insertion opening,
An input device in which, when the press button is pressed, the handle portion is guided by the tubular portion and moves in the pressing direction . 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is made of an elastomer, one end of the elastic member being in contact with the push button and the other end being supported by the support portion. 3. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic member has a bottom portion that widens outward from the head portion toward a side where a light source is provided. The elastic member has a longitudinal direction,
The input device according to claim 3 , wherein the bottom portion has a central portion cut out in the longitudinal direction. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a light guide arranged so that at least a portion of the light guide is located in the gap between the edge of the opening and the press button when the press button is viewed from the outside. The input device according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the light guide is located in the gap between the edge of the opening and the push button. The elastic member further has an extension portion extending outward,
The input device according to claim 5 , wherein the extension portion supports the light guide portion. A cooking appliance equipped with an input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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