EP0691666A1 - Dispositif de commutation multidirectionnel à levier - Google Patents

Dispositif de commutation multidirectionnel à levier Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0691666A1
EP0691666A1 EP95107748A EP95107748A EP0691666A1 EP 0691666 A1 EP0691666 A1 EP 0691666A1 EP 95107748 A EP95107748 A EP 95107748A EP 95107748 A EP95107748 A EP 95107748A EP 0691666 A1 EP0691666 A1 EP 0691666A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
operating
lever
tilting
switches
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95107748A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0691666B1 (fr
Inventor
Tetsuo C/O Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd Yamamoto
Yoshikazu C/O Sumitomo Wiring Systems Taniguchi
Junichi C/O Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd Kojima
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Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
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Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP6176115A external-priority patent/JP3047738B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP6234340A external-priority patent/JP3047746B2/ja
Application filed by Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd filed Critical Sumitomo Wiring Systems Ltd
Publication of EP0691666A1 publication Critical patent/EP0691666A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0691666B1 publication Critical patent/EP0691666B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/008—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being perpendicular to the axis of angular movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lever switch device for activating switches by tilting an operating lever, and particularly to a multi-direction switch device that may be utilized as a so-called joystick or the like having a lever tiltable in multiple directions.
  • a switch device of such a type is used in, for example, a controller of a car navigation system.
  • the device is used in such a manner that a display state is changed by tilting a lever to the right side to scroll a map displayed on a monitor screen in the right direction, and by tilting the lever to the upper side to scroll the map in the upper direction.
  • a lever tiltable in multiple directions is provided, and a plurality of switches are arranged at regular intervals around the lever.
  • the lever When the lever is tilted, it presses and activates one of the switches.
  • Japanese Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. Sho-61-201244/(1986) discloses a lever switch device of the sort mentioned above.
  • the lever switch device is provided with an operating lever 72 comprising a substantially hemispherical rotor 73 which slidably contacts a hemispherical guide face 71 of an upper hollow portion of a housing 70 so as to be rotatably guided, the rotor 73 including a sliding rod 74 which is slidably fitted into the rotor 73 and passed therethrough.
  • the operating lever 72 is tilted closer to the right position than what is at 45 degrees between the right and back positions so as to activate and validate the switch at the right position first on condition that the position-to-position operating strokes are equalized.
  • the operating lever 72 is tilted closer to the back position than what is at 45 degrees therebetween to activate and validate the switch at the back position first. Since the position-to-position operating strokes have conventionally been made equal, the operating strokes capable of activating the switches by tilting the operating lever are equalized at every position.
  • the actual situation is that when the position-to-position frequencies of operation differ, it is desirable to set a wide operating range at a position where the operation is frequently performed. Notwithstanding, the conventional arrangement is unable to deal with such a situation as the operating range at each position is uniform.
  • the plurality of switches are interconnected into a matrix form as shown in Fig. 2 so as to constitute a switch matrix circuit, and the switch matrix circuit is connected to input terminals R1 ⁇ R5 of a well-known remote control IC 1.
  • the remote control IC 1 has two output terminals T1, T2 through which timing signals are applied to the switch matrix circuit, and functions as what converts parallel signals applied to the data input terminals R1 ⁇ R5 in response to timing signals t1, t2 into serial signals which are then output from a transmitting terminal (not shown).
  • the switch matrix circuit applies parallel data to the data input terminals R1 ⁇ R5 of the remote control IC 1 in accordance with the switch thus held ON when the timing signal t1, t2 are received.
  • the relationship between a pressed switch and data bits is defined, for example, as shown in Table 1.
  • Table 1 shows that, in the case where the lever is tilted to the upper side and hence the switch positioned on the upper side is pressed, the switch matrix circuit outputs data "10000" to the input terminals R1 ⁇ R5 of the remote control IC 1 when the timing signal t1 is output from the timing signal output terminal T1.
  • switches adjacent to each other may simultaneously be activated according to some tilt directions of the lever.
  • the switch matrix circuit In the conventional switch matrix circuit, the relationship between the group of switches that are held ON and digital data applied to the remote control IC 1 is preset as shown in Table 1. Accordingly, for example, where the switch on the upper side and the switch on the upper left side are simultaneously pressed, the switch matrix circuit outputs data "10001" when the timing signal t1 is output from the output terminal T1. As seen from Table 1, however, data is not previously defined. Consequently, the data code which is output through the transmitting terminal cannot be recognized and there occurs a phenomenon in which the map is not scrolled in any direction.
  • An object of the present invention made in view of the foregoing problems is to provide a lever switch device offering excellent operability by differentiating operating ranges at every position as desired.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional lever switch device in which even when switches adjacent to each other are simultaneously pressed, either of the switches can be determined to be operated and which ensures excellent lever operability at the same time.
  • a lever switch device comprises an operating lever which can be operated in tilting directions, a plurality of switch elements surrounding the operating lever, and operating units whose displacement is interlocked with the operating lever, the operating unit activating any one of the switches when displaced by a predetermined operating stroke in response to the tilting of the operating lever, wherein the operating stroke of each operating unit for activating the switch element is set different for some of the switch elements other than the remaining ones.
  • An image on a display unit is scrolled in conformity with the tilting of the operating lever, and one operating stroke for activating the switch element in a tilting direction in which the image is scrolled up and down thereon is set shorter than what is set therefor in another direction.
  • the operating lever is fitted in a longitudinal case, and an operating stroke for activating the switch element in a slantwise tilting direction with respect to the side of the case in the longitudinal direction is set shorter than what is set therefor in another direction.
  • a multidirectional switch device comprises a lever tiltable in multiple directions, a plurality of switches so located as to surround the lever, operating units, each of which is displaced in interaction with the lever to operate any one of the switches when it is displaced by a predetermined operating stroke in accordance with the tilting of the lever, and a switch matrix circuit with a plurality of switches interconnected into a matrix form, the switch matrix circuit being adapted for outputting digital data indicating which one of the switches has been activated in conformity with the direction in which the lever has been tilted.
  • the operating stroke of a switch corresponding to one tilting direction is set longer than those of both switches adjacent to the one tilting direction.
  • the digital data which is output from the switch matrix circuit when a switch corresponding to any one of the tilting directions is activated is set to conform to the logical sum of the digital data that are output when switches corresponding to both tilting directions adjacent to one tilting direction are activated.
  • the operating unit whose displacement is interlocked with the operating lever is capable of varying the operating stroke for activating the corresponding switch, switch element by switch element. If the operating stroke is shortened, the operating range where the switch element is activated is widened by tilting the operating lever and if it is lengthened, the operating range is narrowed thereby. Consequently, by varying the operating stroke, switch element by switch element, the operating range can be varied, switch element by switch element. It is therefore possible to vary the operating range for each switch element, depending on the frequency of activating the switch element.
  • the operating ranges for the switch elements adjacent to each other can be equalized by making the operating stroke for one switch element longer even when there is provided a circuit configuration for always regarding the one switch element as what has been pressed.
  • the lever switch device is employed for scrolling an image on a display unit of a car navigation system, for example. Since the operating stroke for the switch element for scrolling such an image in the vertical direction is set shorter than another operating stroke in this case, the operating range of the operating lever capable of scrolling the image in the vertical direction is set wider than another. In other words, the operating range of the operating lever for a switch whose frequency of operation is high becomes wide.
  • the operating stroke for the switch element in a slantwise tilting direction that is, in the direction in which the operating lever is not readily tilted with respect to the side of the case is set shorter than what is set therefor in another direction, whereby the operating range of the operating lever in the direction in which it is not readily tilted is made wider than another.
  • output is digital data which is the logical sum of the digital data that are output when switches corresponding to both tilting directions adjacent to the one tilting direction are activated.
  • the left and right upper directions are so related as to be adjacent to the upper direction, and the data "1100" assigned to the upper direction is the OR of the data "1000" assigned to the upper left direction and the data "0100" assigned to the upper right direction.
  • the logical sum (OR) means the logical sum OR in a broad sense, though it is synonymous with OR in a narrow sense in positive logic and synonymous with AND in a narrow sense in negative logic.
  • the data which is output when the upper switch is pressed may be "1011" as the narrow-sense AND of the data above on condition that the data output resulting from pressing the upper left switch is "0111” in negative logic and that the data output resulting from pressing the upper right switch is "1011".
  • the operating stroke with the respect to the switch which has been set so that the OR of the output signals of the switches adjacent to what has been mentioned previously is set longer than the operating strokes of the switches adjacent thereto, whereby the tendency of making the operating range for the switch corresponding to the preferential tilting direction is offset.
  • the digital data which is output simultaneously with the activation of one switch corresponding to one tilting direction is the OR of the digital data output when the switches adjacent to the one switch are pressed
  • the operating ranges for every switch can be equalized by setting longer the operating stroke of the one switch corresponding to the one tilting direction than the operating strokes of the switches adjacent to the switches. Therefore, the switches whose frequencies of operation are equal can be operated without spoiling the operating feeling.
  • a printed board 2 is securely furnished in a shallow tray-like square case 1, the printed board 2 having circuit components such as ICs, transistors, resistors, capacitors and the like (not shown) fitted to its underside.
  • circuit components such as ICs, transistors, resistors, capacitors and the like (not shown) fitted to its underside.
  • a pair of stationary contacts 3a for a set switch are disposed, and eight pairs of stationary contacts 4a for select switches are arranged at regular angular intervals of 45 degrees in a circle centering on the stationary contacts 3a for the set switch.
  • a rubber switch cover 5 having electric insulating properties and elasticity is secured to the surface of the printed board 2.
  • the switch cover 5 as a whole is in the shape of a square thin plate covering the entire face of the printed board 2.
  • Switch operating units 6 are formed at a total of nine positions each corresponding to the pair of stationary contacts 3a for the set switch and the eight pairs of stationary contacts 4a for the select switches and protrude in such a way that they are usually separated from the surface of the printed board 2.
  • each operating unit 6 is uprightly tapered from the surface of the switch cover 5 in such a way to surround the stationary contact 3a, 4a.
  • a disk-like movable short-circuit conductor 3b, 4b made of an electrically conductive rubber material is secured to the back of a head portion 6a.
  • the operating unit 6 is in the non-operating state in which the movable short-circuit conductor 3b, 4b is separated from the stationary contact 3a, 4a.
  • the head portion 6a is pressed down, there ensues its elastic deformation, thus causing the movable short-circuit conductors 3b, 4b to contact both the respective stationary contacts 3a, 4a, so that electrical continuity is established between the stationary contacts 3a, 4a.
  • a "upper right” select switch 4 what is positioned between the upper and right-hand sides is called a "upper right” select switch 4; what is positioned between the upper and left-hand sides a “upper left” select switch 4; what is positioned between the lower and right-hand sides a “lower right” select switch 4; and what is positioned between the lower and left-hand sides a “lower left” select switch 4, the same applying to the following.
  • the "upper" select switch 4 When the "upper" select switch 4 is activated, the image displayed on a display unit of a navigation system (not shown) is scrolled upward and when another select switch 4 is activated likewise, the image is scrolled in the direction in which the select switch 4 is positioned.
  • a base 7 concentric with a circle in which eight pairs of select switches 4 around the set switch 3 are arranged, the base 7 being fixed in such a state that its peripheral edge portion is positioned by a cover 17, which will be described later.
  • a cylindrical regulating upright portion 9 is integrally formed on the surface side of a bottom plate 8 on the base 7, the diameter of the cylindrical regulating upright portion 9 being slight larger than that of the circle in which the select switches are arranged.
  • the bottom plate 8 of the base 7 are relief portions 8a formed by recessing the back of the bottom plate 8 so as to prevent the interference with the respective switch operating units 6, the relief portions 8a at eight positions each corresponding to the select switches 4. Further, guide holes 8b each communicating with the relief portions 8a up to the surface of the bottom plate 8 are formed in the upper relief portions 8a.
  • An operating pin 10 having a presser portion 10a at its lower end is inserted into the relief portion 8a in such a state that the upper end of the operating pin 10 has been projected from the guide hole 8b toward the surface side of the bottom plate 8, whereby the presser portion 10a is allowed to move within the relief portion 8a in a direction perpendicular to the printed board 2. Incidentally, the operating pin 10 is normally pushed up because of the elastic restoring force of the operating unit 6 and the presser portion 10a is held on the ceiling of the relief portion 8a.
  • a square through-hole 8c is opened so as to surround the set switch 3, and support shafts 11 are each provided at a pair of hole edges of the through-hole 8c out of those facing each other.
  • the axial line of the support shafts 11 are passed through the center of the circle in which the eight pairs of select switches 4 are arranged on the printed board 2.
  • a square cylinder-like bearing bracket 12 is provided for the base 7, and bearing holes 12a, 12b are formed in the opposite sides of the bearing bracket 12.
  • the support shafts 11 are fitted into the bearing holes 12a, and a rotary shaft 13a projecting from the lower end of a tilting holder 13 is fitted into the bearing holes 12b, whereby the tilting holder 13 is passed through the center of the circle in which the eight pairs of select switches 4 are disposed and rotatably supported with intersecting two axes. Further, the tilting holder 13 is made tiltable in any direction around the center of the circle in which the eight pairs of select switches 4 are arranged with the neutral posture perpendicular to the printed board 2 as a core.
  • a flange 14 is, as shown in Fig. 6, formed on the outer periphery of the tilting holder 13.
  • recess portions 14a each corresponding to the "upper right,” “lower right,” “upper left” and “lower left” select switches 4 out of the eight pairs of them.
  • the tilting holder 13 In the neutral state of the tilting holder 13 set perpendicular to the printed board 2, the upper ends of the "upper,” “lower,” “left” and “right” operating pins 10 out of eight of them fitted into the tilting holder 13 each abut against non-recessed portions on the underside of the flange 14, whereas the upper ends of the "upper right,” “lower right,” “upper left” and “lower left” select switches 10 each have gaps with the underside of the flange 14 (see Fig. 7).
  • the tilting holder 13 is provided with a support hole 13b in cruciform section passing therethrough and ranging from the upper edge face up to the lower one along the direction of length thereof.
  • a notch 13c is formed at the lower end of the tilting holder 13, and allowed to engage with a retaining portion 15a of an operating lever 15, which will be described later.
  • An operating lever 15 is provided up the tilting holder 13 and has a leg portion 15b in cruciform section and an umbrella-like knob portion 15c formed at its upper end.
  • the leg portion 15b is fitted into the support hole 13b and consequently the operating lever 15 is made not only vertically movable but also, together with the tilting holder 13, tiltable.
  • a compression coil spring as a return spring 16 fitted to the leg 15b of the operating lever 15. The return spring 16 urges the operating lever 15 upward and makes she retaining portion 15a formed at the lower end of the leg portion 15b fit into the notch 13c to render the operating lever 15 in the non-operating state.
  • a predetermined gap is provided between the lower edge face of the leg portion 15b and the head portion 6a of the operating unit 6 of the set switch 3.
  • the outer peripheral edge of the knob 15c of the operating lever 15 is substantially equal in diameter to the regulating upright portion 9 of the base 7, so that a predetermined gap is provided between the outer peripheral edge thereof and the regulating upright portion 9.
  • the case 1 is securely covered with a cover 17 in such a manner as to cover each component member, and a circular window hole 17a whose diameter is greater than that of the knob portion 15c of the operating lever 15 is formed in the front of the cover 17, the window hole 17a and the base 7 being concentric.
  • the knob portion 15c is exposed through the window hole 23a.
  • the operating lever 15 is normally kept in the neutral state, and the one set switch 3 and the eight select switches are in the non-operating state. In order to activate the set switch 3 from this state, it is only needed to press the knob portion 15c of the operating lever 15. Then the lower edge face of the leg portion 15b of the operating lever 15 causes elastic deformation to the operating unit 6 and makes the movable short-circuit conductor 3a contact the stationary contact 3a for the set switch, so that the electrical continuity of the stationary contact 3a for the set switch is established.
  • the operating lever 15 is released from the pressure applied thereto to restor the original non-operating state, it is restored by the return spring 16 to the non-operating state, and the movable short-circuit conductor 3b is separated from the stationary contact 3a.
  • the knob portion 15c of the operating lever 15 needs tilting in any one of the eight directions.
  • the knob portion 15c of the operating lever 15 is tilted in the "upper” direction, for example, the tilting holder 13 tilts in the "upper” likewise in according with the tilting of the operating lever 15.
  • the operating pin 10 of the "upper” select switch 4 is pressed against the printed board 2 and the switch operating unit 6 undergoes elastic deformation so as to make the movable short-circuit conductor 4b contact the stationary contact 4a. Consequently, the electrical continuity of the stationary contact 4a is established.
  • the operating lever 15 is released from the tilting operation to restore its original non-operating state, the operating lever 15 is restored to the original non-operating state due to the elasticity of the switch operating unit 6.
  • the operating pin 10 presses down the head portion 6a of the switch operating unit 6 to cause its elastic deformation and moves down, so that the movable short-circuit conductor 4b contacts the stationary contact 4a (see Fig. 8). As a result, the stationary contact 4a conducts. Then the operating lever 15 is released from the tilting operation so as to restore its original non-operating state.
  • the "upper” operating pin 10 is first pressed by the flange 14 and the "upper right” operating pin 10 is pressed.
  • the "upper” operating pin 10 causes the elastic deformation of the switch operating unit 6 so as to make the movable short-circuit conductor 4b contact the stationary contact 4a, whereas the "upper right” operating pin 10 causes the switch operating unit 6 to undergo only slight elastic deformation.
  • the movable short-circuit conductor 4a will never contact the stationary contact 4a as the movement of the former is controlled by the operating pin 10 that has been pressed first.
  • the operating ranges for the "upper,” “lower,” “left” and “right” select switches 4 can be set wider than those for the "upper right,” “lower right,” “upper left” and “lower left” select switches 4. Since an image is more frequently scrolled in the upper, lower, left and right directions than upper right, lower right, upper left and lower left directions in a car navigation system, the operating range for the select switch 4 frequently activated is widened, whereas the operating range for the select switch 4 less frequently activated, whereby the operability of the lever switch device is improved.
  • the select switches 119s each corresponding to four directions: the upper, lower, left and right directions (which refer to the tilting directions of the operating lever 15, the same applying to the following), each including three stationary contacts 119a, 119b, 119c shaped by dividing a circle into three equal parts.
  • the two stationary contacts 119a, 119b are disposed symmetrically on both sides of a line connecting the select switches 119, 3.
  • the remaining stationary switch 119c is located on the outer peripheral side with respect to the stationary contacts 119a, 119b.
  • Each stationary contact 120 includes two stationary contacts 120a, 120b, which together with the short-circuit conductor constitute a 1-circuit 2-contact switch.
  • the eight select switches 119, 120 are interconnected into a matrix form to constitute a switch matrix circuit 121 which is connected to the IC 105.
  • the IC 105 is equipped with 6-bit input terminals K1 ⁇ K6 (K1 ⁇ K4 are used in this embodiment of the invention) capable of receiving parallel digital data. Digital data input therethrough are converted into a serial data code by a converter (not shown) in the remote control IC 105, and the serial data code is output through a transmitting terminal Tx. Moreover, output terminals T1 ⁇ T3 (T1 is used in this embodiment of the invention) are provided so as to indicate that the input terminals K1 ⁇ K6 are allowed to receive digital data. At predetermined timing, timing signals t1 ⁇ t3 (t1 is used in this embodiment of the invention) having a logical value of "1" are each output from the output terminals T1 ⁇ T3. Further, a clock generator (not shown) is provided in the IC 105 to time the inner circuits, and is externally connected to a ceramic oscillator 122.
  • the switch matrix circuit 121 will subsequently be described.
  • the one stationary contact 119a positioned on the inner peripheral side of the upper select switch 119 together with the stationary contact 120a of the upper left select switch is connected to the data input terminal K1.
  • the other stationary contact 19b together with the stationary contact 120a of the upper right select switch 120 is connected to the data input terminal K2.
  • the stationary contact 119c positioned on the outer peripheral side, together with the other stationary contacts 120b, 120b of the upper left and upper right select switches is connected to the output terminal T1 of the remote control IC 105. Consequently, the switch circuits of the select switch 119 positioned on the upper side are connected in parallel to the switch circuits of the select switches 120 situated on both sides. Similarly, the remaining lower left and right select switches 119 are connected so that their switch circuits are in parallel to those of the select switches 120 positioned on both sides.
  • the data supplied to the IC 105 is converted into a serial data code for indicating that the upper select switch 119 has been pressed, and the data code is output from the transmitting terminal Tx before being transmitted Via a buffer 124.
  • digital data are each output from the other select switches 119, 120 when these switches are pressed and the relationship between the former and the latter are shown in Table 2.
  • the adjacent select switches 119, 120 may simultaneously be pressed.
  • the digital data "1100” is output in the former case, and the digital data "1000" in the latter case. Since both the d1 bits are “1” in this case, the digital data "1100” indicating the upper select switch 119 thus pressed is output from the switch matrix circuit 121.
  • the two switches are not regarded as those which have simultaneously been pressed but the upper select switch 119 is regarded as what has been pressed and no irregular operation will therefore ensue.
  • a tilting holder 113 In the underside of the flange 114 of a tilting holder 113, there are formed, as shown in Fig. 12, recess portions 114a in positions each corresponding to "upper,” “lower,” “left” and “right” select switches 133. While the tilting holder 113 remains in the neutral state, a fixed gap is, as shown in Fig. 13, provided between the upper end of the operating pin 134 of, for example, the "upper" select switch 133 (on the right-hand side of Fig. 13) and the flange 114. Moreover, the upper end of the operating pin 110 of the "upper right” select switch 135 (on the left-hand side of Fig. 13) abuts against the underside of the flange 114 as in the case of the first embodiment of the invention.
  • the operating pin 110 is pressed down by the flange 114 of the tilting holder 113 immediately after the operating lever is tilted; this is because the upper end of the operating pin 110 abuts against the underside of the flange 114.
  • a switch operating unit 106 undergoes elastic deformation so as to cause a short-circuit conductor 104b to contact a stationary contact 104a.
  • the tilting holder 113 tilts likewise. Since the fixed gap is provided between the operating pin 110 and the flange 114, however, the operating pin 110 is not immediately pressed by the flange 114 as the operating lever tilts but pressed after the operating lever is tilted to predetermined angles. When the operating lever is tilted further, the switch operating unit 106 undergoes elastic deformation so as to cause the short-circuit conductor to contact, so that the stationary contact conducts.
  • the "upper right” operating pin 110 is first pressed by the flange 114 and the "upper” operating pin 110 is pressed. Then the "upper right” operating pin 110 makes the switch operating unit 106 undergoes elastic deformation to cause the short-circuit conductor 104b to contact the stationary contact 104a. On the other hand, the "upper” operating pin 110 makes the switch operating unit 106 undergo slight elastic deformation, the short-circuit conductor 104b whose movement is controlled by the operating pin 110 is restrained from contacting the stationary contact 104a.
  • An indefinite range C (the range of hatching) exists in the vicinity of the boundary between the operating ranges A, B, and the select switches 133, 135 adjacent to each other may simultaneously be activated.
  • the digital data output when the "upper" select switch 133 is pressed is the logical sum of the digital data output when the "upper right” and “upper left” select switches 135. Therefore, the "upper” select switch 133 is always regarded as what has preferentially been activated.
  • the select switch corresponding to one preferential tilting direction is always regarded as what has been pressed even though both the select switches are simultaneously pressed by tilting the operating lever is tilted in the intermediate direction between the two select switches.
  • the operating range for the select switch corresponding to the preferential tilting direction increases, whereas the operating range for those each corresponding to the other tilting directions proportionally decreases to that extent.
  • an operating range which becomes wider in the direction in which the operating frequency is high may advantageously be assigned to such a select switch. In the absence of the situation above, however, there may arise inconvenience in a case where the whole operating range is desired to be equally assigned to every direction.
  • the operating stroke of the "upper" select switch 133 corresponding to the preferential tilting direction is set longer than that of the "upper right” select switch 135 adjacent to the former, whereby the operating range for the "upper” select switch 133 becomes narrow, whereas that of the "upper right” select switch 135 becomes wide. Consequently, the operating range for the "upper” select switch 133 corresponding to the preferential tilting direction is restrained from increasing.
  • the operating ranges for the respective select switches 133, 135 can be uniformized even though the digital data which is output simultaneously with the activation of the select switch 133 corresponding to one tilting direction is the OR of the digital data output when the select switches 135 adjacent to the one switch 133 are pressed. Consequently, the operating feeling is set free from being impaired when the select switches 133, 135 are activated with the same frequency.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
EP19950107748 1994-07-04 1995-05-19 Dispositif de commutation multidirectionnel à levier Expired - Lifetime EP0691666B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP176115/94 1994-07-04
JP6176115A JP3047738B2 (ja) 1993-11-19 1994-07-04 多方向レバースイッチ装置
JP234340/94 1994-09-02
JP6234340A JP3047746B2 (ja) 1994-09-02 1994-09-02 レバースイッチ装置

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0691666A1 true EP0691666A1 (fr) 1996-01-10
EP0691666B1 EP0691666B1 (fr) 1999-03-31

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EP19950107748 Expired - Lifetime EP0691666B1 (fr) 1994-07-04 1995-05-19 Dispositif de commutation multidirectionnel à levier

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EP (1) EP0691666B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69508662T2 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5744765A (en) * 1995-06-19 1998-04-28 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Lever switch with support walls for supporting movable contact points and method of detecting an operating direction of a lever switch
EP1058177A1 (fr) * 1999-06-04 2000-12-06 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'entrée pour machine de jeu
DE19853438B4 (de) * 1997-11-26 2004-05-13 Hosiden Corp., Yao Multidirektionale Tastschalteranordnung
EP2017864A1 (fr) 2007-07-19 2009-01-21 Fr. Sauter AG Dispositif de commutation
DE102004032335B4 (de) 2003-07-05 2018-11-29 Marquardt Gmbh Elektrischer Schalter und Schalteranordnung

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US4052578A (en) * 1976-01-06 1977-10-04 Hoke William A Multiple cam, multiple position switch control mechanism with joy-stick type operator operable in x-y planes
GB2145502A (en) * 1983-08-23 1985-03-27 Burgess Micro Switch Co Ltd Manually-operable control mechanism
JPS61201244U (fr) 1985-06-06 1986-12-17
DE9201236U1 (de) * 1992-02-01 1992-03-19 Blaupunkt-Werke Gmbh, 31139 Hildesheim Wipptastenanordnung mit einer Vierfachwippe für die Betätigung elektrischer Tippschalter

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DE1268251B (de) * 1966-07-09 1968-05-16 Siemens Ag Schaltgeraet mit einer schwenkbaren Schaltstange
US4052578A (en) * 1976-01-06 1977-10-04 Hoke William A Multiple cam, multiple position switch control mechanism with joy-stick type operator operable in x-y planes
GB2145502A (en) * 1983-08-23 1985-03-27 Burgess Micro Switch Co Ltd Manually-operable control mechanism
JPS61201244U (fr) 1985-06-06 1986-12-17
DE9201236U1 (de) * 1992-02-01 1992-03-19 Blaupunkt-Werke Gmbh, 31139 Hildesheim Wipptastenanordnung mit einer Vierfachwippe für die Betätigung elektrischer Tippschalter

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Title
BARRAT ET AL: "JOYSTICK CONTROLLER FOR PAGER APPLICATIONS", MOTOROLA TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENTS, vol. 21, SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS US, pages 118 - 119 *

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5744765A (en) * 1995-06-19 1998-04-28 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Lever switch with support walls for supporting movable contact points and method of detecting an operating direction of a lever switch
DE19853438B4 (de) * 1997-11-26 2004-05-13 Hosiden Corp., Yao Multidirektionale Tastschalteranordnung
EP1058177A1 (fr) * 1999-06-04 2000-12-06 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'entrée pour machine de jeu
US6589118B1 (en) 1999-06-04 2003-07-08 Alps Electric Co., Ltd. Analog input device to input multi directional signals
DE102004032335B4 (de) 2003-07-05 2018-11-29 Marquardt Gmbh Elektrischer Schalter und Schalteranordnung
EP2017864A1 (fr) 2007-07-19 2009-01-21 Fr. Sauter AG Dispositif de commutation

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DE69508662T2 (de) 1999-11-25
EP0691666B1 (fr) 1999-03-31
DE69508662D1 (de) 1999-05-06

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