JP2000149718A - Multi-directional operation switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-directional operation switch for which erroneous operations are reduced when it is selectively connected to multiple fixed contacts annularly arranged. SOLUTION: This multi-directional operation switch is provided with a dome- like movable contact member 5, a base member 1A installed opposite to the concave face of the dome-like movable contact member 5, multiple fixed contacts 2A-2E annularly arranged on the base member 1A, and a pressurizing operation mechanism 6 on the convex side of the dome-like movable contact member 5, and the pressurizing operation mechanism 6 is so structured as to be selectively pressurized and operated toward the respective fixed contacts 2A-2E on the base member 1A; and projecting members 3A-3D each having a height larger than that of the two fixed contacts 2A-2E located on both its sides are formed between every two adjacent fixed contacts 2A-2E of the multiple annularly arranged fixed contacts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multidirectional operation switch, and more particularly, to a multidirectional operation switch having a plurality of fixed contacts annularly arranged on a base member.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a multi-directional operation switch used in an electronic device such as a game device, an independent signal output is required in accordance with each switch operation. As regards the independence of the output signal, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
The thing described in 125180 gazette is known. Then, as seen in the prior art described in this publication, a plurality of fixed contacts used as ON / OFF switching contacts and a movable contact formed in a thin plate-like dome shape have a slight gap. Is used.

[0003]

However, in the conventional example described above, since the gap between the plurality of fixed contacts and the dome-shaped movable contact is small as described above, even if the operation direction is slightly shifted. There has been a problem that a switch cannot be operated in a stable state by a non-expert, such as contacting another adjacent fixed contact and outputting another signal unintentionally.

[0004]

An object of the present invention is to improve the disadvantages of the prior art and to make it possible to selectively and arbitrarily and reliably connect any one of a plurality of fixed contacts to a plurality of fixed contacts without special skill. It is an object to provide an operability switch.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, a dome-shaped movable contact member made of a thin plate-like elastic member and formed in an arc-shaped cross section is provided. A base member mounted to face the concave surface of the movable contact member, a plurality of fixed contacts annularly disposed on the base member, and a pressing operation mechanism disposed on the convex side of the dome-shaped movable contact member. In the multi-directional operation switch configured so that the pressing operation mechanism described above can be selectively pressed toward each fixed contact direction on the base member, each of the plurality of fixed contacts arranged in a ring is adjacent to each other. Between the two fixed contacts, a convex member having a height higher than the height of the two fixed contacts located on both sides is provided.

For this reason, in each of the first and second aspects of the present invention, since the convex member is provided between the fixed contacts arranged in a ring shape, the pressing operation function can be performed in the intended fixed contact direction. When actuated, even if the operation position is slightly shifted, the pressed and deformed dome-shaped movable contact member comes into contact with the specific fixed contact after coming into contact with the convex member, so that it is disturbed by the convex member. The portion of the dome-shaped movable contact member in another adjacent fixed contact area does not descend.

Thus, the contact of the dome-shaped movable contact member during the tilting operation can always be limited to one fixed contact regardless of the skill level of the skill. Here, for the fixed contact, for example, at the center of the area surrounded by the plurality of fixed contacts arranged on the base member,
Other fixed contacts may be provided.

In each of the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, a plurality of fixed contacts arranged annularly on the base member, and the fixed contacts are individually mounted on the base member with concave surfaces opposed to the fixed contacts. A plurality of small dome-shaped movable contact members having a circular arc cross section made of a thin plate-shaped elastic member, and a pressing operation mechanism disposed on the convex side of these small dome-shaped movable contacts,
In the multi-directional operation switch in which the above-described pressing operation mechanism is configured to be capable of selectively pressing in the direction of each fixed contact on the base member, each of the small dome-shaped movable contacts disposed on each fixed contact is provided. A configuration is employed in which a convex member having a height higher than the height of each of the small dome-shaped movable contacts is provided between two adjacent small dome-shaped movable contacts.

For this reason, in each of the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the convex member is provided between the fixed contacts arranged in a ring shape (particularly, between the movable contacts). Similar to the first and second aspects of the invention, when the pressing operation mechanism is operated in the direction of the intended fixed contact, the small dome-shaped movable contact member that covers the intended fixed contact even if the operation position is slightly shifted. Can be pressed and deformed.
At the same time, with respect to the other fixed contact, the small dome-shaped movable contact member covering the other fixed contact, which is hindered by the convex members on both sides, is not pressed and deformed to the corresponding fixed contact. Thus, the contact destination of the small dome-shaped movable contact at the time of the tilting operation can be always limited to one fixed contact and can be selected and operated regardless of the skill level of the skill.

Here, another fixed contact is provided at the center of the area surrounded by the plurality of fixed contacts disposed on the base member, and a small dome-shaped movable member is provided corresponding to the other fixed contact. It is good also as a structure provided with a contact member.

Further, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in each of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the convex member is made of PP.
It may be formed of an insulating material such as S or a liquid crystal polymer.
The convex member may be a rectangular parallelepiped projection or a columnar projection.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 6 show this. 1 to 6, the case body 1 is shown. The case body 1 includes a square base member 1A constituting a bottom portion, side wall members 1B erected on four sides of the base member 1, and a lid 1C provided at the upper end of the side wall 1B. ing. A circular through hole 1Ca for allowing the operation of the pressing operation mechanism 6 described later is provided in the center of the lid 1C. Reference numeral 1Z denotes a cover portion that covers the periphery of the side surface and the periphery of the upper surface of the case main body 1 and that fixes the case main body 1 to a predetermined location.

On the base member 1, four fixed contacts 2A,
2B, 2C, and 2D are arranged at equal intervals, annularly, and at equal intervals, and a fixed contact 2E is provided at the center thereof. Here, the fixed contacts 2A to 2D arranged annularly
(See FIG. 2) are uniformly set at the same height. The height of the central fixed contact 2E is set to be higher than the height of each of the fixed contacts 2A to 2D arranged in an annular shape, and to be equal to or higher than the height of the convex members 3A to 3D described later. ing. In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1, the height of the fixed contact 2 </ b> E at the center is determined by adjusting the height of the convex
It is set somewhat higher than D.

A dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is provided on the fixed contacts 2A to 2E on the base member 1. The dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is formed in an arc-shaped cross section, and is arranged with its concave side facing the fixed contacts 2A to 2E. The dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is made of a known thin plate-like elastic member, has a spring characteristic, and has a pressing member 7 described later.
Has the function of being able to return to the current state immediately by the spring force when the pressing force is removed when the pressing force is removed by the deformation by the pressing operation by the user.

On the other hand, a pressing operation mechanism 6 is provided on the convex side of the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 described above. The pressing operation mechanism 6 includes a pressing body 7 for pressing the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 and an operating body 8 for urging the pressing body 7 with a pressing force and a pressing direction from outside.

The above-mentioned pressing member 7 has a cylindrical engaging portion 7A formed in a cylindrical shape for engaging with the above-mentioned operating member 8, and a plurality of pressing members provided corresponding to the above-mentioned fixed contacts 2A to 2E. A pressing member 7B having pressing protrusions 7Ba, 7Bb, 7Bc, 7Bd, 7Be, and a flange portion 7C holding the pressing member 7B and connecting to the above-described cylindrical engagement portion 7A.
It is composed of In this embodiment, the flange portion 7C has a square shape as shown in FIG. 3A, but may have a circular shape as shown in FIG. 3B. Here, FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic perspective views when the flange portion 7C shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from below.

The operating body 8 has a cylindrical fitting portion 8A which is engaged with the cylindrical engaging portion 7A of the pressing body 7 from the upper end in FIG.
And a pressing operation portion 8B that holds the cylindrical fitted portion 8A at the center. Of these, the pressing operation unit 8B
Is formed in a disk shape or a knob shape, and has a cylindrical fitting portion 8A.
Is engaged so as to wrap the outer periphery of the cylindrical engaging portion 7A of the operating body 8 at the cylindrical portion, whereby the pressing body 7 and the operating body 8 are integrated to form the pressing operating mechanism 6. The Rukoto.

In this case, the pressing operation mechanism 6 is engaged with a known rotation stopping mechanism (not shown). The rotation stopping mechanism has a function of simultaneously preventing the rotation operation while allowing the pressing operation mechanism 6 to move in the vertical direction in FIG. 1 and to tilt in any direction. That is, the pressing operation mechanism 6
Is operable in the pressing operation direction in the through hole 1Ca portion of the lid 1C, and is provided so as to be able to pivot.

In the present embodiment, the flange portion 7C of the pressing body 7 has an area larger than the through hole 1Ca as shown in FIG. Further, pressing projections 7Ba, 7B of a pressing member 7B provided on the lower surface of the flange 7C.
b, 7Bc, 7Bd, and 7Be correspond to the base member 1 described above.
The fixed contacts 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> E are individually arranged corresponding to the upper contacts. The tip of each of the pressing projections 7Ba to 7Be is set on the same plane (that is, formed at the same projection height).

For this reason, for example, the pressing operation mechanism 6 is moved in FIG.
When pressed down along the center axis of the center contact, the fixed contact 2E at the center is set higher than the other fixed contacts 2A, so that the central fixed contact 2E is pressed via the dome-shaped movable contact member 5. The projecting projection 7Be comes into contact with the fixed contact 2E at the central portion described above (see FIG. 4).

At the center of the rising portion of each of the side wall members 1B of the case body 1, a concave portion 1H is provided as shown in FIG. The recess 1H is provided at the center of each side of the base member 1A so as to have the same plane as the base member 1A from the base member 1A toward each side wall member 1B. When the opening edge of the base member 1A side is displaced by the pressing force at the time of the operation of, the movable contact functions as a receiving portion.

In the two opposed recessed portions 1H, for example, the portions located on the left and right of FIG. 2A, CO2 is provided on the base member 1A side as shown in FIGS.
M terminals (contact points) 4A and 4B are embedded so as to form the same plane as the base member 1A. FIG. 2B shows a wiring diagram between the respective contacts of the switch according to the present embodiment and to the outside.

Further, on the base member 1A, as shown in FIGS.
Between A to 2D, convex members 3A to 3D which are set higher than these and are formed of insulating members are arranged at equal intervals independently of each other. These convex members 3A to 3D
Is constituted by an insulating member.

In this case, the insulating member may be an insulating resin such as PPS or liquid crystal polymer. When the base member 1A of the case body 1 is formed of an insulating member as shown in FIG. 1, the convex members 3A to 3D may be formed of a conductive member.

Further, each of the convex members 3A to 3D has a rectangular parallelepiped shape which is slightly larger in the vertical, horizontal and height directions than the fixed contacts 2A to 2D. Two fixed contacts 2 located on both sides
A, 2B, 2C, or 2D is radially disposed at a position located at an equal distance from 2D.

Although not shown, these convex members 3A to 3D have their peripheral corners removed in a planar or arcuate shape.
Thereby, when the specific fixed contact 2A, 2B, 2C or 2D is selected, the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is smoothly deformed without being caught by the convex members 3A to 3D or the original position is returned. It has become. Further, in the present embodiment, the convex members 3A to 3D have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may have a cylindrical shape, for example.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

First, the circuit of the central fixed contact 2E and COM
If you want to connect the terminal (contact) 4A, 4B circuit,
The pressing operation mechanism 6 is pressed along its central axis. FIG.
(A) shows a case where the pressing operation mechanism 6 is pushed down to the lowest position in FIG. 1. In this case, since the center fixed contact 2E is higher than the surrounding fixed contacts 2A to 2D, the pressing projection 7Be at the center of the pressing member 7B pushes down the center of the dome-shaped movable contact member 5. To the central fixed contact 2E.

At this time, the convex members 3A to 3D also function effectively, and the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 does not abut against the surrounding fixed contacts 7Ba to 7Bd.

That is, each of the above-mentioned convex members 3A to 3D is
Since the height is higher than each of the fixed contacts 2A to 2D, the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is effectively prevented from being deformed and lowered at four surrounding points.
The connection state is reliably prevented. FIG. 4B shows a connection circuit in this case. As is apparent from FIG. 4, only the center fixed contact 2E and the COM terminals 4A and 4B are connected, and the other fixed contacts 2A to 2D are open.

Next, the COM terminals 4A and 4B and the fixed contacts 2
Consider the case of connecting to the circuit C. In this case, the pressing operation mechanism 6 is pressed down while the pressing operation mechanism 6 is tilted rightward in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a state in this case. In FIG. 5A, the fixed contact 2C is a COM terminal 4A,
4B illustrates a case where the connection is selectively performed. FIG. 5B shows a connection circuit in this case.

In this case, on the fixed contact 2C side, the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is pressed by the convex member 3C on the pressing operation mechanism 6 side to bend concavely toward the lower fixed contact 2C. For this reason, the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is pushed down over the adjacent fixed contact 2B, 2D region. However, the dome-shaped movable contact member 5 is convex by the convex members 3B, 3D provided on both sides of the fixed contact 2C. Blocked by the members 3B and 3D, only the pressed portion is pushed down. For this reason, in this case, the operation of the pressing operation mechanism 6 causes FIG.
As shown in (1), the fixed contact 2C can be selectively connected without any skill.

On the other hand, even if the tilting operation direction is shifted, for example, the fixed contact 2C is shifted to the side of the convex member 3B or 3D adjacent to the fixed contact 2C, the tilting operation is performed even if the tilting operation is performed. Or, when guided by 3D, it slides down to the fixed contact 2C side. For this reason, even if there is a slight shift in the pressing operation of the pressing operation mechanism 6, when the pressing operation mechanism 6 is pressed in a specific direction, the fixed contact 2C at the target position is almost certainly selected. It becomes possible to connect.

In FIG. 4A or FIG. 5A, when the external force is released from the pressing operation mechanism 6, the pressing operation mechanism 6 is fixed to the fixed contact 2E or 2C due to the spring characteristic of the dome-shaped movable contact member 5. To return to the original state. When the other fixed contact 2A, 2B or 2D is selected, the operation is exactly the same as when the above-mentioned fixed contact 2C is selected.

In the above embodiment, the height of the fixed contact 2E at the center of the fixed contacts 2A to 2E is set higher than the heights of the other fixed contacts 2A to 2D, and the pressing operation mechanism is provided. The case where the pressing protrusion 7Be on the 6 side is set to the same protrusion height as the other pressing protrusions 7Ba to 7Bd has been exemplified. However, the height of the fixed contact 2E at the center is changed to the other fixed contact. The protrusions may be formed to have the same height as 2A to 2D, and the height of the pressing protrusion 7Be at the center on the pressing operation mechanism 6 may be set higher than the height of the other pressing protrusions 7Ba to 7Bd. FIG. 6 shows an example of this case.

In FIG. 6, the height of the fixed contact 2Eh at the center is formed to be the same as the height of the other fixed contacts 2A to 2D. A pressing projection 7 at the center on the pressing operation mechanism 6 side provided corresponding to the fixed contact 2Eh at the center.
The protrusion height of Bh is set higher (downward in FIG. 6) than the protrusion heights of the other pressing protrusions 7Ba to 7Bd. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 1 described above.

In the first embodiment described above, the fixed contact 2E (2Eh) is provided at the center, and the pressing projection 7Be (7Bh) at the center of the pressing operation mechanism 6 is correspondingly provided. ), The fixed contacts 2E and 2Eh in the central portion and the pressing projections 7Be and 7Bh on the pressing operation mechanism 6 corresponding to the fixed contacts 2E and 2Eh may be deleted. This is shown in FIGS. Even in this case, for example, the same operation as in the case of FIG. 5 described above can be performed, and the configuration can be simplified as a whole, and the productivity can be increased, which is convenient.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where four fixed contacts 2A to 2D on the same circumference are provided is exemplified, but the number of the fixed contacts 2A to 2D is as follows.
The number is not particularly limited to four, but may be any number as long as it is equipped as necessary.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

The second embodiment shown in Examples 9 to 10 is different from the first embodiment in that one dome-shaped movable contact member is provided for the whole of the plurality of fixed contacts 2a to 2d and 2e. In contrast, a plurality of fixed contacts 2a to 2
It is characterized in that small dome-shaped movable contact members are individually provided one by one corresponding to d and 2e, respectively. The case body 1 and the pressing operation mechanism 6 are configured substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

Hereinafter, this will be described. First, similarly to the case of FIG. 1 described above, four fixed contacts 2a to 2d are annularly arranged on the base member 1A at equal intervals. A plurality of small dome-shaped movable contact members 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d are individually provided with the concave surface facing each of these fixed contacts. The plurality of small dome-shaped movable contact members 21
In the present embodiment, a to 21d are formed of thin conductive elastic members having the same size and conductivity.

In this embodiment, another fixed contact 2e is provided at the center of each of the four fixed contacts 2a to 2d arranged in a ring. As the other fixed contacts 2e, the same ones as the above-mentioned four fixed contacts 2a to 2d are used.

Around the fixed contacts 2a to 2d and 2e, a plurality of small annular contact holding members 22 for restraining the small dome-shaped movable contact members 21a to 21e from moving left and right.
Are individually fixed. The small dome-shaped movable contact member 21 described above is provided inside the contact holding member 22.
The tangential terminals 23a to 23e which always contact the a to 21e are
As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, they are provided separately and left and right and are provided with the upper surface flush with the base member 1A.

The tangential terminals 23a to 23e are connection terminals for externally connected wiring and constitute COM terminals which are always in contact with the corresponding small dome-shaped movable contact members 21a to 21e. Then, when the specific small dome-shaped movable contact members 21a to 21d and 21e are pushed and come into contact with any of the fixed contacts 2a to 2d and 2e described above, the fixed contacts 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d at that location. , Or 2e and corresponding tangential terminals 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d
Or 23e is electrically connected and the circuit is turned on (O
N).

Here, reference numeral 27 denotes a pressing body. The pressing member 27 is different from the pressing member 7 shown in FIG. 1 described above in that the cylindrical engaging portion 7A, the pressing member 7B, and the flange portion 7C (see FIG. 1) are integrally formed to constitute the pressing member 27. are doing. Then, on the lower end surface of the pressing body 27 in FIG.
The pressing projections 7Ba to 7Be for individually pressing the small dome-shaped movable contact members 21a to 21e described above are provided in FIG.
It is provided in the same way as in the case of.

As shown in FIG. 10, each of the small dome-shaped movable contacts 21a to 21d arranged between the two adjacent small dome-shaped movable contacts 21a to 21d as shown in FIG. Protruding members 24a to 24d having a height higher than the height of the contacts 21a to 21d are provided. Although each of the convex members 24a to 24d has a rectangular column shape in the present embodiment, the same members as those provided in the above-described first embodiment may be used.

In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the height of the other fixed contact 2e provided at the center is higher than the height of each of the fixed contacts 2a to 2d arranged in a ring. It is formed high.

For this reason, if the pressing operation mechanism 6 is pressed down straight along the central axis in the same manner as in the case of FIG. Only the circuit of the other fixed contact 2e can be turned on. Furthermore, one of the combinations of the fixed contacts 2a to 2d arranged in a ring and the small dome-shaped movable contacts 21a to 21d corresponding thereto is selected, and the circuit of the corresponding portion is turned on. The operation in this case is the same as the operation in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 described above. The other configuration and the operation and effect are almost the same as those of the first embodiment.

Here, in the second embodiment,
Among the fixed contacts 2a to 2e, the height of the central fixed contact 2e is set higher than the heights of the other fixed contacts 2a to 2d, and the pressing projection 7Be on the pressing operation mechanism 6 side is another pressing projection. Although the case where the protrusion height is set to be exactly the same as that of 7Ba to 7Bd is illustrated, conversely, the height of the fixed contact 2e at the center is made equal to the height of the other fixed contacts 2a to 2d, and the pressing operation mechanism is formed. The protruding height of the pressing protrusion 7Be at the central part on the 6 side may be set higher than the protruding heights of the other pressing protrusions 7Ba to 7Bd. FIG. 11 shows an example of this case.

In FIG. 11, the fixed contact 2eh at the center is shown.
Is formed to have the same height as the other fixed contacts 2a to 2d. The protrusion height (downward in FIG. 11) of the pressing protrusion 7Bh at the center on the pressing operation mechanism 6 side is set to be higher (larger) than the protrusion heights of the other pressing protrusions 7Ba to 7Bd. . Other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 1 described above.

In the second embodiment described above, the fixed contacts 2e and 2eh are provided at the center, and the pressing projection 7 at the center of the pressing mechanism 6 is correspondingly provided.
Although the case where Be and 7Bh are provided is illustrated, the fixed contacts 2e and 2eh at the center and the pressing protrusions 7Be and 7Bh corresponding to the pressing operation mechanism 6 may be deleted. This is shown in FIGS. Even in such a case, for example, FIG.
In this case, the same operation as in the case of (1) can be executed, the configuration is simplified as a whole, and the productivity can be improved, which is convenient.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where four fixed contacts 2a to 2d on the same circumference are provided is exemplified, but the number of the fixed contacts 2a to 2d is as follows.
The number is not particularly limited to four, but may be any number as long as it is equipped as necessary.

[0054]

The present invention is constructed and functions as described above. According to this, since the convex member is provided between two adjacent fixed contacts arranged in a ring, the pressing operation by the pressing operation mechanism ( Even when a tilting operation is performed, the inconvenience that the dome-shaped movable contact member comes in contact with the plurality of fixed contacts at the same timing by the action of the convex member can be avoided.

Further, even if the directionality of the tilting operation is deviated due to the swing of the pressing operation mechanism, the dome-shaped movable contact member is provided at the fixed contact located near the position where the tilting operation is performed by the guide action of the convex member. This makes it possible to easily select one intended fixed contact and send a predetermined signal to a specific circuit without any special skill. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially omitted longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a fixed contact portion disclosed in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical connection relationship between the five fixed contacts and the dome-shaped movable contact member shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view of the pressing body portion disclosed in FIG. 1 as viewed from below, FIG. 3 (A) is a schematic perspective view showing a square shape, and FIG. 3 (B) is a circular shape. It is a schematic perspective view which shows a thing.

4A and 4B are diagrams showing the operation of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when the pressing operation mechanism is pressed down along the central axis, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a connection relationship of FIG.

5A is a diagram showing another operation of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing an operation when a pressing operation is performed while the pressing operation mechanism is tilted rightward in FIG. 1; (B) is a circuit diagram showing a connection relationship between the contacts in that case.

6 is a partially omitted schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 (when the heights of fixed contacts are all the same).

FIG. 7 is a partially omitted schematic cross-sectional view showing still another example of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 (in a case where a fixed contact at a central portion is removed).

8 is a view showing a fixed contact portion disclosed in FIG. 7; FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 7; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical connection relationship between the four fixed contacts and the dome-shaped movable contact member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partially omitted longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partially omitted cross-sectional view along the line AA of FIG. 9;

11 is a partially omitted schematic cross-sectional view showing another example (when the heights of the fixed contacts are all the same) of the second embodiment disclosed in FIG. 10;

12 is a partially omitted schematic cross-sectional view showing still another example of the second embodiment disclosed in FIG. 10 (when a fixed contact at the center is removed).

13 is a view showing a fixed contact portion disclosed in FIG. 10, and is a partially omitted cross-sectional view along the line AA of FIG. 12;

[Description of Signs] 1A Base member 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E Fixed contact 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D Convex member 4A, 4B COM terminal (contact) 5 Dome-shaped movable contact member 6 Pressing operation mechanism 7Ba, 7Bb , 7Bc, 7Bd, 7Be Pressing projections 21a to 21d, 21e Small dome-shaped movable contact member 22 Contact holding members 23a to 23d, 23e Tangent terminal 24a to 24d Convex member

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A dome-shaped movable contact member made of a thin plate-shaped elastic member and formed in an arc-shaped cross section, a base member provided to face a concave surface of the dome-shaped movable contact member, and a base member mounted on the base member. A plurality of fixed contacts arranged in a ring,
A pressing operation mechanism disposed on the convex side of the dome-shaped movable contact member, wherein the pressing operation mechanism is configured to be selectively pressable toward each fixed contact on the base member. In the directional control switch, between each two adjacent fixed contacts of the plurality of annularly arranged fixed contacts, a convex member having a height higher than the height of the two fixed contacts located on both sides thereof is provided. A multi-directional operation switch, characterized in that: 2. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein another fixed contact is provided at a central portion of a region surrounded by the plurality of fixed contacts disposed on the base member. 3. A plurality of fixed contacts annularly arranged on a base member, and a plurality of small contacts made of a thin plate-like elastic member which are individually mounted on the base member with their concave surfaces opposed to the fixed contacts. A dome-shaped movable contact member, and a pressing operation mechanism disposed on the convex side of these small dome-shaped movable contacts, wherein the pressing operation mechanism is selectively directed toward each fixed contact on the base member. In a multidirectional operation switch configured to be capable of pressing operation, the small dome-shaped movable contact is disposed between the two small dome-shaped movable contacts adjacent to each small dome-shaped movable contact disposed on each of the fixed contacts. A multidirectional operation switch comprising a convex member having a height higher than the height of a movable contact. 4. A fixed dome-shaped movable contact corresponding to the other fixed contact is provided at a central portion of a region surrounded by the plurality of fixed contacts disposed on the base member. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 3, wherein the switch is provided. 5. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein said convex member is formed of an insulating material such as PPS or liquid crystal polymer.