JP2006278084A - Multidirectional input device - Google Patents

Multidirectional input device Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2006278084A
JP2006278084A JP2005093732A JP2005093732A JP2006278084A JP 2006278084 A JP2006278084 A JP 2006278084A JP 2005093732 A JP2005093732 A JP 2005093732A JP 2005093732 A JP2005093732 A JP 2005093732A JP 2006278084 A JP2006278084 A JP 2006278084A
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Japan
Prior art keywords
input device
operation lever
lever
moving member
multidirectional input
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JP2005093732A
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Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Shinji Ishikawa
新治 石川
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Alps Alpine Co Ltd
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Alps Electric Co Ltd
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Priority to JP2005093732A priority Critical patent/JP2006278084A/en
Priority to DE102006014312.4A priority patent/DE102006014312B4/en
Publication of JP2006278084A publication Critical patent/JP2006278084A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • 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
    • G05G2009/04766—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 providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce
    • 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
    • G05G2009/04781—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 with additional rotation of the controlling member

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multidirectional input device capable of giving a good feeling of operation to an operator during a tilting operation, and able to be miniaturized at the same time in the planar direction where a tilting direction can be regulated. <P>SOLUTION: A movement member 25 held so that it can vertically move is energized downward at the lower end of a control lever 26 which receives an operation input including the tilting operation. The movement member 25 is housed by a movement member housing stand 211 having a regulation groove 213 to regulate the moving direction in accordance with the tilting operation of the moving member 25, and a projecting part 214 formed on the movement path of the movement member 25 in the regulation groove 213. The tilting direction in the tilting operation by the control lever 26 is regulated by the regulation groove 213, and a feeling of clicking is given to the operator by the projecting part 214 on the movement path of the movement member 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、多方向入力装置に関し、特に、操作者からの回転操作、傾倒操作、より好ましくは押圧操作を受け付ける多方向入力装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device, and more particularly, to a multidirectional input device that accepts a rotation operation, a tilting operation, and more preferably a pressing operation from an operator.

従来、ロータリスイッチなどの回転型電気部品としての機能と多方向スイッチとしての機能との両方を有し、操作者から指示される回転操作、傾倒操作及び押圧操作に応じてそれぞれ電気信号を出力する複合型電気部品が提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。かかる複合型電気部品においては、搭載される電気製品などの小型化に伴い、部品自体の小型化が常に要求されている。このため、特許文献１の複合型電気部品においては、回転型電気部品を多方向スイッチの外側に同軸的に配置し、部品自体を薄型化することで小型化を図っている。   Conventionally, it has both a function as a rotary electrical component such as a rotary switch and a function as a multi-directional switch, and outputs an electrical signal in response to a rotation operation, a tilting operation, and a pressing operation instructed by an operator. A composite electric component has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a composite electrical component, the miniaturization of the component itself is always required in accordance with the miniaturization of an electric product to be mounted. For this reason, in the composite electrical component of Patent Document 1, the rotary electrical component is coaxially disposed outside the multidirectional switch, and the component itself is thinned to reduce the size.

また、上述のような回転型電気部品及び多方向スイッチとしての機能を有する複合型電気部品においては、所望の条件で良好な操作感触を操作者に付与することも極めて重要な課題として要求されている。   Moreover, in the composite electrical component having the function as the rotary electrical component and the multi-directional switch as described above, it is required as an extremely important issue to give a good operation feeling to the operator under a desired condition. Yes.

特開平１１−６７０１６号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-67016

しかしながら、上記の複合型電気部品においては、操作者から指示される傾倒操作においては任意の傾倒角度で所望の操作感触を簡単に付与することができないという問題がある。すなわち、上記複合型電気部品において、傾倒操作の任意の傾倒角度で操作者に対して容易にクリック感触を付与することができない。また、傾倒操作における傾倒方向は、操作者による操作具合に依存するため、予め定められた所望の方向に傾倒操作を行うことが困難である。更にスイッチ機構を含む方向スイッチのブロックの周りにスイッチ機構を含む回転型電気部品のブロックを配置する構成なので、平面方向の小型化が難しいという問題もある。   However, in the above-described composite electric component, there is a problem that a desired operation feeling cannot be easily given at an arbitrary tilt angle in the tilt operation instructed by the operator. That is, in the composite electric component, it is not possible to easily give a click feeling to the operator at an arbitrary tilt angle of the tilt operation. In addition, since the tilt direction in the tilt operation depends on the operation by the operator, it is difficult to perform the tilt operation in a predetermined desired direction. In addition, since the rotating electrical component block including the switch mechanism is arranged around the block of the direction switch including the switch mechanism, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size in the planar direction.

本発明はかかる点に鑑みてなされたものであり、傾倒操作時に操作者に対して良好な操作感触を付与することができ、同時に傾倒方向を規制可能な平面方向に小型化可能な多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can provide a good operation feeling to an operator during a tilting operation, and at the same time, can reduce the tilting direction in a planar direction capable of restricting the tilting direction. An object is to provide an apparatus.

本発明の多方向入力装置は、傾倒操作及び回転操作を含む操作入力を受け付ける操作レバーと、前記操作レバーの傾倒操作を検出する電気素子と、前記操作レバーの下端に上下移動可能に保持され下方側に付勢される移動部材と、前記移動部材の下端を収容し前記操作レバーの傾倒動作に伴う前記移動部材の傾倒移動の方向を規制する溝部と当該溝部内における前記移動部材の移動経路上に形成された突起部とを有する移動規制部材と、その底面部の上面に前記移動規制部材が形成されたケースと、前記ケースの底面部の前記移動規制部材の周囲の近傍に設置され前記操作レバーの軸周りの回転操作に応じて当該操作レバーの回転を検出する検出素子と、を具備することを特徴とする。   A multidirectional input device according to the present invention includes an operation lever that receives an operation input including a tilting operation and a rotation operation, an electric element that detects the tilting operation of the operation lever, and a lower end of the operation lever that is held movably up and down. A moving member that is biased to the side, a groove that accommodates the lower end of the moving member and restricts the direction of tilting movement of the moving member that accompanies the tilting operation of the operating lever, and the moving path of the moving member in the groove A movement restriction member having a protrusion formed on the case, a case in which the movement restriction member is formed on the upper surface of the bottom surface portion thereof, and the operation that is installed in the vicinity of the movement restriction member on the bottom surface portion of the case. And a detection element that detects rotation of the operation lever according to a rotation operation around the axis of the lever.

この構成によれば、移動部材の傾倒操作に応じた移動方向を規制する溝部と当該溝部内における移動部材の移動経路上に形成された突起部とを有する移動規制部材を設け、移動規制部材の周囲の近傍に検出素子を配置しているので、溝部により操作レバーによる傾倒操作における傾倒方向を規制することができると共に、突起部により移動部材の移動経路上でクリック感を付与することが、容易に、また、平面方向に小型化した状態で可能となる。   According to this configuration, the movement restricting member having the groove that restricts the moving direction according to the tilting operation of the moving member and the protrusion formed on the moving path of the moving member in the groove is provided. Since the detecting element is arranged in the vicinity of the periphery, the tilt direction in the tilting operation by the operating lever can be regulated by the groove portion, and it is easy to give a click feeling on the moving path of the moving member by the protruding portion. In addition, it becomes possible in a state of being miniaturized in the plane direction.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、移動規制部材は、溝部及び突起部を複数備えることが好ましい。このように移動規制部材に複数の溝部及び突起部を設けることにより、傾倒操作における傾倒方向をより細かく規制することができると共に、それぞれの傾倒方向における傾倒操作においてクリック感を付与することができる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the movement restricting member preferably includes a plurality of grooves and protrusions. Thus, by providing a plurality of grooves and projections on the movement restricting member, the tilt direction in the tilt operation can be more finely controlled, and a click feeling can be imparted in the tilt operation in each tilt direction.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、移動規制部材の溝部は、移動部材の初期位置に設定される中心位置から移動方向に向かって緩やかに上昇する傾斜面で構成され、突起部が、その傾斜面における移動部材の移動経路上に形成されることが好ましい。この構成によれば、傾倒操作の解除に応じて移動部材の中心位置への復帰を促すことができる。これにより、傾倒操作における傾倒方向を規制すると共に、移動部材の移動経路上でクリック感を付与することができるという効果を得ると共に、傾倒操作の解除により操作レバーが初期状態に復帰する使用性に優れた多方向入力装置を提供することができる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the groove portion of the movement restricting member is configured by an inclined surface that gently rises in the moving direction from the center position set as the initial position of the moving member, and the protrusion is inclined. It is preferably formed on the moving path of the moving member on the surface. According to this configuration, it is possible to prompt the return of the moving member to the center position according to the release of the tilting operation. As a result, the tilting direction in the tilting operation is regulated, and an effect that a click feeling can be given on the moving path of the moving member is obtained, and the operation lever is returned to the initial state by releasing the tilting operation. An excellent multidirectional input device can be provided.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記傾斜面は、前記中心位置から外側に向かって第１の傾斜面及び第２の傾斜面を有し、前記突起部は、前記第１の傾斜面の上端部から鋭角に立ち上がり第２の傾斜面の下端部に連結される連結面の上端部で構成されることが好ましい。この構成によれば、成型加工などにより移動規制部材を簡単に製造することができるので、製造コストの上昇を抑制しつつ、傾倒操作における傾倒方向を規制することができると共に、移動部材の移動経路上でクリック感を付与することができる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the inclined surface has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface outward from the center position, and the protrusion is formed of the first inclined surface. It is preferable that the upper end portion of the connection surface rises at an acute angle from the upper end portion and is connected to the lower end portion of the second inclined surface. According to this configuration, since the movement restricting member can be easily manufactured by molding or the like, it is possible to restrict the tilt direction in the tilt operation while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost, and to move the moving member. A feeling of clicking can be given above.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては前記操作レバーに対する回転操作に応じて当該操作レバーと一体的に回転する回転体に前記操作レバーを傾倒可能に保持し、前記回転体に形成された被検出部材を前記検出素子で回転を検出することが好ましい。この構成によれば、回転体が傾倒に伴って傾倒しないので、回転操作時の検出を容易に行う事ができる。また、別に操作レバーを保持する部材を設けていないので小型化できる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the operation lever is tiltably held by a rotating body that rotates integrally with the operation lever in response to a rotation operation on the operation lever, and a detected member formed on the rotating body The rotation is preferably detected by the detection element. According to this configuration, since the rotating body does not tilt with tilting, it is possible to easily perform detection during the rotating operation. Further, since no separate member for holding the operation lever is provided, the size can be reduced.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記操作レバーが挿通されて該操作レバーの傾倒に伴い回転する第１の連動部材を設け、前記操作レバーを前記回転体と前記第１の連動部材の間に保持することが好ましい。この構成によれば、別に操作レバーを保持する部材を設けなくとも上方向の移動を規制できるので確実に保持できる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, a first interlocking member that rotates when the operating lever is inserted and tilts the operating lever is provided, and the operating lever is disposed between the rotating body and the first interlocking member. It is preferable to hold it. According to this configuration, the upward movement can be restricted without providing a separate member for holding the operation lever, so that it can be reliably held.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記操作レバーを傾倒、回転及び押圧可能に支持すると共に、底面部の上面に前記移動規制部材が形成されたケースと、前記ケースの底面部の下面に対向して設置されたスイッチ素子と、を具備し、前記ケースは、前記操作レバーに対する押圧操作に応じて当該操作レバーと一体的に下方に沈み込み、前記スイッチ素子を駆動することが好ましい。この構成によれば、移動規制部材が形成されたケースの底面部の下面でスイッチ素子を駆動することができるので、装置本体の小型化を実現しつつ、操作レバーによる押圧操作に対応することができる。   In the multi-directional input device according to the present invention, the operation lever is supported so as to be tilted, rotated and pressed, and opposed to the case where the movement restricting member is formed on the upper surface of the bottom surface and the lower surface of the bottom surface of the case Preferably, the case includes a switch element, and the case sinks downward integrally with the operation lever in response to a pressing operation on the operation lever to drive the switch element. According to this configuration, since the switch element can be driven by the lower surface of the bottom surface portion of the case in which the movement restricting member is formed, it is possible to cope with the pressing operation by the operation lever while realizing downsizing of the apparatus main body. it can.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記操作レバーは、前記回転体を介して前記ケースに傾倒、回転及び押圧可能に保持され、前記操作レバーに対する押圧操作に応じて前記回転体が前記ケースを下方に沈み込ませることが好ましい。この構成によれば、回転操作に対応するために必要となる回転体を用いて押圧操作に対応することできるので、装置本体の小型化を実現しつつ、操作レバーによる傾倒操作、回転操作及び押圧操作に対応することができる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the operation lever is held in the case so as to be tilted, rotated and pressed via the rotating body, and the rotating body holds the case in response to a pressing operation on the operating lever. It is preferable to sink downward. According to this configuration, since it is possible to respond to the pressing operation using the rotating body necessary for responding to the rotating operation, the tilting operation, the rotating operation and the pressing by the operation lever can be realized while realizing the downsizing of the apparatus main body. Can correspond to the operation.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記操作レバーが挿通されて該操作レバーの傾倒に伴い回転する第１の連動部材を設け、前記操作レバーを前記回転体と前記第１の連動部材の間に保持することが好ましい。この構成によれば、操作軸がガタつくことなく容易に保持することができる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, a first interlocking member that rotates when the operating lever is inserted and tilts the operating lever is provided, and the operating lever is disposed between the rotating body and the first interlocking member. It is preferable to hold it. According to this configuration, the operation shaft can be easily held without rattling.

本発明に係る多方向入力装置によれば、傾倒操作時に操作者に対して良好な操作感触を付与し、同時に傾倒方向を規制可能な平面方向に小型化可能な多方向入力装置を提供することができる。   According to the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device that can give a good operational feeling to the operator during the tilting operation and can be miniaturized in a plane direction that can restrict the tilting direction at the same time. Can do.

以下、本発明の実施の形態について添付図面を参照して詳細に説明する。
図１は本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１の外観図であり、図２は多方向入力装置１の外面を構成する主な部材の分解構成図である。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view of a multidirectional input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded configuration diagram of main members constituting the outer surface of the multidirectional input device 1.

図１に示すように、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１においては、スイッチユニット２を収容するケーシング３が、さらにケーシング４内に収容されている。なお、以下においては、説明の便宜上、ケーシング４に収容されるケーシング３を内部ケーシング３と呼び、内部ケーシング３を収容するケーシング４を外部ケーシング４と呼ぶものとする。そして、内部ケーシング３を収容した状態の外部ケーシング４の上方から蓋体５が被せられている。スイッチユニット２は、内部ケーシング３の上方に形成された穴部から、後述する操作レバーを突出した状態で内部ケーシング３に収容されている。蓋体５は、内部ケーシング３から突出した操作レバーに対応する位置に形成された穴部から操作レバーを突出させた状態で外部ケーシング４に被せられている。なお、内部ケーシング３、外部ケーシング４及び蓋体５は、合成樹脂などの素材を成型加工して製造される。   As shown in FIG. 1, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, a casing 3 that accommodates the switch unit 2 is further accommodated in the casing 4. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the casing 3 accommodated in the casing 4 is referred to as an inner casing 3, and the casing 4 that accommodates the inner casing 3 is referred to as an outer casing 4. And the cover body 5 is covered from the upper direction of the outer casing 4 in the state in which the inner casing 3 is accommodated. The switch unit 2 is accommodated in the inner casing 3 in a state in which an operation lever described later is projected from a hole formed above the inner casing 3. The lid 5 is placed on the outer casing 4 with the operating lever protruding from a hole formed at a position corresponding to the operating lever protruding from the inner casing 3. The inner casing 3, the outer casing 4, and the lid 5 are manufactured by molding a material such as synthetic resin.

図２に示すように、外部ケーシング４は、上方側が開口した形状に設けられている。この開口部分から内部ケーシング３を受け入れる。また、外部ケーシング４のそれぞれの壁面の中央部分は端部よりも長く構成され、その上端部で蓋受け部４１が形成されている。外部ケーシング４の内壁は、内部ケーシング３の外壁とほぼ同一の寸法に形成されている。外部ケーシング４の内壁のうち対向する一対には溝部４２が形成されている。溝部４２は、内部ケーシング３の外壁に溝部４２に対応して形成された突部３１と嵌合する。これらの突部３１と溝部４１とで内部ケーシング３を外部ケーシング４に収容する際のガイド部材が構成される。   As shown in FIG. 2, the outer casing 4 is provided in a shape with an upper side opened. The inner casing 3 is received from this opening. Moreover, the center part of each wall surface of the outer casing 4 is comprised longer than an edge part, and the lid | cover receiving part 41 is formed in the upper end part. The inner wall of the outer casing 4 is formed with substantially the same dimensions as the outer wall of the inner casing 3. Grooves 42 are formed in a pair of opposing inner walls of the outer casing 4. The groove portion 42 is fitted with a protrusion 31 formed on the outer wall of the inner casing 3 so as to correspond to the groove portion 42. The projection 31 and the groove 41 constitute a guide member for housing the inner casing 3 in the outer casing 4.

内部ケーシング３は、スイッチユニット２が固定される前の状態において、下方側が開口した形状に設けられている。この開口部分からスイッチユニット２を受け入れる。一方、内部ケーシング３は、蓋体５と対向する上面３２を有している。この上面３２の中央部分にスイッチユニット２の操作レバーが貫通する穴部３３が形成されている。また、上述のように、内部ケーシング３の外壁のうち対向する一対には突部３１が形成されている。突部３１にはねじ穴部３４が形成されている。このねじ穴３４から一定間隔を空けて下側に、後述するハウジング２３におけるギアの軸部を支持するための支持穴部３５が形成されている。さらに、突部３１が形成されていない一対の壁面にはねじ穴部３６が形成されている。ねじ穴部３４及びねじ穴部３６は、内部ケーシング３にスイッチユニット２を固定する際に使用される。   The inner casing 3 is provided in a shape in which the lower side is opened before the switch unit 2 is fixed. The switch unit 2 is received from this opening. On the other hand, the inner casing 3 has an upper surface 32 that faces the lid 5. A hole 33 through which the operation lever of the switch unit 2 passes is formed in the central portion of the upper surface 32. Moreover, the protrusion 31 is formed in the pair which opposes among the outer walls of the inner casing 3 as mentioned above. A screw hole 34 is formed in the protrusion 31. A support hole 35 for supporting a shaft portion of a gear in the housing 23 described later is formed below the screw hole 34 with a predetermined interval. Further, a screw hole 36 is formed in the pair of wall surfaces where the protrusions 31 are not formed. The screw hole 34 and the screw hole 36 are used when the switch unit 2 is fixed to the inner casing 3.

蓋体５は、外部ケーシング４に形成された４つの蓋受け部４１の上端部に載置される。操作レバーの軸線方向への非押圧時においては後述するスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４の付勢力によって蓋受け部４１の上に載置された状態で蓋体５は、内部ケーシング３の上面３２と対向して当接した状態となる。このとき、蓋体５に形成された穴部５１は、内部ケーシング３の上面３２に形成された穴部３３と対応する位置に配置される。蓋体５は、蓋受け部４１の上に載置された状態で蓋受け部４１の端部と一致するよう平板形状に設けられ、両者の間で隙間がないように配置されている（図１参照）。   The lid 5 is placed on the upper ends of the four lid receivers 41 formed on the outer casing 4. When the operation lever is not pressed in the axial direction, the lid 5 faces the upper surface 32 of the inner casing 3 while being placed on the lid receiving portion 41 by the urging force of the switch elements 201 to 204 described later. In contact with each other. At this time, the hole 51 formed in the lid 5 is disposed at a position corresponding to the hole 33 formed in the upper surface 32 of the inner casing 3. The lid body 5 is provided in a flat plate shape so as to coincide with the end portion of the lid receiving portion 41 in a state of being placed on the lid receiving portion 41, and is arranged such that there is no gap between them (see FIG. 1).

図３は、内部ケーシング３に収容されるスイッチユニット２の分解構成図である。図３に示すように、スイッチユニット２は、スイッチ設置板２０、移動部材規制板２１、検出素子設置板２２、ハウジング２３、回転体２４、移動部材２５、操作レバー２６、第１の連動部材２７及び第２の連動部材２８を組み合わせて構成される。以下、各部材の構成について説明する。   FIG. 3 is an exploded configuration diagram of the switch unit 2 housed in the inner casing 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the switch unit 2 includes a switch installation plate 20, a moving member regulating plate 21, a detection element installation plate 22, a housing 23, a rotating body 24, a moving member 25, an operation lever 26, and a first interlocking member 27. The second interlocking member 28 is combined. Hereinafter, the configuration of each member will be described.

スイッチ設置板２０には、４つのスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４が設置されている。各スイッチ素子は、例えば、タクトスイッチで構成される。４つのスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４は、一定間隔を空けて対向するスイッチ素子２０１，２０３の組と、スイッチ素子２０２，２０４の組とが直交するようにスイッチ設置板２０に固定されている。スイッチ素子２０１〜２０４は、負荷がかかっていない状態で後述する移動部材規制板２１を上方に持ち上げる駆動部２０１ａ〜２０４ａを備えている。駆動部２０１ａ〜２０４ａが操作者の押圧操作に応じて上下移動することによってクリック感が生起されるようになっている。なお、１つのスイッチ素子としてもよく、その場合には中央に配置しても良い。   Four switch elements 201 to 204 are installed on the switch installation plate 20. Each switch element is constituted by a tact switch, for example. The four switch elements 201 to 204 are fixed to the switch installation plate 20 so that a set of switch elements 201 and 203 facing each other with a predetermined interval is orthogonal to a set of switch elements 202 and 204. The switch elements 201 to 204 include drive units 201a to 204a that lift a moving member regulating plate 21 described later in a state where no load is applied. A click feeling is generated when the drive units 201a to 204a move up and down in accordance with the pressing operation of the operator. Note that one switch element may be provided, and in that case, it may be arranged in the center.

移動部材規制板２１は、操作レバー２６に挿入された移動部材２５の下端部を収容し、移動部材２５の移動方向を規制すると共に、操作レバー２６を操作する操作者にクリック感触を付与する移動部材収容台２１１が形成されている。移動部材収容台２１１は、移動部材規制板２１から上方に突出して設けられている。なお、移動部材収容台２１１は移動部材規制板２１と別体に形成し、その後、両者を一体に固定しても良い。また、移動部材収容台２１１による移動部材２５の移動方向の規制及び操作者に対するクリック感触の付与については後述する。   The moving member restricting plate 21 accommodates the lower end portion of the moving member 25 inserted into the operation lever 26, restricts the moving direction of the moving member 25, and provides a click feeling to the operator who operates the operating lever 26. A member storage base 211 is formed. The moving member receiving base 211 is provided so as to protrude upward from the moving member regulating plate 21. In addition, the moving member accommodating base 211 may be formed separately from the moving member regulating plate 21, and then both may be fixed integrally. Further, the regulation of the moving direction of the moving member 25 by the moving member accommodating base 211 and the provision of a click feeling to the operator will be described later.

検出素子設置板２２はプリント配線基板で構成されており、該検出素子設置板２２には、移動部材収容台２１１に対応する位置に穴部２２１が形成されている。穴部２２１の近傍に２つの検出素子２２２が設置されている。検出素子２２２は、例えば、フォトインタラプタで構成され、検出素子設置板２２に実装されている。これらの検出素子２２２は、後述する回転体２４の遮光板の通過を検出することで回転体２４の回転量を検出し、その回転量に応じた電気信号を外部に出力する。なお、具体的には検出素子配置板２２と後述するスイッチ配置板とはフレキシブル基板（図示せず）を介して接続されており、フォトインタラプタの出力は検出素子配置板２２の配線パターン、フレキシブル基板、スイッチ配置板を介して外部に出力させる。なお、フレキシブル基板を使うのは操作レバー２６を押圧する際に、検出素子配置板２２とスイッチ配置板との間の距離が変わるためである。   The detection element installation plate 22 is formed of a printed wiring board, and a hole 221 is formed in the detection element installation plate 22 at a position corresponding to the moving member accommodation base 211. Two detection elements 222 are installed in the vicinity of the hole 221. The detection element 222 is composed of, for example, a photo interrupter and is mounted on the detection element installation plate 22. These detection elements 222 detect the amount of rotation of the rotating body 24 by detecting passage of the rotating body 24 described later through a light shielding plate, and output an electric signal corresponding to the amount of rotation to the outside. Specifically, the detection element arrangement board 22 and a switch arrangement board, which will be described later, are connected via a flexible board (not shown), and the output of the photo interrupter is the wiring pattern of the detection element arrangement board 22 and the flexible board. , And output to the outside through the switch arrangement plate. The reason why the flexible substrate is used is that when the operation lever 26 is pressed, the distance between the detection element arrangement plate 22 and the switch arrangement plate changes.

ハウジング２３は、回転体２４を挿通して、その軸周りに回転可能にガイドして支持すると共に、ハウジング２３自体を内部ケーシング３に固定する。ハウジング２３は、四隅に下方から上方に向けて内部ケーシング３の内壁面にねじ止めされる４本のねじ２３１ａ〜２３１ｄを有している。４本のねじ２３１ａ〜２３１ｄのうち、対向する一対のねじ２３１ｂ，２３１ｄは、ばねケース２３２ａ，２３２ｂを下方から支持した状態で内部ケーシング３にねじ止めされる。ばねケース２３２ａ，２３２ｂは、それぞれ一端に球体が固定されたコイルばね２３３ａ，２３３ｂを収納する。ばねケース２３２ａ，２３２ｂには、それぞれハウジング２３の内側方向に向けて穴部２３４ａ，２３４ｂ（２３４ａは図示せず）が形成されている。コイルばね２３３ａ，２３３ｂは、それぞれ穴部２３４ａ，２３４ｂにコイル部分の先端から挿入されている。球体部分は、コイルばね２３３ａ，２３３ｂによりハウジング２３の内側方向に付勢され、後述する回転体２４のカム山が形成された周面部に当接する。   The housing 23 is inserted through the rotating body 24 and supported so as to be rotatable around its axis, and the housing 23 itself is fixed to the inner casing 3. The housing 23 has four screws 231a to 231d that are screwed to the inner wall surface of the inner casing 3 from below to above at the four corners. Of the four screws 231a to 231d, a pair of opposing screws 231b and 231d are screwed to the inner casing 3 with the spring cases 232a and 232b supported from below. The spring cases 232a and 232b accommodate coil springs 233a and 233b each having a spherical body fixed at one end. Holes 234a and 234b (234a not shown) are formed in the spring cases 232a and 232b, respectively, toward the inner side of the housing 23. The coil springs 233a and 233b are inserted into the holes 234a and 234b from the tips of the coil portions, respectively. The spherical portion is urged toward the inside of the housing 23 by the coil springs 233a and 233b, and comes into contact with a peripheral surface portion where a cam crest of the rotating body 24 described later is formed.

ハウジング２３の上面であって、中央部分には収容穴部２３５が設けられている。収容穴部２３５は、回転体２４の下方部分を収容すると共に、回転体２４の水平方向の動きを規制し、その軸周りに回転可能に保持する。ハウジング２３における隣接する側面部には、後述する第１の連動部材２７及び第２の連動部材２８が有するギアと噛合するギア２３６，２３７が取り付けられている（ギア２３７は図示せず）。ギア２３６，２３７は、電気素子２３８，２３９を内側に配置した状態でハウジング２３の側面に取り付けられている。電気素子２３８，２３９は、例えば、回転型可変抵抗器で構成される。電気素子２３８，２３９は、プリント配線板（図示せず）に固定され、該プリント配線板をハウジング２３に保持すると共に、該プリント配線板を前記検出素子配置板２２に接続し、更に検出素子配置板２２と後述するスイッチ配置板とをフレキシブル基板（図示せず）で接続し、それぞれギア２３６，２３７の回転量に応じた電気信号を外部に出力する。   A housing hole 235 is provided in the central portion of the upper surface of the housing 23. The accommodation hole 235 accommodates the lower part of the rotating body 24, restricts the horizontal movement of the rotating body 24, and holds it rotatably about its axis. Gears 236 and 237 that mesh with gears of a first interlocking member 27 and a second interlocking member 28 described later are attached to adjacent side surfaces of the housing 23 (the gear 237 is not shown). The gears 236 and 237 are attached to the side surface of the housing 23 with the electric elements 238 and 239 arranged inside. The electric elements 238 and 239 are constituted by, for example, rotary variable resistors. The electric elements 238 and 239 are fixed to a printed wiring board (not shown), hold the printed wiring board in the housing 23, connect the printed wiring board to the detection element arrangement board 22, and further detect the elements. The plate 22 and a switch arrangement plate to be described later are connected by a flexible substrate (not shown), and electrical signals corresponding to the rotation amounts of the gears 236 and 237 are output to the outside.

回転体２４は、ハウジング２３の収容穴部２３５に下端部を収容した状態で支持される。回転体２４は、内側に操作レバー２６を挿通させる貫通穴を有している。そして、側面側であって中央近傍につば部２４１を有している。つば部２４１は、ハウジング２３の収容穴部２３５の径よりも僅かに大きい径を有している。つば部２４１の下方に、側面方向に僅かに突出する複数のカム山２４２が形成された周面部２４３が設けられている。周面部２４３は、収容穴部２３５の径よりも僅かに小さい径を有している。周面部２４３の下端部には、２枚の遮光板２４４，２４５が設けられている。一方、つば部２４１の上方に、操作レバー２６を収容すると共に回転体２４に固定するレバー固定部２４６が設けられている。レバー固定部２４６には、操作レバー２６の側面に形成される一対の突起部が入り込む溝部２４７が形成されている。また操作レバー２６を挿通する前記貫通穴の上方部分を画成するレバー固定部２４６には、後述する係合部２６２の外面と同じ極率半径の受け面を設け、前記操作レバー２６を挿通する貫通穴の下方部分は、操作レバー２６の下側部分の傾倒を許容するよう下端にいくに従って半径が大きくなる円錐形状の空間が形成されている。   The rotating body 24 is supported in a state where the lower end portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole portion 235 of the housing 23. The rotating body 24 has a through hole through which the operation lever 26 is inserted. And it has the collar part 241 in the side surface side and center vicinity. The collar portion 241 has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the accommodation hole portion 235 of the housing 23. A peripheral surface portion 243 having a plurality of cam peaks 242 that slightly protrude in the side surface direction is provided below the collar portion 241. The peripheral surface portion 243 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the accommodation hole portion 235. Two light shielding plates 244 and 245 are provided at the lower end of the peripheral surface portion 243. On the other hand, a lever fixing portion 246 that houses the operation lever 26 and is fixed to the rotating body 24 is provided above the collar portion 241. The lever fixing portion 246 is formed with a groove portion 247 into which a pair of protrusions formed on the side surface of the operation lever 26 is inserted. The lever fixing portion 246 that defines the upper portion of the through hole through which the operation lever 26 is inserted is provided with a receiving surface having the same radius of curvature as the outer surface of the engaging portion 262 described later, and the operation lever 26 is inserted therethrough. A lower part of the through hole is formed with a conical space whose radius increases toward the lower end so as to allow the lower part of the operation lever 26 to tilt.

移動部材２５は、後述する操作レバー２６の下端部の内側部分に形成された溝部に挿入される。移動部材２５は、下端部に移動部材収容台２１１上を摺動する摺動端２５１を備えている。移動部材２５には、その上方部分にコイルばね２５２が取り付けられている。コイルばね２５２の下方に、コイルばね２５２の脱落を規制するストッパ２５３が設けられている。   The moving member 25 is inserted into a groove formed in an inner portion of a lower end portion of the operation lever 26 described later. The moving member 25 includes a sliding end 251 that slides on the moving member receiving table 211 at the lower end. A coil spring 252 is attached to the upper portion of the moving member 25. A stopper 253 that restricts the coil spring 252 from dropping is provided below the coil spring 252.

操作レバー２６は、円筒形状を有する。そして、その下端部の内側部分に移動部材２５が挿入される溝部２６１が形成されている（図３では図示せず）。溝部２６１には、移動部材２５に取り付けられたコイルばね２５２に対応する径を有する第１の空間と、コイルばね２５２の上端から突出する移動部材２５の先端に対応する径を有する第２の空間が上方に向けて形成されている。また、円筒部分の中央部分より僅かに下側の位置に係合部２６２が設けられている。係合部２６２は略球体の形状を有し、その球体の直径は円筒部分の太さよりもやや大きく設定されている。係合部２６２の側面には、回転体２４のレバー固定部２４６に形成された溝部２４７に入り込む一対の突起部２６３が設けられている。係合部２６２から上側方向に所定距離離れた位置に溝部２６４が形成されている。溝部２６４には、第１の連動部材２７と接することによって該第１の連動部材２７の下方向への移動を規制するEリング等からなる固着部材が取り付けられる。操作レバー２６の上端部には、平面部２６５が設けられている。なお操作者が実際操作に際して触れる操作つまみ（図示せず）が前記操作レバー２６の上端部に圧入して取り付けられるが、単純な円筒形状の場合、回転方向の位置が決まらずまた、使用しているうちに回転してしまう可能性がある。これを対策する為に、平面部２６５が設けられ、これに合う形状の操作つまみが取り付けられて、これらの問題が発生しないようにしている。   The operation lever 26 has a cylindrical shape. And the groove part 261 in which the moving member 25 is inserted is formed in the inner part of the lower end part (not shown in FIG. 3). The groove portion 261 has a first space having a diameter corresponding to the coil spring 252 attached to the moving member 25 and a second space having a diameter corresponding to the tip of the moving member 25 protruding from the upper end of the coil spring 252. Is formed upward. Further, an engaging portion 262 is provided at a position slightly below the central portion of the cylindrical portion. The engaging portion 262 has a substantially spherical shape, and the diameter of the spherical body is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the cylindrical portion. On the side surface of the engaging portion 262, a pair of protrusions 263 that enter the groove portion 247 formed in the lever fixing portion 246 of the rotating body 24 are provided. A groove portion 264 is formed at a position away from the engagement portion 262 by a predetermined distance in the upward direction. A fixing member made of an E ring or the like that restricts the downward movement of the first interlocking member 27 by contacting the first interlocking member 27 is attached to the groove portion 264. A flat surface portion 265 is provided at the upper end portion of the operation lever 26. An operation knob (not shown) that the operator touches during actual operation is attached by press-fitting to the upper end of the operation lever 26. However, in the case of a simple cylindrical shape, the position in the rotational direction is not determined and is used. There is a possibility of rotating while you are. In order to prevent this, a flat surface portion 265 is provided, and an operation knob having a shape matching the flat surface portion 265 is attached to prevent these problems from occurring.

第１の連動部材２７は、内部ケーシング３に一定方向に揺動可能に取り付けられる土台部２７１を備えている。土台部２７１は、内部ケーシング３の内壁とほぼ同一の寸法を有する一対の側面部２７１ａを備える。土台部２７１は、側面部２７１ａで内部ケーシング３のねじ穴部３４に挿入された固定ねじ３４ａを受け入れることで内部ケーシング３に揺動可能に保持されている。一方の側面部２７１ａにハウジング２３のギア２３６と噛合するギア２７２が固定されている。ギア２７２は、土台部２７１の揺動に応じた回転量をギア２３６に伝達する。また、土台部２７１は、側面部２７１ａよりも幅狭の寸法を有する一対の側面図２７１ｂを備える。土台部２７１の上面に、下方に回転体２４のレバー固定部２４６を収容する空間が形成されたレバー保持部２７３が設けられている。レバー保持部２７３は、土台部２７１に対して、回転可能にスナップ結合されており、土台部２７１の揺動軸と直交する揺動軸を持ち、両者の揺動軸の交点と操作レバー２６の傾倒の中心、すなわち略球状の係合部２６２の中心と一致するようになっている。そして、レバー保持部２７３は操作レバー２６が挿通され水平方向への移動を規制して回転可能に保持する支持穴部２７４が設けられ、下面の支持穴部２７４の周りは操作レバー２６の係合部２６２の上方に位置する段部に接してコイルばね２５２による上方向への移動を規制する。なお、レバー保持部２７３の揺動軸及び土台部２７１の揺動軸の両方に、操作レバー２６の傾倒中心が位置するので傾倒動作を行った場合であっても、レバー保持部２７３の下面と操作レバー２６の前記段部、レバー保持部２７３の上面と固着部材２７５との相対位置は変わらないので、何等問題なく傾倒が可能である。そして操作レバー２６の傾倒方向と傾倒量に応じて土台部２７１を揺動させる。   The first interlocking member 27 includes a base portion 271 attached to the inner casing 3 so as to be swingable in a certain direction. The base portion 271 includes a pair of side surface portions 271 a having substantially the same dimensions as the inner wall of the inner casing 3. The base portion 271 is swingably held by the inner casing 3 by receiving the fixing screw 34a inserted into the screw hole 34 of the inner casing 3 by the side surface portion 271a. A gear 272 that meshes with the gear 236 of the housing 23 is fixed to one side surface portion 271a. The gear 272 transmits a rotation amount corresponding to the swing of the base portion 271 to the gear 236. In addition, the base portion 271 includes a pair of side views 271b having a narrower dimension than the side surface portion 271a. On the upper surface of the base portion 271, a lever holding portion 273 is provided in which a space for accommodating the lever fixing portion 246 of the rotating body 24 is formed below. The lever holding part 273 is snap-coupled to the base part 271 so as to be rotatable. The lever holding part 273 has a rocking axis orthogonal to the rocking axis of the base part 271, and the intersection of the two rocking axes and the operating lever 26. The center of the tilt, that is, the center of the substantially spherical engaging portion 262 is matched. The lever holding portion 273 is provided with a support hole portion 274 through which the operation lever 26 is inserted to restrict the movement in the horizontal direction and hold it rotatably. The lower portion of the support hole portion 274 is engaged with the operation lever 26. The upward movement by the coil spring 252 is restricted in contact with the step portion located above the portion 262. Note that since the tilting center of the operation lever 26 is located on both the swing shaft of the lever holding portion 273 and the swing shaft of the base portion 271, the lower surface of the lever holding portion 273 Since the relative positions of the stepped portion of the operation lever 26, the upper surface of the lever holding portion 273, and the fixing member 275 do not change, tilting is possible without any problem. Then, the base portion 271 is swung according to the tilt direction and the tilt amount of the operation lever 26.

第２の連動部材２８は、第１の連動部材２７の上方から被せるように取り付けられる。第２の連動部材２８は、内部ケーシング３の内壁とほぼ同一の寸法を有する一対の側面部２８１を備えている。この側面部２８１で内部ケーシング３のねじ穴部３６に挿入された固定ねじ３６ａを受け入れることで内部ケーシング３に揺動可能に保持されている。   The second interlocking member 28 is attached so as to cover the first interlocking member 27 from above. The second interlocking member 28 includes a pair of side surfaces 281 having substantially the same dimensions as the inner wall of the inner casing 3. By receiving the fixing screw 36 a inserted into the screw hole 36 of the inner casing 3 by the side surface portion 281, the side casing 281 is held swingably by the inner casing 3.

一方の側面部２８１にハウジング２３のギア２３７と噛合するギア２８２が固定されている。ギア２８２は、第２の連動部材２８の揺動に応じた回転量をギア２３７に伝達する。一対の側面部２８１の内側に、第１の連動部材２７の揺動を許容して収容する収容部２８３が設けられている。収容部２８３は、第１の連動部材２７における長手方向の側面部２７１ｂが、第２の連動部材２８における長手方向の側面部２８４と直交するように第１の連動部材２７を収容する。収容部２８３の上側には、第１の連動部材２７のレバー保持部２７３を上方に突出させ前記第１の連動部材２７の揺動軸方向に係合し、第２の連動部材２８の揺動軸方向に移動可能な溝部２８５が形成されている。なお第２の連動部材２８の該揺動中心はレバー保持部２７３と同一の軸心となるようにしている。従って操作レバー２６の傾倒に伴ってレバー保持部２７３と第２の連動部材２８の高さ方向の位置関係が変わらず、係合位置も変わらないので、レバー保持部２７３の高さを低くしても係合が外れる事はない。   A gear 282 that meshes with the gear 237 of the housing 23 is fixed to one side surface portion 281. The gear 282 transmits a rotation amount corresponding to the swing of the second interlocking member 28 to the gear 237. An accommodating portion 283 that accommodates the first interlocking member 27 while allowing the first interlocking member 27 to swing is provided inside the pair of side surface portions 281. The accommodating portion 283 accommodates the first interlocking member 27 such that the longitudinal side surface portion 271 b of the first interlocking member 27 is orthogonal to the longitudinal side surface portion 284 of the second interlocking member 28. On the upper side of the housing portion 283, the lever holding portion 273 of the first interlocking member 27 protrudes upward and engages in the swing axis direction of the first interlocking member 27, so that the second interlocking member 28 swings. A groove portion 285 that is movable in the axial direction is formed. The pivot center of the second interlocking member 28 is set to be the same axis as the lever holding portion 273. Therefore, as the operation lever 26 tilts, the positional relationship in the height direction between the lever holding portion 273 and the second interlocking member 28 does not change, and the engagement position does not change, so the height of the lever holding portion 273 is reduced. Will not disengage.

図４及び図５は、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１の断面図である。図４は、内部ケーシング３に取り付けられる一対のねじ２３１ｂ，２３１ｄで形成される平面に沿って切断した場合の断面を示し、図５は、内部ケーシング３の対向する一対の壁面に形成された２つのねじ穴３４で形成される平面に沿って切断した場合の断面を示している。   4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment. 4 shows a cross-section when cut along a plane formed by a pair of screws 231b and 231d attached to the inner casing 3, and FIG. 5 shows 2 formed on a pair of opposing wall surfaces of the inner casing 3. The cross section at the time of cut | disconnecting along the plane formed of the two screw holes 34 is shown.

図４及び図５に示すように、スイッチ設置板２０は、外部ケーシング４の内側の底面部に形成された凹部に固定される。移動部材規制板２１は、４つのスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４の上端部に載置される。移動部材規制板２１は、内部ケーシング３がスイッチユニット２を収容した状態で内部ケーシング３における下方側の開口部に入り込むことにより、内部ケーシング３の底面部を構成する。検出素子設置板２２は、移動部材規制板２１の上方から被せられる。移動部材収容台２１１は、穴部２２１を介して上方に突出した状態となる。ねじ２３１ａ〜２３１ｄによりハウジング２３が内部ケーシング３の内壁に固定される（図４参照）。ねじ２３１ｂ，２３１ｄは、コイルばね２３３ａ，２３３ｂが挿入されたばねケース２３２ａ，２３２ｂを挟んでハウジング２３を内部ケーシング３に固定する（図４参照）。回転体２４は、つば部２４１がハウジング２３に当接し、周面部２４３より下方部分がハウジング２３内に収容される。コイルばね２３３ａ，２３３ｂに固定された球体は、この回転体２４の周面部２４３に当接する。この球体が回転体２４の回転に応じて周面部２４３に形成されたカム山２４２を係脱することによってクリック感が生起されるようになっている。   As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the switch installation plate 20 is fixed to a recess formed in the bottom surface inside the outer casing 4. The moving member regulating plate 21 is placed on the upper ends of the four switch elements 201 to 204. The moving member regulating plate 21 constitutes a bottom surface portion of the inner casing 3 by entering the lower opening of the inner casing 3 in a state where the inner casing 3 accommodates the switch unit 2. The detection element installation plate 22 is placed from above the moving member regulating plate 21. The moving member storage base 211 is in a state of protruding upward through the hole 221. The housing 23 is fixed to the inner wall of the inner casing 3 by screws 231a to 231d (see FIG. 4). The screws 231b and 231d fix the housing 23 to the inner casing 3 with the spring cases 232a and 232b into which the coil springs 233a and 233b are inserted (see FIG. 4). In the rotating body 24, the flange portion 241 contacts the housing 23, and a lower portion than the peripheral surface portion 243 is accommodated in the housing 23. The spheres fixed to the coil springs 233a and 233b abut on the peripheral surface portion 243 of the rotating body 24. A click sensation is generated when the spherical body engages and disengages the cam crest 242 formed on the peripheral surface portion 243 according to the rotation of the rotating body 24.

操作レバー２６は、移動部材２５が下方から溝部２６１に挿入された状態で、回転体２４の内側に上方から挿入される。操作レバー２６の係合部２６２は、レバー固定部２４６に収容される。係合部２６２の一対の突起部２６３は、レバー固定部２４６に形成された溝部２４７に入り込む（図４参照）。一対の突起部２６３が溝部２４７に入り込むことで操作レバー２６と回転体２４が一体的に回転するようになる。第１の連動部材２７は、操作レバー２６が挿入された回転体２４の上方に被せるように取り付けられ、操作レバー２６は係合部２６２が回転体２４のレバー固定部２４６の内部に形成された球状の受け部と第１の連動部材２７の間に位置し、両者によって操作レバーは保持される。第１の連動部材２７は、係合部２６２の上端部が支持穴部２７４の下端部の周囲に当接する位置まで入り込む。この位置で固着部材２７５は、操作レバー２６の溝部２６４にはめ込まれる。固着部材２７５が溝部２６４と嵌合することで操作レバー２６の下方向の移動が防止される。操作レバー２６の上端部は、内部ケーシング３の上面３２に形成された穴部３３及び蓋体５の穴部５１を介して上方に突出する。   The operation lever 26 is inserted into the rotary body 24 from above with the moving member 25 inserted into the groove 261 from below. The engaging portion 262 of the operation lever 26 is accommodated in the lever fixing portion 246. The pair of protrusions 263 of the engaging part 262 enters the groove part 247 formed in the lever fixing part 246 (see FIG. 4). When the pair of protrusions 263 enters the groove 247, the operation lever 26 and the rotating body 24 rotate integrally. The first interlocking member 27 is attached so as to cover the rotating body 24 into which the operating lever 26 is inserted. The engaging portion 262 of the operating lever 26 is formed inside the lever fixing portion 246 of the rotating body 24. It is located between the spherical receiving portion and the first interlocking member 27, and the operation lever is held by both. The first interlocking member 27 enters to a position where the upper end portion of the engaging portion 262 contacts the periphery of the lower end portion of the support hole portion 274. At this position, the fixing member 275 is fitted into the groove 264 of the operation lever 26. Since the fixing member 275 is fitted to the groove portion 264, the downward movement of the operation lever 26 is prevented. The upper end portion of the operation lever 26 protrudes upward through a hole portion 33 formed in the upper surface 32 of the inner casing 3 and a hole portion 51 of the lid 5.

図５に示すように、スイッチユニット２を内部ケーシング３に固定するために、ねじ穴部３４に固定ねじ３４ａが挿入される。同様に、ねじ穴部３６に固定ねじ３６ａが挿入される（図示せず）。これらの固定ねじ３４ａ，３６ａは、それぞれ第１の連動部材２７及び第２の連動部材２８の側面部２７１ａ、側面部２８１に形成されたねじ受け部に入り込む。固定ねじ３４ａ，３６ａが入り込むことで、第１の連動部材２７及び第２の連動部材２８が内部ケーシング３に揺動可能に取り付けられる。スイッチユニット２は、ハウジング２３のねじ２３１ａ〜２３１ｄにより下方から内部ケーシング３に固定され、固定ねじ３４ａ，３６ａにより左右方向から内部ケーシング３に取り付けられることとなる。また、図５に示すように、内部ケーシング３に形成された支持穴部３５に、ギア２３６の軸部２３６ａの先端が入り込んでいる。ギア２３６の軸部２３６ａは、内部ケーシング３の支持穴部３５に回転可能に支持される。電気素子２３８は、内側に立設されたプリント配線板Ｐに保持された状態でねじにより固定されている。なお、電気素子２３７も同様である。   As shown in FIG. 5, a fixing screw 34 a is inserted into the screw hole 34 in order to fix the switch unit 2 to the inner casing 3. Similarly, the fixing screw 36a is inserted into the screw hole 36 (not shown). These fixing screws 34a and 36a enter the screw receiving portions formed on the side surface portion 271a and the side surface portion 281 of the first interlocking member 27 and the second interlocking member 28, respectively. The first interlocking member 27 and the second interlocking member 28 are swingably attached to the inner casing 3 by the fixing screws 34a and 36a entering. The switch unit 2 is fixed to the inner casing 3 from below by screws 231a to 231d of the housing 23, and is attached to the inner casing 3 from right and left by fixing screws 34a and 36a. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip end of the shaft portion 236 a of the gear 236 enters the support hole portion 35 formed in the inner casing 3. The shaft portion 236 a of the gear 236 is rotatably supported by the support hole portion 35 of the inner casing 3. The electric element 238 is fixed by a screw while being held by a printed wiring board P standing on the inside. The same applies to the electric element 237.

図４及び図５に示すように、操作レバー２６に形成された溝部２６１に、移動部材２５が下方から挿入されている。操作レバー２６は、負荷がかかっていない状態で図４及び図５に示す位置で停止している。摺動端２５１の下端部は、移動部材収容台２１１に収容されている。このとき、操作レバー２６は、図４及び図５に示す中立位置で保持された状態（以下、適宜「中立状態」という）となる。   As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the moving member 25 is inserted into the groove 261 formed in the operation lever 26 from below. The operation lever 26 is stopped at the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 when no load is applied. The lower end portion of the sliding end 251 is accommodated in the moving member accommodation base 211. At this time, the operation lever 26 is held in the neutral position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 (hereinafter referred to as “neutral state” as appropriate).

この状態において、操作レバー２６は、溝部２６１の第１の空間と第２の空間の間の段部、ならびにストッパ２５３との間に与圧を加えた状態で配置されるコイルばね２５２によって、係合部２６２の上部の段部が第１の連動部材２７の支持穴部２７４の下端部の周囲に当接するように弾圧されている。回転体２４は収容穴部２３５によって平面方向の位置決めされた状態で回転可能に保持され、上下方向については係合部２６２とハウジング２３の上面の間に位置決めされる。そして操作レバー２６を傾倒する際には、下方向にも加重が加わった状態で傾倒されることが多いが、その場合には、操作レバー２６を挿通する貫通穴の上方部分を画成するレバー固定部２４６の受け面に、係合部２６２の球面部分が当接して、係合部２６の中心を傾倒中心として傾倒可能となる。   In this state, the operating lever 26 is engaged by a coil spring 252 that is disposed in a state where a pressure is applied between the step portion between the first space and the second space of the groove portion 261 and the stopper 253. The upper step portion of the joint portion 262 is elastically pressed so as to contact the periphery of the lower end portion of the support hole portion 274 of the first interlocking member 27. The rotating body 24 is rotatably held in a state in which the rotating body 24 is positioned in the plane direction by the receiving hole portion 235, and is positioned between the engaging portion 262 and the upper surface of the housing 23 in the vertical direction. When the operation lever 26 is tilted, it is often tilted in a state where a load is applied in the downward direction. In that case, a lever that defines an upper portion of the through hole through which the operation lever 26 is inserted. The spherical surface portion of the engaging portion 262 comes into contact with the receiving surface of the fixing portion 246 and can be tilted with the center of the engaging portion 26 as the tilting center.

ここで、移動部材収容台２１１の詳細な構成について説明する。図６は、移動部材収容台２１１の詳細な構成を説明するための拡大図である。   Here, a detailed configuration of the moving member accommodating table 211 will be described. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view for explaining a detailed configuration of the moving member accommodating base 211.

図６に示すように、移動部材収容台２１１は、円盤状の形状を有している。移動部材収容台２１１は、その中心位置２１２が最も低い形状に設けられている。移動部材収容台２１１は、移動部材２５の摺動端２５１の移動方向を規制する規制溝２１３と、規制溝２１３を移動する摺動端２１３を上方に押し上げる突起部２１４とを有している。規制溝２１３は、中心位置２１２から円盤部分の周面に向かって形成され、突起部２１４は、規制溝２１３における摺動端２５１の移動経路上に形成されている。本実施の形態においては、８方向にのみ傾倒する多方向入力装置とする為に８つの規制溝２１３及び突起部２１４が形成された場合について示しているが、これらの個数は任意に設定することが可能である。   As shown in FIG. 6, the moving member accommodating table 211 has a disk shape. The moving member accommodating table 211 is provided in a shape having the lowest center position 212. The moving member housing 211 has a restriction groove 213 for restricting the moving direction of the sliding end 251 of the moving member 25 and a protrusion 214 that pushes up the sliding end 213 that moves in the restriction groove 213. The restriction groove 213 is formed from the center position 212 toward the peripheral surface of the disk portion, and the protrusion 214 is formed on the movement path of the sliding end 251 in the restriction groove 213. In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which eight restriction grooves 213 and protrusions 214 are formed in order to provide a multi-directional input device that tilts in only eight directions. However, the number of these is arbitrarily set. Is possible.

規制溝２１３は、第１傾斜面２１５、第２傾斜面２１６及び連結面２１７で構成されている。第１傾斜面２１５は、中心位置２１２から円盤部分の周面に向かって緩やかに傾斜する形状に設けられており、外側に位置するに部分はその内側に位置する部分に比べて、操作レバー２６の傾倒中心からの距離が次第に短くなるように形成されている。第１傾斜面２１５の先端部分は、連結面２１７の下端部に連結されている。第２傾斜面２１６は、連結面２１７の上端部から円盤部分の周面に向かって、第１傾斜面２１５と略同様の角度で傾斜する形状に設けられている。連結面２１７は、第１傾斜面２１５と第２傾斜面２１６とを連結する役割を果たす。連結面２１７は、第１傾斜面２１５との連結部分から鋭角に立ち上がって第２傾斜面２１６との連結部分に繋がる形状に設けられている。連結面２１７は、第１傾斜面２１５及び第２傾斜面２１６の傾斜に比べて鋭角な角度で立ち上がるため、その上端部は、規制溝２１３上において上方に突出する。本実施の形態においては、この突出する上端部で突起部２１４を構成している。操作者の傾倒操作に応じて移動部材２５の摺動端２５１が規制溝２１３を摺動し、突起部２１４を乗り越えることによってクリック感が生起されるようになっている。   The restricting groove 213 includes a first inclined surface 215, a second inclined surface 216, and a connecting surface 217. The first inclined surface 215 is provided in a shape that is gently inclined from the central position 212 toward the peripheral surface of the disk portion, and the operation lever 26 is located on the outer side compared to the portion located on the inner side. The distance from the tilt center is gradually shortened. The tip end portion of the first inclined surface 215 is connected to the lower end portion of the connecting surface 217. The second inclined surface 216 is provided in a shape that is inclined at substantially the same angle as the first inclined surface 215 from the upper end portion of the connecting surface 217 toward the peripheral surface of the disk portion. The connecting surface 217 serves to connect the first inclined surface 215 and the second inclined surface 216. The connection surface 217 is provided in a shape that rises at an acute angle from the connection portion with the first inclined surface 215 and is connected to the connection portion with the second inclined surface 216. Since the connecting surface 217 rises at an acute angle compared to the inclination of the first inclined surface 215 and the second inclined surface 216, the upper end portion thereof protrudes upward on the restriction groove 213. In the present embodiment, the protruding upper end portion constitutes the protruding portion 214. The sliding end 251 of the moving member 25 slides on the restriction groove 213 in response to the tilting operation of the operator, and the click feeling is generated by getting over the protruding portion 214.

以下、このように構成された多方向入力装置１において、操作者により押圧操作、回転操作、及び傾倒操作が指示された場合の動作について説明する。以下においては、かかる動作を説明する際、適宜、図３〜図５及び図７を用いる。なお、図７は、移動部材収納台２１１周辺の構成を示す拡大図である。図７においては、操作レバー２６が中立位置で保持された状態について示している。   Hereinafter, in the multi-directional input device 1 configured as described above, an operation when a pressing operation, a rotating operation, and a tilting operation are instructed by an operator will be described. In the following description, FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a configuration around the moving member storage base 211. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the operation lever 26 is held at the neutral position.

押圧操作は、操作者により操作レバー２６を下方に押し込むことにより行われる。操作レバー２６が押し込まれると、係合部２６２の移動に応じて回転体２４も押し下げられる。回転体２４はつば部２４１でハウジング２３に係合し、ハウジング２３は内部ケーシング３に固定されている。このため、回転体２４が押し下げられると、これに応じて内部ケーシング３も下方に押し込まれる。また、固着部材２７５はレバー保持部２７３の上面を押し下げるので、これによっても内部ケーシング３に下方に押し下げられる。そして、内部ケーシング３の底面部を構成する移動部材規制板２１が押し下げられるため、この移動部材規制板２１を載置しているスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４の駆動部２０１ａ〜２０４ａが押し下げられる。これにより、駆動部２０１ａ〜２０４ａの下方向への移動に応じて、押圧操作に応じた電気信号（オン・オフ信号）が外部に出力されると共に、クリック感が生起される。なお、本実施例において内部ケーシング３を下方に押し下げる為に、回転体２４のつば部２４１でハウジング２３を押し、同時に固着部材２７５でレバー保持部２７３の上面を押したがいずれか一方で押圧するようにしてもよい。   The pressing operation is performed by pushing the operation lever 26 downward by the operator. When the operation lever 26 is pushed, the rotating body 24 is also pushed down according to the movement of the engaging portion 262. The rotating body 24 is engaged with the housing 23 at the flange portion 241, and the housing 23 is fixed to the inner casing 3. For this reason, when the rotating body 24 is pushed down, the inner casing 3 is pushed downward accordingly. Further, since the fixing member 275 pushes down the upper surface of the lever holding portion 273, it is also pushed down by the inner casing 3. And since the moving member control board 21 which comprises the bottom face part of the inner casing 3 is pushed down, the drive parts 201a-204a of the switch elements 201-204 which have mounted this moving member control board 21 are pushed down. Thereby, according to the downward movement of the drive units 201a to 204a, an electric signal (on / off signal) corresponding to the pressing operation is output to the outside and a click feeling is generated. In this embodiment, in order to push down the inner casing 3, the housing 23 is pushed by the flange portion 241 of the rotating body 24, and at the same time the upper surface of the lever holding portion 273 is pushed by the fixing member 275. You may do it.

回転操作は、操作者により操作レバー２６を回転させることにより行われる。操作レバー２６における係合部２６２上の突起部２６３は、回転体２４の溝部２４７に入り込んでいる。このため、操作レバー２６が回転すると、この回転に応じて回転体２４も一緒に回転する。回転体２４の回転に応じて遮光板２４４，２４５が回転すると、遮光板２４４，２４５は、検出素子２２２の検出領域を通過する。検出素子２２２は、この遮光板２４４，２４５の検出領域の通過を検出することで、回転体２４の回転量を検出し、その回転量に応じた電気信号を外部に出力する。このようにして操作レバー２５の回転量に応じて、回転操作に応じた電気信号（オン・オフ信号）が外部に出力される。   The rotation operation is performed by rotating the operation lever 26 by the operator. The protrusion 263 on the engaging portion 262 in the operation lever 26 enters the groove 247 of the rotating body 24. For this reason, when the operation lever 26 rotates, the rotating body 24 rotates together with the rotation. When the light shielding plates 244 and 245 rotate according to the rotation of the rotating body 24, the light shielding plates 244 and 245 pass through the detection region of the detection element 222. The detection element 222 detects the amount of rotation of the rotating body 24 by detecting the passage of the light shielding plates 244 and 245 through the detection region, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of rotation to the outside. In this way, an electrical signal (ON / OFF signal) corresponding to the rotation operation is output to the outside according to the rotation amount of the operation lever 25.

なお、周面部２４３は、回転体２４の回転に応じて回転している。このとき、周面部２４３の側面に当接していたコイルばね２３３ａ，２３３ｂの球体は、周面部２４３に形成されたカム山２４２の表面を係脱する。このコイルばね２３３ａ，２３３ｂの球体とカム山２４２との係脱によりクリック感が生起される。   The peripheral surface portion 243 rotates according to the rotation of the rotating body 24. At this time, the spherical bodies of the coil springs 233 a and 233 b that are in contact with the side surface of the peripheral surface portion 243 engage and disengage the surface of the cam crest 242 formed on the peripheral surface portion 243. A click feeling is generated by the engagement and disengagement between the spherical bodies of the coil springs 233a and 233b and the cam peak 242.

傾倒操作は、操作者により操作レバー２６を傾倒させることにより行われる。操作レバー２６が傾倒すると、傾倒具合に応じて第１の連動部材２７、第２の連動部材２８の一方（あるいは双方）が揺動する。この揺動動作に応じてギア２７２、ギア２８２の一方（あるいは双方）が回動すると、その回転量がハウジング２３に取り付けられたギア２３６、ギア２３７の一方（あるいは双方）に伝達される。これに応じてギア２３６、ギア２３７の一方（あるいは双方）が回転すると、電気素子２３８，２３９の一方（あるいは双方）がその回転量に応じた電気信号を外部に出力する。このようにして操作レバー２６の傾倒量に応じて、傾倒操作に応じた電気信号（オン・オフ信号）が外部に出力される。   The tilting operation is performed by tilting the operation lever 26 by the operator. When the operation lever 26 is tilted, one (or both) of the first interlocking member 27 and the second interlocking member 28 swings according to the tilting condition. When one (or both) of the gear 272 and the gear 282 is rotated in accordance with the swing operation, the rotation amount is transmitted to one (or both) of the gear 236 and the gear 237 attached to the housing 23. In response to this, when one (or both) of the gear 236 and the gear 237 rotates, one (or both) of the electric elements 238 and 239 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of rotation to the outside. In this manner, an electrical signal (ON / OFF signal) corresponding to the tilting operation is output to the outside in accordance with the tilting amount of the operation lever 26.

なお、操作者により操作レバー２６が傾倒される前において、操作レバー２６は、図７に示すように、移動部材２５の摺動端２５１が移動部材収容台２１１の中心位置２１２に配置された中立状態で保持されている。この中立状態から操作者が操作レバー２６を任意の方向に傾倒させると、摺動端２５１は、いずれかの規制溝２１３に沿って移動する。すなわち、摺動端２５１は、操作レバー２６の傾倒方向と反対側に方向に設けられた規制溝２１３における第１傾斜面２１５を摺動し、連結面２１７を乗り越えた後、第２傾斜面２１６に到達する。そして規制溝２１３の操作レバー２６の傾倒中心からの距離は、外側にいくに従って次第に短くなるように形成されており中心位置２１２から移動する摺動端２５１は、コイルばね２５２の付勢力に抗して押し上げられる量が第１傾斜面２１５に位置する際には、常に僅かに増加するようにして移動している。規制溝２１３においては、突起部２１４（連結面２１７の上端部）が最も移動経路上で突出し、その増加量が急峻的に最も大きくなる。このため、摺動端２５１は、この突起部２１４を乗り越える際に最もコイルばね２５２の付勢力の増加分が大きくなるよう押し上げられた状態となる。そして、この突起部２１４を乗り越えた時点で第２傾斜面２１６に達してコイルばね２５２の付勢力の増加分は、第１傾斜面２１５と同様僅かになる。この突起部を乗り越える際に発生するコイルばね２５２の付勢力の増加分が急激に低下する事によりクリック感が生起される。また、操作者が操作レバー２６に加える加重を解除すると、コイルばね２５２は、撓み量を減少させるように変位し、これに伴って２５１が移動し、操作レバー２６は中立位置に復帰する。   Before the operation lever 26 is tilted by the operator, the operation lever 26 has a neutral position in which the sliding end 251 of the moving member 25 is disposed at the center position 212 of the moving member receiving base 211 as shown in FIG. Held in a state. When the operator tilts the operation lever 26 in an arbitrary direction from this neutral state, the sliding end 251 moves along one of the restriction grooves 213. That is, the sliding end 251 slides on the first inclined surface 215 in the restriction groove 213 provided in the direction opposite to the tilting direction of the operation lever 26, gets over the connecting surface 217, and then the second inclined surface 216. To reach. The distance of the regulation groove 213 from the tilting center of the operation lever 26 is formed so as to gradually decrease toward the outside, and the sliding end 251 moving from the center position 212 resists the biasing force of the coil spring 252. When the amount pushed up is positioned on the first inclined surface 215, the amount is always increased slightly. In the restriction groove 213, the protrusion 214 (the upper end portion of the connecting surface 217) protrudes most on the movement path, and the amount of increase is steeply largest. For this reason, the sliding end 251 is in a state of being pushed up so that the increase in the urging force of the coil spring 252 is the largest when the protrusion 214 is moved over. When the projection 214 is passed over, the second inclined surface 216 is reached, and the increase in the urging force of the coil spring 252 is slightly the same as the first inclined surface 215. A click sensation is generated when the increase in the urging force of the coil spring 252 that occurs when the protrusion is overcome is suddenly reduced. Further, when the load applied to the operation lever 26 by the operator is released, the coil spring 252 is displaced so as to reduce the amount of bending, and accordingly the 251 moves, and the operation lever 26 returns to the neutral position.

このように本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１によれば、操作レバー２６に挿入された移動部材２５１の傾倒操作に応じた移動方向を規制する規制溝２１３とこの規制溝２１３内における移動部材２５１の移動経路上に形成された突起部２１４とを有する移動部材収納台２１１を設けたので、規制溝２１３によって操作レバー２６による傾倒操作における傾倒方向を規制することができると共に、突起部２１４によって移動部材２５１の移動経路上でクリック感を付与することができる。この結果、傾倒操作時に操作者に対して良好な操作感触を付与することができる。   As described above, according to the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the restriction groove 213 for restricting the movement direction according to the tilting operation of the moving member 251 inserted into the operation lever 26 and the movement in the restriction groove 213. Since the moving member storage base 211 having the protruding portion 214 formed on the moving path of the member 251 is provided, the tilting direction in the tilting operation by the operation lever 26 can be regulated by the regulating groove 213, and the protruding portion 214. Thus, a click feeling can be imparted on the moving path of the moving member 251. As a result, it is possible to give a good operational feeling to the operator during the tilting operation.

特に、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１においては、移動部材収納台２１１に複数（８個）の規制溝２１３及び突起部２１４を設けている。これにより、傾倒操作における傾倒方向をより細かく規制することができると共に、それぞれの傾倒方向における傾倒操作においてクリック感を付与することができる。   In particular, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the moving member storage base 211 is provided with a plurality (eight) of restriction grooves 213 and protrusions 214. Accordingly, the tilt direction in the tilt operation can be more finely regulated, and a click feeling can be given in the tilt operation in each tilt direction.

また、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１において、移動部材収納台２１１の規制溝２１３を、移動部材２５１の初期位置に設定される中心位置２１２から移動方向に向かって緩やかに上昇する傾斜面で構成し、突起部２１４を、その傾斜面における移動部材２５１の移動経路上に形成している。これにより、傾倒操作の解除に応じて移動部材２５１の中心位置２１２への復帰を促すことができる。この結果、傾倒操作における傾倒方向を規制すると共に、移動部材２５１の移動経路上でクリック感を付与することができるという効果を得ると共に、傾倒操作の解除により操作レバー２６が初期状態に復帰する使用性に優れた多方向入力装置１を提供することができる。   Further, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the regulation groove 213 of the moving member storage base 211 is inclined so as to rise gently from the center position 212 set as the initial position of the moving member 251 in the moving direction. The protrusion 214 is formed on the moving path of the moving member 251 on the inclined surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the return of the moving member 251 to the center position 212 according to the release of the tilting operation. As a result, the tilting direction in the tilting operation is restricted, and a click feeling can be imparted on the moving path of the moving member 251, and the operation lever 26 is returned to the initial state when the tilting operation is released. The multidirectional input device 1 excellent in performance can be provided.

なお、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１においては、規制溝２１３を構成する傾斜面を、例えば、第１傾斜面２１５及び第２傾斜面２１６で構成し、突起部２１４を、第１傾斜面２１５と第２傾斜面２１６とを連結する連結面２１７の上端部で構成している。このように移動部材２５１の規制溝２１３及び突起部２１４を形成した場合には、成型加工などにより移動部材収納台２１１を簡単に製造することができるので、製造コストの上昇を抑制しつつ、傾倒操作における傾倒方向を規制することができると共に、その移動部材の移動経路上でクリック感を付与することができる。   Note that in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the inclined surfaces constituting the restriction grooves 213 are configured by, for example, the first inclined surface 215 and the second inclined surface 216, and the protrusions 214 are the first The upper end portion of the connecting surface 217 that connects the inclined surface 215 and the second inclined surface 216 is formed. When the restriction groove 213 and the protrusion 214 of the moving member 251 are formed in this way, the moving member storage base 211 can be easily manufactured by molding or the like, so that it is tilted while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost. The tilt direction in the operation can be restricted, and a click feeling can be given on the moving path of the moving member.

さらに、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１においては、操作レバー２６を傾倒、回転及び押圧可能に支持すると共に、底面部の上面に移動部材収納台２１１が形成された内部ケーシング３と、この内部ケーシング３の底面部の下面に対向して設置されたスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４とを設け、この内部ケーシング３を、操作レバー２６に対する押圧操作に応じて当該操作レバー２６と一体的に下方に沈み込ませ、スイッチ素子２０１〜２０４を駆動する。これにより、移動部材収納台２１１が形成された内部ケーシング３の底面部の下面でスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４を駆動することができるので、装置本体の小型化を実現しつつ、操作レバー２６による押圧操作に対応することができる。   Furthermore, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation lever 26 is supported so as to be tilted, rotatable, and pressable, and the inner casing 3 in which the moving member storage base 211 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom surface portion; The switch elements 201 to 204 are provided so as to face the lower surface of the bottom surface portion of the inner casing 3, and the inner casing 3 is moved downward integrally with the operation lever 26 in response to a pressing operation on the operation lever 26. The switch elements 201 to 204 are driven by sinking. As a result, the switch elements 201 to 204 can be driven by the lower surface of the bottom surface portion of the inner casing 3 on which the moving member storage base 211 is formed, so that the pressing operation by the operation lever 26 is achieved while realizing downsizing of the apparatus main body. It can correspond to.

さらに、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１においては、操作レバー２６の傾倒に伴い電気素子２３８と２３９の出力を行わせる為の機構、すなわち第１の連動部材２７、第２の連動部材２８等、の下側に、回転により出力を発生する機構、すなわち回転体２４、検出素子２２２及び傾倒に伴いクリック及び中立位置への復帰及び傾倒方向を規制する為の移動部材規制板２１１を配置し、さらにその下側に押圧に伴い出力信号を発生するスイッチ素子２０１〜２０４を配置したので、平面方向の占有面積を小さくできる。   Furthermore, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, a mechanism for causing the electric elements 238 and 239 to output as the operation lever 26 tilts, that is, the first interlocking member 27 and the second interlocking member. 28, etc., a mechanism that generates an output by rotation, that is, a rotating body 24, a detection element 222, and a moving member regulating plate 211 for regulating the click and return to the neutral position and the tilting direction with tilting are arranged. In addition, since the switch elements 201 to 204 that generate an output signal in accordance with the pressing are arranged on the lower side, the occupied area in the planar direction can be reduced.

さらに、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１においては、操作レバー２６に対する回転操作に応じて操作レバー２６と一体的に回転する回転体２４と、この回転体２４に形成された遮光板２４４，２４５を検出する検出素子２２２とを設け、検出素子２２２を、内部ケーシング３の底面部を構成する移動部材規制板２１の移動部材収納台２１１の近傍に設置している。これにより、移動部材収納台２１１の近傍に設置された検出素子２２２により回転体２４の回転量を検出することができるので、装置本体の小型化を実現しつつ、操作レバーによる回転操作に対応することができる。   Furthermore, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, a rotating body 24 that rotates integrally with the operation lever 26 in response to a rotation operation on the operation lever 26, and a light shielding plate 244 formed on the rotating body 24. , 245, and the detection element 222 is installed in the vicinity of the moving member storage base 211 of the moving member regulating plate 21 constituting the bottom surface portion of the inner casing 3. As a result, the amount of rotation of the rotating body 24 can be detected by the detecting element 222 installed in the vicinity of the moving member storage base 211, so that the apparatus main body can be reduced in size and can be rotated by the operation lever. be able to.

特に、本実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１においては、操作レバー２６を、回転体２４を介して内部ケーシング３に傾倒、回転及び押圧可能に保持させ、この操作レバー２６に対する押圧操作に応じて回転体２４が内部ケーシング３を下方に沈み込ませるようにする。これにより、回転操作に対応するために必要となる回転体２４で押圧操作に対応することできるので、装置本体の小型化を実現しつつ、操作レバー２６による傾倒操作、回転操作及び押圧操作に対応することができる。   In particular, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operation lever 26 is tilted, rotated, and pressed by the inner casing 3 via the rotating body 24, and in response to a pressing operation on the operation lever 26. Thus, the rotating body 24 sinks the inner casing 3 downward. As a result, it is possible to respond to the pressing operation with the rotating body 24 necessary for responding to the rotating operation. Therefore, the tilting operation, the rotating operation and the pressing operation by the operation lever 26 are supported while the apparatus main body is downsized. can do.

なお、本実施の形態においては、傾倒操作時にクリック感を付与するための突起部２１４を、規制溝２１３を構成する連結面２１７の上端部で構成する場合について説明している。しかし、突起部２１４の構成はこれに限定されるものではなく、移動部材２５の移動経路上で摺動端２５１を押し上げることができれば、どのような構成を採ってもよい。   In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the protrusion 214 for imparting a click feeling at the time of the tilting operation is configured by the upper end portion of the connecting surface 217 that forms the restriction groove 213. However, the configuration of the protruding portion 214 is not limited to this, and any configuration may be adopted as long as the sliding end 251 can be pushed up on the moving path of the moving member 25.

本発明は上記実施の形態に限定されず、種々変更して実施することが可能である。上記実施の形態において、添付図面に図示されている大きさや形状などについては、これに限定されず、本発明の効果を発揮する範囲内で適宜変更することが可能である。その他、本発明の目的の範囲を逸脱しない限りにおいて適宜変更して実施することが可能である。   The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented with various modifications. In the above-described embodiment, the size, shape, and the like illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed within a range in which the effect of the present invention is exhibited. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置の外観図である。1 is an external view of a multidirectional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置の外面を構成する主な部材の分解構成図である。It is a disassembled block diagram of the main members which comprise the outer surface of the multidirectional input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置のスイッチユニットの分解構成図である。It is a disassembled block diagram of the switch unit of the multidirectional input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the multidirectional input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the multidirectional input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置の移動部材収容台の詳細な構成を説明するための拡大図である。It is an enlarged view for demonstrating the detailed structure of the moving member accommodation stand of the multidirectional input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置の移動部材収納台周辺の構成を示す拡大図である。It is an enlarged view which shows the structure around the moving member storage stand of the multidirectional input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 多方向入力装置
２ スイッチユニット
３ ケーシング（内部ケーシング）
４ ケーシング（外部ケーシング）
５ 蓋体
２０ スイッチ設置板
２１ 移動部材規制板
２２ 検出素子設置板
２３ ハウジング
２４ 回転体
２５ 移動部材
２６ 操作レバー
２７ 第１の連動部材
２８ 第２の連動部材
２０１〜２０４ スイッチ素子
２１１ 移動部材収容台
２１２ 中心位置
２１３ 規制溝
２１４ 第１傾斜面
２１５ 第２傾斜面
２１６ 連結面
２２２ 検出素子
２３３ａ，２３３ｂ，２５２ コイルばね
２３５ 収容穴部
２３６，２３７，２７２，２８２ ギア
２３８，２３９ 電気素子
２４１ つば部
２４２ カム山
２４３ 周面部
２４４，２４５ 遮光板
２４６ レバー固定部
２４７ 溝部
２５１ 摺動端
２５３ ストッパ
２６２ 係合部
２６３ 突起部
２７１ 土台部 1 Multidirectional input device 2 Switch unit 3 Casing (inner casing)
4 Casing (outer casing)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Cover body 20 Switch installation board 21 Moving member control board 22 Detection element installation board 23 Housing 24 Rotating body 25 Moving member 26 Operation lever 27 1st interlocking member 28 2nd interlocking member 201-204 Switch element 211 Moving member accommodation stand 212 Central position 213 Restriction groove 214 First inclined surface 215 Second inclined surface 216 Connecting surface 222 Detection element 233a, 233b, 252 Coil spring 235 Housing hole 236, 237, 272, 282 Gear 238, 239 Electric element 241 Collar 242 Cam ridge 243 Peripheral surface portion 244, 245 Light shielding plate 246 Lever fixing portion 247 Groove portion 251 Sliding end 253 Stopper 262 Engaging portion 263 Protruding portion 271 Base portion

Claims (8)

傾倒操作及び回転操作を含む操作入力を受け付ける操作レバーと、前記操作レバーの傾倒操作を検出する電気素子と、前記操作レバーの下端に上下移動可能に保持され下方側に付勢される移動部材と、前記移動部材の下端を収容し前記操作レバーの傾倒動作に伴う前記移動部材の傾倒移動の方向を規制する溝部と当該溝部内における前記移動部材の移動経路上に形成された突起部とを有する移動規制部材と、その底面部の上面に前記移動規制部材が形成されたケースと、前記ケースの底面部の前記移動規制部材の周囲の近傍に設置され前記操作レバーの軸周りの回転操作に応じて当該操作レバーの回転を検出する検出素子と、を具備することを特徴とする多方向入力装置。   An operation lever that receives an operation input including a tilting operation and a rotation operation, an electric element that detects a tilting operation of the operation lever, a moving member that is held movably up and down at the lower end of the operation lever, and is biased downward A groove portion that accommodates a lower end of the moving member and restricts a direction of the tilting movement of the moving member in accordance with a tilting operation of the operation lever, and a protrusion formed on the moving path of the moving member in the groove portion. A movement regulating member, a case in which the movement regulating member is formed on the upper surface of the bottom surface thereof, and a rotation operation around the axis of the operation lever that is installed in the vicinity of the movement regulating member on the bottom surface of the case And a detection element for detecting the rotation of the operation lever. 前記移動規制部材は、前記溝部及び突起部を複数備えることを特徴とする請求項１記載の多方向入力装置。   The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the movement restriction member includes a plurality of the groove portions and the protrusion portions. 前記溝部は、前記移動部材の初期位置に設定される中心位置から移動方向に向かって緩やかに上昇する傾斜面で構成され、前記突起部は、前記傾斜面における前記移動部材の移動経路上に形成されたことを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２記載の多方向入力装置。   The groove portion is configured by an inclined surface that gently rises in the moving direction from a center position set as an initial position of the moving member, and the protruding portion is formed on a moving path of the moving member on the inclined surface. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multidirectional input device is provided. 前記傾斜面は、前記中心位置から外側に向かって第１の傾斜面及び第２の傾斜面を有し、前記突起部は、前記第１の傾斜面の上端部から鋭角に立ち上がり第２の傾斜面の下端部に連結される連結面の上端部で構成されることを特徴とする請求項３記載の多方向入力装置。   The inclined surface has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface outward from the center position, and the protrusion rises at an acute angle from an upper end portion of the first inclined surface, and is a second inclined surface. The multidirectional input device according to claim 3, wherein the multidirectional input device is configured by an upper end portion of a connection surface connected to a lower end portion of the surface. 前記操作レバーに対する回転操作に応じて当該操作レバーと一体的に回転する回転体に前記操作レバーを傾倒可能に保持し、前記回転体に形成された被検出部材の回転を前記検出素子で検出することを特徴とする請求項１記載の多方向入力装置。   The operating lever is tiltably held by a rotating body that rotates integrally with the operating lever in response to a rotating operation on the operating lever, and the detection element detects the rotation of the detection member formed on the rotating body. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1. 前記操作レバーが挿通されて該操作レバーの傾倒に伴い回転する第１の連動部材を設け、前記操作レバーを前記回転体と前記第１の連動部材の間に保持することを特徴とする請求項５記載の多方向入力装置。   The operation lever is inserted, a first interlocking member that rotates as the operation lever tilts is provided, and the operation lever is held between the rotating body and the first interlocking member. 5. The multidirectional input device according to 5. 前記ケースの底面部の下面に対向して設置されたスイッチ素子を具備し、前記ケースは、前記操作レバーに対する押圧操作に応じて当該操作レバーと一体的に下方に沈み込み、前記スイッチ素子を駆動することを特徴とする請求項１から請求項６のいずれかに記載の多方向入力装置。   A switch element is provided opposite to the lower surface of the bottom surface of the case, and the case sinks downward integrally with the operation lever in response to a pressing operation on the operation lever to drive the switch element. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the multidirectional input device is a multi-directional input device. 前記操作レバーは、前記回転体を介して前記ケースに傾倒、回転及び押圧可能に保持され、前記操作レバーに対する押圧操作に応じて前記回転体が前記ケースを下方に沈み込ませることを特徴とする請求項５記載の多方向入力装置。   The operation lever is held in the case so as to be able to tilt, rotate and press through the rotating body, and the rotating body sinks the case downward in response to a pressing operation on the operating lever. The multidirectional input device according to claim 5.
JP2005093732A 2005-03-29 2005-03-29 Multidirectional input device Withdrawn JP2006278084A (en)

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