JP2008311019A - Multidirectional operation switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multidirectional operation switch which can regulate backlash excellently in the rotation direction of a dial member capable of being slidably operated in multi-directions. <P>SOLUTION: The multidirectional operation switch includes: recessed backlash regulation groove parts 5d, 5e, 6d, 6e respectively formed on both sides of the surfaces of first and second slide members 5, 6 installed so as to cross each other; and a pad member 9 which is installed on the surface sides of the first and second slide members 5, 6 so as to slidably move integrally with the dial member 21 and in which protruding pieces 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e are formed on the rear face by being matched to positions of respective backlash regulation groove parts 5d, 5e, 6d, 6e. The respective protruding pieces 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e are locked so as to be nearly in contact with wall faces of the respective backlash regulation groove parts 5d, 5e, 6d, 6e. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a multidirectional operation switch used for an input operation unit for performing a scroll operation of a screen display content of a vehicle-mounted electronic device such as a car navigation device.

  In recent years, for example, as an input operation unit of a car navigation device mounted on a vehicle, a multi-directional operation can be performed so that a scroll operation to both the X and Y axes of a screen display content (for example, a map display screen) can be performed with good operability. Some have a switch (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the multidirectional operation switch (multidirectional slide switch) of Patent Document 1, the first and second slide members (operation knobs) that move in the orthogonal directions are inclined with respect to the X and Y axis directions and their axes. Multi-directional switch operation is possible because the contact at the tip of the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact according to the sliding of the first and second slide members in a predetermined direction. (Switch on).
JP 2001-307599 A

  By the way, in the multi-directional operation switch (multi-directional slide switch) of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install the movable contact and the fixed contact at the predetermined positions as the switch members, so that the installation space becomes large. Therefore, the present inventor has proposed a multidirectional operation switch using a pressing switch as a switch member in order to reduce the installation space of the switch member (unpublished Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-216815 (paragraph [ 0035], FIG. 1, FIG.

  In this multi-directional operation switch, the multi-directional switch operation (switch-on) is performed by pressing the push pin on the inclined surface of the slide plate in response to the slide movement of the slide plate and further pressing the push switch. I do.

  By the way, in this multidirectional operation switch, the dial member inserted through the central opening of the two intersecting slide plates in order to restrict the rotation of the dial member that can be slid in multiple directions. It is conceivable to install a rattling regulating member in the vicinity of the stopper portion of the pad member that slides integrally with the pad member. However, since a return spring member or the like is installed in the vicinity of the center opening of the slide plate, a large backlash restricting member cannot be installed due to installation space restrictions or the like, and the rotation of the dial member is unstable. It was difficult to regulate well.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional operation switch that can satisfactorily regulate the rotation of a dial member that can be slid in multiple directions.

  In order to achieve the above object, a multidirectional operation switch according to a first aspect of the present invention intersects with an operation member installed so as to be slidable in multiple directions so as to be orthogonal to each other, and In response to a slide operation, the first and second slide members installed to be slidable in the intersecting directions and the first and second slide members are installed in the slide directions, respectively. A plurality of switch means that are turned on in response to the movement of the second slide member in each sliding direction, and a concave rattling restriction formed on both sides of the surface of the first and second slide members, respectively. The groove portion and the first and second slide members are installed on the front surface side so as to be slidable integrally with the operation member, and locked on the back surface so as to substantially contact the wall surface in the rattling restriction groove portion. Multiple It is characterized by having a pad member which protruding pieces are formed, the.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multidirectional operation switch according to the present invention, further comprising return means for returning the first and second slide members to the neutral position when the slide movement is released.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention, wherein the switch means is formed by ribs formed on both sides of the back surfaces of the first and second slide members, respectively. It is a press switch that is turned on when a pressing portion provided on a side surface is pressed as the member slides.

  According to the multidirectional operation switch according to the present invention, the protrusions on the back surface of the pad member are substantially in contact with the wall surfaces in the restriction groove portions formed on both sides of the surfaces of the first and second slide plates. By locking, it is possible to satisfactorily regulate the rattling in the rotational direction of the operation member that can slide and move integrally with the pad member.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a multidirectional operation switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the multidirectional operation switch, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional operation switch.

  As shown in these drawings, the multidirectional operation switch 1 according to the present embodiment includes four pressure switches 3a, 3b, 3c, and the like around a hole 2a formed in the center on the first substrate 2. 3d (see FIG. 4) are arranged at an equal interval of 90 degrees. Each pressing switch 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d has a protruding pressing portion (not shown) provided on the side surface, and is configured to output an ON signal when the pressing portion is pressed. .

  A substantially cylindrical base member 4 is fixed to the upper surface of the first substrate 2 by fitting a projection 4a formed on the back side of the center thereof into the hole 2a. In addition, a cross-shaped guide groove 4f is formed on the inner upper portion of the base member 4 by four protrusions 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e (see FIG. 4). The pressing switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are arranged in the back side cavity of the guide groove 4f.

  The guide groove portion 4f of the base member 4 has an inverted conical pin receiving portion 4g at the center thereof and slit-like openings 4h, 4i, corresponding to the vicinity of the positions of the pressing switches 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. 4j and 4k are formed.

  On the guide groove portion 4f, first and second slide plates 5 and 6 that are orthogonally crossed are slidably disposed. Slots 5a and 6a are respectively formed in the center of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6, and ribs 5b and 6a are provided on both sides of the back surfaces of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6, respectively. 5c and ribs 6b and 6c are respectively formed. The ribs 6b and 6c of the second slide plate 6 are slidably inserted through the openings 4h and 4j of the guide groove 4f (see FIG. 6A). Similarly, the ribs 5b and 5c of the first slide plate 5 are also slidably inserted through the openings 4k and 4i of the guide groove 4f (see FIG. 6A).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first and second slide plates 5 and 6 have a concave shape on both sides of the surface along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6. The rattling regulation groove portions 5d, 5e, 6d, and 6e are respectively formed.

  On the upper surface side of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6, a plate member 7 having an opening 7a in the center and a cylindrical pin holding portion 9a holding a slide pin 8 slidably on the inner peripheral surface. The base member 4 side of the pin holding portion 9a is inserted into the opening portion 7a of the plate member 7 and the elongated holes 5a and 6a of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6. ing. Note that the outer diameter of the pin holding portion 9a is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 7a of the plate member 7, and is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the long holes 5a, 6a of the first and second slide plates 5, 6 on the short diameter side. It is.

  The distal end side (base member 4 side) of the slide pin 8 protrudes from the rear end of the pin holding portion 9a, and the spring 10 disposed in the pin holding portion 9a causes the hemispherical distal end portion 8a of the slide pin 8 to receive the pin. It is urged to always contact the portion 4g. The pin holding portion 9a, the slide pin 8, the spring 10, and the pin receiving portion 4g constitute return means for returning the first and second slide plates 5 and 6 to the neutral position (initial position).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the back surface (base member 4 side) of the pad member 9 has protrusions 9b, 9c in accordance with the positions of the rattling restricting grooves 5d, 5e, 6d, 6e. , 9d, 9e are formed, and the protruding pieces 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e are locked so as to be substantially in contact with the inner wall surfaces of the corresponding rattling regulating grooves 5d, 5e, 6d, 6e. Yes.

  On the upper surface side of the pad member 9, a base cover 11 having an opening 11 a in the center is disposed with a predetermined gap, and a plurality of locking pieces 4 l formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base member 4 are arranged on the outer periphery of the base cover 11. The plurality of locking holes 11b formed on the surface are fixed by locking each. Thereby, the pad member 10 is slidably arranged in the plane direction in the gap formed between the base cover 11 and the plate member 8.

  On the upper surface side of the base cover 11, a first case member 12 having an opening 12 a in the center, a second substrate 13, and a second case member 14 are disposed, and the first case member 12, The second substrate 13 and the second case member 14 are fixed to the pad member 9 by three screws 15. Further, the back surface side (base member 4 side) of the second substrate 13 is in contact with the cap member 22 covering the opening front end of the cylindrical pin holding portion 9a of the pad member 9, and the opening of the pin holding portion 9a. A cylindrical damper member 23 is attached to the peripheral surface on the front end side. The first substrate 2 and the second substrate 13 are electrically connected by a cable 16 having connectors at both ends.

  On the second substrate 13, a push switch 17, a rotation switch 18, a substrate circuit (not shown), and the like are arranged. The pressing switch 17 is connected to the back side of a cylindrical member 19 that is installed so as to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 3 along the inner peripheral surface of the rotation switch 18. A push button member 20 is fixed to the front side of the cylindrical member 19 (upper side in FIG. 3). The rear surface side of the cylindrical dial member 21 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary switch 18. The front side of the dial member 21 is located on the outer peripheral side of the push button member 20.

  In the multidirectional operation switch 1 according to this embodiment, when the push button member 20 is pressed, the push switch 17 is turned on by the movement of the cylindrical member 19 in the back direction. When the dial member 21 is rotated, a switch signal corresponding to the rotation amount of the dial member 21 is output from the rotary switch 18.

  Furthermore, in the multidirectional operation switch 1 according to the present embodiment, the dial member 21 has a vertical direction (arrow a direction, arrow b direction), a horizontal direction (arrow c direction, arrow d direction), as shown in FIG. In addition, it is possible to perform a sliding operation in eight directions, which are intermediate directions (arrow e direction, arrow f direction, arrow g direction, arrow h direction) with respect to these directions.

  That is, the dial member 21 is configured to be slidable integrally with the rotary switch 18, the second substrate 13, the second case member 14, the first case member 12, the pad member 10, and the like. Depending on the slide operation direction of the member 21, either or both of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6 slide on the guide groove 4f, so that the dial member 21 is slid in eight directions. (Details will be described later).

  When the second slide plate 6 is slid and moved, for example, in the left direction in FIG. 3 (in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 2) by the sliding operation of the dial member 21, the inner end of the rib 6b is connected to the push switch 3a. An ON signal is output by pressing the pressing portion. Further, when the second slide plate 6 is slid and moved, for example, in the right direction in FIG. 3 (the direction of arrow a in FIG. 2), the inner end portion of the rib 6c presses the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3c. ON signal is output by

  Similarly, when the first slide plate 5 is slid and moved, for example, in the direction of the arrow d in FIG. 2, an ON signal is output when the inner end of the rib 5b presses the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3b. The Further, when the first slide plate 5 is slid in the direction of the arrow c in FIG. 2, for example, an ON signal is output when the inner end of the rib 5c presses the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3d.

  Next, the switch operation by the multidirectional operation switch 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  For example, when the multidirectional operation switch 1 is used in an input operation unit of a car navigation device mounted on a vehicle, an arbitrary menu is selected from a plurality of menus displayed on the screen, as shown in FIG. As described above, the rotary switch 18 is rotated by rotating the dial member 21 in either the left or right direction. By moving the cursor on the screen in accordance with the switch signal output from the rotary switch 18 to be rotated and selecting an arbitrary menu, the cylindrical member 19 is pushed and pressed by pressing the push button member 20. When the switch 17 is turned on, the selected menu is confirmed. During this switch operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the tip 8a of the slide pin 8 is positioned at the center of the pin receiving portion 4g by the urging force of the spring 10, and the first and second slide plates 5 are located. , 6 are in the neutral position (initial position).

  When the map display screen of the car navigation device is scrolled, as shown in FIG. 2, the dial member 21 is moved in the vertical direction (arrow a direction and arrow b direction) and in the left and right direction (arrow c direction and arrow d direction). ), And a sliding operation is performed in any of the eight directions of the intermediate directions (arrow e direction, arrow f direction, arrow g direction, arrow h direction) with respect to these directions.

  By sliding the dial member 21 in any direction, the slide operation direction of the dial member 21 based on the ON signals from the press switches 3a to 3d that are selected and pressed according to the slide operation direction of the dial member 21. The map display screen is scrolled.

  Hereinafter, the switch operation when the dial member 21 is slid in multiple directions (eight directions) will be described.

  When the dial member 21 is not slid, the tip portion 8a of the slide pin 8 is positioned at the center of the pin receiving portion 4g by the urging force of the spring 10. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first and second slide plates 5 and 6 that are orthogonally crossed are in the neutral position (initial position) on the guide groove 4f. Is stationary. At this time, the inner ends of the ribs 5b and 5c and the ribs 6b and 6c of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6 press the pressing portions of the pressing switches 3d and 3b and the pressing switches 3a and 3c. Therefore, the push switches 3d and 3c and the push switches 3a and 3c are in the OFF state.

  When the dial member 21 is slid, for example, downward (in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 2), as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the tip 8a of the slide pin 8 is also pin-received. It moves downward while sliding with the part 4g. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the pin holding portion 9a presses the long hole 7a of the second slide plate 6 downward, so that only the second slide plate 6 slides downward. As the second slide plate 6 slides downward, the inner end portion of the rib 6b presses the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3a to output an ON signal. Therefore, when the dial member 21 is slid downward (in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 2), an ON signal is output from the push switch 3a.

  When the dial member 21 is slid upward (in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 2), the inner end of the rib 6c is similarly moved in accordance with the upward sliding movement of the second slide plate 6. However, an ON signal is output by pressing the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3c.

  Further, when the dial member 21 is slid in the right direction (the direction of the arrow d in FIG. 2), the inner end portion of the rib 5c is similarly accompanied by the sliding movement of the first slide plate 5 in the right direction. However, an ON signal is output by pressing the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3b. Further, when the dial member 21 is slid in the left direction (the direction of the arrow c in FIG. 2), the inner end portion of the rib 5b is similarly accompanied by the sliding movement of the first slide plate 5 in the left direction. However, an ON signal is output by pressing the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3d.

  Further, when the dial member 21 is slid in the lower right direction (in the direction of arrow g in FIG. 2), for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer peripheral surface of the pin holding portion 9a is the first and second slides. By pressing the long holes 5a and 6a of the plates 5 and 6 diagonally downward to the right, the first slide plate 5 slides and the second slide plate 6 slides downward.

  As the first slide plate 5 slides in the right direction, the inner end portion of the rib 5c presses the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3b to output an ON signal. Furthermore, an ON signal is output when the inner end of the rib 6b presses the pressing portion of the pressing switch 3a as the second slide plate 6 slides downward. Therefore, when the dial member 21 is slid in the lower right direction (the direction of the arrow g in FIG. 2), an ON signal is output from the push switch 3a and the push switch 3b.

  Similarly, when the dial member 21 is slid to the upper right direction (the direction of arrow e in FIG. 2), the outer peripheral surface of the pin holding portion 9a is the first and second slide plates 5 and 6. By pressing the elongated holes 6a and 7a obliquely upward to the right, the first slide plate 5 slides to the right and the second slide plate 6 slides upward, and the pressure switch 3b and the pressure switch 3c are turned on. A signal is output.

  Further, when the dial member 21 is similarly slid in the diagonally upper left direction (the direction of the arrow f in FIG. 2), the outer peripheral surface of the pin holding portion 9a is the first and second slide plates 5, 6 By pressing the elongated holes 5a and 6a obliquely upward to the left, the first slide plate 5 slides leftward and the second slide plate 6 slides upward, and is turned on from the pressure switch 3d and the pressure switch 3c. A signal is output.

  Similarly, when the dial member 21 is slid in the diagonally downward left direction (in the direction of the arrow h in FIG. 2), the outer peripheral surface of the pin holding portion 9a is the first and second slide plates 5, 6 By pressing the long holes 5a and 6a diagonally to the left, the first slide plate 5 slides to the left and the second slide plate 6 slides downward, and the pressure switch 3d and the pressure switch 3a are turned on. A signal is output.

  Note that when the sliding operation of the dial member 21 in any one of the above-described eight directions (vertical direction, left-right direction, and intermediate direction between these directions (oblique direction)) is canceled, the slide pin is urged by the urging force of the spring 10. 8 tip 8a returns to the center of pin receiving portion 4g while sliding. As a result, the pin holding portion 9a inserted through the long holes 5a and 6a also returns to the central portion of the pin receiving portion 4g, so that either or both of the first and second slide plates 5 and 6 that have been slid are moved. One moves to the original position (neutral position), and the first and second slide plates 5, 6 return to the neutral position (initial position) shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b).

  Further, in the multidirectional operation switch 1 according to the present embodiment, each protrusion piece 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e on the back surface of the pad member 9 is formed on both sides of the first and second slide plates 5, 6. Since rattling is restricted so as to be substantially in contact with the inner wall surfaces of the rattling regulating groove portions 5d, 5e, 6d, and 6e, rattling regulation can be performed on a plurality of contact surfaces. Thereby, the shakiness of the rotation direction of the dial member 21 which can be slid integrally with the pad member 9 can be suppressed small.

  Therefore, the feeling of operation (operation feeling) at the time of sliding operation of the dial member 21 is improved by reducing the backlash in the rotation direction of the dial member 21 that slides integrally with the pad member 9. Can do.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the multidirectional operation switch which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The top view of the multidirectional operation switch which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. The disassembled perspective view of the multidirectional operation switch which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state by which each protrusion piece of a pad member is latched by each shaki regulation groove part of the 1st, 2nd slide plate. (A) is a top view which shows the position of the 1st, 2nd slide plate when the dial member is not slidingly operated, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the multidirectional operation switch at this time. (A) is a top view which shows the position of the 1st, 2nd slide plate when a dial member is slid downward, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the multidirectional operation switch at this time. The top view which shows the position of the 1st, 2nd slide plate when a dial member is slid to diagonally downward right.

Explanation of symbols

1 Multidirectional operation switch 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d Press switch (switch means)
4 Base member 4f Guide groove 5 First slide plate (first slide member)
5b, 5c Ribbing 5d, 5e rattling regulation groove 6 Second slide plate (second slide member)
6b, 6c Rib 6d, 6e rattling regulating groove portion 9 Pad member 9a Pin holding portion 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e Projection piece 18 Rotating switch 20 Push button member 21 Dial member (operation member)

Claims (3)

An operation member installed so as to be slidable in multiple directions;
First and second slide members that are crossed so as to be orthogonal to each other, and are slidably installed in each of the intersecting directions in response to a slide operation in multiple directions of the operation member;
A plurality of switch means that are respectively installed in the sliding directions of the first and second sliding members and are turned on in response to the movement of the first and second sliding members in the sliding directions;
A concave rattling regulating groove formed on both sides of the surfaces of the first and second slide members,
A plurality of first and second slide members that are slidably installed integrally with the operation member on the front surface side, and that are locked on the back surface so as to be substantially in contact with the wall surfaces in the rattling restriction groove portion. And a pad member on which a protruding piece of is formed,
A multidirectional operation switch characterized by that. A return means for returning the first and second slide members to the neutral position when the slide movement is released;
The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1. The switch means is pressed by a pressing portion provided on a side surface as the first and second slide members are slid by ribs formed on both sides of the back surfaces of the first and second slide members. Is a push switch that is turned on,
The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the multidirectional operation switch is provided.

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