JP2010153077A - Multidirectional slide switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a switch to be operated certainly even if a twisting force is applied to a keytop (knob). <P>SOLUTION: The multidirectional slide switch is provided with a base 26 which is made to have a frame-shape to surround a plurality of peripheral switches 61 arranged on a circular periphery and constructed on a substrate 35 and mounted on the substrate 35, a knob 25 which is installed on a keytop 21 and interlocked with the keytop 21, a pusher 26d of rigid body arranged on the peripheral switches 61, and an elastic member 23 of which periphery portion is fixed on the base 26 and has a mounting hole 23c in the center. The knob 25 consists of a circular plate part 25a and an axle part 25b which is insertion engaged with the mounting hole 23c and fixed to the keytop 21. As the keytop 21 is sliding operated, the knob 25 is sliding moved, and since the periphery face of the circular plate part 25a contacts an inclined face 26e of the pusher 26d and pushes, the pusher 26d is pushed down to pressing operate the peripheral switches 61. By the restoration force of the elastic member 23, the knob 25 returns to the original position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a multidirectional slide switch in which a slide direction switch is pressed by sliding a key top.

  FIG. 20 shows a configuration described in Patent Document 1 as a conventional example of this type of multi-directional slide switch. In this example, the multi-directional slide switch slides on the switch case 12 on the lower case 11. The seat 13, the knob holding member 14, the slide knob 15, and the upper case 16 are attached. 21 and 22 show details of the slide knob 15 and the knob holding member 14, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the slide knob 15 has a column-shaped knob portion 15b erected at the center of the upper surface of a substantially disc-shaped base portion 15a, and four flat belt-like protrusion portions 15c at 90 ° intervals from the outer periphery of the base portion 15a. , The tip end surface of each protruding portion 15c is used as a pressing portion 15d, and a switch pressing portion 15e (see FIG. 20) protrudes from the center of the lower surface of the base portion 15a. A hole 15f for attaching an operation knob (not shown) is provided on the upper end surface of the knob portion 15b. The pressing portion 15d is configured with the tip surface of the protruding portion 15c as an inclined surface. Further, four engaging portions 15g (see FIG. 20) protrude from the base of the switch pressing portion 15e.

As shown in FIG. 22, the knob holding member 14 has a knob attachment portion 14a for attaching the slide knob 15, a frame body 14b surrounding the outer periphery of the knob attachment portion 14a, and a flexible member for connecting the knob attachment portion 14a and the frame body 14b. And four arm portions 14c having the property, and is formed of an elastic body such as silicone rubber.
The knob attaching portion 14a is formed in a disc shape, and an insertion portion 14d into which the switch pressing portion 15e and the engaging portion 15g of the slide knob 15 are fitted is provided at the center thereof.

  The frame body 14b has a rectangular shape, and support portions 14e are installed at the four corners of the frame body 14b. The support portions 14e are connected to each other by connecting portions 14f having a flat plate shape and flexibility. A switch pressing portion 14g is provided in the middle of the connecting portion 14f, and a conductor 14h (see FIG. 20) is provided on the lower surface of the switch pressing portion 14g. A pressing surface 14i pressed by the pressing portion 15d of the slide knob 15 is formed on the inner side surface of the switch pressing portion 14g, and the pressing surface 14i is an inclined surface inclined in the same direction as the inclined surface of the pressing portion 15d.

The arm portion 14c has a thin plate shape and is bent in the vertical direction in the middle. The arm portion 14c connects the knob mounting portion 14a and each support portion 14e diagonally to each support portion 14e.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the slide knob 15, the switch pressing portion 15e is inserted into the insertion portion 14d of the knob holding member 14, and the base portion 15a is bonded and fixed on the knob mounting portion 14a.

  The switch board 12 has a push button switch 12d in which a movable contact plate (reversing plate) 12c is arranged on a pair of contact patterns 12a and 12b in the center, and has a switch 12e consisting of a pair of contact patterns around it. It is said that. The switch 12e is provided at a position facing each switch pressing portion 14g of the knob holding member 14.

  The switch substrate 12 is placed on the lower case 11, and a knob holding member 14 to which a sliding sheet 13 and a slide knob 15 are attached is further placed, and an upper case 16 is placed thereon. A knob portion 15b of the slide knob 15 is inserted through a knob insertion guide portion 16a provided in the upper case 16 and protrudes to the outside.

  In this example, when the knob portion 15b is pressed in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, the knob portion 15b is slid, and the pressing portion 15d at the tip of the protruding portion 15c in that direction is moved by the switch pressing portion 14g facing the same. The switch pressing portion 14g moves downward by contacting the pressing surface 14i and bending the connecting portions 14f on both sides. As a result, the conductor 14h on the lower surface of the switch pressing portion 14g comes into contact with the pair of contact patterns of the switch substrate 12, and the switch 12e is turned on.

When the pressure on the knob portion 15b is released, the slide knob 15 returns to the original position by the elastic restoring force of the four arm portions 14c that have been bent, and the switch 12e is turned off.
On the other hand, when the knob portion 15b is pressed, the movable contact plate 12c is pressed and inverted, thereby turning on the push button switch 12d provided at the center.
JP 2007-335190 A

By the way, in the multi-directional slide switch configured as described above, when the operation knob attached to the slide knob 15 is slid, for example, when a twisting force (rotating force) is applied to the operation knob, the operation knob is operated. The knob and the slide knob 15 are rotated, whereby the pressing portion 15d formed as the inclined surface at the tip of the protruding portion 15c of the slide knob 15 is satisfactorily applied to the pressing surface 14i provided on the knob holding member 14. There may be a situation in which they do not come into contact with each other, and in the worst case, a situation in which the pressing portion 15d does not hit the pressing surface 14i may occur.
When such a situation occurs, the pressing surface 14i cannot be pressed, that is, the switch pressing portion 14g cannot be pressed, and the switch 12e does not function.

Further, since the switch pressing portion 14g is integrally formed with the knob holding member 14 made of an elastic body such as silicone rubber, and the switch pressing portion 14g is an elastic body, when a pressing force is applied from the pressing portion 15d of the slide knob 15. Since the switch pressing portion 14g is elastically deformed and absorbs the pressing force by its own elastic deformation, a considerable pressing force (load) is required to press the switch pressing portion 14g and turn on the switch 12e. Is required.
In this case, when the switch 12e is in the ON state, the distal end side of the projecting portion 15c of the slide knob 15 is sandwiched with a large force between the switch pressing portion 14g and the upper case 16, and thus the slide knob 15 is returned to the center. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the elastic restoring force of the arm portion 14c.

However, in order to increase the elastic restoring force of the arm portion 14c, for example, increasing the thickness or increasing the width is an obstacle to downsizing and thinning, and a large operating force is generated when the operation knob is slid. Therefore, there is a problem that the operational feeling is impaired and the user cannot operate easily.
In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional slide switch that can always operate the switch satisfactorily even when a twisting force is applied to the knob and can be operated lightly. is there.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of peripheral switches arranged on the circumference and configured on the substrate are provided, and the peripheral switch in the sliding direction is pressed by sliding the key top. The multi-directional slide switch having a configuration is a frame that surrounds a plurality of peripheral switches and is mounted on the substrate, and a knob that is located in the base and is attached to the key top and interlocks with the key top. A rigid pusher disposed on each of the peripheral switches, an elastic member having a peripheral edge fixed to the base and covering the upper surface of the base, and a mounting hole formed in the center. And a shaft portion that protrudes from the center of the disk portion, is fitted into the mounting hole, and is fixed to the key top. By sliding the key top, the knob is slid. When the peripheral surface of the disk portion is in contact with and presses against the inclined surface provided on the pusher, the pusher is pressed down and the peripheral switch is pressed down, and when the operating force on the knob is released, the elastic The knob is returned to its original position by the elastic restoring force of the member.

  In the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, a plurality of hinges protruding from the frame and extending in the circumferential direction of the frame are formed in the frame of the base, and pushers are respectively formed at the free ends of the hinges. It is supposed to be.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, a projecting portion is formed by projecting from the frame with which the peripheral surface of the disk portion abuts between the pushers.

  In the invention of claim 4, in the invention of claim 2, a stopper is disposed between the free end of the hinge and the frame.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the pushers are arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the ring member so as to protrude, and the ring member is accommodated in the base frame.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, a projecting portion is formed to protrude from the ring member so that the peripheral surface of the disk portion abuts between the pushers.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an inner plate having an opening having a size that allows the shaft portion to be slidably operated is provided between the disk portion and the elastic member. When the knob slides, a protrusion that is in sliding contact with the inner plate is formed on the periphery of the disk portion.

  In the invention of claim 8, in the invention of claim 7, when the knob slides, the peripheral surface of the shaft portion abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the opening.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of peripheral switches may include the substrate on which a plurality of peripheral fixed contact patterns are formed and a peripheral movable contact pattern facing the peripheral fixed contact patterns. It is constituted by a membrane switch in which a flexible sheet is laminated via a spacer.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the invention, a central switch operated by pressing the key top is provided, and the central switch is formed on the central fixed contact pattern formed on the substrate and on the central fixed contact pattern. And a central movable contact plate having a dome shape mounted on the disk, and a pusher for pressing the central movable contact plate is formed on the lower surface of the disk portion.

  In the invention of claim 11, in the invention of claim 10, the central movable contact plate is positioned in a hole formed in the flexible sheet and the spacer, and when the knob slides, the sliding sheet with which the pusher slides is the center. It shall be arrange | positioned so that the said hole may be covered on a movable contact plate.

  In the invention of claim 12, in the invention of claim 1, the peripheral switch includes a peripheral fixed contact pattern formed on the substrate and a peripheral movable contact plate having a dome shape mounted on the peripheral fixed contact pattern. .

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a central switch operated by pressing the key top, and the central switch is formed on the central fixed contact pattern formed on the substrate and on the central fixed contact pattern. And a central movable contact plate having a dome shape mounted on the disk, and a pusher for pressing the central movable contact plate is formed on the lower surface of the disk portion.

According to the present invention, the knob includes a disk portion and has a structure in which the pusher disposed on the peripheral switch is pressed on the peripheral surface of the disk portion. Even when a twisting force is applied to the knob, and the knob rotates, the pusher can always be surely pressed, so that the peripheral switch can always be operated satisfactorily.
Also, since the pusher is not an elastic body as in the conventional example but a rigid body, the pusher does not absorb the pressing force, and can be pressed with a small pressing force. Can be operated.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a first embodiment of a multi-directional slide switch according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows its cross-sectional structure. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are exploded into each part, and show a state seen obliquely from above and obliquely below, respectively.

  In this example, the multi-directional slide switch includes a key top 21, a top cover 22, an elastic member 23, an inner plate 24, a knob 25, a base 26, a sliding sheet 27, a central movable contact plate 28, a flexible sheet 31, and an outer spacer 32. And an inner spacer 33, a conductive tape 34, a substrate 35, and a base plate 29. First, the structure of each part is demonstrated with reference to FIG.3 and FIG.4.

  The key top 21 has a disk shape, and a circular step portion 21a that is one step higher is formed on the lower surface, and a mounting shaft 21b projects from the center of the step portion 21a. A ring-shaped portion 21c slightly higher than the step portion 21a is formed around the step portion 21a, and the ring-shaped portion 21c is cut out at two locations in the circumferential direction. A recess (see FIG. 2) is formed on the top surface of the key top 21.

  The top cover 22 is made of a metal plate, and a circular opening 22b is formed at the center of the upper plate portion 22a. Further, locking windows 22d are formed at two locations on the side wall portions 22c facing each other.

  The elastic member 23 is made of, for example, a rubber material such as silicone rubber, and includes a circular portion 23a and a pair of extension portions 23b that are extended and protruded from positions facing each other on the circumference of the circular portion 23a. A circular attachment hole 23c is formed through the center of the circular portion 23a, and a curved portion 23d (see FIG. 2) is provided in a ring shape so as to surround the attachment hole 23c. A pair of protrusions 23e that are long in the circumferential direction and four protrusions 23f that are shorter than the protrusions 23e are arranged and formed on the lower surface of the peripheral edge of the circular portion 23a as shown in FIG. Further, a hole 23g is formed through each of the portions where the extension 23b is formed, and a step 23h which is one step higher is provided on the lower surface of the portion where the hole 23g is formed.

  The inner plate 24 is made of a metal plate and has a ring shape having a circular opening 24a. A pair of notches 24b that are long in the circumferential direction and four notches 24c that are shorter than the notches 24b are formed on the periphery of the inner plate 24. Has been. These notches 24b and 24c are formed corresponding to the positions and sizes of the protrusions 23e and 23f of the elastic member 23. Further, a pair of locking pieces 24d are formed to project at positions on the outer periphery that are 180 ° to each other, and a claw 24e is formed at the tip of each locking piece 24d by being bent at a right angle.

  The knob 25 includes a disc portion 25a and a shaft portion 25b projecting from the center of the upper surface of the disc portion 25a. The shaft portion 25b is a step having a small diameter portion 25c on the distal end side and a large diameter portion 25d on the proximal end side. It is assumed to have a shaft. An attachment hole 25e is formed in the distal end surface of the small diameter portion 25c. The peripheral surface of the disk portion 25a is a curved surface shape that is greatly chamfered on the lower surface side corner portion, and a protrusion 25f is formed on the entire periphery of the upper surface of the disk portion 25a. Yes. A pusher 25g protruding from the lower surface is integrally formed at the center of the lower surface of the disc portion 25a.

  The base 26 has a frame shape as a whole, and a frame portion 26a constituting the frame has an annular shape. Four hinges 26b are formed at equiangular intervals (90 ° intervals) in the frame portion 26a. The hinge 26b is formed so as to form an arc shape by extending in a circumferential direction of the frame portion 26a from a support portion 26c protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the frame portion 26a, and a pusher 26d is formed at each free end thereof. ing. The pusher 26d is formed to project inward from the inner peripheral surface of the free end portion of the hinge 26b so as to face the center of the frame portion 26a, and the upper surface thereof is an inclined surface 26e that is lowered toward the center of the frame portion 26a. It is said that.

  Four protrusions 26f are further formed on the inner peripheral surface of the frame part 26a. These protrusions 26f are formed so as to be positioned between the pushers 26d, and the tip end surfaces thereof are cylindrical surfaces concentric with the frame portions 26a. Further, notches 26g and 26h are formed on the upper surface of the frame portion 26a corresponding to the positions and sizes of the protrusions 23e and 23f of the elastic member 23.

  On the other hand, extension portions 26i and 26j are formed so as to project and extend at positions opposite to each other on the outer periphery of the frame portion 26a of the base 26, and four engagements of the top cover 22 are formed on the side wall surfaces of these extension portions 26i and 26j. Locking protrusions 26k are respectively formed corresponding to the positions of the stop windows 22d, and further, locking step portions 26m are formed outside the locking protrusions 26k adjacent to the locking protrusions 26k. Grooves 26n are formed in the extensions 26i and 26j corresponding to the positions of the claws 24e of the four locking pieces 24d of the inner plate 24, respectively. Further, a concave portion 26p having the same bottom surface as the bottom surface of the groove 26n is formed at each central portion of the extension portions 26i and 26j, and bosses 26q are respectively provided in the concave portions 26p so as to correspond to the pair of holes 23g of the elastic member 23. ing. In addition, a protrusion 26r having a plate surface formed by extending the bottom surface of the recess 26p further outward is formed on one extension 26i so as to be narrower than the extension 26i. In addition, bosses 26s project from the lower surfaces of the extension portions 26i and 26j.

The sliding sheet 27 is a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet or a sheet whose surface is subjected to Teflon (registered trademark) processing, and has a circular shape.
The central movable contact plate 28 is made of a metal plate having a dome shape.

  The flexible sheet 31 is composed of a circular portion 31a and extension portions 31b and 31c that extend from the positions of the circumference of the circular portion 31a facing each other, and the outer shape is a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the base 26. Has been. A circular hole 31d is formed at the center of the circular portion 31a, and holes 31e are formed in the extended portions 31b and 31c corresponding to the bosses 26s projecting from the lower surface of the base 26, respectively.

  A peripheral movable contact pattern 41 is formed in a ring shape around the hole 31d on the lower surface of the circular portion 31a of the flexible sheet 31, and a connection pattern 42 is formed on the lower surface of the extension portion 31b.

  The outer spacer 32 has a ring shape, and extension portions 32a and 32b are formed at positions opposite to each other on the outer periphery corresponding to the extension portions 31b and 31c of the flexible sheet 31. The extension part 32a is formed corresponding to the wide part of the extension part 31b, and an oval notch 32c is formed at the edge thereof. On the other hand, a hole 32d is formed in the extension portion 32b, and the oval cutout 32c and the hole 32d are formed corresponding to the pair of holes 31e of the flexible sheet 31.

The inner spacer 33 has a ring shape with a smaller diameter than the outer spacer 32, and the size of the hole (opening) at the center thereof matches the size of the hole 31 d of the flexible sheet 31.
The conductive tape 34 has a rectangular shape. For example, an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is used for the conductive tape 34.

  In this example, the substrate 35 is a flexible printed wiring board (FPC), and includes a base portion 35a and a cable portion 35b extended from the base portion 35a. The base portion 35a has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the flexible sheet 31, and a central fixed contact pattern 51 is formed at the center thereof. The center fixed contact pattern 51 includes a circular pattern 51a and a ring-shaped pattern 51b surrounding the circular pattern 51a.

  Around the center fixed contact pattern 51, four peripheral fixed contact patterns 52 are formed on the circumference at 90 ° intervals, and these peripheral fixed contact patterns 52 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape. Further, a connection pattern 53 is formed on a portion of the base portion 35a corresponding to the extension portion 31b of the flexible sheet 31. In this example, the connection pattern 53 is a pattern in which a narrow pattern is repeatedly folded and extended as shown in FIG. By using the connection pattern 53 as such a pattern, an anisotropic conductive film is used as the conductive tape 34, and when the connection patterns 42 and 53 are connected, escape of the resin material (adhesive material) can be secured.

  A pair of holes 35 c are formed in the base portion 35 a, and these holes 35 c are formed corresponding to the pair of holes 31 e of the flexible sheet 31. In addition, in this board | substrate 35 and the flexible sheet | seat 31 mentioned above, detailed illustrations, such as a drawer pattern, are abbreviate | omitted.

  The base plate 29 is made of a metal plate, and the bottom plate portion 29 a has a shape corresponding to the base portion 35 a of the substrate 35. Holes 29b and 29c are formed in the bottom plate portion 29a corresponding to the pair of bosses 26s projecting from the lower surface of the base 26. Further, at the four corners of the bottom plate portion 29a, locking pieces 29d that are bent and raised from the bottom plate portion 29a to form an L shape are formed.

  In the configuration as described above, the key top 21, the knob 25, and the base 26 are made of hard resin such as ABS or PC, for example, and the metal plate that constitutes the top cover 22, the inner plate 24, and the base plate 29 is a stainless plate or the like. used. For example, a PET sheet is used for the flexible sheet 31, and a PI (polyimide) film is used for the substrate 35. For the outer spacer 32 and the inner spacer 33, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape of a film base is used.

Next, the assembly of each part will be further described with reference to FIGS.
The flexible sheet 31 is laminated and fixed on the substrate 35 with the outer spacer 32, the inner spacer 33 and the conductive tape 34 interposed therebetween. The inner spacer 33 is positioned around the central fixed contact pattern 51, and the outer spacer 32 is positioned around the four peripheral fixed contact patterns 52. Further, the connection patterns 53 and 42 of the substrate 35 and the flexible sheet 31 are conductively connected via the conductive tape 34. On each peripheral fixed contact pattern 52, the peripheral movable contact pattern 41 is located via a gap, that is, four peripheral switches 61 made of membrane switches are formed.

  The substrate 35 on which the peripheral switch 61 is configured is mounted on the base plate 29, and the base 26 is mounted thereon as shown in FIG. A pair of bosses 26s formed on the lower surface of the base 26 includes a hole 31e in the flexible sheet 31, an oval cutout 32c and a hole 32d in the outer spacer 32, a hole 35c in the substrate 35, and holes 29b and 29c in the base plate 29. Sequentially inserted and protruded to the outside. The base 26 is fixed by the latching pieces 29d when the four latching pieces 29d of the base plate 29 are respectively hooked on the latching step portions 26m.

  Although not visible in the central hole 31d of the flexible sheet 31 in FIG. 5, the central movable contact plate 28 is disposed, and the sliding sheet 27 is further disposed thereon to cover the hole 31d. The central movable contact plate 28 has a peripheral portion mounted on a ring-shaped pattern 51b of the central fixed contact pattern 51, and the central fixed contact pattern 51 and the central movable contact plate 28 constitute a central switch 62 (see FIG. 2). .

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the knob 25 is arranged on the sliding sheet 27 and is positioned at the center in the frame portion 26a of the base 26, and the inner plate 24 is attached as shown in FIG. . The inner plate 24 is attached to the base 26 by the claws 24e formed at the tips of the four locking pieces 24d being fitted into the grooves 26n of the base 26, respectively. The shaft portion 25b of the knob 25 is located in the opening 24a of the inner plate 24 and protrudes from the opening 24a.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the elastic member 23 is attached so as to cover the upper surface of the base 26. The pair of stepped portions 23h formed on the lower surface of the elastic member 23 are respectively accommodated in the recesses 26p of the base 26, and the bosses 26q formed in the recesses 26p are inserted into the holes 23g of the elastic member 23 and positioned. Further, the protrusions 23e and 23f formed on the lower surface of the elastic member 23 are accommodated in the notches 26g and 26h of the base 26 through the notches 24b and 24c of the inner plate 24, respectively. The peripheral edge is fixed to the base 26.

  Next, the top cover 22 is attached so as to cover the elastic member 23. As shown in FIG. 9, the four locking projections 26k of the base 26 are respectively engaged with the locking windows 22d of the top cover 22, and the top cover 22 is attached and fixed to the base 26 by these locking projections 26k.

  Finally, the key top 21 is attached to the knob 25. This attachment is performed, for example, by press-fitting the attachment shaft 21b of the key top 21 into the attachment hole 25e of the knob 25, thereby completing the multi-directional slide switch shown in FIGS.

  In the multi-directional slide switch assembled as described above, the peripheral switch 61 and the central switch 62 are located in the frame portion 26a of the base 26 as shown in FIG. 2, and a pusher 26d is allowed on each peripheral switch 61. Each is positioned in contact with the flexible sheet 31. A pusher 25 g formed on the lower surface of the knob 25 is positioned on the central switch 62 via the sliding sheet 27.

  A protrusion 25f formed on the upper surface periphery of the disk portion 25a of the knob 25 is in contact with the lower surface of the inner plate 24 disposed between the disk portion 25a and the elastic member 23. The small-diameter portion 25c on the distal end side of the shaft portion 25b of the knob 25 is fitted into the mounting hole 23c of the elastic member 23, and the lower surface (inner surface) of the portion surrounding the mounting hole 23c of the elastic member 23 is a stepped shaft. It abuts on the stepped portion of the portion 25b. Further, the curved (redundant) curved portion 23d of the elastic member 23 is located outside the opening 22b of the top cover 22 and exposed to the outside.

Next, the operation of this multidirectional slide switch will be described.
When the key top 21 is slid in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 11, the knob 25 slides in conjunction with the key top 21, and the circumferential surface of the disk portion 25a abuts on the inclined surface 26e of the pusher 26d. It rides on the inclined surface 26e and presses the inclined surface 26e. Due to the component force of the pressing force to the inclined surface 26e, a downward pressing force is applied to the pusher 26d. Since the pusher 26d is formed at the free end of the hinge 26b having a cantilever shape, the hinge 26b bends, whereby the pusher 26d is displaced downward. The peripheral switch 61 formed of a membrane switch is turned on when the peripheral movable contact pattern 41 and the peripheral fixed contact pattern 52 are brought into contact with each other by a pressing operation.

  When the operation force to the key top 21 is released, the key top 21 and the knob 25 are returned to the original positions shown in FIG. 2 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 23 that has been elastically deformed as shown in FIG. The peripheral switch 61 is turned off.

On the other hand, the operation of the center switch 62 is performed by depressing the key top 21. The central movable contact plate 28 having a dome shape is reversed by being pressed by the pusher 25g, whereby the circular pattern 51a and the ring-shaped pattern 51b of the central fixed contact pattern 51 are conducted through the central movable contact plate 28. The switch is turned on.
When the pressing operation force on the key top 21 is released, the central movable contact plate 28 is reversed and returned to the original state, whereby the knob 25 and the key top 21 are pushed up and returned to their original positions, and the central switch 62 is turned off. It becomes.

  According to the multi-directional slide switch configured as described above, the knob 25 includes the disc portion 25a, and the pusher 26d disposed on the peripheral switch 61 is pressed and pressed by the peripheral surface of the disc portion 25a. Therefore, for example, when the key top 21 is slid, a twisting force (rotating force) is applied to the key top 21, and even if the knob 25 rotates accordingly, the pusher is always reliably pushed. 26d can be pressed, that is, the peripheral switch 61 can always be operated satisfactorily.

  Further, the pusher 26d is a rigid body, and is formed at the free end of the hinge 26b having flexibility so that the pusher 26d can be pressed. Therefore, the switch pressing portion made of the conventional elastic body shown in FIGS. Unlike 14g (pusher), it does not occur that it is elastically deformed and absorbs the pressing force. Therefore, it is possible to turn on the peripheral switch 61 with a smaller pressing force (load) than in the past. Can be operated lightly.

  Further, in this example, unlike the conventional example shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the elastic member 23 for returning the knob 25 and the pusher 26d are separate from each other, and the elastic member 23 is disposed on the knob 25 and attached thereto. Since the shaft portion 25b of the knob 25 is fitted in the hole 23c, the elastic member 23 is not affected even if the knob 25 rotates and always functions well.

  In addition, in this example, since the peripheral switch 61 can be turned on with a small pressing force, the force to return the knob 25 is small, and also in this respect, the operation force at the time of the slide operation is small, so that a light operation is possible. In addition, since the elastic restoring force required for the elastic member 23 may be small, the structure of the elastic member 23 is also easy.

  In this example, the hole 31d of the flexible sheet 31 where the central movable contact plate 28 is located is covered with the sliding sheet 27, and the pusher 25g is brought into sliding contact with the sliding sheet 27 when the knob 25 slides. On the other hand, the protrusions 25f formed on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the disk portion 25a are in sliding contact with the inner surface of the inner plate 24. With such a structure, the knob 25 slides well horizontally, and the protrusion 25f is pressed by the inner plate 24. For example, the knob 25 tilts during the sliding operation, or the knob 25 rises when the pusher 26d is pressed. Can be prevented.

  Further, the opening 24a of the inner plate 24 where the shaft portion 25b of the knob 25 is located is sized so that the knob 25 (shaft portion 25b) can slide, and the large-diameter portion 25d of the shaft portion 25b when the knob 25 slides. When the outer peripheral surface of the knob 24 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the opening 24a, excessive sliding of the knob 25 is restricted.

  Similarly, in this example, when the knob 25 slides, the peripheral surface of the disk portion 25a of the knob 25 abuts against a protrusion 26f that is formed to protrude from the frame portion 26a of the base 26 and is located between the pushers 26d. This also restricts excessive sliding of the knob 25. Note that either one of the structures for restricting the excessive slide of the knob 25 may be used. Further, when two structures are provided as in this example, for example, the peripheral surface of the shaft portion 25b of the knob 25 is made to abut against the inner peripheral surface of the opening 24a of the inner plate 24 first.

  On the other hand, when the pusher 26d is pressed by the knob 25, the pusher 26d is applied with a force in the retreating direction (the direction of moving outward and approaching the frame portion 26a) due to the horizontal component of the pressing force. As a result, when the pusher 26d is retracted, the operability may be deteriorated and the operation feeling may be deteriorated.

  In order to avoid this problem, it is only necessary to suppress the backward movement of the pusher 26d. For example, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, a stopper 71 is provided between the frame portion 26a and the free end of the hinge 26b. What is necessary is just to provide. The stopper 71 may be integrally formed with the base 26 or may be integrally formed with the elastic member 23.

Next, a second embodiment of the multi-directional slide switch according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are exploded into respective parts and show a state viewed obliquely from above and obliquely below, respectively. In this example, the pusher support structure is different from the first embodiment described above. Accordingly, the shape of the base is different and a new ring member is provided.

  The ring member 81 includes a ring portion 81a, a pusher 81b, and a protrusion 81c, and is made of resin. The ring portion 81a has flexibility similar to the hinge 26b in the first embodiment, and four pushers 81b are arranged at 90 ° intervals on the inner peripheral surface of the ring portion 81a so as to project four. . Each pusher 81b is formed so as to face the center of the ring portion 81a, and an inclined surface 81d is formed on the upper surface thereof, like the pusher 26d in the first embodiment.

  The protrusions 81c correspond to the protrusions 26f formed on the base 26 so as to restrict excessive sliding of the knob 25 in the first embodiment, and four protrusions are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the ring part 81a. ing. These protrusions 81c are formed so as to be shifted from the pushers 81b by 45 ° so as to be positioned between the pushers 81b. Note that the protrusion 81c and the ring portion 81a where the protrusion 81c is formed have a large thickness and a step portion 81e is formed on the lower surface side. With respect to the lower surfaces of these four step portions 81e, The ring portion 81a that is positioned between the step portions 81e and supports the pusher 81b is in a floating state. A positioning recess 81f is formed on the lower surface of each step 81e.

  The base 26 'is shaped so as not to have a pusher 26d, a hinge 26b, a support portion 26c, and a projection 26f with respect to the base 26 in the first embodiment, and newly includes a positioning convex portion 26t. Four positioning convex portions 26t are arranged to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the frame portion 26a.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the ring member 81 is accommodated and attached in the frame portion 26a of the base 26 ', and thereafter, the knob 25 is disposed as shown in FIG. The ring member 81 is positioned and held on the base 26 ′ by engaging the four positioning recesses 81 f with the positioning protrusions 26 t of the base 26 ′.

  According to the second embodiment, since the frame portion 26a of the base 26 'is positioned on the outer peripheral side of the ring portion 81a that supports the pusher 81b as shown in FIG. 14, the pusher 81b is pressed by the knob 25. Therefore, the pusher 81b does not move backward, so that a good operation feeling can be obtained. It is disadvantageous to the first embodiment in that the number of parts increases.

Next explained is a third embodiment of the multi-directional slide switch according to the invention.
FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional structure, and FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of each part. 18 and 19 each show a state during the assembly.

  In this example, the peripheral switch is not a membrane switch, but a switch (metal dome switch) using a movable contact plate having a dome shape like the central switch. Similar to the central fixed contact pattern 51, the substrate 35 'has peripheral fixed contact patterns 54 formed of a circular pattern 54a and a ring-shaped pattern 54b surrounding the circular pattern 54a at intervals of 90 ° on the circumference surrounding the central fixed contact pattern 51. Four are formed in an array.

  A peripheral movable contact plate 91 is disposed on each peripheral fixed contact pattern 54, and the peripheral movable contact plate 91 and the peripheral fixed contact pattern 54 constitute a peripheral switch 63 (see FIG. 16). In FIG. 17, reference numeral 92 denotes a single-sided adhesive sheet. By covering the single-sided adhesive sheet 92 on the peripheral movable contact plate 91 and the central movable contact plate 28, the peripheral movable contact plate 91 and the central movable contact plate 28 become the substrate 35. ′ Is positioned on.

  Also in this example, when the key top 21 is slid and the knob 25 is slid, the pusher 26d is pressed, whereby the peripheral movable contact plate 91 is inverted and the switch is turned on. In this example, a stopper 71 'is provided in a portion where the pusher 26d is formed, and this stopper 71' is positioned in a space between the frame portion 26a. It is possible to suppress the backward movement of the pusher 26d. The stopper 71 ′ is integrally formed with the elastic member 23.

  As described above, in each of the embodiments described above, the central switch 62 is provided, but a configuration without the central switch 62 may be used depending on the application.

  Each of the four peripheral switches 61 (63) arranged at intervals of 90 ° is provided as a slide switch operable in four directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, eight peripheral switches 61 are arranged on the circumference. By arranging them, it is possible to provide a slide switch that can be operated in eight directions. Since the pusher 26d (81b) employs a structure that is pressed by the peripheral surface of the disc portion 25a of the knob 25, such an eight-way slide switch can be easily configured. In this case, the protrusion 26f (81c) that restricts excessive sliding of the knob 25 is omitted, and the sliding restriction of the knob 25 is performed by the shaft portion 25b of the knob 25 abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the opening 24a of the inner plate 24. Assumed to be performed.

1A is a plan view showing a first embodiment of a multi-directional slide switch according to the present invention, B is a side view thereof, and C is a front view thereof. FIG. FIG. 1D is an enlarged sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 1. The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 1 (the 1). The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 1 (the 2). The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 1 (the 3). The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 1 (the 4). The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 1 (the 5). The perspective view of the multi-directional slide switch shown in FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the state by which the multi-directional slide switch shown in FIG. 1 was slid. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd Example of the multi-directional slide switch by this invention. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the 2nd Example of the multi-directional slide switch by this invention. The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 12 (the 1). The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 12 (the 2). Sectional drawing which shows the 3rd Example of the multi-directional slide switch by this invention. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 16. The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 16 (the 1). The perspective view which shows the state in the middle of the assembly of the multidirectional slide switch shown in FIG. 16 (the 2). The cross-sectional perspective view which shows the prior art example of a multidirectional slide switch. The perspective view of the slide knob in FIG. The perspective view of the knob holding member in FIG.

Claims (13)

A multi-directional slide switch that has a plurality of peripheral switches arranged on the circumference and configured on the substrate, and is configured such that by sliding the key top, the peripheral switch in the sliding direction is pressed. There,
A base mounted on the substrate in a frame shape surrounding the plurality of peripheral switches;
A knob located in the base, attached to the key top and interlocked with the key top;
Rigid pushers respectively disposed on the peripheral switches;
An elastic member having a peripheral edge fixed to the base and covering the upper surface of the base, and an attachment hole formed in the center;
The knob is composed of a disk part and a shaft part protruding from the center of the disk part, fitted into the mounting hole and fixed to the key top,
By sliding the key top, the knob slides, and the peripheral surface of the disk portion abuts against an inclined surface provided on the pusher, and the pusher is pressed down to the peripheral. The switch is pressed,
A multi-directional slide switch having a structure in which when the operating force to the knob is released, the knob returns to its original position by an elastic restoring force of the elastic member. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 1, wherein
A plurality of hinges that protrude from the frame and extend in the circumferential direction of the frame are formed in the frame of the base,
A multi-directional slide switch, wherein the pushers are respectively formed at free ends of the hinges. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 2,
A multi-directional slide switch, characterized in that a projecting portion with which the peripheral surface of the disk portion abuts between the pushers is projected from the frame. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 2,
A multi-directional slide switch, wherein a stopper is disposed between the free end of the hinge and the frame. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 1, wherein
The pushers are arranged and projected on the inner peripheral surface of the ring member,
The multi-directional slide switch, wherein the ring member is accommodated in a frame of the base. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 5,
A multi-directional slide switch characterized in that a projecting portion with which the peripheral surface of the disk portion abuts between the pushers is projected from the ring member. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 1, wherein
An inner plate having an opening of a size where the shaft portion is positioned and the shaft portion is slidable is provided between the disk portion and the elastic member;
The multi-directional slide switch is characterized in that, when the knob slides, a projecting portion that is in sliding contact with the inner plate is formed on the periphery of the disc portion. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 7,
The multi-directional slide switch characterized in that when the knob slides, the peripheral surface of the shaft portion abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the opening. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 1, wherein
In the plurality of peripheral switches, the substrate on which a plurality of peripheral fixed contact patterns are formed and a flexible sheet on which a peripheral movable contact pattern facing the peripheral fixed contact patterns are stacked via a spacer. A multi-directional slide switch characterized by comprising a membrane switch. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 9,
A central switch operated by pressing the key top;
The central switch comprises a central fixed contact pattern formed on the substrate and a central movable contact plate having a dome shape mounted on the central fixed contact pattern.
A multi-directional slide switch characterized in that a pusher for pressing down the central movable contact plate is formed so as to protrude from the lower surface of the disc portion. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 10,
The central movable contact plate is located in a hole formed in the flexible sheet and the spacer,
The multi-directional slide switch is characterized in that when the knob slides, a sliding sheet with which the pusher comes into sliding contact is arranged on the central movable contact plate so as to cover the hole. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 1, wherein
The multi-directional slide switch, wherein the peripheral switch includes a peripheral fixed contact pattern formed on the substrate and a peripheral movable contact plate having a dome shape mounted on the peripheral fixed contact pattern. The multi-directional slide switch according to claim 12,
A central switch operated by pressing the key top is provided,
The central switch comprises a central fixed contact pattern formed on the substrate and a central movable contact plate having a dome shape mounted on the central fixed contact pattern.
A multi-directional slide switch characterized in that a pusher for pressing down the central movable contact plate is formed so as to protrude from the lower surface of the disc portion.

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