JP3720942B2

JP3720942B2 - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP3720942B2
Application number: JP05968697A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 喜三郎高橋
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 1997-03-13
Filing date: 1997-03-13
Publication date: 2005-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2017-03-13
Also published as: JPH10255596A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は自動車等に使用して好適な多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来における多方向入力装置は、特開平８ー２０３３８７号で開示されたものがある。
この多方向入力装置は、図８ー図１１に示すように、操作部Ｓを、回転することにより回転型部品Ｒを操作し、また、操作部Ｓを、軸方向に対して直角方向に移動させることによりプッシュスイッチＰを操作するものである。
そして、回転型部品Ｒは、一対の摺動接片５０ａ、５０ｂを備えた接点体５０を箱形ケース５１に固定し、この箱形ケース５１内には、前記摺動接片５０ａと摺接する接点板５２を固定した回転体５３を、軸５４で回転可能に取り付けた構成となっている。
また、プッシュスイッチＰは、筺体５５内に接点部（図示せず）を設け、筺体５５に移動可能に取り付けられた操作ボタン５６を設けた構成となっている。
【０００３】
また、図１１に示すように、平板状の絶縁基板５８には、回転型部品Ｒをガイドするための凹部５８ａと、この凹部５８ａの両側に位置し、回転型部品Ｒの抜け止めのための一対のレール５８ｂと、前記凹部５８ａと間隔を置いた凹部５８ｃと、突部５８ｄとが設けられている。
更に、絶縁基板５８には、固定接点５９が、凹部５８ａ内で露出した状態で埋設されている。
そして、絶縁基板５８の凹部５８ａに、回転型部品Ｒのケース５１を載置し、且つ、レール５８ｂを、ケース５１の段部５１ａに当接させ、また、突部５８ｄに掛け止めしたねじりバネ６０で、ケース５１を弾圧して、回転型部品Ｒが絶縁基板５８に取り付けられている。
そして、回転型部品Ｒが取り付けられた際は、摺動接片５１ｂが、絶縁基板５８上の露出した接点５９ａに接触した状態となっている。
【０００４】
また、絶縁基板５８の凹部５８ｃには、プッシュスイッチＰの筺体５５がはめ込まれ、操作ボタン５６が回転型部品Ｒのケース５１の突起５１ｂに対向した状態で、プッシュスイッチＰが絶縁基板５８に取り付けられている。
更に、操作部Ｓが、回転型部品Ｒの回転体５３にネジ６１で取り付けられた構成となっている。
【０００５】
次に、従来の多方向入力装置の動作を説明すると、先ず、操作部Ｓを回転すると、この回転に伴って、回転体５３が軸５４を中心にして回転する。
すると、回転体５３に取り付けられた接点板５２も回転して、摺動接片５０ａに接離して接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えが摺動接点５０ｂと接点５９ａを介して固定接点５９に導出される。
次に、操作部Ｓを、軸５４の軸方向に対して直角方向、即ち、矢印Ｙ方向に押圧すると、操作部Ｓは、回転型部品Ｒを伴って、ねじりバネ６０に抗して矢印Ｙ方向に移動する。
この時、摺動接片５０ｂは、固定接点５９の接点５９ａ上に摺動して、回転型部品Ｒの電気接続を維持した状態で、ケース５１の突起５１ｂがプッシュスイッチＰの操作ボタン５６を押圧する。
【０００６】
すると、プッシュスイッチＰの接点の切り換えが行われ、しかる後、操作部Ｓの押圧を解除すると、ねじりバネ６０によって、回転型部品Ｒは操作部Ｓを伴って押圧前の状態に移動する。
この時、摺動接片５０ｂは接点５９ａ上を摺動して、回転型部品Ｒの電気接続を維持すると共に、操作ボタン５６は押圧前の状態に戻り、プッシュスイッチＰの接点の切り換えが行われる。
このように、操作部Ｓを回転することにより回転型部品Ｒを操作し、また、操作部Ｓを、軸方向に対して直角方向に移動させることによりプッシュスイッチＰを操作するものである。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の多方向入力装置は、操作部Ｓを、軸方向に対して直角方向に移動させた時、回転型部品Ｒが移動するため、装置が大型に成るという問題がある。
また、回転型部品Ｒの移動時、回転型部品Ｒの電気接続の維持のため、摺動接片５０ｂを固定接点５９に摺接させる構成を必要とし、このため、長寿命化を図ることが難しく、且つ、その構成が面倒で、コスト高に成るという問題がある。更に、操作部Ｓは、回転と直角方向の二つの操作によるものであるため、多機能の入力装置に利用できないという問題がある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として、軸方向の左右双方に移動可能であると共に軸方向に対して直角方向に移動可能で、且つ、回転可能な操作部と、該操作部によって回転操作される回転型電気部品と、前記操作部の軸方向の移動によって操作される第１及び第２のプッシュスイッチと、前記操作部の軸方向に対して直角方向の移動によって操作される第３のプッシュスイッチと、前記操作部の軸部と前記回転型電気部品を操作する軸との間に設けたオルダム接ぎ手とを備え、前記回転型電気部品を操作する軸は、前記オルダム接ぎ手により軸方向に抜け止めされ、前記操作部の軸方向及び回転方向の移動には共に従動し、前記操作部の軸方向に対して直角方向の移動には非従動であり、前記軸は、非円形に形成され、該軸が前記回転型電気部品を貫通して軸方向に移動可能で、且つ回転方向へは前記回転型電気部品を回転可能に係合されており、前記第１及び第２のプッシュスイッチを、前記操作部を挟んで該操作部の両側に配設し、前記操作部の軸方向の移動時、前記回転型電気部品を操作する軸で、前記第１及び第２のプッシュスイッチの何れか一方を、また、前記操作部の軸部で、前記第１及び第２のプッシュスイッチの他方を操作すると共に、前記操作部の回転で、前記オルダム接ぎ手を介して前記軸を回転して前記回転型電気部品を操作し、また、前記操作部を、前記軸部の軸方向に対して直角方向に移動した時、前記第３のプッシュスイッチを操作するものとされ、前記操作部と組み合わされた駆動体と、該駆動体をガイドするガイド部を設け、前記操作部は、前記駆動体をガイドに前記軸部の軸方向に移動可能で且つ回転可能に取り付けられ、前記操作部を、前記軸部の軸方向に対して直角方向に移動した時、前記駆動体が前記ガイド部にガイドされながら、前記操作部の移動方向と同方向に移動すると共に、前記駆動体を介して前記第３のプッシュスイッチを操作するようにした構成とした。
また、第２の解決手段として、前記ガイド部は、前記駆動体に設けた孔と、この孔に嵌合される支持部材とで構成した。
また、第３の解決手段として、前記ガイド部は、ケースに設けた溝部と、この溝部に嵌合する前記駆動体とで構成した。
また、第４の解決手段として、前記駆動体は、回転不能で、且つ、前記軸部の軸方向に移動不能に取り付けられ、この駆動体の一部が前記操作部の内部に配設され、該操作部は前記駆動体をガイドにして、回転方向と、前記軸部の軸方向の移動を行うようにした構成とした。
また、第５の解決手段として、前記オルダム接ぎ手を、係止部を有する凸部と、係止部を有する凹条部とのはめ合わせで構成し、前記両係止部を互いに係合して、軸方向の抜け防止を行うようにした構成とした。
また、第６の解決手段として、前記操作部は、前記第１と第２のプッシュスイッチの可動体によって、中立位置を保持するようにした構成とした。
また、第７の解決手段として、前記駆動体は、前記第３のプッシュスイッチの可動体によって、上方に付勢されている構成とした。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明における多方向入力装置の一実施例を、図１から図５に基づいて説明すると、図１は本発明の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図、図２は本発明の多方向入力装置の要部断面図、図３は本発明の多方向入力装置に係るケースの底面図、図４は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る操作部と駆動体との結合状態を示す正面図、図５は本発明の多方向入力装置に係るオルダム接ぎ手を説明するための要部の分解斜視図である。
【００１０】
合成樹脂の成型品から成るケース１は、内部が中空部１ａとなった箱形をなし、上壁１ｂには孔１ｃが設けられ、また、図３に示すように、中空部１ａに連なって、一方には二つの凹部１ｄ，１ｅが、他方には一つの凹部１ｆが対向した状態で形成されると共に、下面には複数個の突起１ｇが形成されている。
また、合成樹脂の成型品から成る操作部２は、外周に刻み部２ａを有する半円筒状のツマミ部２ｂと、ツマミ部２ｂの回転中心部に位置する軸部２ｃと、この軸部２ｃをツマミ部２ｂに連結する一対の腕部２ｄと、腕部２ｄとツマミ部２ｂとの間に形成された扇状の孔２ｅを有しており、この操作部２は、ケース１の中空部１ａに挿入されて、孔１ｃからツマミ部２ｂを外方に突出するようになっている。
【００１１】
また、合成樹脂の成型品から成り、外形が馬蹄形状をなす駆動体３は、ツマミ部２ｂの内周面に沿った円形状の外周壁３ａと、外周壁３ａの上部に沿って一部が軸方向に突出した延長壁３ｂと、この延長壁３ｂの下面に形成され、中心方向に延びた支持部３ｃと、外周壁３ａの下部に位置する突部３ｄと、中心部に形成された孔３ｅと、この孔３ｅを挟むように、外周壁３ａの下部から上部に貫通する一対の長孔３ｆとが設けられている。
そして、この駆動体３は、図２、４に示すように、延長壁３ｂを操作部２の孔２ｅに挿入して、この延長壁３ｂと外周壁３ａを、操作部２のツマミ部２ｂの内周面に接触させると共に、支持部３ｃの先端に設けた円弧状の凹部を、操作部２の軸部２ｃの外周面に当接させて、駆動体３と操作部２とが組み合わされると共に、操作部２が駆動体３によって取り付けられた状態となっている。
【００１２】
そして、組み合わされた操作部２は、駆動体３の外周壁３ａをガイドにして回転可能で、その回転範囲は、一対の腕部２ｄが延長壁３ｂの端部にぶつかる範囲、この実施例では約１２０度の角度の回転が可能となっている。
また、操作部２は、駆動体３をガイドにして、軸部２ｃの軸方向で左右の移動が可能になっており、その移動は、駆動体３の支持部３ｃによって操作部２の軸部２ｃが支持され、また、駆動体３の外周壁３ａによって操作部２のツマミ部２ｂが支持された状態となっているため、操作部２を軸方向に押圧したとき、操作部２は駆動体３の外周壁３ａと支持部３ｃをガイドに、左、或いは右に移動出来るようになっている。
【００１３】
また、ロータリスイッチ、ロータリ型エンコーダ等から成る回転型電気部品Ｒを備えていて、この実施例ではユニット化されたロータリエンコーダを用いており、このユニット化された回転型電気部品Ｒは、図１、２に示すように、合成樹脂から成る絶縁ケース４、５に、それぞれ固定接点６、７を埋設し、この二つの絶縁ケース４と５を対向させて組み合わせている。
また、絶縁ケース４、５内には、絶縁ケース４と５で回転可能に支持され、中心部に小判型の軸挿入用の孔８ａを有する回転体８が設けられ、この回転体８の両面には固定接点６、７と接離する金属のバネ板から成る可動接点９、１０が取り付けられると共に、回転体８の外周部に設けられた凹凸部８ｂには、バネ１１により弾圧されたボール１２が当接して、節度機構を形成した構成となっている。
そして、このようにユニット化された回転型電気部品Ｒは、ケース１の下面からケース１の凹部１ｄにはめ合わせて、ケース１内に取り付けられ、これによって、回転型電気部品Ｒの組み込みを容易にしている。
【００１４】
また、ユニット化された同じ構成を有する二つのプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２を備えており、ここで示したプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２は、図１、２に示すように、合成樹脂から成る絶縁ケース１３に、金属板から成る固定接点１４と導出端子１５とが埋設され、金属のバネ板から成る可動接点１６が絶縁ケース１３内に収納されて、可動接点１６の周辺は、導出端子１５に常時接触すると共に、その切り起こし部１６ａは固定接点１４に接離可能に、固定接点１４と対向した状態となっている。
また、絶縁ケース１３内には、ドーム状のバネ性のあるゴムから成る可動体１７が配設されると共に、中心部に開口１８ａを有するカバー１８が、絶縁ケース１３の開放部を塞ぐように設けられている。
そして、このようにユニット化されたプッシュスイッチＰ１は、ケース１の凹部１ｅにはめ込まれ、回転型電気部品Ｒと重なり、且つ、軸挿入用の孔８ａと開口１８ａとが対向した状態で取り付けられ、また、プッシュスイッチＰ２は、ケース１の凹部１ｆにはめ込まれ、もう一方のプッシュスイッチＰ１と対向した状態で取り付けられている。
このように、プッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２は、凹部１ｅ、１ｆに対し挿入のワン動作で組み込みが出来、組立を容易にしている。
【００１５】
更に、ユニット化された第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３を備えており、このプッシュスイッチＰ３は、図１、２に示すように、合成樹脂から成る絶縁ケース２０に、金属板から成る固定接点２１と導出端子２２とが埋設され、金属のバネ板から成るドーム状の可動接点２３が絶縁ケース２０内に収納され、可動接点２３の周辺は、導出端子２２に常時接触すると共に、中央部が固定接点２１に接離可能に、固定接点２１と対向した状態となっている。
また、絶縁ケース２０の下部の開放部を塞ぐ役割を兼ねた絶縁板から成る可動体２４は、切り込み部２４ａを設けて中央部に可動片２４ｂが形成され、この可動体２４は、開放部を塞ぐように絶縁ケース２０に取り付けられ、取り付けられた際は、可動片２４ｂがドーム状の可動接点２３と対向した状態となっている。
【００１６】
また、プリント基板等から成る絶縁基板２５は、図１、２に示すように、ケース１の突起１ｇを挿入するための複数の孔２５ａと、回転型電気部品ＲとプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３の端子類と挿通する複数個の孔２５ｂを有すると共に、この絶縁基板２５には、金属の円柱棒から成る一対の支持部材２６が固定されている。
そして、この一対の支持部材２６は、それぞれ駆動体３の長孔３ｆに挿入されてガイド部を構成し、駆動体３の軸方向、及び回転方向の移動を阻止するが、軸方向に対して直角方向の移動に対してガイドしながら駆動体３の移動可能ならしむように支持するようになっている。
また、絶縁基板２５には、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３が取り付けられ、この絶縁基板２５は、ケース１の下部の開放部を塞ぐように、突起１ｆが孔２５ａに挿入されてケース１の下部に取り付けられる。
そして、絶縁基板２５が取り付けられた際は、回転型電気部品Ｒ、プッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３の端子類が孔２５ｂを挿通して外方に突出すると共に、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３の可動体２４の可動片２４ｂが、駆動体３の突部３ｄと対向した状態となる。
【００１７】
更に、金属等から成り、回転と軸方向の移動が可能な非円形の軸２７と操作部２との間には、図１、２、５に示すように、オルダム接ぎ手２８が設けられ、このオルダム接ぎ手２８により、操作部２の回転、左右の軸方向の移動、及び軸方向に対して直角方向の移動を可能にしている。
そして、前記軸２７は、回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８の孔８ａに挿入されて取り付けられ、また、前記オルダム接ぎ手２８は、図１、２、５に示すように、操作部２と、回転と軸方向の移動が可能な軸２７との間に形成されており、このオルダム接ぎ手２８は、突状の係止部２８ａを有し、操作部２の軸部２ｃの一端に設けられたＴ字状の凸部２８ｂと、突状の係止部２８ｃを有し、軸２７の一端に設けられたＴ字状の凸部２８ｄと、前記操作部２と軸２７との間に配設され、一方の面には係止部２８ｅを有するＴ字状の凹条部２８ｆが、また、他方の面には前記凹条部２８ｆに対して直交した状態で、係止部２８ｇを有するＴ字状の凹条部２８ｈが設けられた伝達部２８ｊとを備えている。
【００１８】
そして、オルダム接ぎ手２８は、凸部２８ｂが伝達部２８ｊの凹条部２８ｆに、また、凸部２８ｄが伝達部２８ｊの凹条部２８ｈにそれぞれ嵌合され、且つ、係止部２８ａと係止部２８ｅが、また、係止部２８ｃと係止部２８ｇとが係止した状態で組み合わされている。
このようなオルダム接ぎ手２８は、操作部２を回転すると、凸部２８ｂが回転し、これによって、凸部２８ｂが嵌合した凹条部２８ｆによって伝達部２８ｊが回転し、更に、伝達部２８ｊの回転が、凹条部２８ｈに嵌合した凸部２８ｄに伝えられが軸２７が回転し、更に又、これによって、回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８が回転して、回転型電気部品Ｒの切り換えが行われるようになる。
また、操作部２を、軸部２ｃの軸方向に対して直角方向に移動すると、凸部２８ｂと凹条部２８ｆ，また、凸部２８ｄと凹条部２８ｈとの間で摺動動作を行い、軸２７を回転することなく、操作部２を直角方向に移動することが出来る。
また、操作部２を、軸部２ｃの軸方向に移動すると、凸部２８ｂ，２８ｄと伝達部２８ｊは、それぞれ係止部２８ａ、２８ｃ，２８ｅ，２８ｇによる係止によって、相互間で外れることなく、伝達部２８ｊ，軸２７を伴って操作部２を移動することが出来る。
【００１９】
また、前記軸２７が回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体６に組み込まれ、且つ、オルダム接ぎ手２８が組み込まれた際は、図２に示すように、軸２７の一端は、プッシュスイッチＰ１のカバー１８の開口１８ａと可動体１７に対向し、また、軸部２ｃは、プッシュスイッチＰ２のカバー１８の開口１８ａと可動体１７に対向した状態となっている。
そして、オルダム接ぎ手２８によって組み合わされた操作部２と軸２７は、軸２７の一端が前記第１のプッシュスイッチＰ１の可動体１７と当接し、また、軸部２ｃの一端が前記第２のプッシュスイッチＰ２の可動体１７と当接して、両可動体１７で挟まれた状態で、操作部２が中立位置を保持するようになっている。
【００２０】
次ぎに、本発明の多方向入力装置の組立方法を説明すると、先ず、操作部２の凸部２８ｂに、伝達部２８ｊの凹条部２８ｆを、軸方向に対して直角方向からはめ合わせ、次いで、この伝達部２８ｊの凹条部２８ｈに、同じように直角方向から軸２７の凸部２８ｄをはめ合わせる。
次ぎに、この状態で駆動体３を軸１７側から、駆動体３の外周壁３ａ及び延長壁３ｂを操作部２の孔２ｅに、また、駆動体３の孔３ｅに軸２７及び伝達部２８ｊをに挿入して、外壁部３ａを操作部２のツマミ部２ｂの内周面に当接させると共に、支持部３ｃを操作部２の軸部２ｃ外周面に当接させて、駆動体３を操作部２に組み合わせる。
次ぎに、回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８の孔８ａを、軸２７にはめ合わせ、この状態で、操作部２と駆動体３はケース１の中空部１ａに、また、回転型電気部品Ｒはケース１の凹部１ｄに挿入し、操作部２の一部を孔１ｃから外方に突出させると共に、凹部１ｄで回転型電気部品Ｒを取り付ける。
【００２１】
次で、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２を、それぞれケース１の凹部１ｅ、１ｆに挿入して、プッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２を凹部１ｅ、１ｆで取り付ける。
次ぎに、絶縁基板２５に、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３を取付、この絶縁基板２５をケース１の下方に位置させ、支持部材２６を駆動体３の長孔３ｆに挿入するように、絶縁基板２５を上方に上げて、ケース１の下部に当接させる。
すると、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３の可動体２４の可動片２４ｂは、駆動体３の突部３ｄと当接し、また、ケース１の突起１ｇは、絶縁基板２５の孔２５ｂに挿通され、更に、回転型電気部品Ｒ、プッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２、Ｐ３の端子類は、絶縁基板２５の孔２５ｂに挿通された状態となる。
そして、絶縁基板２５の孔２５ａから突出した突起１ｇの先端を、例えば加熱されたコテによって、広げるように変形（図示せず）させると、多方向入力装置の組立は完了する。
【００２２】
次ぎに、このような構成を有する本発明の多方向入力装置の動作を説明すると、図１、２において、先ず、操作部２を矢印Ａ方向に動かして回転すると、操作部２は、駆動体３の外周壁３ａと支持部３ｃをガイドにし、軸部２ｃを中心として回転する。
すると、オルダム接ぎ手２８によって、軸２７を介して回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８が回転する。
そして、回転体８は、バネ１１とボール１２の節度機構によりクリック感を持って回転すると共に、可動接点９、１０が、固定接点６、７上を摺動して接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板２５外に突出して設けられた、固定接点６、７の端子から導出されるように成っている。
【００２３】
次ぎに、操作部２を、軸部２ｃの軸方向に対して直角方向、即ち、矢印Ｂ方向に押圧・移動すると、操作部２は駆動体３を伴って、支持部材２６をガイドにして移動する。
すると、駆動体３の突部３ｄは、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３の可動体２４の一部である可動片２４ｂを押圧し、また、この可動片２４ｂの移動でドーム状の可動接点２３が押されて、可動接点２３は反転運動して固定接点２１と接触し、固定接点２１と導出端子２２との間が導通されて、接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板２５外に突出して設けられた、固定接点２１及び導出端子２２の端子から導出されるようになっている。
また、操作部２の直角方向の移動時、オルダム接ぎ手２８、即ち、突部２８ｂと凹条部２８ｆとの間、及び突部２８ｄと凹条部２８ｈとの間で摺動動作を行って、軸部２ｃの軸線Ｇ１を、軸２７の軸線Ｇ２からズラスことが出来ると共に、この直角方向の移動時、オルダム接ぎ手２８により軸部２ｃ、及び軸２７は、回転動作を行うことがない。
次いで、操作部２の直角方向の押圧を解除すると、可動接点２４は、そのバネ性によって反転して元の状態に戻り、固定接点２１との接触が離れて接点の切り換えが行われる。
また、可動接点２３の反転運動により、可動接点２３が可動体２４、及び駆動体３、操作部２を上方に押し戻す。
すると、軸線Ｇ１は軸線Ｇ２と一致した状態となると共に、この間において、オルダム接ぎ手２８によって、上述と同様の動作により軸部２ｃと軸２７が回転動作を行うことがない。
【００２４】
次ぎに、操作部２を軸部２ｃの軸方向、即ち、矢印Ｃ方向に押圧・移動すると、操作部２は、駆動体３の外周壁３ａと支持部３ｃをガイドにして、オルダム接ぎ手２８を介して軸２７を押圧する。
すると、軸２７は回転体８の孔８ａをガイドにして同方向に移動し、この軸２７が第１のプッシュスイッチＰ１のドーム状の可動体１７を押圧し、可動体１７は反転運動して、可動接点１６の切り起こし部１６ａを固定接点１４に接触させて、導出端子１５と固定接点１４との間が導通されて接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板２５外に突出して設けられた、固定接点１４及び導出端子１５の端子から導出されるようになっている。
次いで、操作部２の矢印Ｃ方向の押圧を解除すると、可動体１７は、そのバネ性によって反転して元の状態に戻り、すると、切り起こし部１６ａもバネ性で元に状態、即ち、固定接点１４との接触が離れて状態になって、接点の切り換えが行われる。
また、可動体１７の反転運動により、可動体１７が軸２７、オルダム接ぎ手２８、及び操作部２を元の状態に押し戻し、操作部２は、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２の可動体１７で挟持された中立位置となる。
【００２５】
次ぎに、操作部２を軸部２ｃの軸方向、即ち、矢印Ｄ方向に押圧・移動すると、操作部２は、駆動体３の外周壁３ａと支持部３ｃをガイドにして、オルダム接ぎ手２８及び軸２７を伴い、軸部２ｃを同方向に移動する。
すると、軸２７は回転体８の孔８ａをガイドにして同方向に移動すると共に、操作部２の軸部２ｃが第２のプッシュスイッチＰ２のドーム状の可動体１７を押圧し、可動体１７は反転運動して、可動接点１６の切り起こし部１６ａを固定接点１４に接触させて、導出端子１５と固定接点１４との間が導通されて接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板２５外に突出して設けられた、固定接点１４及び導出端子１５の端子から導出されるようになっている。
次いで、操作部２の矢印Ｄ方向の押圧を解除すると、可動体１７は、そのバネ性によって反転して元の状態に戻り、すると、切り起こし部１６ａもバネ性で元に状態、即ち、固定接点１４との接触が離れて状態になって、接点の切り換えが行われる。
また、可動体１７の反転運動により、可動体１７が軸部２ｃ、軸２７、及びオルダム接ぎ手２８を元の状態に押し戻し、操作部２は、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２の可動体１７で挟持された中立位置となる。
【００２６】
以上のような動作により、本発明の多方向入力装置の操作が行われるが、このような多方向入力装置を自動車に適用した場合は、例えば、回転型電気部品Ｒはエアコンの風量の強、弱、及びＯＦＦ切り換えに、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３はエアコンのモード切り換え、即ち、暖房、冷房の切り換えに、又、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２はエアコンの温度を高くするのと低くするのに用いられるものである。
そして、多様な機能に適用できるようになっている。
【００２７】
図６、図７は本発明の多方向入力装置の他の実施例を示し、図６は裏面から見た要部の分解斜視図、図７はその要部おける断面図である。
この図６、図７に基づいて、他の実施例の構成を説明すると、合成樹脂の成型品から成るケース３０は、内部が中空部３０ａとなった箱形をなし、上壁３０ｂには孔３０ｃが設けられ、また、対向する一対の側壁３０ｄには、中空部３０ａ内に位置する溝部３０ｅが設けられている。
また、合成樹脂の成型品から成る操作部３１は、外周に刻み部３１ａを有するリング状のツマミ部３１ｂと、ツマミ部３１ｂの回転中心部に位置する軸部３１ｃと、この軸部３１ｃをツマミ部３１ｂに連結する円板状の連結部３１ｄと、ツマミ部３１ｂの内部において、連結部３１ｄの両側に位置する空洞部３１ｅ、３１ｆとが設けられており、この操作部３１は、ケース３０の中空部３０ａに挿入されて、孔３０ｃからツマミ部３１ｂを外方に突出するようになっている。
【００２８】
また、合成樹脂の成型品から成る駆動体３２は、平板状の矩形の板部３２ａと、この板部３２ａの中心部に設けられた円筒状の筒部３２ｂと、板部３２ａの一端に設けられた突部３２ｃとを備えている。
そして、この駆動体３２は、筒部３２ｂを操作部３１の空洞部３１ｅ内に位置させ、突部３２ｃをツマミ部３１ｂ外に位置させて配設されると共に、板部３２ａは、ケース３０の一対の溝部３０ｅに嵌合されてガイド部を構成し、該溝部３０ｅをガイドにして上下動可能に取り付けられている。
また、リング状の合成樹脂から成るスペーサ３３は、操作部３１の空洞部３１ｅ内に位置し、ツマミ部３１ｂの内周面と駆動体３２の筒部３２ｂの外周面との間に配設されて、このスペーサ３３は、操作部３１が軸部３１ｃを中心として回転できるように、駆動体３２に操作部３１を保持する役割をする。
【００２９】
また、ロータリスイッチ、ロータリ型エンコーダ等から成る回転型電気部品Ｒを備えていて、この実施例ではユニット化されたロータリ型エンコーダを用いており、このユニット化された回転型電気部品Ｒは、合成樹脂から成る絶縁ケース３４に、バネ性のある複数個の固定接点３５が埋設されている。
また、絶縁ケース３４の開放部を塞ぐように、中央部に孔３６ａを有するカバー３６が設けられ、このカバー３６と絶縁ケース３４の間には、非円形の孔３７ａを有し、固定接点３５と接離可能な可動接点４１を取り付けた回転体３７が回転可能に設けられると共に、回転体３７の外周に設けられた凹凸部３７ｂには、バネ４０を当接して、節度機構を構成した構成と成っている。
【００３０】
また、ユニット化された同じ構成を有する二つの第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２を備えている。
そして、このプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２は、前記実施例で示したプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２と同一の構成を有するので、同じ部品に同じ番号を付し、ここではその構成の説明を省略する。
そして、プッシュスイッチＰ１は、ケース３０の中空部３０ａに、前記回転型電気部品Ｒと重なるように挿入されて取り付けられ、プッシュスイッチＰ１のカバー１８の開口１８ａと回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８の孔８ａが対向した状態となると共に、プッシュスイッチＰ２は、カバー１８の開口１８ａが操作部３１の軸部３１ｃに対向するように、ケース３０の中空部３０ａに挿入されて取り付けられる。
【００３１】
更に、ユニット化された第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３を備えており、このプッシュスイッチＰ１３は、前記実施例で示したプッシュスイッチＰ３と同一の構成を有するので、ここでは同一部品に同じ番号を付し、その構成の説明を省略する。
また、プリント基板等から成る絶縁基板３８は、ケース３０の下面に設けた突起（図示せず）を挿入するための複数個の孔（図示せず）と、回転型電気部品ＲとプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３の端子類を挿通する複数個の孔３８ｂを有し、この絶縁基板３８には、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３が取り付けられ、この絶縁基板３８は、ケース３０の下部の開放部を塞ぐように、ケース３０の突起を絶縁基板３８の孔に挿入されて、ケース３０の下部に取り付けられる。
また、絶縁基板３８が取り付けられた際は、回転型電気部品Ｒ、プッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３の端子類が孔３８ｂを挿通して外方に突出すると共に、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３の可動体２４の可動片２４ｂが、駆動体３２の突部３２ｄと対向した状態となる。
【００３２】
更に、金属等から成り、回転と軸方向の移動が可能な非円形の軸３９と操作部３１との間には、オルダム接ぎ手２８が設けられ、このオルダム接ぎ手２８により、操作部３１の回転、左右の軸方向の移動、及び軸方向に対して直角方向の移動を可能にしている。
そして、このオルダム接ぎ手２８は、前記実施例で示したオルダム接ぎ手と同一の構成を有するので、ここでは同一部品に同じ番号を付し、その構成の説明は省略する。
そして、このようなオルダム接ぎ手２８は、操作部３１を回転すると、凸部２８ｂが回転し、これによって、凸部２８ｂが嵌合した凹条部２８ｆによって伝達部２８ｊが回転し、更に、伝達部２８ｊの回転が、凹条部２８ｈに嵌合した凸部２８ｄに伝えられが軸３９が回転し、更に又、これによって、回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８が回転して、回転型電気部品Ｒの切り換えが行われるようになる。
また、操作部３１を、軸部３１ｃの軸方向に対して直角方向に移動すると、凸部２８ｂと凹条部２８ｆ，また、凸部２８ｄと凹条部２８ｈとの間で摺動動作を行い、軸３９を回転することなく、操作部３１を直角方向に移動することが出来る。
また、操作部３１を、軸部３１ｃの軸方向に移動すると、凸部２８ｂ，２８ｄと伝達部２８ｊは、それぞれ係止部２８ａ、２８ｃ，２８ｅ，２８ｇによる係止によって、相互間で外れることなく、伝達部２８ｊ，軸３を伴って操作部３１を移動することが出来る。
【００３３】
また、前記軸３９が回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体６に組み込まれ、且つ、オルダム接ぎ手２８が組み込まれた際は、図７に示すように、軸３９の一端は、プッシュスイッチＰ１のカバー１８の開口１８ａと可動体１７に対向し、また、軸部３１ｃは、プッシュスイッチＰ２のカバー１８の開口１８ａと可動体１７に対向した状態となっている。
そして、オルダム接ぎ手２８によって組み合わされた操作部３１と軸３９は、軸３９の一端が前記第１のプッシュスイッチＰ１の可動体１７と当接し、また、軸部３１ｃの一端が前記第２のプッシュスイッチＰ２の可動体１７と当接して、両可動体１７で挟まれた状態で、操作部３１が中立位置を保持するようになっている。
【００３４】
次ぎに、この多方向入力装置の組立方法を説明すると、先ず、操作部３１の凸部２８ｂに、伝達部２８ｊの凹条部２８ｆを、軸方向に対して直角方向からはめ合わせ、次いで、この伝達部２８ｊの凹条部２８ｈに、同じように直角方向から軸３９の凸部２８ｄをはめ合わせる。
次ぎに、駆動体３２の筒部３２ｂにスペーサ３３を嵌合し、この駆動体３２とスペーサ３３を操作部３１のツマミ部３１ｂの内周面に当接させて、スペーサ３３と駆動体３２を操作部３１に組み合わせる。
このような状態においては、オルダム接ぎ手２８が直角方向に移動しても、突部２８ｂ，２８ｄと凹条部２８ｆ，２８ｈとの係合が外れる前に、伝達部２８ｊが駆動体３２の筒部３２ｂの内面に当接して、オルダム接ぎ手２８は分解することがない。
次ぎに、回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８の孔８ａを、軸３９にはめ合わせ、この状態で、操作部３１、駆動体３２、及び回転型電気部品Ｒをケース３０の中空部３０ａに挿入して取り付けると共に、操作部３１の一部を孔３０ｃから外方に突出させる。
【００３５】
次で、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２を、それぞれケース３０の中空部３０ａに挿入して取り付ける。
次ぎに、絶縁基板３８に、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３を取付、この絶縁基板３８をケース３０の下方に位置させ、絶縁基板３８を上方に上げて、ケース３０の下部に当接させる。
すると、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３の可動体２４の可動片２４ｂは、駆動体３２の突部３２ｃと当接し、また、ケース３０の突起（図示せず）は、絶縁基板３８の孔（図示せず）に挿通され、更に、回転型電気部品Ｒ、プッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２、Ｐ３の端子類は、絶縁基板３８の孔３８ｂに挿通された状態となる。
そして、前記実施例と同様に、絶縁基板３８の孔から突出した突起の先端を、例えば加熱されたコテによって、広げるように変形（図示せず）させると、多方向入力装置の組立は完了する。
【００３６】
次ぎに、このような構成を有する本発明の多方向入力装置の動作を説明すると、図６、７において、先ず、操作部３１を矢印Ａ方向に動かして回転すると、操作部３１は、スペーサ３３と駆動体３２の筒部３２ｂをガイドにし、軸部３１ｃを中心として回転する。
すると、オルダム接ぎ手２８によって、軸３９を介して回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体８が回転する。
そして、回転体８は、バネ４０による節度機構により、クリック感を持って回転すると共に、可動接点４１が、固定接点３５上を摺動して接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板３８外に突出して設けられた、固定接点３５の端子から導出されるように成っている。
【００３７】
次ぎに、操作部３１を、軸部３１ｃの軸方向に対して直角方向、即ち、矢印Ｂ方向に押圧・移動すると、操作部３１はスペーサ３３と駆動体３２を伴って、駆動体３２がはめ合わされた溝部３０ｅをガイドにして移動する。
すると、駆動体３２の突部３２ｃは、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３の可動体２４の一部である可動片２４ｂを押圧し、また、この可動片２４ｂの移動でドーム状の可動接点２３が押されて、可動接点２３は反転運動して固定接点２１と接触し、固定接点２１と導出端子２２との間が導通されて、接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板２５外に突出して設けられた、固定接点２１及び導出端子２２の端子から導出されるようになっている。
また、操作部３１の直角方向の移動時、オルダム接ぎ手２８、即ち、突部２８ｂと凹条部２８ｆとの間、及び突部２８ｄと凹条部２８ｈとの間で摺動動作を行って、軸部３１ｃの軸線Ｇ１を、軸３９の軸線Ｇ２からズラスことが出来ると共に、この直角方向の移動時、オルダム接ぎ手２８により軸部３１ｃ、及び軸３９は、回転動作を行うことがない。
次いで、操作部３１の直角方向の押圧を解除すると、可動接点２４は、そのバネ性によって反転して元の状態に戻り、固定接点２１との接触が離れて接点の切り換えが行われる。
また、可動接点２３の反転運動により、可動接点２３が可動体２４、及び駆動体３２、スペーサ３３、及び操作部３１を上方に押し戻す。
すると、軸線Ｇ１は軸線Ｇ２と一致した状態となると共に、この間において、オルダム接ぎ手２８によって、上述と同様の動作により軸部３１ｃと軸３９が回転動作を行うことがない。
【００３８】
次ぎに、操作部３１を軸部３１ｃの軸方向、即ち、矢印Ｃ方向に押圧・移動すると、操作部２は、スペーサ３３を介して駆動体３２の筒部３２ｂの外周面をガイドにして移動すると共に、オルダム接ぎ手２８を介して軸３９を押圧する。
すると、軸３９は回転体８の孔８ａをガイドにして同方向に移動し、この軸３９が第１のプッシュスイッチＰ１のドーム状の可動体１７を押圧し、可動体１７は反転運動して、可動接点１６の切り起こし部１６ａを固定接点１４に接触させて、導出端子１５と固定接点１４との間が導通されて接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板３８外に突出して設けられた、固定接点１４及び導出端子１５の端子から導出されるようになっている。
次いで、操作部３１の矢印Ｃ方向の押圧を解除すると、可動体１７は、そのバネ性によって反転して元の状態に戻り、すると、切り起こし部１６ａもバネ性で元に状態、即ち、固定接点１４との接触が離れて状態になって、接点の切り換えが行われる。
また、可動体１７の反転運動により、可動体１７が軸３９、オルダム接ぎ手２８、及び操作部３１を元の状態に押し戻し、操作部３１は、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２の可動体１７で挟持された中立位置となる。
【００３９】
次ぎに、操作部３１を軸部３１ｃの軸方向、即ち、矢印Ｄ方向に押圧・移動すると、操作部２は、スペーサ３３を介して駆動体３２の筒部３２ｃをガイドにして、オルダム接ぎ手２８及び軸３９を伴い、軸部３１ｃを同方向に移動する。
すると、軸３９は回転体８の孔８ａをガイドにして同方向に移動すると共に、操作部３１の軸部３１ｃが第２のプッシュスイッチＰ２のドーム状の可動体１７を押圧し、可動体１７は反転運動して、可動接点１６の切り起こし部１６ａを固定接点１４に接触させて、導出端子１５と固定接点１４との間が導通されて接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えは、絶縁基板２５外に突出して設けられた、固定接点１４及び導出端子１５の端子から導出されるようになっている。次いで、操作部３１の矢印Ｄ方向の押圧を解除すると、可動体１７は、そのバネ性によって反転して元の状態に戻り、すると、切り起こし部１６ａもバネ性で元に状態、即ち、固定接点１４との接触が離れて状態になって、接点の切り換えが行われる。
また、可動体１７の反転運動により、可動体１７が軸部３１ｃ、軸３９、及びオルダム接ぎ手２８を元の状態に押し戻し、操作部３１は、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２の可動体１７で挟持された中立位置となる。
【００４０】
以上のような動作により、本発明の多方向入力装置の操作が行われるが、このような多方向入力装置を自動車に適用した場合は、前記実施例と同様に、例えば、回転型電気部品Ｒはエアコンの風量の強、弱、及びＯＦＦ切り換えに、第３のプッシュスイッチＰ３はエアコンのモード切り換え、即ち、暖房、冷房の切り換えに、又、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチＰ１，Ｐ２はエアコンの温度を高くするのと低くするのに用いられるものである。
そして、多様な機能に適用できるようになっている。
なお、ここで示したプッシュスイッチは、これ以外の種々のものを適用できること勿論である。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、操作部と回転型電気部品を操作する軸との間に、オルダム接ぎ手を設けたものであるため、操作部を直角方向に移動したとき、回転型電気部品全体を移動することが無く、従って、スペースフアクタが良く、装置が小型となる。
また、回転型電気部品全体が移動しないため、従来のような移動時における摺動接点と固定接点が不要となり、長寿命化が図れると共に、安価な装置を提供できる。
また、第１のプッシュスイッチを設け、操作部で操作するようにしたため、多機能の入力装置を提供できる。
また、第２のプッシュスイッチを設け、操作部で操作するようにしたため、更に、多機能の入力装置を提供できる。
また、操作部の両側に第１と第２のプッシュスイッチを配設することによって、小型で、操作性の良好な装置を提供できる。
また、操作部と駆動体とを組み合わせて、駆動体で第３のプッシュスイッチを操作するため、操作部の動作を別部材である駆動体に伝達でき、このため、プッシュスイッチの配置などに、自由度を持たせることが出来て、融通性のある装置を提供できる。
また、駆動体の移動をガイドするガイド部を設けることによって、駆動体の確実な移動を行うことが出来る。
また、ガイド部を、支持部材、或いは溝部で構成することにより、その構成が簡単で、組立性が良く、安価であると共に、駆動部の回転と軸方向の移動をなくし得て、操作部のガイドとして利用できる。
また、操作部の内部に駆動体を配設することによって、簡単な構成の操作部のガイド構造が得られ、小型で安価な装置を提供できる。
また、オルダム接ぎ手を、係止部を有する凸部と、係止部を有する凹条部とで構成したため、軸方向の移動時、オルダム接ぎ手が外れることが無く、確実な動作が得られる。
また、第１と第２のプッシュスイッチで、操作部の中立位置を保つようにしたため、別部品を必要とせず、その構成が簡単で、組立性が良く、安価な装置を提供できる。
更に、第３のプッシュスイッチの可動体で、駆動体を上方に付勢するため、別部品を必要とせず、組立性が簡単で、安価な装置が提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図。
【図２】本発明の多方向入力装置の要部断面図。
【図３】本発明の多方向入力装置に係るケースの底面図。
【図４】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る操作部と駆動体の結合状態を示す正面図。
【図５】本発明の多方向入力装置に係るオルダム接ぎ手を説明するための要部の分解斜視図。
【図６】本発明の他の実施例の多方向入力装置を示す裏面から見た要部の分解斜視図。
【図７】本発明の他の実施例の多方向入力装置の要部断面図。
【図８】従来の多方向入力装置の斜視図。
【図９】従来の多方向入力装置の要部の断面図。
【図１０】従来の多方向入力装置の要部の断面図。
【図１１】従来の多方向入力装置に係る絶縁基板の斜視図。
【符号の説明】
Ｒ回転型電気部品
Ｐ１，Ｐ２，Ｐ３プッシュスイッチ
１ケース
１ａ中空部
１ｂ上壁
１ｃ孔
１ｄ、１ｅ、１ｆ凹部
１ｇ突起
２操作部
２ａ刻み部
２ｂツマミ部
２ｃ軸部
２ｄ腕部
２ｅ孔
３駆動体
３ａ外周壁
３ｂ延長壁
３ｃ支持部
３ｄ突部
３ｅ孔
３ｆ長孔
４、５絶縁ケース
６、７固定接点
８回転体
８ａ孔
８ｂ凹凸部
９、１０可動接点
１１バネ
１２ボール
１３絶縁ケース
１４固定接点
１５導出端子
１６可動接点
１６ａ切り起こし部
１７可動体
１８カバー
１８ａ開口
２０絶縁ケース
２１固定接点
２２導出端子
２３可動接点
２４可動体
２４ａ切り込み部
２４ｂ可動片
２５絶縁基板
２５ａ孔
２５ｂ孔
２６支持部材
２７軸
２８オルダム接ぎ手
２８ａ係止部
２８ｂ凸部
２８ｃ係止部
２８ｄ凸部
２８ｅ係止部
２８ｆ凹条部
２８ｇ係止部
２８ｈ凹条部
２８ｊ伝達部
３０ケース
３０ａ中空部
３０ｂ上壁
３０ｃ孔
３０ｄ側壁
３０ｅ溝部
３１操作部
３１ａ刻み部
３１ｂツマミ部
３１ｃ軸部
３１ｄ連結部
３１ｅ空洞部
３１ｆ空洞部
３２駆動体
３２ａ板部
３２ｂ筒部
３２ｃ突部
３３スペーサ
３４絶縁基板
３５固定接点
３６カバー
３７回転体
３７ａ孔
３７ｂ凹凸部
３８絶縁基板
３８ｂ孔
３９軸
４０バネ
４１可動接点[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device suitable for use in an automobile or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional multidirectional input device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-203387.
As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the multidirectional input device operates the rotary part R by rotating the operation unit S, and moves the operation unit S in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In this way, the push switch P is operated.
The rotary component R fixes a contact body 50 including a pair of sliding contact pieces 50a and 50b to a box-shaped case 51, and is in sliding contact with the sliding contact piece 50a in the box-shaped case 51. A rotating body 53 to which the contact plate 52 is fixed is attached so as to be rotatable by a shaft 54.
Further, the push switch P has a configuration in which a contact portion (not shown) is provided in the housing 55 and an operation button 56 movably attached to the housing 55 is provided.
[0003]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the flat insulating substrate 58 has a recess 58a for guiding the rotary component R, and is positioned on both sides of the recess 58a to prevent the rotary component R from coming off. A pair of rails 58b, a recess 58c spaced from the recess 58a, and a protrusion 58d are provided.
Further, a fixed contact 59 is embedded in the insulating substrate 58 so as to be exposed in the recess 58a.
Then, the torsion spring in which the case 51 of the rotary component R is placed in the recess 58a of the insulating substrate 58, and the rail 58b is brought into contact with the stepped portion 51a of the case 51 and is latched on the projection 58d. At 60, the case 51 is pressed to attach the rotary component R to the insulating substrate 58.
When the rotary component R is attached, the sliding contact piece 51b is in contact with the exposed contact 59a on the insulating substrate 58.
[0004]
The push switch P is attached to the insulating substrate 58 with the housing 55 of the push switch P fitted in the recess 58c of the insulating substrate 58 and the operation button 56 facing the protrusion 51b of the case 51 of the rotary component R. It has been.
Further, the operation unit S is configured to be attached to the rotating body 53 of the rotary component R with a screw 61.
[0005]
Next, the operation of the conventional multidirectional input device will be described. First, when the operation unit S is rotated, the rotating body 53 rotates around the shaft 54 along with the rotation.
Then, the contact plate 52 attached to the rotating body 53 is also rotated to contact and separate from the sliding contact piece 50a, and the contact is switched. This contact switching is performed via the sliding contact 50b and the contact 59a. 59.
Next, when the operation unit S is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 54, that is, in the direction of the arrow Y, the operation unit S is accompanied by the rotary component R and the arrow Y against the torsion spring 60. Move in the direction.
At this time, the sliding contact piece 50b slides on the contact 59a of the fixed contact 59, and the projection 51b of the case 51 pushes the operation button 56 of the push switch P while maintaining the electrical connection of the rotary component R. Press.
[0006]
Then, switching of the contacts of the push switch P is performed. Thereafter, when the pressing of the operation unit S is released, the rotary part R is moved to the state before the pressing with the operation unit S by the torsion spring 60.
At this time, the sliding contact piece 50b slides on the contact 59a to maintain the electrical connection of the rotary part R, and the operation button 56 returns to the state before pressing, and the contact of the push switch P is switched. Is called.
In this way, the rotary part R is operated by rotating the operation unit S, and the push switch P is operated by moving the operation unit S in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional multi-directional input device has a problem that when the operation unit S is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the rotary component R moves, so that the device becomes large.
Further, in order to maintain the electrical connection of the rotary part R during the movement of the rotary part R, a configuration in which the sliding contact piece 50b is slidably contacted with the fixed contact 59 is required. There is a problem that it is difficult, the configuration is troublesome, and the cost is high. Furthermore, since the operation unit S is based on two operations in a direction perpendicular to the rotation, there is a problem that the operation unit S cannot be used for a multifunctional input device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  As a first means for solving the above problems,It can move both left and right in the axial directionAn operation unit that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and is rotatable;Rotated by the operation unitRotating electrical components,Operated by axial movement of the operating partFirstAnd secondWith a push switch,A third push switch operated by movement in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation unit;An Oldham joint provided between a shaft portion of the operation portion and a shaft for operating the rotary electric component;The shaft for operating the rotary electrical component is prevented from coming off in the axial direction by the Oldham joint, and is driven by the movement of the operating portion in the axial direction and the rotational direction, and is perpendicular to the axial direction of the operating portion. The shaft is formed in a non-circular shape, and the shaft is movable in the axial direction through the rotary electrical component, and the rotary electrical component is moved in the rotational direction. The first push switch and the second push switch are arranged on both sides of the operation unit with the operation unit interposed therebetween, and the rotary electric Operate any one of the first and second push switches with a shaft for operating a component, and operate the other of the first and second push switches with a shaft portion of the operation unit,By rotating the operation unit, the shaft is rotated through the Oldham joint to operate the rotary electrical component, and the operation unit is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft unit. When said first3Operate the push switchA drive body combined with the operation section and a guide section for guiding the drive body are provided, and the operation section is movable and rotatable in the axial direction of the shaft section with the drive body as a guide. And when the operation unit is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion, the drive body is moved in the same direction as the movement direction of the operation portion while being guided by the guide portion. And operating the third push switch via the driverThe configuration was as follows.
  As a second solution,The guide portion is composed of a hole provided in the driving body and a support member fitted into the hole..
  As a third solution,The guide portion is constituted by a groove portion provided in the case and the driving body fitted in the groove portion..
  As a fourth solution,The driving body is mounted so as not to rotate and cannot move in the axial direction of the shaft portion. A part of the driving body is disposed inside the operation portion, and the operation portion guides the driving body. The rotation direction and the axial movement of the shaft part were performed.The configuration.
  As a fifth solution,The Oldham joint is formed by fitting a convex part having a locking part and a concave line part having a locking part, and the locking parts are engaged with each other to prevent axial disconnection. I didThe configuration.
  As a sixth solution,The operation unit is configured to hold a neutral position by a movable body of the first and second push switches.The configuration.
  As a seventh solution,The driving body is biased upward by the movable body of the third push switch.As compositionIt was.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a case according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front view showing a coupling state of the operation unit and the driving body according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a main part for explaining an Oldham joint according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
[0010]
A case 1 made of a synthetic resin molded product has a box shape with a hollow portion 1a inside, and a hole 1c is provided in the upper wall 1b. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the case 1 is connected to the hollow portion 1a. Two recesses 1d and 1e are formed on one side and one recess 1f is formed on the other side, and a plurality of protrusions 1g are formed on the lower surface.
The operation unit 2 made of a synthetic resin molded product includes a semi-cylindrical knob portion 2b having a notch portion 2a on the outer periphery, a shaft portion 2c positioned at the rotation center of the knob portion 2b, and the shaft portion 2c. It has a pair of arm portions 2d connected to the knob portion 2b, and a fan-shaped hole 2e formed between the arm portion 2d and the knob portion 2b. The operation portion 2 is formed in the hollow portion 1a of the case 1. When inserted, the knob portion 2b protrudes outward from the hole 1c.
[0011]
Further, the driving body 3 made of a synthetic resin molded product and having an outer shape of a horseshoe has a circular outer peripheral wall 3a along the inner peripheral surface of the knob portion 2b and a part along the upper portion of the outer peripheral wall 3a. An extension wall 3b protruding in the axial direction, a support portion 3c formed on the lower surface of the extension wall 3b and extending in the center direction, a protrusion 3d located at the lower portion of the outer peripheral wall 3a, and a hole formed in the center portion 3e and a pair of long holes 3f penetrating from the lower part to the upper part of the outer peripheral wall 3a are provided so as to sandwich the hole 3e.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the driving body 3 inserts the extension wall 3 b into the hole 2 e of the operation portion 2, and connects the extension wall 3 b and the outer peripheral wall 3 a to the knob portion 2 b of the operation portion 2. While making it contact with an inner peripheral surface, the circular arc-shaped recessed part provided in the front-end | tip of the support part 3c is made to contact | abut to the outer peripheral surface of the axial part 2c of the operation part 2, and the drive body 3 and the operation part 2 are combined. The operation unit 2 is attached by the driving body 3.
[0012]
The combined operation unit 2 can be rotated with the outer peripheral wall 3a of the driving body 3 as a guide, and the rotation range thereof is a range where the pair of arm portions 2d collide with the end portions of the extension wall 3b, in this embodiment. A rotation of about 120 degrees is possible.
Further, the operation unit 2 can move left and right in the axial direction of the shaft portion 2 c using the drive body 3 as a guide. The movement of the operation unit 2 is supported by the support portion 3 c of the drive body 3. 2c is supported, and the knob portion 2b of the operation portion 2 is supported by the outer peripheral wall 3a of the drive body 3. Therefore, when the operation portion 2 is pressed in the axial direction, the operation portion 2 is 3 can be moved to the left or right by using the outer peripheral wall 3a and the support portion 3c as a guide.
[0013]
Further, a rotary electric component R composed of a rotary switch, a rotary encoder and the like is provided. In this embodiment, a unitized rotary encoder is used, and this unitized rotary electric component R is shown in FIG. 2, fixed contacts 6 and 7 are embedded in insulating cases 4 and 5 made of a synthetic resin, respectively, and the two insulating cases 4 and 5 are combined to face each other.
Further, in the insulating cases 4 and 5, a rotating body 8 that is rotatably supported by the insulating cases 4 and 5 and that has a small-sized shaft insertion hole 8 a at the center is provided. Are mounted with movable contacts 9 and 10 made of metal spring plates that come in contact with and away from the fixed contacts 6 and 7, and the concave and convex portions 8 b provided on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 8 are balls pressed by the spring 11. 12 is abutted to form a moderation mechanism.
Then, the rotary electric component R unitized in this way is fitted into the case 1 from the lower surface of the case 1 so as to fit into the concave portion 1d of the case 1, thereby making it easy to incorporate the rotary electric component R. I have to.
[0014]
Moreover, it has two push switches P1 and P2 having the same configuration as a unit, and the push switches P1 and P2 shown here are attached to an insulating case 13 made of synthetic resin as shown in FIGS. The fixed contact 14 made of a metal plate and the lead-out terminal 15 are embedded, and the movable contact 16 made of a metal spring plate is housed in the insulating case 13, and the periphery of the movable contact 16 is always in contact with the lead-out terminal 15. At the same time, the cut-and-raised portion 16 a is in a state of facing the fixed contact 14 so as to be able to contact and separate from the fixed contact 14.
A movable body 17 made of rubber having a dome-like spring property is disposed in the insulating case 13, and a cover 18 having an opening 18 a at the center closes the open portion of the insulating case 13. Is provided.
The push switch P1 unitized in this way is fitted in the recess 1e of the case 1, is attached to the rotary electrical component R, and the shaft insertion hole 8a and the opening 18a face each other. Further, the push switch P2 is fitted in the recess 1f of the case 1 and is mounted in a state of facing the other push switch P1.
As described above, the push switches P1 and P2 can be assembled into the recesses 1e and 1f by one insertion operation, thereby facilitating assembly.
[0015]
Furthermore, a unitized third push switch P3 is provided. This push switch P3 is connected to an insulating case 20 made of synthetic resin and a fixed contact 21 made of a metal plate, as shown in FIGS. The terminal 22 is embedded, and a dome-shaped movable contact 23 made of a metal spring plate is accommodated in the insulating case 20. The periphery of the movable contact 23 is always in contact with the lead-out terminal 22, and the central portion is a fixed contact 21. It is in a state facing the fixed contact 21 so as to be able to contact and separate.
In addition, the movable body 24 made of an insulating plate that also serves to block the open portion of the lower portion of the insulating case 20 is provided with a cutout portion 24a and a movable piece 24b is formed at the center portion. It is attached to the insulating case 20 so as to be closed, and when attached, the movable piece 24b faces the dome-shaped movable contact 23.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the insulating substrate 25 made of a printed circuit board or the like includes a plurality of holes 25a for inserting the protrusions 1g of the case 1, a rotary electrical component R, and push switches P1, P2, P3. A plurality of holes 25b are inserted into the terminals, and a pair of support members 26 made of metal cylindrical rods are fixed to the insulating substrate 25.
The pair of support members 26 are inserted into the elongated holes 3f of the driving body 3 to form guide portions, and prevent the driving body 3 from moving in the axial direction and the rotation direction. The driver 3 is supported so as to be movable while being guided with respect to the movement in the perpendicular direction.
Further, a third push switch P3 is attached to the insulating substrate 25. The insulating substrate 25 has a protrusion 1f inserted into the hole 25a so as to close the open portion of the lower portion of the case 1, and is attached to the lower portion of the case 1. It is attached.
When the insulating substrate 25 is attached, the terminals of the rotary electrical component R and the push switches P1, P2, P3 are inserted through the holes 25b and protrude outward, and the third push switch P3 is movable. The movable piece 24b of the body 24 is in a state of facing the protrusion 3d of the drive body 3.
[0017]
Furthermore, an Oldham joint 28 is provided between the non-circular shaft 27 made of metal or the like and capable of rotating and moving in the axial direction and the operation unit 2, as shown in FIGS. The Oldham joint 28 enables the operation unit 2 to rotate, move in the left and right axial directions, and move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
The shaft 27 is inserted into and attached to the hole 8a of the rotating body 8 of the rotary electric component R, and the Oldham joint 28 is connected to the operation unit 2 as shown in FIGS. The Oldham joint 28 has a projecting locking portion 28 a and is provided at one end of the shaft portion 2 c of the operation portion 2. The T-shaped convex portion 28b and the protruding locking portion 28c are provided, and the T-shaped convex portion 28d provided at one end of the shaft 27 is interposed between the operating portion 2 and the shaft 27. A T-shaped groove 28f having a locking portion 28e is provided on one surface, and a locking portion 28g is provided on the other surface in a state orthogonal to the groove 28f. And a transmission portion 28j provided with a T-shaped concave strip portion 28h.
[0018]
In the Oldham joint 28, the convex portion 28b is fitted into the concave strip portion 28f of the transmission portion 28j, and the convex portion 28d is fitted into the concave strip portion 28h of the transmission portion 28j, and the engaging portion 28a is engaged. The stop portion 28e is combined in a state where the locking portion 28c and the locking portion 28g are locked.
In such an Oldham joint 28, when the operation unit 2 is rotated, the convex portion 28b is rotated, whereby the transmission portion 28j is rotated by the concave portion 28f fitted with the convex portion 28b, and the transmission portion 28j is further rotated. Is transmitted to the convex portion 28d fitted to the concave portion 28h, but the shaft 27 rotates, and further, the rotating body 8 of the rotary electric component R rotates thereby, and the rotary electric component R is rotated. Is switched.
Further, when the operation part 2 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft part 2c, a sliding motion is performed between the convex part 28b and the concave part 28f and between the convex part 28d and the concave part 28h. The operation unit 2 can be moved in a right angle direction without rotating the shaft 27.
Further, when the operation part 2 is moved in the axial direction of the shaft part 2c, the convex parts 28b, 28d and the transmission part 28j are not separated from each other by being locked by the locking parts 28a, 28c, 28e, 28g, respectively. The operation unit 2 can be moved with the transmission unit 28 j and the shaft 27.
[0019]
When the shaft 27 is incorporated in the rotating body 6 of the rotary electrical component R and the Oldham joint 28 is incorporated, as shown in FIG. 2, one end of the shaft 27 is a cover of the push switch P1. 18 is opposed to the movable body 17 and the shaft portion 2c is opposed to the opening 18a of the cover 18 of the push switch P2 and the movable body 17.
The operation unit 2 and the shaft 27 combined by the Oldham joint 28 have one end of the shaft 27 in contact with the movable body 17 of the first push switch P1, and one end of the shaft portion 2c is the second portion. The operation unit 2 is configured to hold the neutral position while being in contact with the movable body 17 of the push switch P <b> 2 and being sandwiched between the two movable bodies 17.
[0020]
Next, a method for assembling the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described. First, the concave portion 28f of the transmission portion 28j is fitted to the convex portion 28b of the operation portion 2 from the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and then Similarly, the convex portion 28d of the shaft 27 is fitted to the concave portion 28h of the transmission portion 28j from the right-angle direction.
Next, in this state, the driving body 3 is moved from the shaft 17 side, the outer peripheral wall 3a and the extension wall 3b of the driving body 3 are inserted into the hole 2e of the operation section 2, and the shaft 27 and the transmission section 28j are inserted into the hole 3e of the driving body 3. And the outer wall 3a is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the knob portion 2b of the operation portion 2, and the support portion 3c is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 2c of the operation portion 2 to Combine with the operation unit 2.
Next, the hole 8a of the rotating body 8 of the rotating electrical component R is fitted to the shaft 27, and in this state, the operation unit 2 and the driving body 3 are placed in the hollow portion 1a of the case 1 and the rotating electrical component R. Is inserted into the concave portion 1d of the case 1 so that a part of the operation portion 2 protrudes outward from the hole 1c, and the rotating electrical component R is attached to the concave portion 1d.
[0021]
Next, the first and second push switches P1, P2 are respectively inserted into the recesses 1e, 1f of the case 1, and the push switches P1, P2 are attached by the recesses 1e, 1f.
Next, the third push switch P 3 is attached to the insulating substrate 25, the insulating substrate 25 is positioned below the case 1, and the supporting member 26 is inserted into the elongated hole 3 f of the driving body 3. Is raised upward and brought into contact with the lower part of the case 1.
Then, the movable piece 24b of the movable body 24 of the third push switch P3 comes into contact with the protrusion 3d of the drive body 3, and the protrusion 1g of the case 1 is inserted into the hole 25b of the insulating substrate 25. The terminals of the rotary electrical component R and the push switches P1, P2, and P3 are inserted into the holes 25b of the insulating substrate 25.
And if the front-end | tip of the processus | protrusion 1g which protruded from the hole 25a of the insulated substrate 25 is deform | transformed so that it may spread with a heated iron, for example (not shown), the assembly of a multidirectional input device will be completed.
[0022]
Next, the operation of the multi-directional input device of the present invention having such a configuration will be described. First, in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the operating unit 2 is moved and rotated in the direction of arrow A, the operating unit 2 is driven. The outer peripheral wall 3a and the support portion 3c are used as a guide, and the shaft portion 2c is rotated as a center.
Then, the rotating body 8 of the rotating electrical component R is rotated by the Oldham joint 28 via the shaft 27.
The rotating body 8 rotates with a click feeling by the moderation mechanism of the spring 11 and the ball 12, and the movable contacts 9 and 10 slide on the fixed contacts 6 and 7 to switch the contacts. The switching of the contacts is derived from the terminals of the fixed contacts 6 and 7 provided so as to protrude from the insulating substrate 25.
[0023]
Next, when the operating unit 2 is pressed and moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 2c, that is, in the direction of the arrow B, the operating unit 2 moves with the driving body 3 using the support member 26 as a guide. To do.
Then, the protrusion 3d of the driving body 3 presses the movable piece 24b which is a part of the movable body 24 of the third push switch P3, and the dome-shaped movable contact 23 is pushed by the movement of the movable piece 24b. Then, the movable contact 23 reversely moves to contact the fixed contact 21, the fixed contact 21 and the lead-out terminal 22 are electrically connected, and the contact is switched. This contact switching is performed outside the insulating substrate 25. It is derived from the terminals of the fixed contact 21 and the lead-out terminal 22 provided so as to protrude from the top.
In addition, when the operation unit 2 moves in the right-angle direction, the Oldham joint 28, that is, between the projection 28b and the recess 28f and between the projection 28d and the recess 28h is slid. The axis G1 of the shaft portion 2c can be shifted from the axis G2 of the shaft 27, and the shaft portion 2c and the shaft 27 are not rotated by the Oldham joint 28 during the movement in the perpendicular direction.
Next, when the pressing of the operation unit 2 in the right-angle direction is released, the movable contact 24 is reversed by its spring property and returns to the original state, and the contact with the fixed contact 21 is released and the contact is switched.
Moreover, the movable contact 23 pushes back the movable body 24, the driving body 3, and the operation unit 2 upward by the reversal movement of the movable contact 23.
As a result, the axis G1 coincides with the axis G2, and during this time, the Oldham joint 28 does not cause the shaft 2c and the shaft 27 to rotate by the same operation as described above.
[0024]
Next, when the operating portion 2 is pressed and moved in the axial direction of the shaft portion 2c, that is, in the direction of the arrow C, the operating portion 2 uses the outer peripheral wall 3a and the support portion 3c of the driving body 3 as a guide, and the Oldham joint 28 The shaft 27 is pressed via
Then, the shaft 27 moves in the same direction using the hole 8a of the rotating body 8 as a guide, the shaft 27 presses the dome-shaped movable body 17 of the first push switch P1, and the movable body 17 performs a reverse motion. Then, the cut-and-raised portion 16a of the movable contact 16 is brought into contact with the fixed contact 14, the conduction between the lead-out terminal 15 and the fixed contact 14 is performed, and the contact is switched. This contact switching is performed outside the insulating substrate 25. It is derived from the terminals of the fixed contact 14 and the lead-out terminal 15 provided so as to protrude.
Next, when the pressing of the operation unit 2 in the direction of the arrow C is released, the movable body 17 is reversed by its spring property and returns to its original state. Then, the cut and raised portion 16a is also in its original state by spring property, that is, fixed. The contact with the contact 14 is released and the contact is switched.
Further, due to the reversal movement of the movable body 17, the movable body 17 pushes back the shaft 27, the Oldham joint 28, and the operation unit 2 to the original state, and the operation unit 2 is connected to the first and second push switches P1 and P2. The neutral position is held by the movable body 17.
[0025]
Next, when the operating unit 2 is pressed / moved in the axial direction of the shaft 2c, that is, in the direction of the arrow D, the operating unit 2 uses the outer peripheral wall 3a and the support 3c of the driver 3 as a guide to guide the Oldham joint 28. And the shaft part 2c is moved in the same direction with the shaft 27.
Then, the shaft 27 moves in the same direction using the hole 8a of the rotating body 8 as a guide, and the shaft portion 2c of the operation unit 2 presses the dome-shaped movable body 17 of the second push switch P2, so that the movable body 17 Reversely moves, the cut-and-raised portion 16a of the movable contact 16 is brought into contact with the fixed contact 14, the conduction between the lead-out terminal 15 and the fixed contact 14 is performed, and the contact is switched. It is led out from the terminals of the fixed contact 14 and the lead-out terminal 15 provided so as to protrude outside the insulating substrate 25.
Next, when the pressing of the operation unit 2 in the direction of the arrow D is released, the movable body 17 is reversed by its spring property and returns to its original state. Then, the cut and raised portion 16a is also in its original state by spring property, that is, fixed. The contact with the contact 14 is released and the contact is switched.
Further, due to the reversal movement of the movable body 17, the movable body 17 pushes back the shaft portion 2c, the shaft 27, and the Oldham joint 28 to the original state, and the operation portion 2 is connected to the first and second push switches P1, P2. The neutral position is held by the movable body 17.
[0026]
The operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention is performed by the operation as described above. When such a multidirectional input device is applied to an automobile, for example, the rotary electric component R has a high air flow rate of an air conditioner. The third push switch P3 switches the mode of the air conditioner, that is, switching between heating and cooling, and the first and second push switches P1 and P2 increase the temperature of the air conditioner. It is used for lowering.
And it can be applied to various functions.
[0027]
6 and 7 show another embodiment of the multi-directional input device of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the main part viewed from the back side, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main part.
The structure of another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. A case 30 made of a synthetic resin molded product has a box shape with a hollow portion 30a inside, and a hole is formed in the upper wall 30b. 30c is provided, and a pair of side walls 30d facing each other is provided with a groove portion 30e located in the hollow portion 30a.
Further, the operation portion 31 made of a synthetic resin molded product includes a ring-shaped knob portion 31b having a notch portion 31a on the outer periphery, a shaft portion 31c positioned at the center of rotation of the knob portion 31b, and the shaft portion 31c. A disk-like connecting part 31d connected to the part 31b and cavities 31e and 31f located on both sides of the connecting part 31d are provided inside the knob part 31b. It is inserted in the hollow part 30a, and the knob part 31b protrudes outward from the hole 30c.
[0028]
The driving body 32 made of a synthetic resin molded product is provided at a flat plate-like rectangular plate portion 32a, a cylindrical tube portion 32b provided at the center of the plate portion 32a, and one end of the plate portion 32a. Projecting portion 32c.
The driving body 32 is disposed with the cylindrical portion 32 b positioned in the hollow portion 31 e of the operation portion 31 and the protruding portion 32 c positioned outside the knob portion 31 b, and the plate portion 32 a The guide portion is configured to be fitted into the pair of groove portions 30e, and is attached to be movable up and down using the groove portion 30e as a guide.
The spacer 33 made of a ring-shaped synthetic resin is located in the cavity 31e of the operation portion 31, and is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the knob portion 31b and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32b of the driving body 32. The spacer 33 serves to hold the operation unit 31 in the driving body 32 so that the operation unit 31 can rotate around the shaft portion 31c.
[0029]
The rotary electric component R including a rotary switch, a rotary encoder, and the like is provided. In this embodiment, a unitized rotary encoder R is used, and the unitized rotary electric component R is synthesized. A plurality of fixed contacts 35 having a spring property are embedded in an insulating case 34 made of resin.
Further, a cover 36 having a hole 36 a at the center is provided so as to close the open portion of the insulating case 34. A non-circular hole 37 a is provided between the cover 36 and the insulating case 34, and the fixed contact 35. A rotating body 37 attached with a movable contact 41 that can be moved toward and away from the rotating body 37 is rotatably provided, and a spring 40 is brought into contact with an uneven portion 37b provided on the outer periphery of the rotating body 37 to constitute a moderation mechanism. It consists of.
[0030]
Also, two first and second push switches P1 and P2 having the same unitized configuration are provided.
Since the push switches P1 and P2 have the same configuration as the push switches P1 and P2 shown in the above embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the description of the configuration is omitted here.
The push switch P1 is inserted and attached to the hollow portion 30a of the case 30 so as to overlap the rotary electrical component R, and the opening 18a of the cover 18 of the push switch P1 and the rotary body 8 of the rotary electrical component R are attached. The push switch P2 is inserted and attached to the hollow portion 30a of the case 30 so that the opening 18a of the cover 18 faces the shaft portion 31c of the operation portion 31.
[0031]
Further, a third push switch P3 is provided as a unit, and this push switch P13 has the same configuration as the push switch P3 shown in the above embodiment, so the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals here. Description of the configuration is omitted.
The insulating substrate 38 made of a printed circuit board or the like has a plurality of holes (not shown) for inserting protrusions (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the case 30, a rotary electric component R, and a push switch P1. , P2 and P3 have a plurality of holes 38b, and a third push switch P3 is attached to the insulating substrate 38. The insulating substrate 38 has an opening at the bottom of the case 30. The protrusion of the case 30 is inserted into the hole of the insulating substrate 38 so as to be closed, and is attached to the lower portion of the case 30.
When the insulating substrate 38 is attached, the terminals of the rotary electrical component R and the push switches P1, P2, P3 pass through the hole 38b and protrude outward, and the third push switch P3 is movable. The movable piece 24b of the body 24 is in a state of facing the protrusion 32d of the drive body 32.
[0032]
Furthermore, an Oldham joint 28 is provided between the non-circular shaft 39 made of metal or the like and capable of rotating and moving in the axial direction and the operation section 31. It is possible to rotate, move in the left and right axial directions, and move in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
Since the Oldham joint 28 has the same configuration as the Oldham joint shown in the above embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and description of the configuration is omitted.
In such Oldham joint 28, when the operation portion 31 is rotated, the convex portion 28b is rotated, whereby the transmission portion 28j is rotated by the concave portion 28f into which the convex portion 28b is fitted. The rotation of the part 28j is transmitted to the convex part 28d fitted to the concave part 28h, but the shaft 39 rotates, and this further rotates the rotary body 8 of the rotary electrical component R, thereby rotating the rotary electrical machine. The part R is switched.
Further, when the operation portion 31 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft portion 31c, a sliding motion is performed between the convex portion 28b and the concave strip portion 28f and between the convex portion 28d and the concave strip portion 28h. The operation unit 31 can be moved in a right angle direction without rotating the shaft 39.
Further, when the operating portion 31 is moved in the axial direction of the shaft portion 31c, the convex portions 28b, 28d and the transmission portion 28j are not separated from each other by being locked by the locking portions 28a, 28c, 28e, 28g, respectively. The operation unit 31 can be moved with the transmission unit 28 j and the shaft 3.
[0033]
When the shaft 39 is incorporated in the rotating body 6 of the rotary electrical component R and the Oldham joint 28 is incorporated, as shown in FIG. 7, one end of the shaft 39 is the cover of the push switch P1. 18 is opposed to the movable body 17, and the shaft portion 31c is opposed to the movable body 17 and the opening 18a of the cover 18 of the push switch P2.
The operation unit 31 and the shaft 39 combined by the Oldham joint 28 have one end of the shaft 39 in contact with the movable body 17 of the first push switch P1, and one end of the shaft portion 31c is the second end. The operation unit 31 is configured to hold the neutral position while being in contact with the movable body 17 of the push switch P2 and being sandwiched between the two movable bodies 17.
[0034]
Next, a method for assembling the multi-directional input device will be described. First, the concave stripe portion 28f of the transmission portion 28j is fitted to the convex portion 28b of the operation portion 31 from the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Similarly, the convex portion 28d of the shaft 39 is fitted to the concave strip portion 28h of the transmission portion 28j from the right angle direction.
Next, the spacer 33 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 32b of the driving body 32, the driving body 32 and the spacer 33 are brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the knob portion 31b of the operation portion 31, and the spacer 33 and the driving body 32 are brought into contact with each other. Combine with the operation unit 31.
In such a state, even if the Oldham joint 28 moves in the right-angle direction, the transmission portion 28j is connected to the cylinder of the driving body 32 before the engagement between the projections 28b and 28d and the concave portions 28f and 28h is released. The Oldham joint 28 does not disassemble in contact with the inner surface of the portion 32b.
Next, the hole 8a of the rotating body 8 of the rotating electrical component R is fitted to the shaft 39, and in this state, the operating portion 31, the driving body 32, and the rotating electrical component R are inserted into the hollow portion 30a of the case 30. At the same time, a part of the operation unit 31 is protruded outward from the hole 30c.
[0035]
Next, the first and second push switches P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 are respectively inserted and attached to the hollow portions 30 a of the case 30.
Next, the third push switch P 3 is attached to the insulating substrate 38, the insulating substrate 38 is positioned below the case 30, and the insulating substrate 38 is lifted upward and brought into contact with the lower portion of the case 30.
Then, the movable piece 24b of the movable body 24 of the third push switch P3 comes into contact with the protrusion 32c of the drive body 32, and the protrusion (not shown) of the case 30 is a hole (not shown) of the insulating substrate 38. Furthermore, the terminals of the rotary electrical component R and the push switches P1, P2, and P3 are inserted into the holes 38b of the insulating substrate 38.
As in the above embodiment, when the tip of the protrusion protruding from the hole of the insulating substrate 38 is deformed so as to be widened (for example, by a heated iron), the assembly of the multidirectional input device is completed. .
[0036]
Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention having such a configuration will be described. First, in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the operation unit 31 is moved and rotated in the direction of arrow A, the operation unit 31 is moved to the spacer 33. And the cylindrical portion 32b of the driving body 32 as a guide, and rotates about the shaft portion 31c.
Then, the rotating body 8 of the rotating electrical component R is rotated by the Oldham joint 28 via the shaft 39.
Then, the rotating body 8 rotates with a click feeling by a moderation mechanism by the spring 40, and the movable contact 41 slides on the fixed contact 35, and the contact is switched. It is derived from the terminal of the fixed contact 35 provided so as to protrude outside the insulating substrate 38.
[0037]
Next, when the operating unit 31 is pressed / moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 31c, that is, in the direction of the arrow B, the operating unit 31 is fitted with the spacer 33 and the driving body 32, and the driving body 32 is fitted. It moves using the fitted groove 30e as a guide.
Then, the protrusion 32c of the drive body 32 presses the movable piece 24b which is a part of the movable body 24 of the third push switch P3, and the dome-shaped movable contact 23 is pushed by the movement of the movable piece 24b. Then, the movable contact 23 reversely moves to contact the fixed contact 21, the fixed contact 21 and the lead-out terminal 22 are electrically connected, and the contact is switched. This contact switching is performed outside the insulating substrate 25. It is derived from the terminals of the fixed contact 21 and the lead-out terminal 22 provided so as to protrude from the top.
In addition, when the operation portion 31 moves in the right-angle direction, the Oldham joint 28, that is, between the protrusion 28b and the concave portion 28f, and between the protrusion 28d and the concave portion 28h is slid. The axis G1 of the shaft portion 31c can be shifted from the axis G2 of the shaft 39, and the shaft portion 31c and the shaft 39 are not rotated by the Oldham joint 28 during the movement in the perpendicular direction.
Next, when the pressing of the operation unit 31 in the right-angle direction is released, the movable contact 24 is reversed by its spring property and returns to the original state, and the contact with the fixed contact 21 is released to switch the contact.
Further, the movable contact 23 pushes back the movable body 24, the drive body 32, the spacer 33, and the operation unit 31 upward by the reversal movement of the movable contact 23.
As a result, the axis G1 coincides with the axis G2, and during this time, the Oldham joint 28 does not cause the shaft 31c and the shaft 39 to rotate by the same operation as described above.
[0038]
Next, when the operating portion 31 is pressed and moved in the axial direction of the shaft portion 31c, that is, in the direction of the arrow C, the operating portion 2 moves through the spacer 33 using the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32b of the driving body 32 as a guide. At the same time, the shaft 39 is pressed through the Oldham joint 28.
Then, the shaft 39 moves in the same direction with the hole 8a of the rotating body 8 as a guide, the shaft 39 presses the dome-shaped movable body 17 of the first push switch P1, and the movable body 17 performs a reverse motion. Then, the cut-and-raised portion 16a of the movable contact 16 is brought into contact with the fixed contact 14, the conduction between the lead-out terminal 15 and the fixed contact 14 is performed, and the contact is switched. This contact switching is performed outside the insulating substrate 38. It is derived from the terminals of the fixed contact 14 and the lead-out terminal 15 provided so as to protrude.
Next, when the pressing of the operation portion 31 in the direction of the arrow C is released, the movable body 17 is reversed by its spring property and returns to the original state. Then, the cut and raised portion 16a is also in the original state by the spring property, that is, fixed. The contact with the contact 14 is released and the contact is switched.
Further, by the reversal movement of the movable body 17, the movable body 17 pushes back the shaft 39, the Oldham joint 28, and the operation unit 31 to the original state, and the operation unit 31 is connected to the first and second push switches P1 and P2. The neutral position is held by the movable body 17.
[0039]
Next, when the operating portion 31 is pressed and moved in the axial direction of the shaft portion 31c, that is, in the direction of the arrow D, the operating portion 2 uses the cylindrical portion 32c of the driving body 32 as a guide via the spacer 33, and the Oldham joint. With the shaft 28 and the shaft 39, the shaft portion 31c is moved in the same direction.
Then, the shaft 39 moves in the same direction with the hole 8a of the rotating body 8 as a guide, and the shaft portion 31c of the operation portion 31 presses the dome-shaped movable body 17 of the second push switch P2, so that the movable body 17 Reversely moves, the cut-and-raised portion 16a of the movable contact 16 is brought into contact with the fixed contact 14, the conduction between the lead-out terminal 15 and the fixed contact 14 is performed, and the contact is switched. It is led out from the terminals of the fixed contact 14 and the lead-out terminal 15 provided so as to protrude outside the insulating substrate 25. Next, when the pressing of the operation unit 31 in the direction of the arrow D is released, the movable body 17 is reversed by its spring property and returns to the original state. Then, the cut-and-raised portion 16a is also in the original state by the spring property, that is, fixed. The contact with the contact 14 is released and the contact is switched.
Further, due to the reversal movement of the movable body 17, the movable body 17 pushes back the shaft portion 31c, the shaft 39, and the Oldham joint 28 to the original state, and the operation portion 31 is connected to the first and second push switches P1, P2. The neutral position is held by the movable body 17.
[0040]
The operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention is performed by the operation as described above. When such a multidirectional input device is applied to an automobile, for example, as in the above embodiment, for example, the rotary electric component R Is used to switch the air flow of the air conditioner between strong and weak, and OFF, the third push switch P3 is used to switch the mode of the air conditioner, that is, switching between heating and cooling, and the first and second push switches P1 and P2 are used to switch the air conditioner. It is used to raise and lower the temperature of the glass.
And it can be applied to various functions.
Of course, the push switch shown here can be applied to various other types.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
  Since the multidirectional input device of the present invention is provided with an Oldham joint between the operation unit and the shaft for operating the rotary electric component, the rotary electric component is moved when the operation unit is moved in a right angle direction. It does not move the whole, so the space factor is good and the device is small.
  In addition, since the entire rotating electrical component does not move, the sliding contact and the fixed contact during the movement as in the prior art are not required, the life can be extended, and an inexpensive device can be provided.
  The second1Since the push switch is provided and operated by the operation unit, a multi-function input device can be provided.
  The second2Since the push switch is provided and operated by the operation unit, a multi-function input device can be provided.
  In addition, on both sides of the operation unit1And second2By disposing the push switch, it is possible to provide a small device with good operability.
  In addition, combining the operation unit and the drive body,3Because the push switch can be operated, the operation of the operation unit can be transmitted to the drive body, which is a separate member. Therefore, it is possible to give flexibility to the arrangement of the push switch and provide a flexible device. it can.
  Further, by providing a guide portion that guides the movement of the driving body, the driving body can be reliably moved.
  In addition, by configuring the guide portion with a support member or a groove portion, the configuration is simple, the assembly is good, the cost is low, and the rotation of the drive portion and the movement in the axial direction can be eliminated. Can be used as a guide.
  Further, by arranging the driving body inside the operation unit, a guide structure of the operation unit with a simple configuration can be obtained, and a small and inexpensive device can be provided.
  In addition, since the Oldham joint is composed of a convex portion having a locking portion and a concave strip portion having a locking portion, the Oldham joint is not detached when moving in the axial direction, and a reliable operation can be obtained. .
  The second1And second2With the push switch, the neutral position of the operation unit is maintained, so that no separate parts are required, the configuration is simple, the assemblability is good, and an inexpensive device can be provided.
  In addition3Since the drive body is urged upward by the movable body of the push switch, no separate parts are required, and an assembly device that is simple and inexpensive can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a case according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a coupling state of an operation unit and a driving body according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a main part for explaining an Oldham joint according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main part viewed from the back side showing a multidirectional input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a multidirectional input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an insulating substrate according to a conventional multidirectional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
R Rotating electrical parts
P1, P2, P3 push switch
1 case
1a Hollow part
1b Upper wall
1c hole
1d, 1e, 1f recess
1g protrusion
2 Operation part
2a Notch
2b Knob part
2c Shaft
2d arm
2e hole
3 Driving body
3a outer wall
3b extension wall
3c support part
3d protrusion
3e hole
3f long hole
4, 5 Insulation case
6, 7 Fixed contact
8 Rotating body
8a hole
8b Concavity and convexity
9, 10 Movable contact
11 Spring
12 balls
13 Insulation case
14 Fixed contacts
15 Lead terminal
16 Movable contacts
16a Cut and raised part
17 Movable body
18 Cover
18a opening
20 Insulation case
21 Fixed contacts
22 Lead terminal
23 Movable contact
24 Movable body
24a notch
24b Movable piece
25 Insulating substrate
25a hole
25b hole
26 Support member
27 axes
28 Oldham Joint
28a Locking part
28b Convex part
28c Locking part
28d Convex
28e Locking part
28f concave section
28g Locking part
28h concave section
28j Transmitter
30 cases
30a Hollow part
30b Upper wall
30c hole
30d side wall
30e Groove
31 Operation unit
31a Notch
31b Knob part
31c Shaft
31d connecting part
31e cavity
31f Cavity
32 Driving body
32a Board part
32b Tube
32c protrusion
33 Spacer
34 Insulating substrate
35 Fixed contacts
36 Cover
37 Rotating body
37a hole
37b Concavity and convexity
38 Insulating substrate
38b hole
39 axes
40 Spring
41 Movable contact

Claims

An operation unit that is movable in both the left and right directions in the axial direction and that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and is rotatable, a rotary electric component that is rotated by the operation unit, first and second push switch operated by the movement in the axial direction, and a third push-switch operated by the movement of direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operating portion, the shaft portion of the operating portion and the An Oldham joint provided between the shaft for operating the rotary electrical component, and the shaft for operating the rotary electrical component is retained in the axial direction by the Oldham joint, and the axial direction of the operation unit And the movement in the rotational direction are both driven, and the movement in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation unit is not driven. The shaft is formed in a non-circular shape, and the shaft is used to rotate the rotating electrical component. It can penetrate and move in the axial direction, The rotary electrical components are rotatably engaged in one rotation direction, and the first and second push switches are disposed on both sides of the operation unit with the operation unit interposed therebetween, and the operation unit When moving in the axial direction, the shaft for operating the rotary electrical component is operated by either one of the first and second push switches, or by the shaft of the operation unit. While operating the other of the push switches and rotating the operation unit, the shaft is rotated via the Oldham joint to operate the rotary electrical component, and the operation unit is connected to the shaft of the shaft unit. When moving in a direction perpendicular to the direction, the third push switch is operated , and a drive body combined with the operation portion and a guide portion for guiding the drive body are provided, and the operation portion is , In the axial direction of the shaft portion with the drive body as a guide When the operation part is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft part, the drive body is guided by the guide part, and the movement direction of the operation part is fixed. A multi-directional input device that moves in the same direction and operates the third push switch via the driver .

The multidirectional input device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion includes a hole provided in the driving body and a support member fitted into the hole .

The guide portion includes a groove portion provided in the case, multi-directional input apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by being configured by said driving body to be fitted into the groove portion.

The driving body is mounted so as not to rotate and cannot move in the axial direction of the shaft portion. A part of the driving body is disposed inside the operation portion, and the operation portion guides the driving body. The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the rotational direction and the axial movement of the shaft portion are performed .

The Oldham joint is formed by fitting a convex part having a locking part and a concave line part having a locking part, and the locking parts are engaged with each other to prevent axial disconnection. multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the the like.

The operating unit, the first and the movable member of the second push switch, multi-directional input apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that so as to retain the neutral position.

The driver, the third by the movable body of the push switch, multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is urged upward.