JP3812008B2

JP3812008B2 - Multi-directional operation switch and multi-directional operating device using the same

Info

Publication number: JP3812008B2
Application number: JP27441996A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 啓二貝崎; 行祐石原
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1996-10-17
Filing date: 1996-10-17
Publication date: 2006-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2016-10-17
Also published as: JPH10125180A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、主としてオーディオ機器、ゲーム機器、カーナビゲーションシステム等の各種電子機器の入力操作部等に使用され、操作軸の傾倒およびプッシュ操作により駆動する多方向操作スイッチおよびこれを用いた多方向操作装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来のこの種の多方向操作スイッチを図１４〜図１７により説明する。
【０００３】
図１４の断面図において１は成形樹脂製の箱形のケースで、その上面の開口部は金属板などからなるカバー２で覆われている。
【０００４】
このケース１の底面部には、図１５の接点部の分解斜視図に示すように、中央固定接点３（３Ａ，３Ｂ）とこれから左右前後方向の等距離に配された四つの周辺固定接点４〜７がインサート成形により固定され、中央固定接点３の外側固定接点３Ａ上にはドーム状可動接点８が載せられると共に、周辺固定接点４〜７の上部にはダボ１Ａにより固定された共通可動接点体９の弾性接片１０〜１３が各々配置されている。
【０００５】
そして、ケース１の側壁部の内周に沿うように配設された圧縮コイルばね２０により、上方へ押し上げるように付勢された支持体２１の四角形の上端部２１Ａがカバー２の内面に弾接されると共に、その中央の窪み部２１Ｂには半球状の回転体２２が抱持されている。
【０００６】
この回転体２２は、その下端部外周のフランジ部２２Ａが支持体２１の中央窪み部２１Ｂの底面上に載り、その上部球面部２２Ｂがカバー２の中央の球面の円形孔２Ａに嵌まるように当接し、その非円形の中央垂直孔２２Ｃには棒状の金属材料製の操作軸２３が上下動可能に嵌合保持されている。
【０００７】
この操作軸２３は下端部２３Ａが回転体２２より下方へ突出してケース１底面部中央のドーム状の可動接点８に当接し、ケース１の上方へ突出した先端部２３Ｂには操作用のつまみ２４が装着されている。
【０００８】
また、支持体２１の外周部下面には、共通可動接点体９の各弾性接片１０〜１３に各々対応した押圧部２５Ａ〜２５Ｄが設けられている。
【０００９】
次に、この多方向操作スイッチの動作について説明すると、まず、操作軸２３が垂直中立位置にあり、その下端部２３Ａが中央のドーム状可動接点８を押さない図１４の状態では、本スイッチのいずれの接点間もオフとなっているものである。
【００１０】
そして、図１６の断面図に矢印で示すように、操作軸２３の上方先端部２３Ｂに装着されたつまみ２４の左上面を下方に押すと、操作軸２３が傾くと共に回転体２２がカバー２の球面の円形孔２Ａに当接しながら左方向に回転し、これにともなって回転体２２下面のフランジ部２２Ａの端部が支持体２１の窪み部２１Ｂの底面を下方に押すことにより、押された面と反対側の四角形の辺の上端部２１Ａを支点として支持体２１が左に傾き押圧部２５Ａに対応した弾性接片１０を下方に押して固定接点４に接触させ、共通可動接点体９と固定接点４の間をオンさせて、外部導出用の端子１９Ａ，１５を通して外部へ信号を発する。
【００１１】
この時、支持体２１の外周部２１Ａの左側部分が圧縮コイルばね２０を下方へ押し縮めながらカバー２の内面から離れる。
【００１２】
この後、つまみ２４に加えていた押し力を除くと、圧縮コイルばね２０の復元力によって支持体２１および回転体２２が元の図１４の中立位置へ押し戻されると共に、弾性接片１０も弾性復元力によって固定接点４から離れて元の図１４の状態まで復帰し、スイッチ接点もオフ状態に戻る。
【００１３】
同様にして、操作軸２３に装着されたつまみ２４の上面を押す位置を右・前・後と変えることにより、その方向に対応した外部導出用の端子１６〜１８を通して信号を出すことができる。
【００１４】
そして図１７の断面図に矢印で示すように、つまみ２４中央上面すなわち操作軸２３に上方から垂直に押し力を加えて押し下げると、その下端部２３Ａでケース１底面部のドーム状可動接点８が押されて反転動作し、節度を発生すると共に、中央固定接点３（３Ａ，３Ｂ）間をオンさせて端子１４を通して外部に信号を出すことができ、押し力を除くとドーム状可動接点８の復元力によって操作軸２３が押し上げられ、元の図１４の状態に復帰するように構成されたものであった。
【００１５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、近年、各種電子機器の小型化が要求される中で上記従来の多方向操作スイッチでは外径、厚みが大きく、また構成部品が多いためコストが高いという課題があった。
【００１６】
一方、操作軸を斜めに傾けてスイッチングを行う時にクリック感がなく、スイッチが入ったことが感覚的に分からないという課題もあった。
【００１７】
本発明はこのような従来の課題を解決するものであり、スイッチの構成部品が少なく、スイッチの外径、厚みが小さく低コストで、操作軸を斜めに傾けてスイッチングを行う時にクリック感がある多方向操作スイッチおよびこれを用いた多方向操作装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために本発明は、弾性金属薄板製のドーム状可動接点と、成形樹脂製の箱形ケースの底面に設けられたドーム状可動接点外縁下端部が載る外側固定接点およびドーム状可動接点の中心位置に配された中心固定接点およびドーム状可動接点外縁下端部より内側でドーム状可動接点中心から等距離で等角度の位置に配された複数個の内側固定接点を成形樹脂製の箱形ケース底面に配したスイッチ接点に対して、操作体の傾倒動作およびプッシュ動作により各接点のスイッチングが行える構成としたものである。
【００１９】
これにより、スイッチの外径、厚みが小さく、低コストで、操作体を斜めに傾けてスイッチングを行うとき、および操作体を垂直下方に押し下げてスイッチングを行うときのそれぞれにクリック感がある多方向操作スイッチを提供することができる。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、弾性金属薄板製のドーム状可動接点と、ドーム状可動接点外縁下端部が載った外側固定接点およびドーム状可動接点の中心位置に配された中心固定接点およびドーム状可動接点外縁下端部より内側でドーム状可動接点中心から等距離で等角度の位置に配された複数個の内側固定接点を底面に有する成形樹脂製の箱形ケースと、箱形ケース上面の開口部を覆い中央に貫通孔を有するカバーと、軸部とその下端に一体に形成されたフランジ部からなり、軸部がカバー中央の貫通孔から上方に突出し、フランジ部の上面がカバーの裏面に接し、その外周が上記ケースの内壁に回転はしないが傾倒および上下動可能に嵌合支持されると共に、上記ドーム状可動接点の中心上端に当接する中心押圧部およびこれより少し短い寸法で上記の複数個の内側固定接点に各々対応する複数個の内側押圧部が下面に設けられている操作体からなる多方向操作スイッチとしたものであり、スイッチの構成部品が少なく外径，厚みが小さく低コストで、操作軸を斜めに傾けてスイッチングを行うときにクリック感があるスイッチとすることができると共に、操作体を垂直下方に押し下げるとドーム状可動接点が反転し、節度を生じると同時に中央固定接点と接触してスイッチングが行われるプッシュオンスイッチ機能も付加されたものにできるという作用を有する。
【００２１】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、箱形ケース底面の複数個の固定接点に各々対応した操作体の複数個の押圧部を弾性体で構成した多方向操作スイッチとしたものであり、請求項１記載の発明と同様の作用に加えて、操作体に大きな力や衝撃力が加わった場合に接点部に損傷を与えることを防止できるという作用を有する。
【００２２】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項１または２記載の発明において、箱形ケース底面の外側固定接点とドーム状可動接点の間に、ドーム状可動接点の反転動作力よりも少し小さい反発力を有する導電性の弾性体を配した多方向操作スイッチとしたものであり、請求項１または２記載の発明と同様の作用に加えて、操作体の軸部を斜めに傾けて操作体下面の押圧部がドーム状可動接点を押し下げてスイッチングを行う時に操作体の軸部を傾ける角度を大きくすることができるため確実で安定したスイッチングを行うことができるという作用を有する。
【００２３】
請求項４に記載の発明は、中心固定接点および中心押圧部を有しない請求項１〜３のいずれか一つに記載の多方向操作スイッチを使用し、操作体の軸部を垂直下方に押し下げるとき、４個以上の複数個の内側固定接点の少なくとも対角方向の二つのスイッチが両方オンし、また、軸部を隣接する二つ以上の内側固定接点の中間方向に傾けると、二つの内側固定接点が両方オンすると共に、一定時間内に二つ以上の内側固定接点がオンした時に、どの単体のスイッチ信号とも異なる他の信号として処理するための時間測定手段を用いたスイッチング認識手段を設けた多方向操作装置としたものであり、中心固定接点および中心押圧部を設けなくても操作体を垂直下方に押し下げる時にスイッチングが行えると共に、操作体を斜めに傾けたときには内側固定接点数の二倍の方向の信号を出力できる多方向操作装置としての使用が可能になるという作用を有する。
【００２４】
請求項５に記載の発明は、中心固定接点および中心押圧部を有する請求項１〜３のいずれか一つに記載の多方向操作スイッチを使用し、操作体の軸部を隣接する二つ以上の内側固定接点の中間方向に傾けると、二つの内側固定接点が両方オンすると共に、一定時間内に二つ以上の内側固定接点がオンしたときにどの単体のスイッチ信号とも異なる他の信号として処理するための時間測定手段を用いたスイッチング認識手段を設けた多方向操作装置としたものであり、操作体を斜めに傾けたときには内側固定接点数の二倍の方向の信号を出力できる多方向操作装置としての使用が可能になるという作用を有する。
【００２５】
以下、本発明の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチおよびこれを用いた多方向操作装置について図１〜図１３を用いて説明する。
【００２６】
（実施の形態１）
図１は本発明の第１の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図、図２は同分解斜視図であり、同図において３１は成形樹脂製の箱形ケースで、その上面の開口部を金属板などからなるカバー３２で覆われていることは従来例と同様である。
【００２７】
そして、図３の箱形ケースの平面図に示すように成形樹脂製の箱形ケース３１の底面部には弾性金属薄板製のドーム状可動接点３８の外縁下端部が載った外側固定接点３３と、これより内側にドーム状可動接点３８の中心から左右前後の等距離で等角度の位置に配設された四つの内側固定接点３４〜３７がインサート成形などによって固定されており、これらの固定接点３３および３４〜３７は各々に対応した外部導出用の端子４３および４４〜４７を有している。
【００２８】
なお、外側固定接点３３および外部導出用の端子４３は四組示しているが、これは一組でもよいものである。
【００２９】
また、箱形ケース３１の内壁は四つの角部３１Ａを有しており、軸部４０Ｂとその下端に一体で形成された四角形状のフランジ部４０Ａからなり、軸部４０Ｂが上記カバー３２中央の貫通孔３２Ａから上方に突出した操作体４０が、箱形ケース３１の内壁の角部３１Ａにより回転はできないが傾倒および上下動可能に嵌合支持されている。
【００３０】
そして、操作体４０のフランジ部４０Ａ下面には箱形ケース３１底面の内側固定接点３４〜３７に各々対応した位置に押圧部４１が設けられ、この押圧部４１が箱形ケース３１底面の外側固定接点３３上に箱形ケース３１内壁の円形部によって操作体４０と中心が一致するように位置決めして載せられたドーム状可動接点３８の上面部に当接することで、操作体４０のフランジ部４０Ａ上面を上記カバー３２の内面に押しつけて操作体４０を垂直中立位置に保っている。
【００３１】
なお、上記の操作体４０下面に設けた押圧部４１の形状は、箱形ケース３１底面の内側固定接点３４〜３７に対応する方向に角を設けた多角形のリング状にしても良いことは勿論である。
【００３２】
そして操作体４０の上方先端部４０Ｃに操作用のつまみ４２が装着されていることは従来の技術と同様である。
【００３３】
次に、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの動作について説明する。
【００３４】
まず、操作体４０が垂直中立位置にあり、その下面の押圧部４１がドーム状可動接点３８を押さない図１の状態では、本スイッチのいずれの接点間もオフの状態となっている。
【００３５】
そして、図４に矢印で示すように、操作体４０の上方先端部４０Ｃに装着されたつまみ４２の左上面を下方に押すと、操作体４０はフランジ部４０Ａ上面の右側を支点として傾き、下面の押圧部４１がドーム状可動接点３８を押して反転させ、節度を生じると同時に対応する箱形ケース３１底面左側の内側固定接点３４と接触させ、外側固定接点３３と内側固定接点３４の間をオンさせ、外部導出用の端子４３，４４を通して外部へ信号を発する。
【００３６】
このとき内側固定接点３４〜３７と、ドーム状可動接点３８が反転したときにその中央下面が接触する箱形ケース３１の中央底面部３１Ｂの高さの差Ｈは、操作体４０を傾けてドーム状可動接点３８が反転したときに傾けた方向以外の内側固定接点３５〜３７とドーム状可動接点３８が接触しない高さに設定してある。
【００３７】
この後、つまみ４２に加えていた押し力を除くと、ドーム状可動接点３８の弾性復元力によって操作体４０は下面の押圧部４１が押し上げられて垂直中立位置に戻り、ドーム状可動接点３８が内側固定接点３４から離れてスイッチ接点もオフ状態に戻る。
【００３８】
同様にして、つまみ４２を押す位置を右・前・後と変えることにより、それぞれの方向に応じた導出用の端子４６，４７，４５を通して外部に信号を出すことができる。
【００３９】
この操作体４０の傾倒操作時に、操作体４０のフランジ部４０Ａと箱形ケース３１内壁とが四角形の四つの角部３１Ａで嵌合しているので操作体４０すなわちつまみ４２が回転せず、希望の周辺スイッチ接点間を容易に確実にオンさせることができる。
【００４０】
なお、図５（ａ）および（ｂ）に示すようにドーム状可動接点３８に、スリット３８Ａやリブ３８Ｂを設けることによって、操作体４０を傾けてドーム状可動接点３８を反転させる時にドーム状可動接点３８の被押圧部以外の反転移動量を小さくすることができ、被押圧部以外の内側固定接点３５〜３７等とドーム状可動接点３８との絶縁距離を大きくでき、確実で安定したスイッチングが行えるとともに、節度感を無くすることも可能である。
【００４１】
以上のように、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチは、一個のドーム状可動接点３８の下に複数個の内側固定接点３４〜３７を設けることにより、操作体４０を傾けた各々の方向に対応したスイッチングが行えるので、構成部品が少なく、外径，厚みを小さくできるとともにコスト面でも有利であり、また操作体４０下面の押圧部４１がドーム状可動接点３８を押し下げ、このドーム状可動接点３８が反転する時にクリック感を生じさせることができるものである。
【００４２】
次に、操作体４０を隣合う内側固定接点の中間方向に傾ける場合、操作体４０は傾ける方向とは直角方向の二つの対角方向の角部を支点として傾き、操作体４０を傾けた方向の両側の内側固定接点が両方ともオンした状態となる。
【００４３】
そして、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチを使用した多方向操作装置において、隣合う二組のスイッチ接点のオンするタイミングがずれた場合、外部導出の端子に接続されたマイクロコンピュータ（図示せず）により構成されるスイッチング確認手段を用いることにより、二組のスイッチ接点のスイッチオン時のタイミングの差を測定し、ある特定の時間差内であれば同時にオンと判定する時間測定手段（図示せず）を設けることによって個別のスイッチ接点をオンしたときとは異なる他の信号として処理することによって、内側固定接点数の二倍の信号を処理でき、８方向スイッチとしての使用が可能となるものである。
【００４４】
さらに、図６に示すように操作体４０の上方先端部４０Ｃに装着されたつまみ４２の中央上面すなわち操作体４０に上方から垂直に押し力を加えて押し下げると、操作体４０の下面に配された押圧部４１がドーム状可動接点３８を押し、反転させて節度を生じると同時に内側固定接点３４〜３７のうち二つ以上の固定接点がオンし、少なくとも対角方向に位置する内側固定接点３４〜３７の少なくとも二つが両方オンした状態となる。
【００４５】
そして、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチを使用した多方向操作装置において、上記傾倒動作の場合と同様に対角方向の二つのスイッチ接点のオンするタイミングがずれた場合、外部導出用の端子に接続されたマイクロコンピュータ（図示せず）により構成されるスイッチング認識手段を用いることにより、二つのスイッチのスイッチオン時のタイミングの差を測定し、ある特定の時間差内であれば同時オンと判定する時間測定手段（図示せず）を設けることによって個別のスイッチをオンしたときとは異なる他の信号として処理することによって、操作体４０のプッシュ動作によるスイッチングが可能となるものである。
【００４６】
（実施の形態２）
図７は本発明の第２の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの箱形ケース３１の平面図である。
【００４７】
本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチは、上記実施の形態１による多方向操作スイッチに対して、ドーム状可動接点３８の中心位置に箱形ケース３１に配された中心固定接点６０と、この中心固定接点６０に対応した外部導出用の端子６１を設け、そして操作体４０の下面には上記中心固定接点６０に対応した中心押圧部６２が配設され（図８参照）、ドーム状可動接点３８の中心部上端に当接し、内側固定接点３４〜３７に各々対応した内側押圧部４１が中心押圧部６２よりも少し短い寸法としたものであり、図８の断面図に矢印で示すように操作体４０の上方先端部４０Ｃに装着されたつまみ４２の中央上面すなわち操作体４０に上方から垂直に押し力を加えて押し下げると、操作体４０の下面に配された中心押圧部６２がドーム状可動接点３８を押し、反転させて節度を生じると同時に中心固定接点６０と接触して外側固定接点３３と中心固定接点６０の間がオンし、中心固定接点６０に対応した外部導出用の端子６１を通して信号を外部に発することができ、押し力を除くと、ドーム状可動接点３８の復元力によって操作体４０が押し上げられて垂直中立位置の状態に戻る。
【００４８】
これにより、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチは実施の形態１で説明した操作体４０の傾倒操作に加え、プッシュ動作によるスイッチングが可能となるものである。
【００４９】
なお、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチにおいて、つまみ４２に垂直に押し力を加えて押し下げ、操作体４０の下面の中心押圧部６２がドーム状可動接点３８を反転させる時に、操作体４０の下面の内側押圧部４１がドーム状可動接点３８を押さないように、内側押圧部４１は中心押圧部６２よりも少し短く設定されている。
【００５０】
また、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチにおいても、実施の形態１による多方向操作スイッチと同様に、つまみ４２の上面端部を押して操作体４０を傾けて内側固定接点３４〜３７をオンさせることや、操作体４０を隣合う内側固定接点の中間方向に傾けた場合、操作体４０を傾けた方向の両側の内側固定接点が両方ともオンした状態となり、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチを使用した多方向操作装置において、隣合う二組のスイッチ接点のオンするタイミングがずれた場合、外部導出用の端子に接続されたマイクロコンピュータ（図示せず）により構成されるスイッチング認識手段を用いることにより、二組のスイッチのスイッチオン時のタイミングの差を測定し、ある特定の時間差内であれば同時オンと判定する時間測定手段（図示せず）を設けることによって個別のスイッチをオンしたときとは異なる他の信号として処理することによって、内側固定接点数の二倍の信号を処理でき、８方向スイッチとしての使用が可能となることはもちろんである。
【００５１】
（実施の形態３）
図９は本発明の第３の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図である。
【００５２】
本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチは、上記実施の形態１または２による多方向操作スイッチに対して、箱形ケース３１底面の複数個の固定接点３４〜３７，（６０）に各々対応した操作体下面の複数個の押圧部４１，（６２）をゴム等の弾性体４８で構成したものであり、操作体４０下面に設けた凹部４０Ｄに弾性体４８が圧入装着されている。
【００５３】
この弾性体４８は箱形ケース３１底面の外側固定接点３３上に載ったドーム状可動接点３８に当接しているが、その圧縮変形力はドーム状可動接点３８の反転動作力よりも大きく設定されている。
【００５４】
従って、図１０に示すように操作体４０の上方先端部４０Ｃに装着されたつまみ４２の左上面を下方に押すと、操作体４０はフランジ部４０Ａ上面の右側を支点として傾き、下面の弾性体４８がドーム状可動接点３８を押して反転させて節度を生じると同時に対応する箱形ケース３１底面左側の内側固定接点３４と接触してスイッチをオンさせることができる。
【００５５】
そして、つまみ４２の左上面に更に大きな力が加わると弾性体４８が圧縮変形してその力を吸収すると共に、操作体４０の軸部４０Ｂがカバー３２中央の貫通孔３２Ａの周囲に設けられた貫通孔壁部３２Ｂに当たって、操作体４０が更に傾くことを防いでいる。
【００５６】
また、つまみ４２中央上面すなわち操作体４０に下方への大きな力や衝撃力が加わったときにも弾性体４８が圧縮変形してその力を吸収し、ドーム状可動接点３８に必要以上の大きな力が加わることを防ぎ、その損傷を防止できる。
【００５７】
これにより、本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチはドーム状可動接点３８に必要以上の大きな力が加わることを防ぎ、その損傷を防止できるものである。
【００５８】
（実施の形態４）
図１１は本発明の第４の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図である。
【００５９】
本実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチは、上記実施の形態１による多方向操作スイッチに対して、ドーム状可動接点３８と箱形ケース３１の外側固定接点３３との間に、図１２の斜視図に示すドーム状可動接点３８の反転動作力よりも少し小さい反発力を有する導電性の弾性体４９を配設したものであり、操作体４０の上方先端部４２Ｃに装着されたつまみ４２の左上面を下方に押すと、操作体４０はフランジ部４０Ａ上面の右側を支点として傾き、下面の押圧部４１がドーム状可動接点３８を押すことは、実施の形態１の多方向操作スイッチの場合と同様である。
【００６０】
しかし、図１３の断面図に示すようにドーム状可動接点３８と箱形ケース３１の外側固定接点３３との間に配設された導電性の弾性体４９の効果によって、ドーム状可動接点３８は操作体４０の押圧部４１によって押されて左側が低く傾いた状態で反転し、節度を生じると同時に箱形ケース３１底面左側の内側固定接点３４と接触してスイッチがオンし、外部導出用の端子４４を通して外部へ信号を発する。
【００６１】
この後、つまみ４２に加えていた押し力を除くと、ドーム状可動接点３８および導電性の弾性体４９の復元力によって操作体４０は下面の押圧部４１が押し上げられて垂直中立位置に戻り、内側固定接点３４からドーム状可動接点３８が離れてスイッチがオフ状態に戻る。
【００６２】
同様にして、つまみ４２を押す位置を右・前・後と変えることにより、それぞれの方向に応じた導出用の端子４６，４７，４５を通して外部に信号を出すことができることは実施の形態１の多方向操作スイッチの場合と同様である。
【００６３】
これにより、中立状態における内側固定接点３５〜３７とドーム状可動接点３８とが容易に接触しないよう絶縁距離を大きくすることができるのでスイッチの誤動作を防ぎ、操作体４０を傾ける角度を大きくできるので確実で安定したスイッチングを行うことができるものである。
【００６４】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明によれば、スイッチ全体の構成部品が少なく、スイッチの外径および厚みを小さくでき、低コストであると共に、操作体を斜めに傾けてスイッチングを行うとき、および操作体を垂直下方に押し下げてスイッチングを行うときのそれぞれにクリック感があるスイッチを提供することができ、更に内側固定接点の中間方向に操作軸を傾けた場合や操作軸を下方に押し下げた場合にも、別のスイッチ信号として使用できるなどの有利な効果が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図
【図２】同分解斜視図
【図３】同ケースの平面図
【図４】同操作体を傾倒する場合を示す断面図
【図５】同ドーム状可動接点の一例を示す平面図
【図６】同操作体をプッシュ操作する場合を示す断面図
【図７】本発明の第２の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチのケース底面部の平面図
【図８】同操作体をプッシュ操作する場合を示す断面図
【図９】本発明の第３の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図
【図１０】同操作体を傾倒する場合を示す断面図
【図１１】本発明の第４の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図
【図１２】同導電性の弾性体を示す斜視図
【図１３】同操作体を傾倒する場合を示す断面図
【図１４】従来の多方向操作スイッチの断面図
【図１５】同接点部の分解斜視図
【図１６】同操作軸を傾倒する場合を示す断面図
【図１７】同操作軸をプッシュ操作する場合を示す断面図
【符号の説明】
３１箱形ケース
３１Ａ角部
３１Ｂ中央底面部
３２カバー
３２Ａ貫通孔
３２Ｂ貫通孔壁部
３３外側固定接点
３４〜３７内側固定接点
３８ドーム状可動接点
３８Ａスリット
３８Ｂリブ
４０操作体
４０Ａフランジ部
４０Ｂ軸部
４０Ｃ上方先端部
４０Ｄ凹部
４１押圧部
４２つまみ
４３〜４７，６１端子
４８弾性体
４９導電性の弾性体
６０中心固定接点
６２中心押圧部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is mainly used in input operation units of various electronic devices such as audio devices, game devices, car navigation systems, and the like, and a multidirectional operation switch that is driven by tilting and pushing an operation shaft and multidirectional operation using the same It relates to the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional multidirectional operation switch of this type will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0003]
In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 14, reference numeral 1 denotes a box-shaped case made of molded resin, and the opening on the upper surface thereof is covered with a cover 2 made of a metal plate or the like.
[0004]
As shown in the exploded perspective view of the contact portion in FIG. 15, the bottom fixed portion of the case 1 has a central fixed contact 3 (3A, 3B) and four peripheral fixed contacts 4 arranged at an equal distance in the front-rear direction. -7 are fixed by insert molding, a dome-shaped movable contact 8 is placed on the outer fixed contact 3A of the central fixed contact 3, and a common movable contact fixed by a dowel 1A on the peripheral fixed contacts 4-7. The elastic contact pieces 10 to 13 of the body 9 are respectively arranged.
[0005]
Then, the rectangular upper end 21A of the support 21 urged upward by the compression coil spring 20 disposed along the inner periphery of the side wall of the case 1 is elastically contacted with the inner surface of the cover 2. At the same time, a semispherical rotating body 22 is held in the central recess 21B.
[0006]
The rotating body 22 has a flange portion 22A on the outer periphery of the lower end thereof placed on the bottom surface of the central recess portion 21B of the support body 21 and an upper spherical portion 22B of the rotating body 22 fitted in the spherical circular hole 2A in the center of the cover 2. The operation shaft 23 made of a rod-like metal material is fitted and held in the non-circular central vertical hole 22C so as to be movable up and down.
[0007]
The lower end 23A of the operation shaft 23 protrudes downward from the rotating body 22 and comes into contact with the dome-shaped movable contact 8 at the center of the bottom surface of the case 1, and an operation knob 24 is provided at the tip 23B protruding upward of the case 1. Is installed.
[0008]
Further, pressing portions 25 A to 25 D corresponding to the elastic contact pieces 10 to 13 of the common movable contact body 9 are provided on the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the support body 21.
[0009]
Next, the operation of this multidirectional operation switch will be described. First, in the state shown in FIG. 14 in which the operation shaft 23 is in the vertical neutral position and the lower end 23A does not push the central dome-shaped movable contact 8, Both contacts are turned off.
[0010]
Then, as indicated by an arrow in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, when the upper left surface of the knob 24 mounted on the upper tip 23 B of the operation shaft 23 is pushed downward, the operation shaft 23 is tilted and the rotating body 22 is attached to the cover 2. The left and right ends of the flange 22A on the lower surface of the rotating body 22 are pushed downward by pushing the bottom surface of the recess 21B of the supporting body 21 downward while contacting the spherical circular hole 2A. The support 21 tilts to the left with the upper end portion 21A of the square side opposite to the surface as a fulcrum, and presses the elastic contact piece 10 corresponding to the pressing portion 25A downward to contact the fixed contact 4 to be fixed to the common movable contact body 9. The contact 4 is turned on and a signal is transmitted to the outside through the terminals 19A and 15 for external derivation.
[0011]
At this time, the left side portion of the outer peripheral portion 21 A of the support body 21 moves away from the inner surface of the cover 2 while compressing the compression coil spring 20 downward.
[0012]
Thereafter, when the pressing force applied to the knob 24 is removed, the support 21 and the rotating body 22 are pushed back to the neutral position of FIG. 14 by the restoring force of the compression coil spring 20, and the elastic contact piece 10 is also elastically restored. The force contacts the fixed contact 4 to return to the original state shown in FIG. 14, and the switch contact also returns to the off state.
[0013]
Similarly, by changing the position of pressing the upper surface of the knob 24 mounted on the operation shaft 23 to the right, front, and rear, a signal can be output through the external derivation terminals 16 to 18 corresponding to the direction.
[0014]
Then, as indicated by an arrow in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 17, when a pressing force is vertically applied to the central upper surface of the knob 24, that is, the operation shaft 23 from above, the dome-shaped movable contact 8 on the bottom surface of the case 1 is lowered at the lower end 23A. When pressed, it reverses and generates moderation, and the center fixed contact 3 (3A, 3B) can be turned on to output a signal to the outside through the terminal 14, and when the pushing force is removed, the dome-shaped movable contact 8 The operation shaft 23 is pushed up by the restoring force, and is configured to return to the original state of FIG.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in recent years, as various electronic devices are required to be downsized, the conventional multi-directional operation switch has a problem that the outer diameter and thickness are large, and the cost is high because there are many components.
[0016]
On the other hand, there is a problem that there is no click feeling when switching is performed by tilting the operation axis, and it is not sensuously known that the switch is turned on.
[0017]
The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and there are few switch components, the switch has a small outer diameter and thickness, and low cost, and there is a click feeling when switching by tilting the operating shaft. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multidirectional operation switch and a multidirectional operation device using the same.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal thin plate, an outer fixed contact on which a lower end portion of a dome-shaped movable contact outer edge provided on the bottom surface of a molded resin box-shaped case, Center fixed contact located at the center of the dome-shaped movable contact and A plurality of inner fixed contacts arranged at equiangular positions at the same distance from the center of the dome-shaped movable contact inside the lower edge of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact. The contact point can be switched by tilting and pushing the operating body.
[0019]
As a result, the switch has a small outer diameter and thickness, is low-cost, and when switching is performed by tilting the operating body at an angle. , And when switching by pushing the operating body down vertically It is possible to provide a multidirectional operation switch having a click feeling.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Of the present invention Claim 1 The dome-shaped movable contact made of elastic metal thin plate, the outer fixed contact on which the outer edge lower end portion of the dome-shaped movable contact is placed, and the center fixed contact and the dome-shaped movable contact arranged at the center position of the dome-shaped movable contact A box-shaped case made of molded resin having a plurality of inner fixed contacts arranged at equal angles at the same distance from the center of the dome-shaped movable contact inside the lower edge of the outer edge, and an opening on the upper surface of the box-shaped case It consists of a cover having a through hole in the center of the cover, and a flange part integrally formed at the shaft part and its lower end, the shaft part protrudes upward from the through hole in the center of the cover, and the upper surface of the flange part is in contact with the back surface of the cover, The outer periphery does not rotate on the inner wall of the case, but is fitted and supported so that it can be tilted and moved up and down, the center pressing portion that contacts the upper center of the dome-shaped movable contact, and a slightly shorter dimension than the above Are those in which a plurality of inner pressing portion respectively corresponding to the plurality of inner fixed contacts is a multi-directional operating switch comprising a manipulation member disposed on the upper, lower, The switch has few components and has a small outer diameter, small thickness, low cost, and a switch that can be clicked when the operation axis is tilted to perform switching. Push-on switch function in which the dome-shaped movable contact reverses when the operating body is pushed down vertically, creating moderation and simultaneously switching with the central fixed contact Also Addition To what was done Has the effect of being able to.
[0021]
Claim 2 The invention described in Claim 1 In the present invention, the multi-directional operation switch is composed of an elastic body with a plurality of pressing portions of the operation body respectively corresponding to the plurality of fixed contacts on the bottom of the box-shaped case, Claim 1 In addition to the operation similar to that of the invention, it has an operation that can prevent the contact portion from being damaged when a large force or impact force is applied to the operating body.
[0022]
Claim 3 The invention described in , Claim 1 or 2 In the invention, a multi-directional operation switch in which a conductive elastic body having a repulsive force slightly smaller than the reversing operation force of the dome-shaped movable contact is disposed between the outer fixed contact on the bottom of the box-shaped case and the dome-shaped movable contact. Is, Claim 1 or 2 In addition to the same effect as the invention, the shaft portion of the operating body may be tilted obliquely, and the pressing portion on the lower surface of the operating body may increase the angle at which the shaft portion of the operating body is tilted when switching the dome-shaped movable contact. Therefore, it is possible to perform reliable and stable switching.
[0023]
Claim 4 The invention described in the above does not have a center fixed contact and a center pressing portion. As described in any one of Claims 1-3. When a multi-directional operation switch is used and the shaft of the operating body is pushed down vertically, at least two diagonal switches of four or more inner fixed contacts are both turned on, and the shaft is adjacent. When tilting in the middle direction between two or more inner fixed contacts, both the two inner fixed contacts are turned on, and when two or more inner fixed contacts are turned on within a certain time, it differs from any single switch signal. This is a multi-directional operating device provided with switching recognition means using time measuring means for processing as a signal of the signal, and switching is performed when the operating body is pushed down vertically without providing a center fixed contact and a center pressing portion. It can be used as a multidirectional operation device that can output a signal in the direction twice the number of inner fixed contacts when the operation body is tilted. To.
[0024]
Claim 5 The invention described in (1) has a center fixed contact and a center pressing portion. As described in any one of Claims 1-3. When the multi-directional operation switch is used and the shaft of the operating body is tilted in the middle direction between two or more adjacent inner fixed contacts, both the two inner fixed contacts are turned on and at least two inner fixed contacts within a certain period of time. This is a multi-directional operating device with switching recognition means using time measurement means for processing as other signals different from any single switch signal when the fixed contact is turned on. In this case, it can be used as a multidirectional operating device that can output a signal in a direction twice as many as the number of inner fixed contacts.
[0025]
Hereinafter, a multidirectional operation switch according to an embodiment of the present invention and a multidirectional operation device using the same will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0026]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a multidirectional operation switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, and 31 is a box-shaped case made of molded resin, and an opening on the upper surface thereof. Is covered with a cover 32 made of a metal plate or the like, as in the conventional example.
[0027]
Then, as shown in the plan view of the box-shaped case in FIG. 3, an outer fixed contact 33 on which the lower end portion of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 made of an elastic metal sheet is placed on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31 made of molded resin. The four inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 arranged at equal angles at the same distance from the center of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 from the center of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 are fixed by insert molding or the like. Reference numerals 33 and 34 to 37 have external lead-out terminals 43 and 44 to 47, respectively.
[0028]
Although four sets of the outer fixed contact 33 and the terminal 43 for external derivation are shown, this may be one set.
[0029]
Further, the inner wall of the box-shaped case 31 has four corner portions 31A, and is composed of a shaft portion 40B and a rectangular flange portion 40A integrally formed at the lower end thereof, and the shaft portion 40B is located at the center of the cover 32. The operating body 40 projecting upward from the through hole 32A is fitted and supported by the corner portion 31A of the inner wall of the box-shaped case 31 so as to be tiltable and vertically movable.
[0030]
A pressing portion 41 is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 40 A of the operating body 40 at positions corresponding to the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31, and the pressing portion 41 is fixed to the outer surface of the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31. The flange 40A of the operating body 40 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 which is positioned and placed on the contact 33 so that the center of the box-shaped case 31 coincides with the center of the operating body 40 by the circular portion of the inner wall of the box-shaped case 31. The upper surface is pressed against the inner surface of the cover 32 to keep the operating body 40 in the vertical neutral position.
[0031]
In addition, the shape of the pressing part 41 provided on the lower surface of the operation body 40 may be a polygonal ring shape having corners in a direction corresponding to the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31. Of course.
[0032]
The operation knob 42 is attached to the upper tip 40C of the operation body 40 as in the conventional technique.
[0033]
Next, according to this embodiment Multi-directional The operation of the operation switch will be described.
[0034]
First, in the state of FIG. 1 in which the operating body 40 is in the vertical neutral position and the pressing portion 41 on the lower surface thereof does not press the dome-shaped movable contact 38, the contact between all the contacts of this switch is in an OFF state.
[0035]
Then, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4, when the upper left surface of the knob 42 attached to the upper tip portion 40C of the operating body 40 is pushed downward, the operating body 40 tilts with the right side of the upper surface of the flange portion 40A as a fulcrum, and the lower surface The pressing portion 41 pushes and reverses the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to generate a moderation, and simultaneously contacts the inner fixed contact 34 on the left side of the bottom of the corresponding box-shaped case 31 and turns on between the outer fixed contact 33 and the inner fixed contact 34. A signal is emitted to the outside through the terminals 43 and 44 for external derivation.
[0036]
At this time, the height difference H between the center bottom surface portion 31B of the box-shaped case 31 that the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 and the lower center surface of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 come into contact with each other when the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is reversed is inclined by tilting the operating body 40. The height is set so that the inner fixed contacts 35 to 37 and the dome-shaped movable contact 38 are not in contact with each other except the direction inclined when the movable movable contact 38 is reversed.
[0037]
Thereafter, when the pressing force applied to the knob 42 is removed, the operating body 40 is returned to the vertical neutral position by the pressing portion 41 on the lower surface by the elastic restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38, and the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is The switch contact also returns to the off state away from the inner fixed contact 34.
[0038]
Similarly, by changing the position at which the knob 42 is pressed to the right, front, and rear, a signal can be output to the outside through the derivation terminals 46, 47, and 45 corresponding to the respective directions.
[0039]
During the tilting operation of the operating body 40, the flange 40A of the operating body 40 and the inner wall of the box-shaped case 31 are fitted with the four corners 31A, so that the operating body 40, that is, the knob 42 does not rotate. It is possible to easily and reliably turn on between the peripheral switch contacts.
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is provided with slits 38A and ribs 38B, so that the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is inverted by tilting the operating body 40. The amount of reverse movement of the contact 38 other than the pressed portion can be reduced, the insulation distance between the inner fixed contacts 35 to 37 other than the pressed portion and the dome-shaped movable contact 38 can be increased, and reliable and stable switching is achieved. It can be done and the feeling of moderation can be eliminated.
[0041]
As described above, the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment is provided with the plurality of inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 under the single dome-shaped movable contact 38, so that the operation body 40 is inclined in each direction. Since corresponding switching can be performed, the number of components is small, the outer diameter and thickness can be reduced, and the cost is advantageous, and the pressing portion 41 on the lower surface of the operating body 40 pushes down the dome-shaped movable contact 38, and this dome-shaped movable contact A click feeling can be generated when 38 is reversed.
[0042]
Next, when the operating body 40 is tilted in the middle direction between the adjacent inner fixed contacts, the operating body 40 is tilted around two diagonal corners perpendicular to the tilting direction, and the operating body 40 is tilted. Both the inner fixed contacts on both sides are turned on.
[0043]
Then, in the multidirectional operation device using the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment, when the turn-on timings of two adjacent switch contacts are shifted, a microcomputer (not shown) connected to an externally derived terminal ) Is used to measure the difference in timing when the two sets of switch contacts are switched on, and if it is within a certain time difference, it is determined to be on at the same time (not shown) ) Can be processed as other signals different from when individual switch contacts are turned on, so that signals twice the number of inner fixed contacts can be processed, and can be used as an 8-way switch. is there.
[0044]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when a pressing force is applied vertically from above to the center upper surface of the knob 42 attached to the upper end portion 40 C of the operating body 40, that is, the operating body 40 is pushed down from above, it is arranged on the lower surface of the operating body 40. The pressing portion 41 presses and reverses the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to generate moderation, and at the same time, two or more fixed contacts among the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 are turned on, and at least the inner fixed contact 34 positioned in the diagonal direction. At least two of ˜37 are both turned on.
[0045]
Then, in the multidirectional operation device using the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment, when the timing of turning on the two switch contacts in the diagonal direction is shifted as in the case of the tilting operation, the terminal for external derivation By using a switching recognition means composed of a microcomputer (not shown) connected to, the difference in timing when the two switches are turned on is measured, and if it is within a certain time difference, it is determined that they are turned on simultaneously By providing a time measuring means (not shown) to be processed as a signal different from that when each individual switch is turned on, switching by the push operation of the operating body 40 becomes possible.
[0046]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the box-shaped case 31 of the multidirectional operation switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0047]
The multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment is different from the multidirectional operation switch according to the first embodiment in that the center fixed contact 60 disposed in the box-shaped case 31 at the center position of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the center An external lead terminal 61 corresponding to the fixed contact 60 is provided, and a center pressing portion 62 corresponding to the center fixed contact 60 is disposed on the lower surface of the operating body 40 (see FIG. 8), and the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is provided. The inner pressing portions 41 that are in contact with the upper end of the center portion and correspond to the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 are made slightly shorter than the central pressing portion 62, and are operated as shown by arrows in the sectional view of FIG. When a pressing force is applied vertically from above to the center upper surface of the knob 42 attached to the upper tip 40C of the body 40, that is, the operating body 40, the center pressing portion 62 disposed on the lower surface of the operating body 40 is dome-shaped. The contact 38 is pushed and reversed to generate moderation, and at the same time, the contact with the center fixed contact 60 is turned on, and the space between the outer fixed contact 33 and the center fixed contact 60 is turned on, and through the external lead-out terminal 61 corresponding to the center fixed contact 60. A signal can be emitted to the outside. When the pushing force is removed, the operating body 40 is pushed up by the restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to return to the state of the vertical neutral position.
[0048]
As a result, the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment can be switched by a push operation in addition to the tilting operation of the operation body 40 described in the first embodiment.
[0049]
In the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment, when the central pressing portion 62 on the lower surface of the operating body 40 reverses the dome-shaped movable contact 38 by applying a pressing force to the knob 42 in a vertical direction and pressing it down, The inner pressing portion 41 is set slightly shorter than the central pressing portion 62 so that the inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface does not press the dome-shaped movable contact 38.
[0050]
Also in the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment, as in the multidirectional operation switch according to the first embodiment, the upper end of the knob 42 is pushed to tilt the operation body 40 and the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 are turned on. In addition, when the operating body 40 is tilted in the middle direction between the adjacent inner fixed contacts, both inner fixed contacts on both sides in the direction in which the operating body 40 is tilted are turned on, and the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment In the multi-directional operation device using the switch, when the timing of turning on the two adjacent switch contacts is shifted, the switching recognition means constituted by a microcomputer (not shown) connected to the terminal for external derivation is used. By measuring the difference in timing when the two sets of switches are turned on, and measuring within a certain time difference, it is determined that the switches are turned on at the same time By providing a stage (not shown) and processing it as another signal different from when individual switches are turned on, it is possible to process signals twice the number of inner fixed contacts and use it as an 8-way switch Of course.
[0051]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a multidirectional operation switch according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0052]
The multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment is different from the multidirectional operation switch according to the first or second embodiment, in that it corresponds to each of the plurality of fixed contacts 34 to 37, (60) on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31. The plurality of pressing portions 41 and (62) on the lower surface of the body are constituted by an elastic body 48 such as rubber, and the elastic body 48 is press-fitted and fitted into a recess 40D provided on the lower surface of the operating body 40.
[0053]
The elastic body 48 is in contact with the dome-shaped movable contact 38 mounted on the outer fixed contact 33 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31, but its compressive deformation force is set to be larger than the reversal operation force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38. ing.
[0054]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the upper left surface of the knob 42 attached to the upper tip portion 40C of the operating body 40 is pushed downward, the operating body 40 tilts with the right side of the upper surface of the flange portion 40A as a fulcrum, and the elastic body on the lower surface. 48 presses and reverses the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to generate a moderation, and at the same time, the switch can be turned on by contacting the inner fixed contact 34 on the left side of the bottom of the corresponding box-shaped case 31.
[0055]
When a larger force is applied to the upper left surface of the knob 42, the elastic body 48 compresses and absorbs the force, and the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40 is provided around the through hole 32A in the center of the cover 32. The operation body 40 is prevented from further tilting when it hits the through-hole wall portion 32B.
[0056]
Further, when a large downward force or impact force is applied to the center upper surface of the knob 42, that is, the operating body 40, the elastic body 48 compresses and absorbs the force, and the dome-shaped movable contact 38 has a larger force than necessary. Can be prevented from being damaged.
[0057]
Thereby, the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment can prevent the dome-shaped movable contact 38 from being applied with a larger force than necessary, and can prevent the damage.
[0058]
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a multidirectional operation switch according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0059]
The multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment is a perspective view of FIG. 12 between the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the outer fixed contact 33 of the box-shaped case 31 with respect to the multidirectional operation switch according to the first embodiment. A conductive elastic body 49 having a repulsive force slightly smaller than the reversing operation force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 shown in FIG. 6 is disposed, and the upper left surface of the knob 42 attached to the upper tip 42C of the operating body 40. When the button is pushed downward, the operating body 40 tilts with the right side of the upper surface of the flange portion 40A as a fulcrum, and the pressing portion 41 on the lower surface presses the dome-shaped movable contact 38, as in the case of the multidirectional operation switch of the first embodiment. It is.
[0060]
However, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is formed by the effect of the conductive elastic body 49 disposed between the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the outer fixed contact 33 of the box-shaped case 31. It is pushed by the pressing portion 41 of the operating body 40 and reverses in a state where the left side is tilted low, generating moderation and simultaneously contacting the inner fixed contact 34 on the left side of the bottom of the box-shaped case 31 to turn on the switch. A signal is transmitted to the outside through the terminal 44.
[0061]
Thereafter, when the pressing force applied to the knob 42 is removed, the operating body 40 returns to the vertical neutral position by the pressing portion 41 on the lower surface being pushed up by the restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the conductive elastic body 49, The dome-shaped movable contact 38 is separated from the inner fixed contact 34 and the switch returns to the OFF state.
[0062]
Similarly, by changing the position at which the knob 42 is pressed to the right, front, and rear, a signal can be output to the outside through the derivation terminals 46, 47, 45 corresponding to the respective directions. The same as in the case of the multidirectional operation switch.
[0063]
Accordingly, since the insulation distance can be increased so that the inner fixed contacts 35 to 37 and the dome-shaped movable contact 38 do not easily come into contact with each other in the neutral state, the malfunction of the switch can be prevented and the angle at which the operation body 40 is tilted can be increased. It is possible to perform reliable and stable switching.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the number of components of the entire switch is small, the outer diameter and thickness of the switch can be reduced, the cost is low, and switching is performed by tilting the operating body at an angle. , And when switching by pushing the operating body down vertically It is possible to provide a switch with a feeling of clicking, and it can be used as another switch signal even when the operating shaft is tilted in the middle direction of the inner fixed contact or when the operating shaft is pushed down. An effect is obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multidirectional operation switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same.
[Fig. 3] Plan view of the case
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the operating body is tilted
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of the dome-shaped movable contact
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the operation body is pushed.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a case bottom portion of a multidirectional operation switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the operating body is pushed.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a multidirectional operation switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the operating body is tilted
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a multidirectional operation switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the same conductive elastic body.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the operating body is tilted
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional multidirectional operation switch
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the contact portion.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the operation shaft is tilted.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the operation shaft is pushed.
[Explanation of symbols]
31 Box-shaped case
31A Corner
31B Center bottom
32 Cover
32A Through hole
32B Through hole wall
33 Outer fixed contact
34-37 inner fixed contact
38 Dome-shaped movable contact
38A slit
38B Rib
40 Operation body
40A Flange
40B Shaft
40C Upper tip
40D recess
41 Pressing part
42 knob
43 to 47, 61 terminals
48 Elastic body
49 Conductive elastic body
60 Center fixed contact
62 Center pressing part

Claims

Inside the dome-shaped movable contact made of elastic metal sheet, the outer fixed contact on which the lower end of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact is placed, the center fixed contact arranged at the center position of the dome-shaped movable contact, and the lower end of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact A box-shaped case made of molded resin that has a plurality of inner fixed contacts arranged at equiangular positions at the same distance from the center of the dome-shaped movable contact, and a through-hole in the center covering the opening on the top of the box-shaped case A cover having a shaft portion and a flange portion integrally formed at the lower end thereof, the shaft portion projects upward from a through hole in the center of the cover, the upper surface of the flange portion contacts the back surface of the cover, and the outer periphery thereof The inner wall does not rotate but is fitted and supported so that it can be tilted and moved up and down, and a central pressing portion that abuts on the center upper end of the dome-shaped movable contact and a plurality of inner fixed members having a slightly shorter dimension. Multidirectional switch comprising a manipulation body having a plurality of inner pressing portion respectively corresponding to the contact is provided on the lower surface.

The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pressing portions of the operation body respectively corresponding to the plurality of fixed contacts on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case are formed of an elastic body.

3. The multi-direction according to claim 1 , wherein a conductive elastic body having a repulsive force slightly smaller than the reversing force of the dome-shaped movable contact is disposed between the outer fixed contact on the bottom of the box-shaped case and the dome-shaped movable contact. Operation switch.

When the multi-directional operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 which does not have a center fixed contact and a center pressing portion and pushes down the shaft portion of the operating body vertically downward, When both switches are turned on at least in the diagonal direction of the inner fixed contact, and when the shaft is tilted in the middle direction between two or more adjacent inner fixed contacts, both of the two inner fixed contacts are turned on and constant. A multi-directional operating device provided with switching recognition means using time measuring means for processing as other signals different from any single switch signal when two or more inner fixed contacts are turned on in time.

Using the multidirectional operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 having a center fixed contact and a center pressing portion, the shaft portion of the operating body is tilted in an intermediate direction between two or more adjacent inner fixed contacts. In addition, both of the two inner fixed contacts are turned on, and when two or more inner fixed contacts are turned on within a certain time, a time measuring means for processing as another signal different from any single switch signal is used. A multidirectional operating device provided with switching recognition means.