JP3931479B2

JP3931479B2 - Multi-directional operation switch and composite switch using the same

Info

Publication number: JP3931479B2
Application number: JP13382499A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 孝也中村; 芳彦神村
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1999-05-14
Filing date: 1999-05-14
Publication date: 2007-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-14
Also published as: JP2000322980A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、各種電子機器に用いられる多方向操作スイッチおよびこれを用いた複合スイッチに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、各種電子機器の高機能化や多様化が進み、その入力形態が画面上でのカーソルの移動および選択キーによる決定などの方式に変りつつあり、この種の入力デバイスとして、一つの操作体で複数のスイッチ接点を動作させる多様な機能のスイッチが求められており、これに対応して各種の多方向操作スイッチが提案されている。
【０００３】
この様な従来の多方向操作スイッチについて、図１１〜図１４を用いて説明する。
【０００４】
図１１は従来の多方向操作スイッチの断面図、図１２は同分解斜視図、図１３は同操作体の中央部を押圧操作した時の断面図、図１４は同操作体の周辺部を押圧操作した時の断面図である。
【０００５】
同図において、１は上面に一組の中央スイッチ接点用の固定接点１Ａと周辺に四組の周辺スイッチ接点用の固定接点１Ｂを有するスイッチ基板であり、２はスイッチ基板１に載置された駆動体で、略平板状の基台部２Ａと、中央に固定接点１Ａと対向した可動接点２Ｂを下面に有し、外周下部の薄肉ドーム状の連結部２Ｃで基台部２Ａに連結された中央駆動部２Ｄと、この中央駆動部２Ｄの周辺に配置され、周辺の固定接点１Ｂと対向した可動接点２Ｅを下面に有し、外周下部の薄肉ドーム状の連結部２Ｆで基台部２Ａに連結された四つの周辺駆動部２Ｇから構成されている。
【０００６】
そして３は厚肉円板状の操作体で、下面中央が中央駆動部２Ｄの上面に当接すると共に、中央駆動部２Ｄの側部を囲う位置決め用の係合部３Ａと、外周に突出した鍔部３Ｂに複数の切欠き部３Ｃを有しており、４は樹脂ケースで、操作体３を上方へ突出させる開口部４Ｂを有し、裏面に操作体３の鍔部３Ｂの切欠き部３Ｃと所定の隙間をもって係合する複数の柱状突起４Ａを備えている。
【０００７】
なお、通常状態において中央の可動接点２Ｂと固定接点１Ａとの間隔Ａは、周辺の四つの可動接点２Ｅと固定接点１Ｂとの間隔Ｂと、操作体３の下面と周辺駆動部２Ｇの上面との間隔Ｃとの和より小さく設定されている。
【０００８】
すなわち、間隔Ａ＜（間隔Ｂ＋間隔Ｃ）である。
【０００９】
以上の構成において、通常状態である図１１の中立位置から、図１３に矢印で示すように操作体３の中央部を押圧操作すると、駆動体２の中央駆動部２Ｄは連結部２Ｃが撓んで下方へ移動し、可動接点２Ｂがスイッチ基板１上の固定接点１Ａを短絡させて中央スイッチ接点がオン状態となるが、このとき間隔Ｂと間隔Ｃの和は間隔Ａより大きいので、周辺駆動部２Ｇ下面の可動接点２Ｅは固定接点１Ｂを短絡させることはなく周辺スイッチ接点はオフ状態となっている。
【００１０】
そして、操作体３に対する押圧を除くと、連結部２Ｃの弾性復元力によって、操作体３は中央駆動部２Ｄに押し上げられ、上方へ移動して中立位置に復帰する。
【００１１】
また、図１４に矢印で示すように、操作体３の周辺部を押圧操作すると、操作体３は鍔部３Ｂの切欠き部３Ｃと前述の樹脂ケース４の柱状突起４Ａに案内されて鍔部３Ｂを支点として傾倒するに伴い、駆動体２の中央駆動部２Ｄの連結部２Ｃが少し撓むと共に、操作体３の外周下面が支点側とは反対の周辺駆動部２Ｇ上面に接触し、更に押圧するとその連結部２Ｆが撓んで周辺駆動部２Ｇが下方へ移動して可動接点２Ｅがスイッチ基板１上の固定接点１Ｂを短絡させて周辺スイッチ接点がオン状態となる。
【００１２】
このとき、中央駆動部２Ｄ下面の可動接点２Ｂは、固定接点１Ａと所定の間隔を有するように設定されているので固定接点１Ａを短絡させることはなく、中央スイッチ接点はオフ状態となっている。
【００１３】
そして、操作体３に対する押圧を除くと、連結部２Ｃおよび２Ｆの弾性復元力によって、操作体３は中央駆動部２Ｄおよび周辺駆動部２Ｇに押し上げられ、上方へ移動し中立位置に復帰するものであった。
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら上記従来の多方向操作スイッチは、操作体３の中央部を押圧操作する時、押圧位置が外周寄りにずれた場合、あるいは適正位置を押圧しても所定以上の押圧力を加えた場合に、中央スイッチ接点用の固定接点１Ａおよび周辺スイッチ接点用の固定接点１Ｂの双方が同時にオン状態となる場合があるという課題があった。
【００１５】
本発明は、このような従来の課題を解決するものであり、押圧位置が適正位置から多少ずれても目的の押圧位置に対応したスイッチ接点のみを確実に接離できる多方向操作スイッチおよびこれを用いた複合スイッチを提供することを目的とする。
【００１６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために本発明の多方向操作スイッチは、複数組の中央スイッチ接点および周辺スイッチ接点を有するスイッチ基板上に、それぞれのスイッチ接点に対応した下面の押圧部および上面の中央突起、周辺突起を備えた複数個の可動部を一体に有する弾性材料製の駆動体を載せ、各可動部の下面に、上記両スイッチ接点の間でスイッチ基板に当接する支持部を設けることにより、押圧部の動作をそれぞれ独立させるものである。
【００１７】
これにより、駆動体の上方に配された操作体の中央部あるいは周辺部を押圧操作した時の押圧位置が多少ずれても、意図したスイッチ接点のみを確実に接離させる多方向操作スイッチを得ることができる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に記載の発明は、上方からの押圧により接離する複数組の中央スイッチ接点および周辺スイッチ接点が、上面の所定の中心から等間隔で等距離位置に放射線状に配設されたスイッチ基板と、このスイッチ基板上に厚肉の基台部が載せられると共に、上面の中央寄りに中央突起を周辺寄りに中央突起よりも所定の寸法だけ低い周辺突起を設けた略長方形で厚肉の可動部を備えて、この可動部の下面の中間位置に先端がスイッチ基板上に当接する支持部を、下面の両端位置に上記中央スイッチ接点および周辺スイッチ接点の一組と所定の間隔をあけて対向した押圧部をそれぞれ有し、外周から伸ばされた薄肉の略ドーム状の第一連結部で下方の基台部に連結された複数個の駆動部を有する弾性材料製の駆動体と、この駆動体の上面全体を覆い上記各駆動部の可動部と所定の間隔を有すると共に、外周下部の薄肉の略ドーム状の第二連結部で下方の厚肉の周縁部に連結され、この周縁部が上記駆動体の基台部上に載せられた弾性材料製の操作体からなる多方向操作スイッチからなる多方向操作スイッチとしたものであり、駆動体の各駆動部の可動部の下面の中間位置に支持部が設けられているため、操作体の押圧操作時に中央突起よりも中央側を押圧した場合には複数組の中央スイッチ接点の少なくとも一つが、周辺側を押圧した場合には押圧位置近くの周辺スイッチ接点がオンし、双方が同時にオン状態となることを防止するとともに、押圧を取除いた時に操作体を大きい復元力で円滑に復帰させることができるので、安定した操作が可能な多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００１９】
請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発明において、駆動体の駆動部の近傍に、上面を操作体の下面に当接させ、駆動部の動作を妨げない範囲の上下動が可能な厚肉円柱状の突出部を設け、この突出部の外周下部を薄肉の略ドーム状で上下動時に弾性座屈する第三連結部により基台部に連結したものであり、この突出部上方の操作体の押圧操作時に、より大きな復元力が得られると共に明確な節度感が得られて、より良好な操作感を持った多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００２０】
請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項２記載の発明において、突出部を、放射線状に配列された複数の駆動部のそれぞれの中間角度位置に配したものであり、駆動部と同数の、押圧操作により弾性座屈および復元する突出部を操作体の下方にバランスよく配置できるので、更に大きな押圧操作力と復元力、ならびに明確な節度感が得られ、より実用性の高い多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００２１】
請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１〜３のいずれか一つに記載の発明において、スイッチ基板上の複数組の中央スイッチ接点および周辺スイッチ接点が、いずれも一対の固定接点をスイッチ基板上に所定の間隔をあけて配置し、可動接点を駆動体の可動部の押圧部下面に一体に形成して構成されたものであり、操作体の押圧操作により、可動接点が固定接点間を短絡させる方式のスイッチ接点を構成できるので、可動接点を駆動体に、固定接点をプリント基板等を用いたスイッチ基板上に一体に形成することによって、部品点数を少なくできるため、組立てが容易で安価な多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００２２】
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１〜３のいずれか一つに記載の発明において、スイッチ基板上の複数組の中央スイッチ接点および周辺スイッチ接点が、可撓性絶縁基板下面の上接点と、スイッチ基板上またはこれに載せられた絶縁基板上面の下接点を所定の間隔をあけて対向配置して構成されたものであり、操作体の押圧操作により、駆動体の可動部の下面両端の押圧部が上接点を押圧して下接点にそれぞれ接触させる所謂メンブレンスイッチ接点を構成できるので、防塵性に優れた接触信頼性の高い多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００２３】
請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１〜５のいずれか一つに記載の発明において、スイッチ基板上の複数組の中央スイッチ接点が、共通接点となるように略リング状に構成されたものであり、複数組の中央スイッチ接点のいずれか一組がオンとなればよい共通スイッチ接点として略リング状に形成できるので、スイッチ接点を簡単に構成でき製作が容易で安価な多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００２４】
請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１〜６のいずれか一つに記載の発明において、スイッチ基板上の中央スイッチ接点と周辺スイッチ接点のスイッチ構造を、異なる構成としたものであり、中央スイッチ接点と周辺スイッチ接点をそれぞれ別のスイッチ構造にすることにより、操作力や操作ストローク等を変えることができるので、操作体の中央部側や周辺部側の押圧操作時に、明確に区分した操作感を有する多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００２５】
請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項１〜７のいずれか一つに記載の多方向操作スイッチと、この多方向操作スイッチのスイッチ基板の外方延長部に設けられた一つ以上のスイッチ接点およびそのスイッチ接点のそれぞれの上方に配され、外周下部の薄肉の略ドーム状の第四連結部で上記多方向操作スイッチの基台部に連結された厚肉円柱状の外方駆動部を備えた一つ以上の押釦スイッチからなる複合スイッチとしたものであり、多方向操作スイッチの駆動部および一つ以上の押釦スイッチの外方駆動部を一体に形成した駆動体、およびそれら両方に対応するスイッチ接点を有するスイッチ基板を用いて複合スイッチを構成することにより、安価でコンパクトな複合スイッチを得ることができるという作用を有する。
【００２６】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について、図１〜図１０を用いて説明する。
【００２７】
（実施の形態１）
図１は本発明の第一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、図３は同操作体の中央部を押圧操作した時の断面図、図４は同操作体の周辺部を押圧操作した時の断面図、図５は同別の構成の固定接点を有するスイッチ基板の平面図である。
【００２８】
同図において、１１は絶縁基板からなるスイッチ基板で、上面中央にいずれか一組を短絡させれば接点がオン状態となるように予め回路構成した四組の一対の中央スイッチ接点用の固定接点１１Ａと、この固定接点１１Ａの周囲に９０度の等間隔で等距離位置に放射線状に配された周辺スイッチ接点用の四組の一対の固定接点１１Ｂをカーボンインクや金属箔等で回路部（図示せず）と一体に形成されている。
【００２９】
そして、１２はゴムやエラストマー等の弾性材料からなる駆動体で、スイッチ基板１１上に載置された厚肉の基台部１３を有しており、また１４は可動部で、固定接点１１Ａ，１１Ｂ上に対峙して配された厚肉の略長方形からなり、上面の中央寄りに中央突起１５を周辺寄りに中央突起１５よりも所定の寸法だけ低い周辺突起１６を有し、下面の中間位置には先端が円形断面で固定接点１１Ａと１１Ｂのほぼ中間でスイッチ基板１１上に当接する支持部１７を、下面の両端位置には固定接点１１Ａと１１Ｂと対峙した位置に先端が平面状の押圧部１８，１９をそれぞれ有し、この押圧部１８，１９の下面にカーボン材料等で印刷形成した可動接点１８Ａ，１９Ｂが、固定接点１１Ａ，１１Ｂと所定の間隔Ｄをあけて対峙するように設けられ、可動部１４の外周は薄肉略ドーム状の第一連結部２０で下方の基台部１３に連結されて駆動部２１となっている。
【００３０】
さらに、２２はゴムやエラストマー等の弾性材料からなる操作体で、駆動体１２の上面全体を覆う厚肉円板状であり、下面が可動部１４の中央突起１５の上面と所定の間隔Ｅを、周辺突起１６と所定の間隔Ｆをそれぞれ有し、上面に四個所の方向マーク２２Ｂを備えて、外周下部の薄肉略ドーム状の第二連結部２３で下方の厚肉の周縁部２４に連結され、駆動体１２の基台部１３上に載せられている。
【００３１】
また、２５は樹脂ケースで、操作体２２を上方へ突出させる開口２５Ａと内面下方に伸びる棒状の突起２５Ｂを有し、この突起２５Ｂにより、操作体２２がその周縁部２４に配した切欠き部２４Ａで位置決めされて駆動体１２の基台部１３とともにスイッチ基板１１との間に挟み込まれて固定されている。
【００３２】
なお、可動接点１８Ａおよび１９Ｂと固定接点１１Ａおよび１１Ｂの間隔Ｄは、操作体２２の下面と駆動体１２の中央突起１５の上面との間隔Ｅより大きく、操作体２２の下面と駆動体１２の周辺突起１６との間隔Ｆは、間隔Ｄより大きく設定されている。
【００３３】
すなわち間隔Ｆ＞間隔Ｄ＞間隔Ｅである。
【００３４】
以上の構成において、通常状態である図１の中立位置から図３に矢印で示すように、操作体２２の中央部を押圧操作すると、第二連結部２３が撓むと共に、操作体２２の下面は四つの駆動体１２の可動部１４の中央突起１５上面に当接し第一連結部２０の内側が主として撓んで下方へ移動し、押圧部１８下面の可動接点１８Ａがスイッチ基板１１上の四組の固定接点１１Ａのいずれか一つを短絡させて中央スイッチ接点がオン状態となるが、このとき周辺側の四組の固定接点１１Ｂ側は、四つの駆動体１２が支持部１７を支点として中央側が下がり周辺側は上方に上がるので周辺スイッチ接点はオフ状態となっている。
【００３５】
さらに、操作体２２に所定以上の押圧を加えると、操作体２２と周辺突起１６との間隔はなくなるものの、可動部１４下面の支持部１７の先端がスイッチ基板１１に当接していることにより、この支持部１７が支点となって、押圧部１９側への押圧は抑制されて下方へ押下されることなく、固定接点１１Ｂとの所定の間隔が保たれるため、可動接点１９Ｂは固定接点１１Ｂを短絡させることはなく周辺スイッチ接点はオフ状態を維持できる。
【００３６】
そして、操作体２２に対する押圧を除くと、第二連結部２３の弾性復元力によって操作体２２は滑らかに上方へ復帰すると共に、駆動体１２の可動部１４への押圧も解放されて可動部１４は第一連結部２０の弾性復元力によって上方へ移動し中立位置に復帰する。
【００３７】
次に図４に矢印で示すように、操作体２２の一つの方向マーク２２Ｂの近傍を押圧操作すると、第二連結部２３の一方が撓み、他方が伸びて操作体２２全体が押圧された方向へ傾倒するに伴い、可動部１４の周辺突起１６上面は操作体２２の下面に押圧されて第一連結部２０の外側が主として撓み、支持部１７を支点として押圧部１９がスイッチ基板１１側へ回動し、可動接点１９Ｂがスイッチ基板１１上の固定接点１１Ｂを短絡させて周辺スイッチ接点がオン状態となるが、このとき押圧部１８側は、支持部１７を支点とする回動によって上方に移動するので、可動接点１８Ａは固定接点１１Ａを短絡させることはなく中央スイッチ接点はオフ状態となっている。
【００３８】
さらに、操作体２２に所定以上の押圧を加えても、可動部１４の支持部１７先端がスイッチ基板１１に当接していることにより、押圧部１８側への押圧は抑制されて下方へ押下されることなく固定接点１１Ａとの所定の間隔が保たれるため、可動接点１８Ａは固定接点１１Ａを短絡させることはなく中央スイッチ接点はオフ状態を維持できる。
【００３９】
そして、操作体２２に対する押圧を除くと、第二連結部２３の弾性復元力によって操作体２２は滑らかに上方へ復帰すると共に、駆動体１２の可動部１４への押圧も解放され、可動部１４は第一連結部２０の弾性復元力によって上方へ移動し中立位置に復帰する。
【００４０】
また、操作体２２への押圧位置が、中央部を押圧操作した時に周辺側へ、あるいは周辺部を押圧操作した時に中央側にずれた場合でも、可動部１４の支持部１７を支点として、可動部１４への押圧力が中央部近傍の押圧操作時には中央側へ、周辺部近傍の押圧操作時には周辺側へ働くので、意図した押圧操作位置に対応したスイッチ接点をほぼ確実にオン状態とすることができるものである。
【００４１】
このように、本実施の形態によれば、操作体の押圧操作時において、中央部を押圧した場合には中央スイッチ接点が、周辺部を押圧した場合には周辺スイッチ接点がオンし、双方が同時にオン状態となることを防止できるとともに、押圧を取除いた時に操作体を弾性復元力で円滑に復帰させることができるので、安定した操作が可能で、大きな復元力を有した安価な多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるものである。
【００４２】
なお、上記の説明では中央スイッチ接点用の固定接点が四組で一対となり、何れか一組を短絡させれば接点がオン状態となるように予め回路構成したものとしたが、図５に示すように、スイッチ基板２６上に中央スイッチ接点用の共通の固定接点２６Ａをリング状に配置し、その周囲に四組の周辺スイッチ接点用の固定接点２６Ｂを配置したものとすれば、中央スイッチ接点が簡略化できてより安価な多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるものである。
【００４３】
（実施の形態２）
図６は本発明の第二の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図であり、開口を有した樹脂ケース２５と、可動部３１および基台部３２からなる弾性材料製の駆動体３３と、厚肉円板状の弾性材料製の操作体２２とで構成されていることや、操作体２２の押圧操作でスイッチ接点のオンオフが行われることについては、実施の形態１の場合と同様であるが、スイッチ接点の構成が異なっている。
【００４４】
すなわち、４２，４３は可撓性絶縁基板で、スイッチ基板４１上に載せられ、厚みが１００μｍ前後の可撓性を有する二枚のポリエチレンテレフタレート等のフィルム製で、絶縁スペーサ４４を介して貼り合わされたメンブレンスイッチ４５により中央スイッチ接点および周辺スイッチ接点を構成するものであり、駆動体３３の可動部３１下方の上側の可撓性絶縁基板４２に上接点４２Ａ，４２Ｂを、下側の可撓性絶縁基板４３に下接点４３Ａ，４３Ｂをそれぞれ対向させて設けたものである。
【００４５】
そして、この場合の動作としては、操作体２２の中央部または周辺部の所定位置を押圧操作することにより、駆動体３３の可動部３１下面の押圧部３４、あるいは３５の下面が上接点４２Ａ、あるいは４２Ｂを押圧して下接点４３Ａ、あるいは４３Ｂに接触させオン状態とするものである。
【００４６】
このように、本実施の形態によれば、スイッチ接点を、貼り合わされた二枚の可撓性絶縁基板の内部に上接点と下接点を対向配置したメンブレンスイッチ構成としているため、防塵性に優れた接触信頼性の高い多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるものである。
【００４７】
（実施の形態３）
図７は本発明の第三の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの平面図、図８は図７のＸ−Ｘ線における断面図、図９は同分解斜視図である。
【００４８】
同図において、固定接点１１Ａおよび１１Ｂを有したスイッチ基板１１、弾性材料製で厚肉円板状の操作体２２、および操作体２２を上方へ突出させる開口を有した樹脂ケース２５は実施の形態１によるものと同様に構成されているものであるが、駆動体５１の形状が異なっている。
【００４９】
すなわち駆動体５１に配された四つの駆動部５２のそれぞれの中間に、上下動時に弾性座屈するように外周下部が薄肉の略ドーム状の第三連結部５３で基台部５４に連結された厚肉円柱状の突出部５５が一体に形成されている。
【００５０】
そして、この突出部５５の上面は操作体２２の下面に当接しており、四つの駆動部５２の中間に９０度の等角度間隔で、放射線状の中心および操作体２２の方向マーク２２Ｂと略等距離に配置される構成となっている。
【００５１】
以上の構成において、通常状態である図８の中立位置から、操作体２２の中央部を押圧操作すると駆動部５２の可動部５６が下方へ移動すると共に、駆動部５２に配された突出部５５も下部の第三連結部５３が少し撓んで下方に移動し、可動部５６の押圧部５７下面の可動接点５７Ａが固定接点１１Ａを短絡させて中央スイッチ接点がオン状態となり、また一つの方向マーク２２Ｂの近傍を押圧操作すると、可動部５６の押圧部５８が下方に移動すると共に、押圧された可動部５６の両側方の突出部５５も第三連結部５３が節度感を伴って大きく撓んで下方に移動し、押圧部５８下面の可動接点５８Ｂが固定接点１１Ｂを短絡させて周辺スイッチ接点がオン状態となる。
【００５２】
そして、操作体２２に対する押圧を除くと、操作体２２は自らの弾性復帰力に加えて、駆動部５２の弾性復元力と突出部５５の第三連結部５３の弾性復元力により、上方へ移動し中立位置に復帰する。
【００５３】
このように、本実施の形態によれば、操作体２２の周辺部の押圧操作時に駆動部５２の弾性復元力に加えて突出部５５の弾性復元力を得ることができるので、より大きな復帰力が得られると共に明確な節度感が得られて、より良好な操作感を持った多方向操作スイッチを得ることができるものである。
【００５４】
なお、上記の説明では駆動部５２と同数の突出部５５を設けたもので説明したが、突出部５５は必要に応じて一個所または対峙する二個所のみに設けるものでもよいことは勿論である。
【００５５】
（実施の形態４）
図１０は本発明の第四の実施の形態による複合スイッチの分解斜視図であり、上記の実施の形態３による多方向操作スイッチと同一のスイッチ基板上に複数の押釦スイッチが設けられているものである。
【００５６】
すなわち、スイッチ基板６１上の固定接点６１Ａ，６１Ｂ、基台部６２上の駆動部６３、突出部６４からなる駆動体６５、および厚肉円板状の操作体６６が樹脂ケース６７内に収納されて多方向操作スイッチが構成されていることは実施の形態３の場合と同様であるが、多方向操作スイッチから延長された基台部６２の上方に複数の厚肉円柱状の外方可動部６８が設けられ、その外周下部の薄肉の略ドーム状の第四連結部６９で下方の基台部６２に連結された複数の外方駆動部７０が一体に形成されていると共に、外方可動部６８の上部は樹脂ケース６７の開口６７Ａの上方へ突出し、下面にはそれぞれ複数の可動接点（図示せず）を有している。
【００５７】
そして、多方向操作スイッチから延長されたスイッチ基板６１の上面には、上記の各可動接点に対応して各一対の固定接点６１Ｃが複数組設けられて複数の押釦スイッチが構成されたものである。
【００５８】
以上の構成において、樹脂ケース６７の開口６７Ａから突出した外方可動部６８を押圧操作すると第四連結部６９が撓んで可動接点が固定接点６１Ｃを短絡させてオン状態にし、押圧を除くと第四連結部６９の弾性復元力により可動接点が固定接点６１Ｃから離れてオフ状態に復帰する。
【００５９】
このように、本実施の形態によれば、駆動部と一つ以上の押釦スイッチの外方駆動部を一体に形成した駆動体およびスイッチ基板を共通にした多方向操作スイッチと押釦スイッチを一つの樹脂ケース内に構成できると共に、多様な機能を持たせて、安価でコンパクトな複合スイッチを得ることができるものである。
【００６０】
また、以上の実施の形態１〜４では駆動体の下面に可動接点を形成し、スイッチ基板上面に形成された固定接点を短絡させてスイッチ接点を接離するものや、メンブレンスイッチ接点を用いた構成について説明したが、スイッチ基板の上面に形成された固定接点上に弾性金属薄板製可動接点を配置して、駆動体の可動部の押圧部下面で押圧する構成としたり、あるいは、周辺スイッチ接点用の固定接点のみに上記弾性金属薄板製可動接点や単体のプッシュオンスイッチを配置して、中央スイッチ接点と周辺スイッチ接点の操作感を異なるものとして構成しても上記実施の形態１〜４と同様な効果を奏することは勿論である。
【００６１】
【発明の効果】
以上のように本発明によれば、複数組の中央スイッチ接点および周辺スイッチ接点を有するスイッチ基板上に、それぞれのスイッチ接点に対応した下面の押圧部および上面の中央突起、周辺突起を備えた複数個の可動部を一体に有する弾性材料製の駆動体を載せ、各可動部の下面に、上記両スイッチ接点の間でスイッチ基板に当接する支持部を設けることにより、この支持部が支点となって押圧部の動作をそれぞれ独立したものとするので、駆動体の上方に配された操作体の中央部あるいは周辺部を押圧操作した時の押圧位置が多少ずれても、中央スイッチ接点あるいは周辺スイッチ接点のみを確実に接離させることができ、スイッチ接点の接触信頼性が高く、大きな復元力を持って良好な操作感を有する、安価な多方向操作スイッチおよびこれを用いたコンパクトな複合スイッチを得ることができるという有利な効果が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第一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】同操作体の中央部を押圧操作した時の断面図
【図４】同操作体の周辺部を押圧操作した時の断面図
【図５】同別の構成の固定接点を有するスイッチ基板の平面図
【図６】本発明の第二の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの断面図
【図７】本発明の第三の実施の形態による多方向操作スイッチの平面図
【図８】図７のＸ−Ｘ線における断面図
【図９】同分解斜視図
【図１０】本発明の第四の実施の形態による複合スイッチの分解斜視図
【図１１】従来の多方向操作スイッチの断面図
【図１２】同分解斜視図
【図１３】同操作体の中央部を押圧操作した時の断面図
【図１４】同操作体の周辺部を押圧操作した時の断面図
【符号の説明】
１１，２６，４１，６１スイッチ基板
１１Ａ，１１Ｂ，２６Ａ，２６Ｂ，６１Ａ，６１Ｂ，６１Ｃ固定接点
１２，３３，５１，６５駆動体
１３，３２，５４，６２基台部
１４，３１，５６可動部
１５中央突起
１６周辺突起
１７支持部
１８，１９，３４，３５，５７，５８押圧部
１８Ａ，１９Ｂ，５７Ａ，５８Ｂ可動接点
２０第一連結部
２１，５２，６３駆動部
２２操作体
２２Ｂ方向マーク
２３第二連結部
２４周縁部
２４Ａ切欠き部
２５，６７樹脂ケース
２５Ａ，６７Ａ開口
２５Ｂ突起
４２，４３可撓性絶縁基板
４２Ａ，４２Ｂ上接点
４３Ａ，４３Ｂ下接点
４４絶縁スペーサ
４５メンブレンスイッチ
５３第三連結部
５５，６４突出部
６８外方可動部
６９第四連結部
７０外方駆動部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional operation switch used in various electronic devices and a composite switch using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various electronic devices have become highly functional and diversified, and their input forms are changing to methods such as cursor movement on the screen and determination by selection keys. As this type of input device, one operating body Therefore, there are demands for switches having various functions for operating a plurality of switch contacts, and various multidirectional operation switches have been proposed.
[0003]
Such a conventional multidirectional operation switch will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0004]
11 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional multi-directional operation switch, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view thereof, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view when the central portion of the operating body is pressed, and FIG. 14 is a peripheral portion of the operating body. It is sectional drawing when operating.
[0005]
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a switch board having a pair of fixed contact points 1A for central switch contacts on the upper surface and four sets of fixed contact points 1B for peripheral switch contacts on the periphery, and 2 is mounted on the switch board 1. The drive body has a substantially flat base portion 2A and a movable contact 2B opposite to the fixed contact 1A in the center on the lower surface, and is connected to the base portion 2A by a thin dome-like connecting portion 2C at the lower outer periphery. A central driving unit 2D and a movable contact 2E disposed on the lower surface of the central driving unit 2D and opposed to the peripheral fixed contact 1B are provided on the lower surface. It is composed of four connected peripheral drive units 2G.
[0006]
Reference numeral 3 denotes a thick disk-shaped operating body, the center of the lower surface being in contact with the upper surface of the central drive unit 2D, the positioning engaging portion 3A surrounding the side of the central drive unit 2D, and the flange protruding to the outer periphery The part 3B has a plurality of cutouts 3C, 4 is a resin case, has an opening 4B for projecting the operating body 3 upward, and has a notch 3C in the flange 3B of the operating body 3 on the back surface. And a plurality of columnar protrusions 4A that are engaged with each other with a predetermined gap.
[0007]
In the normal state, the distance A between the central movable contact 2B and the fixed contact 1A is the distance B between the four peripheral movable contacts 2E and the fixed contact 1B, the lower surface of the operating body 3, and the upper surface of the peripheral drive unit 2G. It is set smaller than the sum of the interval C.
[0008]
That is, the interval A <(interval B + interval C).
[0009]
In the above configuration, when the central portion of the operating body 3 is pressed as shown by the arrow in FIG. 13 from the neutral position in FIG. 11 in the normal state, the connecting portion 2C of the central driving portion 2D of the driving body 2 is bent. The movable contact 2B short-circuits the fixed contact 1A on the switch substrate 1 and the central switch contact is turned on. At this time, the sum of the interval B and the interval C is larger than the interval A. The movable contact 2E on the lower surface of 2G does not short-circuit the fixed contact 1B, and the peripheral switch contact is in an OFF state.
[0010]
When the pressure on the operating body 3 is removed, the operating body 3 is pushed up by the central driving unit 2D by the elastic restoring force of the connecting portion 2C, and moves upward to return to the neutral position.
[0011]
Further, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 14, when the peripheral portion of the operating body 3 is pressed, the operating body 3 is guided by the notch 3 C of the flange 3 B and the columnar protrusion 4 A of the resin case 4 described above. Along with tilting 3B as a fulcrum, the connecting portion 2C of the central drive portion 2D of the drive body 2 is slightly bent, and the outer peripheral lower surface of the operation body 3 is in contact with the upper surface of the peripheral drive portion 2G opposite to the fulcrum side. When pressed, the connecting portion 2F bends and the peripheral drive portion 2G moves downward, the movable contact 2E short-circuits the fixed contact 1B on the switch substrate 1, and the peripheral switch contact is turned on.
[0012]
At this time, since the movable contact 2B on the lower surface of the central drive unit 2D is set to have a predetermined distance from the fixed contact 1A, the fixed contact 1A is not short-circuited, and the central switch contact is in an OFF state. .
[0013]
When the pressure on the operating body 3 is removed, the operating body 3 is pushed up by the central driving unit 2D and the peripheral driving unit 2G by the elastic restoring force of the connecting portions 2C and 2F, and moves upward to return to the neutral position. there were.
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-mentioned conventional multi-directional operation switch is used when pressing the center part of the operating body 3 when the pressing position is shifted toward the outer periphery, or when a pressing force exceeding a predetermined value is applied even if the appropriate position is pressed. There is a problem that both the fixed contact 1A for the central switch contact and the fixed contact 1B for the peripheral switch contact may be simultaneously turned on.
[0015]
The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and provides a multidirectional operation switch that can reliably contact and separate only a switch contact corresponding to a target pressing position even if the pressing position slightly deviates from an appropriate position. An object is to provide a composite switch used.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a multidirectional operation switch of the present invention has a plurality of sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts on a switch board, a lower surface pressing portion corresponding to each switch contact, and an upper surface central protrusion, By placing a driving body made of an elastic material integrally having a plurality of movable parts provided with peripheral protrusions and providing a support part that contacts the switch board between the switch contacts on the lower surface of each movable part, The operation of each part is made independent.
[0017]
As a result, a multi-directional operation switch that reliably contacts and separates only the intended switch contact is obtained even when the pressing position when the central portion or the peripheral portion of the operating body disposed above the driving body is pressed is slightly shifted. be able to.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts that are brought into contact with and separated from each other by pressing from above are arranged radially at equal distances from a predetermined center on the upper surface. A switch board, a thick base on the switch board, and a central protrusion near the center of the top surface and a peripheral protrusion that is lower than the center protrusion by a predetermined dimension near the periphery. Provided with a thick movable part, a support part whose tip abuts on the switch board at an intermediate position of the lower surface of the movable part, and a predetermined distance from the pair of the central switch contact and the peripheral switch contact at both end positions of the lower surface A driving body made of an elastic material having a plurality of driving parts connected to a lower base part by a thin, generally domed first connecting part extended from the outer periphery, each having pressing parts facing each other with a gap And on this drive Covering the whole and having a predetermined distance from the movable part of each of the drive parts, and being connected to a lower thick peripheral part by a thin, substantially dome-shaped second connection part at the lower part of the outer periphery. The multi-directional operation switch is composed of a multi-directional operation switch composed of an operation body made of an elastic material placed on the base of the support unit. Therefore, at least one of the plurality of sets of central switch contacts is pressed when the center side is pressed with respect to the central projection during the pressing operation of the operating body, and the peripheral switch near the pressing position is pressed when the peripheral side is pressed. Multi-directional operation switch that enables stable operation because the contact point is turned on and both are prevented from being turned on at the same time, and the operating body can be smoothly restored with a large restoring force when the pressure is removed. Get It has the effect that the door can be.
[0019]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the upper surface is brought into contact with the lower surface of the operating body in the vicinity of the driving portion of the driving body, and the vertical movement within a range that does not hinder the operation of the driving portion is possible. A thick cylindrical protrusion is provided, and the lower outer periphery of the protrusion is connected to the base by a third connecting part that is elastically buckled when moving up and down in the form of a thin dome. When the operating body is pressed, a greater restoring force is obtained and a clear sense of moderation is obtained, so that a multidirectional operation switch having a better operational feeling can be obtained.
[0020]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the protrusions are arranged at intermediate angle positions of the plurality of drive units arranged radially, and the same number as the drive units. Protrusion that elastically buckles and recovers by pressing operation can be placed in a well-balanced position below the operating body, providing even greater pressing operation force and restoring force, and a clear sense of moderation. It has the effect | action that can be obtained.
[0021]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the plurality of sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts on the switch board both have a pair of fixed contacts. The movable contact is integrally formed on the lower surface of the pressing portion of the movable portion of the driving body, and is arranged between the fixed contacts by a pressing operation of the operating body. Since the short-circuit type switch contact can be configured, the number of parts can be reduced by forming the movable contact on the drive body and the fixed contact on the switch board using a printed circuit board, making assembly easy and inexpensive. A multi-directional operation switch can be obtained.
[0022]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts on the switch board are upper contacts on the lower surface of the flexible insulating board. And the lower contact of the lower surface of the movable part of the driving body by pressing the operating body. Since the so-called membrane switch contact that presses the upper contact and respectively contacts the lower contact can be configured, the multi-directional operation switch having excellent dust resistance and high contact reliability can be obtained.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of sets of central switch contacts on the switch board are configured in a substantially ring shape so as to be a common contact. Since it can be formed in a ring shape as a common switch contact that only needs to be turned on in any one of a plurality of sets of central switch contacts, the switch contacts can be configured easily and manufactured easily and at low cost. It has the effect | action that can be obtained.
[0024]
The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch structure of the central switch contact and the peripheral switch contact on the switch board is configured differently. Since the switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts have different switch structures, the operation force and operation stroke can be changed, so operations that are clearly separated when pressing the central part or peripheral part of the operating body. It has the effect that a multidirectional operation switch having a feeling can be obtained.
[0025]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the multidirectional operation switch according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and one or more switches provided in an outward extension portion of a switch board of the multidirectional operation switch. A thick cylindrical outer drive unit that is arranged above each of the contact points and the switch contacts and is connected to the base portion of the multidirectional operation switch by a thin, substantially dome-shaped fourth connection portion at the lower outer periphery. It is a composite switch consisting of one or more pushbutton switches, and is compatible with both a multi-directional operation switch drive unit and one or more pushbutton switch outer drive units, and both. By configuring a composite switch using a switch substrate having a switch contact to be performed, an inexpensive and compact composite switch can be obtained.
[0026]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0027]
(Embodiment 1)
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 is a cross-sectional view when a central portion of the operation body is pressed, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view when the peripheral portion of the operating body is pressed, and FIG.
[0028]
In the figure, 11 is a switch substrate made of an insulating substrate, and four pairs of fixed contacts for a pair of central switch contacts that are pre-configured in a circuit so that if any one pair is short-circuited at the center of the upper surface, the contacts are turned on. 11A and four pairs of fixed contacts 11B for peripheral switch contacts radially arranged at equidistant positions at equal intervals of 90 degrees around the fixed contact 11A are connected to a circuit portion (for example, carbon ink or metal foil). (Not shown).
[0029]
Reference numeral 12 denotes a driving body made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, which has a thick base portion 13 placed on the switch substrate 11, and 14 is a movable portion, which is a fixed contact 11A, 11B is formed of a thick, substantially rectangular shape facing the upper surface of 11B, and has a central projection 15 near the center of the upper surface and a peripheral projection 16 that is lower than the central projection 15 by a predetermined size near the periphery, The tip 17 has a circular cross-section with a support 17 that contacts the switch board 11 at approximately the middle between the fixed contacts 11A and 11B, and has a flat tip at positions opposite to the fixed contacts 11A and 11B at both ends of the lower surface. The movable contacts 18A and 19B, each having a portion 18 and 19 and printed on the lower surface of the pressing portions 18 and 19 with a carbon material or the like, are provided so as to face the fixed contacts 11A and 11B with a predetermined distance D therebetween. And The outer periphery of the moving portion 14 is connected to the base portion 13 of the lower in the first connecting portion 20 of the thin-walled substantially dome-shaped and has a drive unit 21.
[0030]
Further, reference numeral 22 denotes an operating body made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, which has a thick disk shape covering the entire upper surface of the driving body 12, and the lower surface has a predetermined distance E from the upper surface of the central projection 15 of the movable portion 14. , Each having a predetermined distance F from the peripheral protrusion 16 and having four direction marks 22B on the upper surface, and connected to the lower thick peripheral portion 24 by a thin, generally domed second connecting portion 23 at the lower outer periphery. It is placed on the base 13 of the driving body 12.
[0031]
Reference numeral 25 denotes a resin case, which has an opening 25A for projecting the operating body 22 upward, and a rod-shaped protrusion 25B extending downward on the inner surface. The protrusion 25B allows the operating body 22 to be arranged on the peripheral edge 24 thereof. It is positioned at 24A and sandwiched between the base 13 of the driving body 12 and the switch board 11 and fixed.
[0032]
The distance D between the movable contacts 18A and 19B and the fixed contacts 11A and 11B is larger than the distance E between the lower surface of the operating body 22 and the upper surface of the central projection 15 of the driving body 12, and the lower surface of the operating body 22 and the driving body 12 are separated. The distance F with respect to the peripheral protrusion 16 is set larger than the distance D.
[0033]
That is, the interval F> the interval D> the interval E.
[0034]
In the above configuration, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3 from the neutral position in FIG. 1 in the normal state, when the center portion of the operating body 22 is pressed, the second connecting portion 23 is bent and the lower surface of the operating body 22 Are in contact with the upper surface of the central projection 15 of the movable portion 14 of the four drive bodies 12 and the inner side of the first connecting portion 20 is mainly bent and moved downward, and the movable contact 18A on the lower surface of the pressing portion 18 has four sets on the switch board 11. The central switch contact is turned on by short-circuiting any one of the fixed contacts 11A. At this time, the four sets of fixed contacts 11B on the peripheral side are centered by the four driving bodies 12 with the support portion 17 as a fulcrum. Since the side is lowered and the peripheral side is raised, the peripheral switch contact is in an OFF state.
[0035]
Furthermore, when a predetermined pressure or more is applied to the operation body 22, the distance between the operation body 22 and the peripheral protrusion 16 disappears, but the tip of the support portion 17 on the lower surface of the movable portion 14 is in contact with the switch substrate 11. Since the support portion 17 serves as a fulcrum, the pressing to the pressing portion 19 side is suppressed and the predetermined contact with the fixed contact 11B is maintained without being pressed downward, so that the movable contact 19B is fixed to the fixed contact 11B. The peripheral switch contacts can be maintained in an OFF state without short-circuiting each other.
[0036]
When the pressure on the operating body 22 is removed, the operating body 22 smoothly returns upward due to the elastic restoring force of the second connecting portion 23, and the pressing of the driving body 12 on the movable portion 14 is also released to move the movable portion 14. Moves upward by the elastic restoring force of the first connecting portion 20 and returns to the neutral position.
[0037]
Next, as indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4, when the vicinity of one direction mark 22 B of the operating body 22 is pressed, one of the second connecting portions 23 is bent and the other is extended to press the entire operating body 22. As the surface of the peripheral projection 16 of the movable portion 14 is tilted, the upper surface of the peripheral projection 16 is pressed by the lower surface of the operating body 22 so that the outer side of the first connecting portion 20 mainly bends. The movable contact 19B short-circuits the fixed contact 11B on the switch substrate 11 and the peripheral switch contact is turned on. At this time, the pressing portion 18 side is moved upward by the rotation with the support portion 17 as a fulcrum. Since it moves, the movable contact 18A does not short-circuit the fixed contact 11A, and the central switch contact is in the OFF state.
[0038]
Further, even when a pressure of a predetermined level or more is applied to the operating body 22, since the tip of the support portion 17 of the movable portion 14 is in contact with the switch substrate 11, the pressing toward the pressing portion 18 is suppressed and pressed downward. Therefore, the movable contact 18A does not short-circuit the fixed contact 11A, and the central switch contact can maintain the OFF state.
[0039]
When the pressure on the operating body 22 is removed, the operating body 22 smoothly returns upward due to the elastic restoring force of the second connecting portion 23, and the pressure on the movable portion 14 of the driving body 12 is also released. Moves upward by the elastic restoring force of the first connecting portion 20 and returns to the neutral position.
[0040]
Further, even when the pressing position on the operating body 22 is shifted to the peripheral side when the central portion is pressed, or to the central side when the peripheral portion is pressed, the movable body 14 is movable using the support portion 17 as a fulcrum. Since the pressing force to the portion 14 works toward the center during a pressing operation near the central portion and to the peripheral side during a pressing operation near the peripheral portion, the switch contact corresponding to the intended pressing operation position should be almost certainly turned on. It is something that can be done.
[0041]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, when pressing the central part, the central switch contact is turned on when the central part is pressed, and the peripheral switch contact is turned on when the peripheral part is pressed. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the on-state from being turned on at the same time, and when the pressure is removed, the operating body can be smoothly restored with elastic restoring force, so that stable operation is possible and inexpensive multi-direction with great restoring force. An operation switch can be obtained.
[0042]
In the above description, the fixed contact for the central switch contact is a pair of four pairs, and the circuit is configured in advance so that the contact is turned on when one of the pairs is short-circuited. As described above, if the common fixed contact 26A for the central switch contact is arranged in a ring shape on the switch board 26 and the four fixed contact contacts 26B for the peripheral switch contact are arranged around the central fixed contact 26A, the central switch contact Can be simplified and a more inexpensive multidirectional operation switch can be obtained.
[0043]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the multidirectional operation switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and includes a resin case 25 having an opening, and a driver 33 made of an elastic material including a movable portion 31 and a base portion 32. The switch body is composed of a thick disk-shaped operation body 22 made of an elastic material, and the switch contact is turned on and off by the pressing operation of the operation body 22 as in the case of the first embodiment. There are different switch contact configurations.
[0044]
That is, 42 and 43 are flexible insulating substrates, which are placed on the switch substrate 41 and made of two flexible films of polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of about 100 μm, and are bonded together via an insulating spacer 44. The central switch contact and the peripheral switch contact are formed by the membrane switch 45, and the upper contacts 42A and 42B are provided on the upper flexible insulating substrate 42 below the movable portion 31 of the driver 33, and the lower flexible contact is provided. The lower contacts 43A and 43B are provided on the insulating substrate 43 so as to face each other.
[0045]
And as operation | movement in this case, the pressing part 34 of the movable part 31 lower surface of the drive body 33 or the lower surface of 35 is made into the upper contact 42A by pressing the predetermined position of the center part of the operation body 22, or a peripheral part. Alternatively, 42B is pressed and brought into contact with the lower contact 43A or 43B to turn it on.
[0046]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the switch contact has a membrane switch configuration in which the upper contact and the lower contact are disposed opposite to each other inside the two flexible insulating substrates that are bonded together, and thus has excellent dust resistance. In addition, a multidirectional operation switch with high contact reliability can be obtained.
[0047]
(Embodiment 3)
7 is a plan view of a multidirectional operation switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view thereof.
[0048]
In the figure, a switch board 11 having fixed contacts 11A and 11B, a thick disc-shaped operating body 22 made of an elastic material, and a resin case 25 having an opening for projecting the operating body 22 upward are shown in the embodiment. 1 is configured in the same manner as that according to 1, but the shape of the driving body 51 is different.
[0049]
In other words, the lower part of the outer periphery is connected to the base part 54 by the third connection part 53 having a thin dome shape so as to be elastically buckled at the middle of each of the four drive parts 52 arranged on the drive body 51. A thick cylindrical protrusion 55 is integrally formed.
[0050]
The upper surface of the projecting portion 55 is in contact with the lower surface of the operating body 22, and is substantially equal to the radial center and the direction mark 22 B of the operating body 22 at an equal angular interval of 90 degrees between the four driving portions 52. It becomes the structure arrange | positioned at equal distance.
[0051]
In the above configuration, when the central portion of the operating body 22 is pressed from the neutral position in FIG. 8 which is the normal state, the movable portion 56 of the driving portion 52 moves downward and the protruding portion 55 disposed on the driving portion 52. The lower third connecting portion 53 is bent slightly and moves downward, the movable contact 57A on the lower surface of the pressing portion 57 of the movable portion 56 short-circuits the fixed contact 11A, the central switch contact is turned on, and one direction mark When a pressing operation is performed in the vicinity of 22B, the pressing portion 58 of the movable portion 56 moves downward, and the protruding portions 55 on both sides of the pressed movable portion 56 also bend the third connecting portion 53 with a sense of moderation. The movable contact 58B on the lower surface of the pressing portion 58 shorts the fixed contact 11B, and the peripheral switch contact is turned on.
[0052]
When the pressure on the operating body 22 is removed, the operating body 22 moves upward by the elastic restoring force of the drive unit 52 and the elastic restoring force of the third connecting portion 53 of the projecting portion 55 in addition to its own elastic restoring force. Return to the neutral position.
[0053]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the elastic restoring force of the projecting portion 55 can be obtained in addition to the elastic restoring force of the driving portion 52 when the peripheral portion of the operating body 22 is pressed, so that a larger restoring force can be obtained. And a clear moderation feeling can be obtained, and a multidirectional operation switch having a better operational feeling can be obtained.
[0054]
In the above description, the protrusions 55 as many as the drive parts 52 are provided. However, it is needless to say that the protrusions 55 may be provided only at one place or two opposite faces as required. .
[0055]
(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the composite switch according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of pushbutton switches are provided on the same switch board as the multidirectional operation switch according to the third embodiment. It is.
[0056]
That is, the fixed contacts 61A and 61B on the switch board 61, the drive unit 63 on the base unit 62, the drive unit 65 including the projecting unit 64, and the thick disc-shaped operation unit 66 are accommodated in the resin case 67. The multi-directional operation switch is configured in the same manner as in the third embodiment, but a plurality of thick cylindrical outer movable parts are provided above the base portion 62 extended from the multi-directional operation switch. 68, and a plurality of outward driving portions 70 connected to the lower base portion 62 are integrally formed by a thin, substantially dome-shaped fourth connection portion 69 at the lower outer periphery thereof, and are movable outward. The upper portion of the portion 68 protrudes above the opening 67A of the resin case 67, and has a plurality of movable contacts (not shown) on the lower surface.
[0057]
On the upper surface of the switch board 61 extended from the multi-directional operation switch, a plurality of pairs of fixed contacts 61C are provided corresponding to the above-described movable contacts to constitute a plurality of push button switches. .
[0058]
In the above configuration, when the outer movable portion 68 protruding from the opening 67A of the resin case 67 is pressed, the fourth connecting portion 69 is bent and the movable contact shorts the fixed contact 61C to turn on, and when the pressure is removed, the fourth connection portion 69 is turned on. The movable contact leaves the fixed contact 61C and returns to the off state by the elastic restoring force of the four connecting portions 69.
[0059]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a multi-directional operation switch and a push button switch that share a drive body and a switch board formed integrally with a drive unit and an outer drive unit of one or more push button switches are combined into one. It is possible to obtain an inexpensive and compact composite switch that can be configured in a resin case and has various functions.
[0060]
In the first to fourth embodiments described above, a movable contact is formed on the lower surface of the driving body, the fixed contact formed on the upper surface of the switch substrate is short-circuited, and the switch contact is contacted or separated, or a membrane switch contact is used. Although the configuration has been described, a movable contact made of an elastic metal thin plate is arranged on the fixed contact formed on the upper surface of the switch substrate and pressed on the lower surface of the pressing portion of the movable portion of the driving body, or the peripheral switch contact Even if the movable contact made of the elastic metal thin plate or a single push-on switch is arranged only on the fixed contact for use, and the operation feelings of the central switch contact and the peripheral switch contact are different, the first to fourth embodiments are different from the first to fourth embodiments. Of course, the same effect can be obtained.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, on a switch board having a plurality of sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts, a plurality of lower surface pressing portions and upper surface central protrusions and peripheral protrusions corresponding to the respective switch contacts are provided. By placing a driving body made of an elastic material integrally having a single movable portion and providing a support portion that contacts the switch substrate between the switch contacts on the lower surface of each movable portion, this support portion serves as a fulcrum. The operation of the pressing part is independent of each other, so even if the pressing position when the central part or the peripheral part of the operating body arranged above the driving body is pressed is slightly shifted, the central switch contact or the peripheral switch An inexpensive multi-directional operation switch that can reliably contact and separate only the contacts, has high contact reliability of the switch contacts, and has a good operational feeling with a great resilience. Advantageous effect les can be obtained a compact composite switch using 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 is a cross-sectional view when the central portion of the operating body is pressed.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view when the peripheral portion of the operating body is pressed.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a switch board having fixed contacts of another configuration.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a multidirectional operation switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a multidirectional operation switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the same.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a composite switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a conventional multidirectional operation switch.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the same.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view when the central portion of the operating body is pressed.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view when the peripheral portion of the operating body is pressed.
[Explanation of symbols]
11, 26, 41, 61 Switch board
11A, 11B, 26A, 26B, 61A, 61B, 61C Fixed contact
12, 33, 51, 65 Driver
13, 32, 54, 62 base
14, 31, 56 Movable part
15 Center protrusion
16 Peripheral protrusion
17 Supporting part
18, 19, 34, 35, 57, 58 Pressing part
18A, 19B, 57A, 58B Movable contact
20 First connecting part
21, 52, 63 Drive unit
22 Operation body
22B Direction mark
23 Second connecting part
24 peripheral edge
24A Notch
25, 67 Resin case
25A, 67A opening
25B protrusion
42,43 Flexible insulating substrate
42A, 42B Upper contact
43A, 43B Bottom contact
44 Insulating spacer
45 Membrane switch
53 Third connection
55, 64 protrusion
68 Outside moving parts
69 Fourth Link
70 External drive unit

Claims

A switch board in which a plurality of sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts that are brought into contact with and separated from each other by pressing from above are radially arranged at equal distances from a predetermined center of the upper surface, and a thickness is provided on the switch board. The movable base has a substantially rectangular and thick movable part on which a base part of the meat is placed and a central protrusion near the center of the upper surface and a peripheral protrusion lower than the central protrusion by a predetermined dimension near the periphery. A support portion whose tip abuts on the switch substrate at an intermediate position of the lower surface of the lower surface, and a pressing portion facing the pair of the central switch contact and the peripheral switch contact at a predetermined interval at both end positions of the lower surface, A driving body made of an elastic material having a plurality of driving parts connected to the lower base part by a thin, generally domed first connecting part extended from the outer periphery, and covers the entire upper surface of the driving body. Movable part of drive unit An elastic material having a predetermined interval and connected to a lower peripheral portion of a thick wall at a thin, substantially dome-shaped second connection portion at the lower part of the outer periphery, and the peripheral portion placed on the base portion of the driving body Multi-directional operation switch consisting of an operating body made of metal.

In the vicinity of the drive part of the drive body, a thick cylindrical protrusion is provided that allows the upper surface to contact the lower surface of the operating body and can move up and down within a range that does not interfere with the operation of the drive part. The multi-directional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch is connected to the base portion by a third connecting portion that is thin and substantially dome-shaped and elastically buckles when moved up and down.

The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 2, wherein the projecting portion is arranged at an intermediate angular position of each of the plurality of drive units arranged radially.

Multiple sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts on the switch board each have a pair of fixed contacts arranged on the switch board at a predetermined interval, and the movable contact is integrated with the lower surface of the pressing part of the movable part of the driver The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the multidirectional operation switch is formed and configured.

Multiple sets of central switch contacts and peripheral switch contacts on the switch board face the upper contact on the lower surface of the flexible insulating board and the lower contact on the switch board or on the upper surface of the insulating board with a predetermined gap The multidirectional operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the multidirectional operation switch is arranged and configured.

The multidirectional operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of sets of central switch contacts on the switch board are configured in a substantially ring shape so as to be a common contact.

The multidirectional operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch structure of the central switch contact and the peripheral switch contact on the switch board is different.

The multidirectional operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, one or more switch contacts provided on an outwardly extending portion of a switch board of the multidirectional operation switch, and an upper side of each of the switch contacts One or more pushbutton switches provided with a thick cylindrical outer drive portion connected to the base portion of the multidirectional operation switch at a thin, substantially dome-shaped fourth connection portion at the outer peripheral lower portion Composite switch that becomes.