JP3948882B2

JP3948882B2 - Multi-directional input switch

Info

Publication number: JP3948882B2
Application number: JP2000177154A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 尚登下村
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-06-08
Filing date: 2000-06-08
Publication date: 2007-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-08
Also published as: JP2001351476A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、携帯用電話機、リモコン、自動車のナビゲータ等の電子機器に使用して好適な多方向入力スイッチに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の多方向入力スイッチは、特許２９１６８６７号公報に開示され、図１２，図１３に示すように、箱形の絶縁基体５１の底壁には、外周に位置した複数の第１の固定接点５２と、中央部に位置した複数の第２の固定接点５３ａ、５３ｂとが設けられている。
金属板が折り曲げ形成された取付板５４は、環状部５４ａと、この環状部５４ａから下方に折り曲げられた脚部５４ｂを有し、この取付板５４は、脚部５４ｂが絶縁基体５１に掛け止めされて、絶縁基体５１に取り付けられている。
【０００３】
合成樹脂の成型品からなる蓋体５５は、内部に軸受け部５５ａを有すると共に、この蓋体５５には、金属板からなる共通固定接点５６が埋設されて取り付けられており、この蓋体５５と共通固定接点５６は、取付板５４の環状部５４ａと絶縁基体５１の上端部で挟持されて取り付けられている。
操作部材５７は、半球状鍔部５８と、この半球状鍔部５８の中心部に挿通された軸部５９の二つの部品で構成され、この操作部材５７は、半球状鍔部５８が軸受け部５５ａで支持された状態で、軸部５９が外方に突出している。
【０００４】
第１の可動接点６０は、金属材をプレス加工して形成された剛体からなり、筒状部６０ａと、この筒状部６０ａの上端から径方向に突出した八角状の鍔部からなる第１の接点部６０ｂと、筒状部の下端部に位置する第２の接点部６０ｃと、筒状部６０ａ内に設けられたリング状の係合部６０ｄとを有する。
また、この第１の可動接点６０は、絶縁基体５１内に配置され、第１の可動接点６０と絶縁基体５１との間に配置されたコイルバネ６１によって、第１の接点部６０ｂが共通固定接点５６に弾接され、係合部６０ｄと操作部材５７との間に配置されたゴム板６２により、第１の可動接点６０がゴム板６２を介して傾倒動作するようになっている。
【０００５】
そして、操作部材５７は八方向に傾倒動作可能となっており、操作部材５７の軸部５９を傾倒動作すると、先ず、半球状鍔部５８が軸受け部５５ａをガイドにして傾倒すると共に、ゴム体６２を介して第１の可動接点６０の係合部６０ｄの一部が押される。
すると、第１の可動接点６０は、第１の接点部６０ｂの外周端を支点として、コイルバネ６１に抗して傾倒し、第２の接点部６０ｃが第１の固定接点５２の一つに接触する。
また、操作部材５７の傾倒動作を解除すると、コイルバネ６１，及びゴム体６２によって、操作部材５７と第１の可動接点６０は元の位置に戻るようになる。
【０００６】
皿状の金属板からなる第２の可動接点６３は、絶縁基体５１の底壁上に載置されて、その外周縁が第２の固定接点５３ａに常時接触すると共に、中央部が第２の固定接点５３ｂに対向して配置され、この第２の可動接点６３と第２の固定接点５３ａ、５３ｂとでプッシュスイッチ６４が構成されている。
合成樹脂の成型品からなるお椀状のガイド部材６５は、第２の可動接点６３を覆うように絶縁基体５１に適宜手段により取り付けられ、ガイド部材６５の中央部に設けられた孔６５ａ内には、軸部５９と第２の可動接点６３と間に位置するゴム板６６が配置されている。
【０００７】
そして、操作部材５７が中立状態にある時、軸部５９を軸線方向に下方に押圧した際、軸部５９が半円球状鍔部５８をガイドにして下方に移動する。
すると、軸部５９がゴム板６６を介して第２の可動接点６３を変形させて、第２の可動接点６３の中央部が第２の固定接点５３ｂに接触して、第２の固定接点５３ａ、５３ｂ間を短絡して、プッシュスイッチ６４が操作される。
また、軸部５９の押圧を解除すると、第２の可動接点６３とゴム板６６によって、軸部５９が元の状態に押し戻されると共に、第２の固定接点５３ａ、５３ｂ間は非短絡状態にもどる。
また、操作部材５７が傾倒動作している時は、軸部５９の軸線方向の移動がガイド部材６５にぶつかって、プッシュスイッチ６４の操作が阻止されている。
【０００８】
次に、従来の多方向入力スイッチの動作を説明すると、先ず、軸部５９の傾倒動作によって、半球状鍔部５８が軸受け部５５ａをガイドにして傾倒すると共に、ゴム体６２を介して第１の可動接点６０の係合部６０ｄの一部が押される。
すると、第１の可動接点６０は、第１の接点部６０ｂの外周端を支点として、コイルバネ６１に抗して傾倒し、第２の接点部６０ｃが第１の固定接点５２の一つに接触する。
また、操作部材５７の傾倒動作を解除すると、コイルバネ６１，及びゴム体６２によって、操作部材５７と第１の可動接点６０は元の位置に戻るようになる。
【０００９】
次に、操作部材５７が中立状態にある時、軸部５９を軸線方向に下方に押圧すると、軸部５９が半円球状鍔部５８をガイドにして下方に移動する。
すると、軸部５９がゴム板６６を介して第２の可動接点６３を変形させて、第２の可動接点６３の中央部が第２の固定接点５３ｂに接触して、第２の固定接点５３ａ、５３ｂ間を短絡して、プッシュスイッチ６４が操作される。
また、軸部５９の押圧を解除すると、第２の可動接点６３とゴム板６６によって、軸部５９が元の状態に押し戻されると共に、第２の固定接点５３ａ、５３ｂ間は非短絡状態にもどる。
【００１０】
このようにして、従来の多方向入力スイッチの操作が行われるが、このような多方向入力スイッチを、例えば携帯電話機に使用した場合、操作部材５７の傾倒動作の操作により所望の情報を選択し、しかる後、操作部材５７の軸線方向の操作により、選択された情報の決定を行うような機能として使用されるものである。
【００１１】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の多方向入力スイッチは、第１の可動接点６０がプレス加工された剛体で形成されているため、第２の接点部６０ｃと第１の固定接点５２との導通を得るために、操作部材５７の傾倒動作を強く行わねばならず、従って、操作部材５７の操作性が悪いという問題がある。
【００１２】
また、第２の接点部６０ｃと第１の固定接点部５２との間は、通常時、離れた状態にあると共に、両者の接触はバッティング型の接触となって、両者間で摺動作用が無く、従って、埃等の付着によって、両者間の接触が悪くなるという問題がある。
【００１３】
また、従来の多方向入力スイッチは、共通固定接点５６の他に取付板５４を必要とするばかりか、操作部材５７が半円球状鍔部５８と軸部５９の二部品を必要とする等、多数の部品を必要とし、部品点数が多くなって、コスト高になるばかりか、組立性が悪いという問題がある。
【００１４】
そこで、本発明は、操作部材の操作性が良好で、接点間の接触が良く、且つ、部品点数が少なく、安価で組立性の良好な多方向入力スイッチを提供することを目的とする。
【００１５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として、多方向に傾倒可能な操作部材と、下方に位置して設けられた複数の第１の固定接点と、上方に位置して設けられた共通固定接点と、前記第１の固定接点と前記共通固定接点との間に配置され、前記操作部材の傾倒動作によって、少なくとも前記第１の固定接点の一つに接触可能な第１の可動接点とを備え、前記第１の可動接点は、金属製のバネ板で形成されて、複数の第１と第２の接点部が設けられると共に、前記第１の可動接点が合成樹脂からなる可動部材に取り付けられ、前記可動部材は、平板状で構成されると共に、複数の切り欠き部を有し、前記第１の可動接点は、片持ち支持された状態で、前記切り欠き部に位置する放射状に延びる複数個の腕部を有すると共に、前記腕部の自由端側に前記第２の接点部を設け、前記可動部材の上面には凸状をなした前記第１の接点部が位置し、前記可動部材の下面には前記腕部が位置して、前記操作部材の傾倒動作時、前記可動部材と前記第１の可動接点が前記共通固定接点に接触状態にある凸状をなした二つの前記第１の接点部を支点として傾倒して、少なくとも前記第２の接点部の一つが前記第１の固定接点に摺動動作を伴って接触するようにした構成とした。
【００１６】
また、第２の解決手段として、前記第１の可動接点は、前記可動部材に取り付けられた基部を有し、この基部から前記腕部が前記基部と同一平面状態で延びて形成された構成とした。
【００１７】
また、第３の解決手段として、前記第１の接点部は、正八角形の隅部に配置されると共に、前記腕部は、前記第１の接点部間に十字状に配置され、前記操作部材が八方向の位置で傾倒動作可能とした構成とした。
【００１８】
また、第４の解決手段として、前記共通固定接点が一枚の金属板で形成され、この共通固定接点で前記操作部材を保持した構成とした。
また、第５の解決手段として、前記操作部材と前記可動部材とが一体に合成樹脂の成型品で形成された構成とした。
また、第６の解決手段として、前記操作部材の下方には、絶縁基体に設けられた第２の固定接点と、この第２の固定接点に接離する第２の可動接点とで構成されるプッシュスイッチが配置され、前記操作部材の操作によって、前記プッシュスイッチが操作されるようにした構成とした。
【００１９】
また、第７の解決手段として、前記第２の可動接点は金属板で形成され、この第２の可動接点で、前記操作部材、前記可動部材、及び前記第１の可動接点を操作前の状態に押し戻すようにした構成とした。
また、第８の解決手段として、前記第２の可動接点は金属板で形成されてクリック動作が可能で、前記操作部材の傾倒動作時において、傾倒の第１の段階で、前記第２の接点部が前記第１の固定接点に接触すると共に、傾倒の第２の段階で、前記第２の可動接点がクリック動作して、前記プッシュスイッチが操作されるようにした構成とした。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の多方向入力スイッチの図面を説明すると、図１〜図１１は何れも本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係り、図１は本発明の多方向入力スイッチの要部断面図、図２は本発明の多方向入力スイッチの動作を示す説明図、図３は本発明の多方向入力スイッチの動作を示す説明図である。
【００２１】
また、図４は本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る絶縁基体の平面図、図５は図４の５−５線における断面図、図６は本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る第２の可動接点の平面図、図７は図６の７−７線における断面図、図８は本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る共通固定接点の平面図、図９は図８の９−９線における断面図、図１０は本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る操作部材と可動部材の平面図、図１１は図１０の１１−１１線における断面図である。
【００２２】
次に、本発明の多方向入力スイッチの構成を図１〜図１１に基づいて説明すると、箱形の絶縁基体１は、図１，図４，図５に示すように、正八角形状をなした底壁１ａと、この底壁１ａから直立して形成された正八角形状の筒状の側壁１ｂと、底壁１ａに設けられた複数個の凹部１ｃとを有する。
複数個の第１の固定接点２は金属板で形成され、この第１の固定接点２は、図１，図４，図５に示すように、底壁１ａに埋設されて取り付けられ、接点部２ａが底壁１ａ上の一段高い突部分に露出すると共に、端子部２ｂが側壁１ｂから外方に突出している。
また、この第１の固定接点２は、凹部１ｃに位置した金型（図示せず）により保持された状態で絶縁基体１に埋設されて、９０度の間隔をおいて十字の位置で底壁１ａに配設されている。
【００２３】
複数の第２の固定接点３，４は金属板で形成され、図１，図４，図５に示すように、それぞれ、接点部３ａ、４ａと、端子部３ｂ、４ｂと、接点部と端子部の両者を繋ぐ接続部３ｃ、４ｃとを有し、そして、第２の固定接点３、４は、それぞれ底壁１ａに埋設されて取り付けられると共に、一方の第２の固定接点３は、底壁１の中央部に接点部３ａが露出して配置された状態で、端子部３ｂが側壁１ｂから外方に突出している。
なお、接点部４ａは、接続部４ｃの面、即ち、底壁１ａの面から突出して形成されている。
【００２４】
また、他方の第２の固定接点４は、第２の固定接点３の接点部３ａを囲むように配置されて、接点部４ａが底壁１ａ上から露出すると共に、端子部４ｂが側壁１ｂから外方に突出している。
そして、第２の固定接点３，４は、前記第１の固定接点２と同様に、凹部１ｃに位置した金型（図示せず）により保持された状態で絶縁基体１に埋設されたものとなっている。
【００２５】
一枚の金属板を折り曲げして形成された共通固定接点５は、図１，図８，図９に示すように、正八角形状の前面板５ａと、この前面板５ａの中央部に設けられた孔５ｂを有する筒状の保持部５ｃと、前面板５ａの外周部から下方に折り曲げられた複数の脚部５ｄと、この脚部５ｄの端部に折り曲げ形成された端子部５ｅとを有する。
そして、この共通固定接点５は、前面板５ａで絶縁基体１の上部を覆った状態で、脚部５ｄを側壁１ｂに沿って配置して、適宜手段により絶縁基体１に取り付けられている。
【００２６】
合成樹脂の成型品からなる操作部材６は、図１，図１０，図１１に示すように、操作部６ａと、軸部６ｂとを有し、また、合成樹脂の成型品からなる可動部材７は、操作部材６と一体に合成樹脂の成型品で構成されて、略正八角形状に形成されている。
そして、操作部材６が可動部材７の中央部に位置すると共に、平板状をなす可動部材７は、図１，図１０，図１１に示すように、中央部に位置する基部７ａと、この基部７ａから十字方向に放射状に延びる複数の切り欠き部７ｂと、切り欠き部７ｂ間に位置するそれぞれの突出部７ｃの外周中央部に設けられた凹部７ｄと、この凹部７ｄの両側に位置して形成され、正八角形状の隅部に相当する凸部７ｅとを有する。
なお、切り欠き部７ｂ、凹部７ｄは、絶縁基体１の底壁１ａの接点部２ａ等を形成した突部分の幅より広幅に形成されている。
【００２７】
また、金属製のバネ板で形成された第１の可動接点８は、図１，図１０，図１１に示すように、中央部に位置する基部８ａと、この基部８ａから十字方向に放射状に延びる複数の腕部８ｂと、この腕部８ｂ間に位置し、基部８ａから延びる略Ｙ字状の複数の接続部８ｃと、この接続部８ｃの端部に設けられた凸状の複数の第１の接点部８ｄと、それぞれの腕部８ｂの自由端側に設けられた第２の接点部８ｅとを有する。
そして、凸状のそれぞれの第１の接点部８ｄは、基部８ａの中心に対して点対称の位置で、等間隔（等しい角度）の位置に設けられたものとなっている。
【００２８】
この第１の可動接点８は、基部８ａの中央部と接続部８ｃが埋設されて可動部材７に取り付けられ、第１の可動接点８が取り付けられた際、基部８ａと腕部８ｂが可動部材７の下面の位置で、同一平面状態で配置されると共に、腕部８ｂは、可動部材７の基部７ａで片持ち支持された状態で、切り欠き部７ｂに位置し、また、凸状の第１の接点部８ｄは、可動部材７の上面で、凸部７ｅに位置して配置されている。
【００２９】
そして、この第１の可動接点８を取り付けた可動部材７と操作部材６は、可動部材７と第１の可動接点８が共通可動接点５の下面に位置した状態で側壁１ｂ内に収納され、また、軸部６ｂが孔５ｂ内に位置すると共に、操作部６ａが外方に突出して、絶縁基体１と共通固定接点５とによって、傾倒動作と軸方向の移動が可能に取り付けられている。
【００３０】
また、可動部材７等が取り付けられた際、第１の接点部８ｄは共通固定接点５の前面板５ａの下面に接触すると共に、第２の接点部８ｅは第１の固定接点２に対向した状態となり、また、可動部材７の中央部が第２の固定接点３ａの接点部３ａに対向した状態となっている。
【００３１】
図１，図６，図７に示すように、皿状の金属板からなり、クリック動作の可能な第２の可動接点９は、絶縁基体１の底壁１ａに配置されて、その外周縁が第２の固定接点４ａの接点部４ｂに常時接触すると共に、中央部が第２の固定接点３の接点部３ａに対向して配置され、この第２の可動接点９と第２の固定接点３，４とでプッシュスイッチ１０が構成されている。
【００３２】
そして、このプッシュスイッチ１０は、操作部材６の下方に配設されており、第２の可動接点９が取り付けられた際、第２の可動接点９の中央部で可動部材７を上方に押圧して、共通固定接点５に各第１の接点部８ｄが接触した状態にある中立位置に、操作部材６が位置した状態となっている。
そして、このような構成を有する操作部材６は、八方向に傾倒動作可能となっており、操作部材６の操作部６ａを傾倒すると、傾倒側と反対側に位置する二つの凸状の第１の接点部８ｄを支点として、操作部材６と可動部材７、及び第１の可動接点８が傾倒するようになっている。
【００３３】
次に、本発明の多方向入力スイッチの動作を説明すると、先ず、図２に示すように、操作部６ａを第２の可動接点９のバネ性に抗して左側に傾倒すると、傾倒方向と反対側に位置する右側の二つの第１の接点部８ｄを支点として、操作部材６と可動部材７，及び第１の可動接点８が傾倒する。
すると、第１の可動接点８の腕部８ｂが第１の固定接点２に接触した時点から漸次撓み、腕部８ｂに設けられた第２の接点部８ｅが第１の固定接点２の接点部２ａに摺動動作を行いながら接触し、第１の固定接点２と共通固定接点５との間が導通状態となる。
【００３４】
また、操作部材６の傾倒動作を解除すると、第２の可動接点９のバネ性によって、操作部材６と可動部材７，及び第１の可動接点８は元の位置に戻って、操作部材６は中立状態となると共に、第１の固定接点２と共通固定接点５との間が非導通状態となる。
【００３５】
そして、このような動作時、即ち、傾倒の第１段階での動作時において、図１０で示すように、腕部８ｂが延びる方向での傾倒動作時は、切り欠き部７ｂの両側に位置する二つの第１の接点部８ｄを支点として傾倒して、腕部８ｂが撓むことに伴って一つの第２の接点部８ｅが第１の固定接点２に摺動しながら接触し、また、腕部８ｂ間、即ち、凹部７ｄでの傾倒動作時は、凹部７ｄの両側に位置する二つの第１の接点部８ｄを支点として傾倒して、二つの腕部８ｂが撓むことに伴って二つの第２の接点部８ｅが第１の固定接点２に摺動しながら接触するようになっている。
【００３６】
次に、傾倒の第１段階目にある図２の状態で、更に傾倒動作（傾倒の第２段階目）を行うと、図３に示すように、可動部材７の下面で第２の可動接点９が更に押されて、第２の可動接点がクリック動作して反転し、その結果、第２の可動接点９の中央部が第２の固定接点３の接点部３ａに接触して、第２の固定接点３と４が導通した状態となる。
即ち、操作部材６は２段階に傾倒可能となっていて、２段階目の傾倒によってプッシュスイッチ１０が操作された状態となり、また、その際に腕部８ｂは更に撓み、接点部２ａとより強く当接する。
また、操作部材６の２段階目における傾倒動作は、凸部７ｅの下面が底壁１ａにぶつかって、それ以上の動作が阻止されるようになっている。
【００３７】
また、操作部材６の傾倒動作、即ち、第２段階の傾倒動作を解除すると、第２の可動接点９のバネ性によって、第２の可動接点９は反転して元の状態に自己復帰し、第２の可動接点９は第２の固定接点３と非接触状態となり、第２の固定接点３と４が非導通した状態となり、また、続いて第１段階の傾倒動作を解除すると、前述したように、第２の可動接点９のバネ性によって、操作部材６と可動部材７，及び第１の可動接点８は元の位置に戻って、操作部材６は中立状態となると共に、第１の固定接点２と共通固定接点５との間が非導通状態となる。
【００３８】
次に、図１に示すように、操作部材６が中立状態にある時、操作部６ａを軸線方向に下方に押圧すると、可動部材７の下面で第２の可動接点９が押されて、第２の可動接点がクリック動作して反転し、その結果、第２の可動接点９の中央部が第２の固定接点３の接点部３ａに接触して、第２の固定接点３と４が導通した状態となる。
【００３９】
また、操作部材６の軸線方向の押圧を解除すると、第２の可動接点９のバネ性によって、第２の可動接点９は反転して元の状態に自己復帰し、第２の可動接点９は第２の固定接点３と非接触状態となり、第２の固定接点３と４が非導通した状態となると共に、第２の可動接点９のバネ性によって、操作部材６と可動部材７，及び第１の可動接点８は元の位置に戻って、操作部材６は中立状態となる。
【００４０】
このようにして、本発明の多方向入力スイッチの操作が行われるが、このような多方向入力スイッチを、例えば携帯電話機に使用した場合、操作部材６の傾倒動作により所望の情報を選択し、しかる後、操作部材６の軸線方向の操作、又は傾倒の第１段階に引き続いた第２の段階により、選択された情報の決定を行うような機能として使用されるものである。
特に、操作部材６の第１段階目の傾倒動作で情報の選択を行った後、引き続いて第２段階目の傾倒動作で決定を行うことにより、一層、操作性の良好なものとなる。
なお、第１段階と第２段階の一連の動作によって選択するようにしても良く、この場合には、クリック感を伴って所望の情報を選択できる。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力スイッチにおいて、第１の可動接点８は金属製のバネ板で形成されて、複数の第１と第２の接点部８ｄ、８ｅが設けられると共に、第１の可動接点８が合成樹脂からなる可動部材７に取り付けられ、操作部材６の傾倒動作時、可動部材７と第１の可動接点８が共通固定接点５に接触状態にある第１の接点部８ｄを支点として傾倒して、少なくとも第２の接点部８ｅの一つが第１の固定接点２に摺動動作を伴って接触するようにしたため、操作部材６の比較的弱い傾倒動作で第１の可動接点８と第１の固定接点２との導通が図れ、従来に比して、操作性の良好な多方向入力スイッチを提供できる。
【００４２】
また、第２の接点部９ｅと第１の固定接点２との間は、通常時、離れた状態にあるが、両者の接触は摺動動作を行うため、埃等の付着物があっても、摺動動作によりその接触が良好になる。
【００４３】
また、可動部材７は、平板状で構成されると共に、複数の切り欠き部７ｂを有し、第１の可動接点８は、片持ち支持された状態で、切り欠き部７ｂに位置する放射状に延びる腕部８ｂを有すると共に、腕部８ｂの自由端側に第２の接点部８ｅを設けたため、腕部８ｂの撓み性が良く、第２の接点部８ｅによる第１の固定接点２への接触、及び摺動動作が良好になる。
【００４４】
また、第１の可動接点８は、可動部材７に取り付けられた基部８ａを有し、この基部８ａから腕部８ｂが基部８ａと同一平面状態で延びて形成されたため、腕部８ｂ形成のための折り曲げ加工が不要となり、腕部８ｂのバネ特性が良好で、長期の使用に好適なものを提供できる。
【００４５】
また、可動部材７の上面には凸状をなした第１の接点部８ｄが位置し、可動部材７の下面には腕部８ｂが位置して、可動部材７と第１の可動接点８が凸状をなした二つの第１の接点部８ｄを支点として傾倒可能としたため、可動部材７と第１の可動接点８の傾倒動作が安定し、常に、正確な傾倒動作ができると共に、第２の接点部８ｅの第１固定接点２への接触の確実な多方向入力スイッチを提供できる。
【００４６】
また、第１の接点部８ｄは、正八角形の隅部に配置されると共に、腕部８ｂは、第１の接点部８ｄ間に十字状に配置され、操作部材６が八方向の位置で傾倒動作可能としたため、操作部材６の八方向への傾倒動作時、二つの第１の接点部８ｄを支点として操作部材６，可動部材７、及び第１の可動接点８が正確に八方向に傾倒して、常に、正確な傾倒動作ができると共に、第２の接点部８ｅの第１固定接点２への接触の確実な多方向入力スイッチを提供できる。
【００４７】
また、共通固定接点５が一枚の金属板で形成され、この共通固定接点５で操作部材６を保持したため、従来に比して、部品点数を少なくできて、安価で、組立性の良好な多方向入力スイッチを提供できる。
【００４８】
また、操作部材６と可動部材７とが一体に合成樹脂の成型品で形成されたため、従来に比して一層、部品点数を少なくできて、安価で、組立性の良好な多方向入力スイッチを提供できる。
【００４９】
また、操作部材６の下方には、絶縁基体１に設けられた第２の固定接点３，４と、この第２の固定接点３，４に接離する第２の可動接点９とで構成されるプッシュスイッチ１０が配置され、操作部材６の操作によって、プッシュスイッチ１０が操作されるようにしたため、多種の機能の操作ができる多方向入力スイッチを提供できる。
【００５０】
また、第２の可動接点９は金属板で形成され、この第２の可動接点９で、操作部材６、可動部材７、及び第１の可動接点８を操作前の状態に押し戻すようにしたため、第２の可動接点９を復帰用の部材に兼用できて、部品点数が少なく、安価で、且つ、組立性が良く、薄型で、小型のものを提供できる。
【００５１】
また、第２の可動接点９は金属板で形成されてクリック動作が可能で、操作部材６の傾倒動作時において、傾倒の第１の段階で、第２の接点部８ｅが第１の固定接点２に接触すると共に、傾倒の第２の段階で、第２の可動接点９がクリック動作して、プッシュスイッチ１０が操作されるようにしたため、傾倒動作の連続よりプッシュスイッチ１０の操作ができて、操作性の良好な多方向入力スイッチを提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の多方向入力スイッチの要部断面図。
【図２】本発明の多方向入力スイッチの動作を示す説明図。
【図３】本発明の多方向入力スイッチの動作を示す説明図。
【図４】本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る絶縁基体の平面図。
【図５】図４の５−５線における断面図。
【図６】本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る第２の可動接点の平面図。
【図７】図６の７−７線における断面図。
【図８】本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る共通固定接点の平面図。
【図９】図８の９−９線における断面図。
【図１０】本発明の多方向入力スイッチに係る操作部材と可動部材の平面図。
【図１１】図１０の１１−１１線における断面図。
【図１２】従来の多方向入力スイッチの要部断面図。
【図１３】従来の多方向入力スイッチの分解斜視図。
【符号の説明】
１絶縁基体
１ａ底壁
１ｂ側壁
１ｃ凹部
２第１の固定接点
２ａ接点部
２ｂ端子部
３第２の固定接点
３ａ接点部
３ｂ端子部
３ｃ接続部
４第２の固定接点
４ａ接点部
４ｂ端子部
４ｃ接続部
５共通固定接点
５ａ前面板
５ｂ孔
５ｃ保持部
５ｄ脚部
５ｅ端子部
６操作部材
６ａ操作部
６ｂ軸部
７可動部材
７ａ基部
７ｂ切り欠き部
７ｃ突出部
７ｄ凹部
７ｅ凸部
８第１の可動接点
８ａ基部
８ｂ腕部
８ｃ接続部
８ｄ第１の接点部
８ｅ第２の接点部
９第２の可動接点
１０プッシュスイッチ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input switch suitable for use in electronic equipment such as a portable telephone, a remote controller, and an automobile navigator.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional multidirectional input switch is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2916867. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a plurality of first fixed contacts 52 located on the outer periphery are provided on the bottom wall of a box-shaped insulating base 51. And a plurality of second fixed contacts 53a and 53b located at the center.
The mounting plate 54 formed by bending a metal plate has an annular portion 54a and a leg portion 54b bent downward from the annular portion 54a. The mounting plate 54 has the leg portion 54b latched to the insulating base 51. And attached to the insulating base 51.
[0003]
A lid 55 made of a synthetic resin molding has a bearing portion 55a inside, and a common fixed contact 56 made of a metal plate is embedded and attached to the lid 55. The common fixed contact 56 is sandwiched and attached between the annular portion 54 a of the attachment plate 54 and the upper end portion of the insulating base 51.
The operating member 57 is composed of two parts, a hemispherical collar 58 and a shaft 59 inserted through the center of the hemispherical collar 58. The operating member 57 has a hemispherical collar 58 that is a bearing part. The shaft portion 59 protrudes outward while being supported by 55a.
[0004]
The first movable contact 60 is made of a rigid body formed by pressing a metal material. The first movable contact 60 is made up of a cylindrical portion 60a and an octagonal flange portion protruding radially from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 60a. Contact portion 60b, a second contact portion 60c located at the lower end of the cylindrical portion, and a ring-shaped engagement portion 60d provided in the cylindrical portion 60a.
The first movable contact 60 is disposed in the insulating base 51, and the first contact portion 60 b is a common fixed contact by a coil spring 61 disposed between the first movable contact 60 and the insulating base 51. The first movable contact 60 is tilted through the rubber plate 62 by a rubber plate 62 that is elastically contacted by 56 and disposed between the engaging portion 60 d and the operation member 57.
[0005]
The operation member 57 can be tilted in eight directions. When the shaft portion 59 of the operation member 57 is tilted, the hemispherical collar 58 first tilts with the bearing portion 55a as a guide, and a rubber body. A part of the engaging portion 60 d of the first movable contact 60 is pushed through 62.
Then, the first movable contact 60 tilts against the coil spring 61 with the outer peripheral end of the first contact portion 60 b as a fulcrum, and the second contact portion 60 c contacts one of the first fixed contacts 52. To do.
When the tilting operation of the operation member 57 is canceled, the operation member 57 and the first movable contact 60 are returned to their original positions by the coil spring 61 and the rubber body 62.
[0006]
The second movable contact 63 made of a dish-shaped metal plate is placed on the bottom wall of the insulating base 51, and its outer peripheral edge is always in contact with the second fixed contact 53a, and the central portion is the second. The push switch 64 is composed of the second movable contact 63 and the second fixed contacts 53a and 53b, which are arranged to face the fixed contact 53b.
A bowl-shaped guide member 65 made of a synthetic resin molded product is attached to the insulating base 51 by appropriate means so as to cover the second movable contact 63, and is inserted into a hole 65 a provided in the central portion of the guide member 65. A rubber plate 66 positioned between the shaft portion 59 and the second movable contact 63 is disposed.
[0007]
When the operation member 57 is in a neutral state, when the shaft portion 59 is pressed downward in the axial direction, the shaft portion 59 moves downward using the semispherical collar portion 58 as a guide.
Then, the shaft portion 59 deforms the second movable contact 63 via the rubber plate 66, the central portion of the second movable contact 63 comes into contact with the second fixed contact 53b, and the second fixed contact 53a. , 53b are short-circuited, and the push switch 64 is operated.
When the pressing of the shaft portion 59 is released, the shaft portion 59 is pushed back to the original state by the second movable contact 63 and the rubber plate 66, and the second fixed contacts 53a and 53b are returned to the non-short circuit state. .
Further, when the operation member 57 is tilted, the movement of the shaft portion 59 in the axial direction hits the guide member 65 and the operation of the push switch 64 is blocked.
[0008]
Next, the operation of the conventional multi-directional input switch will be described. First, by the tilting operation of the shaft portion 59, the hemispherical flange portion 58 tilts with the bearing portion 55a as a guide, and the first through the rubber body 62. Part of the engaging portion 60d of the movable contact 60 is pushed.
Then, the first movable contact 60 tilts against the coil spring 61 with the outer peripheral end of the first contact portion 60 b as a fulcrum, and the second contact portion 60 c contacts one of the first fixed contacts 52. To do.
When the tilting operation of the operation member 57 is canceled, the operation member 57 and the first movable contact 60 are returned to their original positions by the coil spring 61 and the rubber body 62.
[0009]
Next, when the operation member 57 is in the neutral state, when the shaft portion 59 is pressed downward in the axial direction, the shaft portion 59 moves downward using the semispherical collar portion 58 as a guide.
Then, the shaft portion 59 deforms the second movable contact 63 via the rubber plate 66, the central portion of the second movable contact 63 comes into contact with the second fixed contact 53b, and the second fixed contact 53a. , 53b are short-circuited, and the push switch 64 is operated.
When the pressing of the shaft portion 59 is released, the shaft portion 59 is pushed back to the original state by the second movable contact 63 and the rubber plate 66, and the second fixed contacts 53a and 53b are returned to the non-short circuit state. .
[0010]
In this way, the conventional multidirectional input switch is operated. When such a multidirectional input switch is used in, for example, a mobile phone, desired information is selected by operating the tilting operation of the operation member 57. Thereafter, the selected information is determined by the operation of the operation member 57 in the axial direction.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional multidirectional input switch, since the first movable contact 60 is formed of a pressed and rigid body, in order to obtain conduction between the second contact portion 60c and the first fixed contact 52, the operation member Therefore, there is a problem in that the operability of the operation member 57 is poor.
[0012]
In addition, the second contact portion 60c and the first fixed contact portion 52 are normally separated from each other, and the contact between them is a batting-type contact, and a sliding action occurs between them. Therefore, there is a problem that contact between the two becomes worse due to adhesion of dust or the like.
[0013]
Further, the conventional multi-directional input switch not only requires the mounting plate 54 in addition to the common fixed contact 56, but also the operation member 57 requires two parts of the semi-spherical flange portion 58 and the shaft portion 59, etc. There are problems that many parts are required, the number of parts is increased, the cost is increased, and the assemblability is poor.
[0014]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional input switch with good operability of an operation member, good contact between contacts, a small number of parts, low cost and good assemblability.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first solving means for solving the above-mentioned problem, an operation member that can be tilted in multiple directions, a plurality of first fixed contacts that are provided below, and a common that is provided above A fixed contact; and a first movable contact that is disposed between the first fixed contact and the common fixed contact and is capable of contacting at least one of the first fixed contacts by a tilting operation of the operation member. The first movable contact is formed of a metal spring plate, and a plurality of first and second contact portions are provided, and the first movable contact is a movable member made of synthetic resin. Attached, The movable member is formed in a flat plate shape and has a plurality of notches, and the first movable contact is a plurality of radially extending positions located in the notches while being cantilevered. And the second contact part is provided on the free end side of the arm part, and the convex first contact part is located on the upper surface of the movable member, The arm is located on the bottom surface, During the tilting operation of the operation member, the movable member and the first movable contact are in contact with the common fixed contact. Two convex The first contact portion is tilted around a fulcrum, and at least one of the second contact portions is in contact with the first fixed contact with a sliding motion.
[0016]
As a second solution, ,in front The first movable contact has a base portion attached to the movable member, and the arm portion extends from the base portion in the same plane state as the base portion.
[0017]
Also, Third As a solution to ,in front The first contact portion is disposed at a corner of a regular octagon, and the arm portion is disposed in a cross shape between the first contact portions, so that the operation member can be tilted at eight positions. The configuration is as follows.
[0018]
Also, 4th As a solving means, the common fixed contact is formed of a single metal plate, and the operation member is held by the common fixed contact.
Also, 5th As a means for solving this problem, the operation member and the movable member are integrally formed of a synthetic resin molded product.
Also, 6th As a means for solving this problem, a push switch comprising a second fixed contact provided on the insulating base and a second movable contact contacting and separating from the second fixed contact is disposed below the operation member. The push switch is operated by operating the operation member.
[0019]
Also, 7th The second movable contact is formed of a metal plate, and the operation member, the movable member, and the first movable contact are pushed back to the state before the operation by the second movable contact. The configuration was as follows.
Also, 8th As a solution to the above, the second movable contact is formed of a metal plate and can be clicked. At the time of the tilting operation of the operation member, the second contact point is moved to the first stage. In addition to being in contact with one fixed contact, the push switch is operated by clicking the second movable contact in the second stage of tilting.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings of the multidirectional input switch of the present invention, FIGS. 1 to 11 all relate to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the multidirectional input switch of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the multidirectional input switch of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the multidirectional input switch of the present invention.
[0021]
4 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a second movable according to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a common fixed contact according to the multi-directional input switch of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 10 is a plan view of the operation member and the movable member according to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 11-11 in FIG.
[0022]
Next, the configuration of the multidirectional input switch according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The box-shaped insulating base 1 has a regular octagonal shape as shown in FIGS. The bottom wall 1a, a regular octagonal cylindrical side wall 1b formed upright from the bottom wall 1a, and a plurality of recesses 1c provided on the bottom wall 1a.
The plurality of first fixed contacts 2 are formed of a metal plate. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the first fixed contacts 2 are embedded in the bottom wall 1a and attached. 2a is exposed to a raised portion on the bottom wall 1a and the terminal portion 2b protrudes outward from the side wall 1b.
The first fixed contact 2 is embedded in the insulating base 1 while being held by a mold (not shown) located in the recess 1c, and is bottom walled at a cross position with an interval of 90 degrees. 1a.
[0023]
The plurality of second fixed contacts 3 and 4 are formed of a metal plate. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the contact portions 3a and 4a, the terminal portions 3b and 4b, the contact portions and the terminals, respectively. And the second fixed contacts 3 and 4 are respectively embedded and attached to the bottom wall 1a, and the second fixed contact 3 is connected to the bottom of the bottom wall 1a. The terminal portion 3b protrudes outward from the side wall 1b in a state where the contact portion 3a is exposed and arranged at the center of the wall 1.
The contact portion 4a is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the connection portion 4c, that is, the surface of the bottom wall 1a.
[0024]
The other second fixed contact 4 is arranged so as to surround the contact portion 3a of the second fixed contact 3, and the contact portion 4a is exposed from the bottom wall 1a, and the terminal portion 4b is extended from the side wall 1b. It protrudes outward.
The second fixed contacts 3 and 4 are embedded in the insulating substrate 1 while being held by a mold (not shown) located in the recess 1c, like the first fixed contact 2. It has become.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, the common fixed contact 5 formed by bending a single metal plate is provided in a regular octagonal front plate 5a and a central portion of the front plate 5a. A cylindrical holding portion 5c having a hole 5b, a plurality of leg portions 5d bent downward from the outer peripheral portion of the front plate 5a, and a terminal portion 5e bent at the end of the leg portion 5d. .
The common fixed contact 5 is attached to the insulating substrate 1 by appropriate means with the leg 5d disposed along the side wall 1b with the front plate 5a covering the upper portion of the insulating substrate 1.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 10, and 11, the operation member 6 made of a synthetic resin molded product has an operation portion 6a and a shaft portion 6b, and a movable member 7 made of a synthetic resin molded product. Is formed of a synthetic resin molded product integrally with the operation member 6 and has a substantially regular octagonal shape.
The operation member 6 is positioned at the central portion of the movable member 7, and the flat movable member 7 includes a base portion 7a positioned at the central portion and the base portion, as shown in FIGS. A plurality of notches 7b extending radially in a cross direction from 7a, a recess 7d provided at the center of the outer periphery of each protrusion 7c located between the notches 7b, and positioned on both sides of the recess 7d. And a convex portion 7e corresponding to a regular octagonal corner.
Note that the notch 7b and the recess 7d are formed wider than the width of the protruding portion where the contact portion 2a of the bottom wall 1a of the insulating base 1 is formed.
[0027]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 10, and 11, the first movable contact 8 formed of a metal spring plate has a base portion 8a located at the center and a radial direction from the base portion 8a in the cross direction. A plurality of extending arm portions 8b, a plurality of substantially Y-shaped connecting portions 8c located between the arm portions 8b and extending from the base portion 8a, and a plurality of convex second portions provided at the ends of the connecting portions 8c. 1 contact portion 8d and a second contact portion 8e provided on the free end side of each arm portion 8b.
And each convex 1st contact part 8d is a point symmetrical position with respect to the center of the base 8a, and is provided in the position of equal intervals (equal angle).
[0028]
The first movable contact 8 is attached to the movable member 7 with the central portion of the base 8a and the connecting portion 8c embedded therein, and when the first movable contact 8 is attached, the base 8a and the arm 8b are movable members. 7, the arm portion 8 b is cantilevered by the base portion 7 a of the movable member 7, is positioned at the notch portion 7 b, and has a convex shape. One contact portion 8d is disposed on the upper surface of the movable member 7 so as to be positioned on the convex portion 7e.
[0029]
The movable member 7 and the operation member 6 to which the first movable contact 8 is attached are housed in the side wall 1b in a state where the movable member 7 and the first movable contact 8 are located on the lower surface of the common movable contact 5, In addition, the shaft portion 6b is positioned in the hole 5b, the operation portion 6a protrudes outward, and is attached by the insulating base 1 and the common fixed contact 5 so as to be able to tilt and move in the axial direction.
[0030]
When the movable member 7 or the like is attached, the first contact portion 8d contacts the lower surface of the front plate 5a of the common fixed contact 5, and the second contact portion 8e faces the first fixed contact 2. In addition, the center portion of the movable member 7 faces the contact portion 3a of the second fixed contact 3a.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the second movable contact 9 made of a plate-like metal plate and capable of clicking is disposed on the bottom wall 1 a of the insulating base 1, and its outer peripheral edge is While always contacting the contact portion 4b of the second fixed contact 4a, the central portion is disposed opposite to the contact portion 3a of the second fixed contact 3, and the second movable contact 9 and the second fixed contact 3 are arranged. , 4 constitute a push switch 10.
[0032]
The push switch 10 is disposed below the operation member 6. When the second movable contact 9 is attached, the push switch 10 presses the movable member 7 upward at the center of the second movable contact 9. Thus, the operation member 6 is in a neutral position where the first contact portions 8 d are in contact with the common fixed contact 5.
The operation member 6 having such a configuration can be tilted in eight directions, and when the operation portion 6a of the operation member 6 is tilted, the two convex first members positioned on the opposite side to the tilt side. The operation member 6, the movable member 7, and the first movable contact 8 are tilted with the contact portion 8d as a fulcrum.
[0033]
Next, the operation of the multi-directional input switch according to the present invention will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2, when the operation portion 6a is tilted to the left against the spring property of the second movable contact 9, the tilt direction and The operation member 6, the movable member 7, and the first movable contact 8 tilt with the two right first contact portions 8 d located on the opposite side as fulcrums.
Then, the arm portion 8b of the first movable contact 8 is gradually bent from the time when it contacts the first fixed contact 2, and the second contact portion 8e provided on the arm portion 8b is the contact portion of the first fixed contact 2. 2a is contacted while performing a sliding operation, and the first fixed contact 2 and the common fixed contact 5 are brought into conduction.
[0034]
When the tilting operation of the operation member 6 is released, the operation member 6, the movable member 7, and the first movable contact 8 are returned to their original positions due to the spring property of the second movable contact 9, and the operation member 6 is While being in a neutral state, the first fixed contact 2 and the common fixed contact 5 are in a non-conductive state.
[0035]
In such an operation, that is, in the operation in the first stage of tilting, as shown in FIG. 10, the tilting operation in the direction in which the arm portion 8b extends is located on both sides of the notch portion 7b. The two first contact portions 8d are tilted with the fulcrum as a fulcrum, and one second contact portion 8e comes into contact with the first fixed contact 2 while sliding along the arm portion 8b, When tilting between the arm portions 8b, that is, in the recess 7d, the two first contact portions 8d located on both sides of the recess 7d are tilted as fulcrums and the two arm portions 8b are bent. The two second contact portions 8 e come into contact with the first fixed contact 2 while sliding.
[0036]
Next, when the tilting operation (second stage of tilting) is further performed in the state of FIG. 2 in the first stage of tilting, the second movable contact is made on the lower surface of the movable member 7 as shown in FIG. 9 is further pushed, and the second movable contact is clicked and reversed, and as a result, the central portion of the second movable contact 9 comes into contact with the contact portion 3a of the second fixed contact 3, and the second The fixed contacts 3 and 4 become conductive.
That is, the operation member 6 can be tilted in two stages, and the push switch 10 is operated by the tilting in the second stage, and at that time, the arm portion 8b is further bent and becomes stronger with the contact portion 2a. Abut.
Further, in the tilting operation of the operation member 6 in the second stage, the lower surface of the convex portion 7e hits the bottom wall 1a, and further operation is prevented.
[0037]
Further, when the tilting operation of the operation member 6, that is, the tilting operation of the second stage is released, the second movable contact 9 is reversed and self-returns to the original state due to the spring property of the second movable contact 9, When the second movable contact 9 is brought into a non-contact state with the second fixed contact 3, the second fixed contacts 3 and 4 are brought into a non-conductive state, and the tilting operation at the first stage is subsequently released, the above-described operation is performed. As described above, due to the spring property of the second movable contact 9, the operation member 6, the movable member 7, and the first movable contact 8 are returned to their original positions, and the operation member 6 becomes neutral, and the first A non-conductive state is established between the fixed contact 2 and the common fixed contact 5.
[0038]
Next, as shown in FIG. 1, when the operation member 6 is in the neutral state, when the operation portion 6a is pressed downward in the axial direction, the second movable contact 9 is pushed on the lower surface of the movable member 7, As a result, the center of the second movable contact 9 comes into contact with the contact portion 3a of the second fixed contact 3, and the second fixed contacts 3 and 4 become conductive. It will be in the state.
[0039]
When the pressing of the operating member 6 in the axial direction is released, the second movable contact 9 is reversed and self-returns to the original state due to the spring property of the second movable contact 9, and the second movable contact 9 is The second fixed contact 3 is brought into a non-contact state, the second fixed contacts 3 and 4 are brought into a non-conductive state, and the operation member 6, the movable member 7, and the second movable contact 9 are caused by the spring property of the second movable contact 9. The one movable contact 8 returns to the original position, and the operation member 6 becomes neutral.
[0040]
Thus, the multi-directional input switch of the present invention is operated. When such a multi-directional input switch is used in, for example, a mobile phone, desired information is selected by tilting the operation member 6, After that, it is used as a function for determining the selected information by the second stage following the first stage of the operation of the operation member 6 in the axial direction or tilting.
In particular, after information is selected by the first-stage tilting operation of the operation member 6 and subsequently determined by the second-stage tilting operation, the operability is further improved.
The selection may be made by a series of operations in the first stage and the second stage. In this case, desired information can be selected with a click feeling.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
In the multidirectional input switch of the present invention, the first movable contact 8 is formed of a metal spring plate, and a plurality of first and second contact portions 8d and 8e are provided, and the first movable contact 8 is provided. Is attached to the movable member 7 made of synthetic resin, and when the operation member 6 is tilted, the movable member 7 and the first movable contact 8 tilt with the first contact portion 8d in contact with the common fixed contact 5 as a fulcrum. Then, since at least one of the second contact portions 8e is brought into contact with the first fixed contact 2 with a sliding motion, the first movable contact 8 and the first movable contact 8 can be connected to the first movable contact 8 with a relatively weak tilting motion. Therefore, it is possible to provide a multi-directional input switch with better operability as compared with the prior art.
[0042]
In addition, the second contact portion 9e and the first fixed contact 2 are normally separated from each other. However, since the contact between them is a sliding motion, even if there is a deposit such as dust. The contact is improved by the sliding operation.
[0043]
In addition, the movable member 7 is formed in a flat plate shape and has a plurality of cutout portions 7b, and the first movable contact 8 is radially positioned on the cutout portion 7b while being cantilevered. Since the arm portion 8b is extended and the second contact portion 8e is provided on the free end side of the arm portion 8b, the arm portion 8b has good flexibility, and the second contact portion 8e is connected to the first fixed contact 2. Good contact and sliding motion.
[0044]
In addition, the first movable contact 8 has a base portion 8a attached to the movable member 7, and the arm portion 8b extends from the base portion 8a in the same plane as the base portion 8a, so that the arm portion 8b is formed. No bending process is required, the spring characteristics of the arm portion 8b are good, and it is possible to provide a suitable one for long-term use.
[0045]
Further, a convex first contact portion 8d is located on the upper surface of the movable member 7, and an arm portion 8b is located on the lower surface of the movable member 7, so that the movable member 7 and the first movable contact 8 are located. Since the two first contact portions 8d having a convex shape can be tilted with the fulcrum as a fulcrum, the tilting operation of the movable member 7 and the first movable contact 8 is stable, and an accurate tilting operation can always be performed. It is possible to provide a multidirectional input switch in which contact of the contact portion 8e with the first fixed contact 2 is ensured.
[0046]
Further, the first contact portion 8d is disposed at the corner of the regular octagon, and the arm portion 8b is disposed in a cross shape between the first contact portions 8d, and the operation member 6 is tilted at eight positions. Since the operation is possible, when the operation member 6 is tilted in eight directions, the operation member 6, the movable member 7 and the first movable contact 8 are accurately tilted in the eight directions with the two first contact portions 8d as fulcrums. Thus, it is possible to always provide an accurate tilting operation and to provide a multi-directional input switch that reliably contacts the first fixed contact 2 of the second contact portion 8e.
[0047]
Further, since the common fixed contact 5 is formed of a single metal plate and the operation member 6 is held by the common fixed contact 5, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the prior art, and it is inexpensive and has good assemblability. A multi-directional input switch can be provided.
[0048]
In addition, since the operation member 6 and the movable member 7 are integrally formed of a synthetic resin molded product, the number of parts can be further reduced as compared with the conventional multi-directional input switch that is inexpensive and has good assemblability. Can be provided.
[0049]
Also, below the operation member 6, there are constituted by second fixed contacts 3, 4 provided on the insulating base 1, and a second movable contact 9 contacting and separating from the second fixed contacts 3, 4. Since the push switch 10 is disposed and the push switch 10 is operated by operating the operation member 6, a multidirectional input switch capable of performing various functions can be provided.
[0050]
The second movable contact 9 is formed of a metal plate, and the second movable contact 9 pushes the operation member 6, the movable member 7, and the first movable contact 8 back to the state before the operation. The second movable contact 9 can also be used as a return member, so that the number of parts is small, the cost is low, the assemblability is good, the thickness is small, and the small size can be provided.
[0051]
The second movable contact 9 is formed of a metal plate and can be clicked. When the operation member 6 is tilted, the second contact portion 8e is the first fixed contact at the first tilting stage. 2, the second movable contact 9 is clicked in the second stage of tilting, and the push switch 10 is operated, so that the push switch 10 can be operated from the continuous tilting operation. A multidirectional input switch with good operability can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a multidirectional input switch according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the multidirectional input switch of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the multidirectional input switch of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an insulating substrate according to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second movable contact according to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a common fixed contact according to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an operation member and a movable member according to the multidirectional input switch of the present invention.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input switch.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional multidirectional input switch.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Insulating substrate
1a Bottom wall
1b Side wall
1c recess
2 First fixed contact
2a Contact part
2b Terminal section
3 Second fixed contact
3a Contact part
3b terminal
3c connection part
4 Second fixed contact
4a Contact part
4b Terminal section
4c connection part
5 Common fixed contacts
5a Front plate
5b hole
5c Holding part
5d leg
5e terminal
6 Operation members
6a Operation part
6b Shaft
7 Movable members
7a base
7b Notch
7c Projection
7d recess
7e Convex
8 First movable contact
8a base
8b Arm
8c connection part
8d 1st contact part
8e Second contact part
9 Second movable contact
10 Push switch

Claims

An operation member that can be tilted in multiple directions, a plurality of first fixed contacts provided below, a common fixed contact provided above, the first fixed contact and the common fixed A first movable contact that is disposed between the first contact and the at least one of the first fixed contacts by a tilting operation of the operation member, wherein the first movable contact is made of metal. A plurality of first and second contact portions are formed by a spring plate, and the first movable contact is attached to a movable member made of synthetic resin, and the movable member is configured in a flat plate shape. In addition, the first movable contact has a plurality of radially extending arm portions located in the notch portion in a state where the first movable contact is cantilevered. The second contact portion is provided on the free end side, and the upper side of the movable member is provided. Located said first contact portion forms a convex shape in the the lower surface of the movable member said arms are located, when tilting operation of the operating member, the said movable member first movable contact Tilts with the two convex first contact portions in contact with the common fixed contact as fulcrums, and at least one of the second contact portions slides on the first fixed contact. A multi-directional input switch characterized by being in contact with the

The first movable contact, said has a base attached to the movable member, according to claim 1 multi according to the arm portion from the base portion is characterized by being formed to extend in the same plane state and the base portion Direction input switch.

The first contact portion is disposed at a corner of a regular octagon, and the arm portion is disposed in a cross shape between the first contact portions, so that the operation member can be tilted at eight positions. multi direction input switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the as the.

The common fixed contact is formed by one metal plate, multi-directional input switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that holding the operating member in the common fixed contact.

Directional input switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which said movable member and the operating member, characterized in that it is formed by molding a synthetic resin integrally.

A push switch composed of a second fixed contact provided on the insulating base and a second movable contact contacting and separating from the second fixed contact is disposed below the operation member. the operation, multi-directional input switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that as the push switch is operated.

The second movable contact is formed of a metal plate, and the second movable contact pushes the operation member, the movable member, and the first movable contact back to a state before the operation. The multidirectional input switch according to claim 6 .

The second movable contact is formed of a metal plate and can be clicked. During the tilting operation of the operation member, the second contact portion becomes the first fixed contact at the first stage of tilting. The multi-directional input according to claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that, in the second stage of tilting, the second movable contact is clicked to operate the push switch while being in contact. switch.