JP3973354B2

JP3973354B2 - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP3973354B2
Application number: JP2000281741A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 新治石川
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-09-12
Filing date: 2000-09-12
Publication date: 2007-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-12
Also published as: JP2002093286A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ゲーム機等に使用され、操作軸の操作により複数の電気部品を操作することができる多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来のジョイスティック型の多方向入力装置の構成を図２８〜図３０に基づいて説明すると、金属板が折り曲げられて形成された筺体３１は、大きな孔３１ａを有する上面板３１ｂと、この上面板３１ｂの四方から折り曲げされて下方に延びる四つの側面板３１ｃ、３１ｄ、３１ｅ、３１ｆと、この四つの側面板３１ｃ〜３１ｆに設けられた孔３１ｇとを有する。
【０００３】
回転型の可変抵抗器からなる複数の電気部品３２ａ、３２ｂは、箱形のケース３３と、このケース３３の開放部に取り付けられ、抵抗体（図示せず）を設けた絶縁基板３４と、この絶縁基板３４に回転可能に取り付けられ、抵抗体上を摺動する摺動子（図示せず）を取り付けた回転体３５とで構成されて、それぞれが単体の電気部品３２ａ、３２ｂとして形成されている。
そして、隣り合う側面板３１ｄ、３１ｆにケース３３を取り付けて、２個の電気部品３２ａ、３２ｂが互いに直角状態に取り付けられている。
【０００４】
第１，第２連動部材３６，３７は、中央部にスリット３６ａ、３７ａを有し、この第１，第２連動部材３６、３７は、互いに直交して十字状になるように配置され、第１連動部材３６の両端部３６ｂ、３６ｃは、互いに対向する側面板３１ｄ、３１ｃの孔３１ｇに挿入され、また、第２連動部材３７の両端部３７ｂ、３７ｃは、互いに対向する側面板３１ｅ、３１ｆの孔３１ｇに挿入されて、回動可能に取り付けられている。
【０００５】
そして、第１、第２連動部材３６、３７が取り付けられた際、第１連動部材３６の端部３６ｂは一つの電気部品３２ａの回転体３５と係合し、また、第２連動部材３７の端部３７ｃはもう一つの電気部品３２ｂの回転体３５と係合している。
そして、第１，第２連動部材３６，３７が同時、或いは単独に回転した時、回転体３５も回転し、これによって、摺動子が抵抗体上を摺動して、抵抗値を可変し、電気部品３２ａ、３２ｂが操作されるようになっている。
【０００６】
また、前記第１連動部材３６は、打ち抜き加工、折り曲げ加工、絞り加工されたバネ性ある金属板で形成され、この第１連動部材３６の筺体３１への取付は、図２８に示すように、矢印Ｚ方向に第１連動部材３６を撓ませた状態で、第１連動部材３６を筺体３１の下方から筺体３１内に挿入して、両端部３６ｂ、３６ｃを側面板３１ｄ、３１ｃの孔３１ｇに掛け止めするものである。
【０００７】
また、前記第２連動部材３７は、亜鉛ダイキャストの成型品からなり、この第２連動部材３７の筺体３１への取付は、図２８に示すように、矢印Ｙ方向に側面板３１ｅ、３１ｆの下方を開いた状態で、第２連動部材３７を筺体３１の下方から筺体３１内に挿入し、しかる後、開いた状態の側面板３１ｅ、３１ｆを直立状態に戻して、両端部３７ｂ、３７ｃを側面板３１ｅ、３１ｆの孔３１ｇに掛け止めするものである。
そして、この第１，第２連動部材３６，３７は、先ず、第２連動部材３７よりも上方に位置する第１連動部材３６が先に取り付けられ、しかる後、第１連動部材３６よりも下方に位置する第２連動部材３７の取付が行われるようになっている。
【０００８】
孔３８ａを有する操作軸３８は、第１，第２連動部材３６，３７のスリット３６ａ、３７ａに挿通され、第２連動部材３７に設けた孔３７ｄと操作軸３８の孔３８ａに挿通された止め棒３９によって、第２連動部材３７に回動可能に取り付けられると共に、操作軸３８の上部は、孔３１ａから上方に突出して、先端部には摘み４０が取り付けられている。
また、この操作軸３８の組込は、操作軸３８を第２連動部材３７に取り付けた後、操作軸３８が先に組み込まれた第１連動部材３６のスリット３６ａと、上面板３１ｂの孔３１ａに挿通され、このような状態で、第２連動部材３７を組込することによって、操作軸３８が組み立てられるようになっている。
【０００９】
そして、操作軸３８がスリット３７ａに沿って回動（傾倒）した時、操作軸３８は、第１連動部材３６を押圧して、第１連動部材３６を回動して電気部品３２ａを操作し、また、操作軸３８がスリット３６ａに沿って回動（傾倒）した時、操作軸３８は、第２連動部材３７を押圧して、第２連動部材３７を回動して電気部品３２ｂを操作し、更に、操作軸３８が二つの孔３１ｇ間方向に回動（傾倒）した時、操作軸３８は、第１、第２連動部材３６、３７を押圧して、第１、第２連動部材３６、３７を回動して電気部品３２ａ、３２ｂを同時に操作するようになっている。
【００１０】
金属板からなる四角状の底板４１は、筺体３１の下方の開放部を塞ぐように、筺体３１の下部に取り付けられている。
金属板を絞り加工等して形成された揺動部材４２は、底壁４２ａを有する皿状部４２ｂと、底壁４２ａの中央部に設けられた筒状部４２ｃとを有する。
そして、揺動部材４２は、底板４１上に底壁４２ａを載置した状態で、筒状部４２ｃ内に、操作軸３８の凸部３８ｂが挿入されて取り付けられている。
【００１１】
また、揺動部材４２と操作軸３８の鍔部３８ｃ間には、コイルバネ４３を介在させ、このコイルバネ４３によって、常時、操作軸３８を上方に弾圧すると共に、揺動部材４２を底板４１に弾圧している。
この構成によって、揺動部材４２は、コイルバネ４３によって、常に水平状態を維持するようになっているため、揺動部材４２の底壁４２ａが水平状態で底板４１上に載置されている通常時は、操作軸３８が未傾倒の直立状態となっている。このような状態で、操作軸３８を回動（傾倒）した時、揺動部材４２が底壁４１に対して傾いた状態となる。
【００１２】
また、操作軸３８の傾倒動作を解除すると、コイルバネ４３によって、揺動部材４２が水平状態に戻るようになると共に、この動作で、操作軸３８も直立状態に戻されるようになっている。
即ち、揺動部材４２とコイルバネ４３によって、操作軸３８の自動復帰を行わしめるための復帰手段が形成されている。
【００１３】
このような構成を有する従来の多方向入力装置の動作を説明すると、先ず、摘み４０を摘んで操作軸３８を傾倒させると、操作軸３８は止め棒３９、或いは両端部３７ｂ、３７ｃを支点として傾倒し、その結果、操作軸３８が第１連動部材３６，又は／及び第２連動部材３７を押圧して、これを回転させる。
すると、第１，第２連動部材３６，３７がそれぞれ電気部品３２ａ、３２ｂの回転体３５を回転させて、電気部品３２ａ、３２ｂを操作する。
【００１４】
また、操作軸３８の傾倒動作によって、揺動部材４２が傾いた状態となり、次に、操作軸３８への傾倒動作を解除すると、コイルバネ４３によって、揺動部材４２水平状態に戻るようになると共に、この動作で、操作軸３８も直立状態の元の状態に戻される。
このようにして、従来の多方向入力装置の動作が行われるものである。
【００１５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の多方向入力装置において、バネ性ある金属板からなる第１連動部材３６の筺体３１への取付は、第１連動部材３６を撓ませた状態で、筺体３１内に挿入するため、その作業が面倒で、組立性が悪く、コスト高になるという問題がある。
また、第１連動部材３６が金属板で形成されているため、厚さが薄く、このため、スリット３６ａ内における操作軸３８と第１連動部材３６の対向面積が小さく、操作軸３８と第１連動部材３６との間の遊びが大きくなって、操作軸３８の傾倒動作時に、直ちに第１連動部材３６に傾倒動作が伝達できないという問題がある。
【００１６】
また、亜鉛ダイキャストの成型品で形成された第２連動部材３７の筺体３１への取付は、側面板３１ｅ、３１ｆを開いた状態で、第２連動部材３７を筺体３１内に挿入し、しかる後、開いた状態の側面板３１ｅ、３１ｆを直立状態に戻すものであるため、その作業が面倒で、組立性が悪く、コスト高になるという問題がある。
また、第１連動部材３６より後に組み込まれる第２連動部材３７には、操作軸３８が取り付けられているため、第２連動部材３７の組込時、操作軸３８を第１連動部材３６のスリット３６ａと上面板３１ｂの孔３１ａの双方に挿通せねばならず、その作業が面倒で、組立性が悪いという問題がある。
【００１７】
そこで、本発明は、組立性が良好で、安価な多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
【００１８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として、孔を設けた上面板、及びこの上面板の四方から下方に延びてロ字状をなした四つの側面板を有する筺体と、前記孔に挿通された操作軸と、互いに直交して配置された状態で、互いに対向する前記側面板間に回動可能に取り付けられた第１，第２連動部材と、前記側面板に取り付けられ、前記操作軸によって、前記第１，第２連動部材を介して操作可能な複数の電気部品とを備え、少なくとも一つの第１の前記側面板は、下方側に切り込み部を設けて形成された舌片部を有し、該舌片部の下端部が外方に折り曲げられて傾斜状になっており、前記切り込み部がＵ字状の孔で形成されて、前記舌片部の両側には一対の側板部が形成されると共に、前記舌片部の下方に位置した状態で、前記一対の側板部間を繋ぐ外方に突出する逃げ部を有する連結部が設けられ、前記舌片部に設けられた孔には、前記第１，或いは第２連動部材の少なくとも一端部が挿入されて、前記一端部が回動可能に保持されており、前記舌片部を設けた前記第１の側面板と対向する第２の前記側面板には、前記電気部品の一つが取り付けられ、前記第２の側面板に設けた孔には、前記第１，或いは第２連動部材の他端部が回動可能に保持され、該他端部から前記電気部品と係合する係合部が当該連動部材の回転軸方向に延びて設けられると共に、前記第１，或いは第２連動部材の前記一端部が前記筺体の下方から挿入されて前記舌片部の前記孔にスナップ結合され、前記筺体内に取り付けられる前記第１，或いは第２連動部材を回動可能に保持した構成とした。
【００２１】
また、第２の解決手段として、前記第１連動部材は、互いに対向する第３，第４の前記側面板に回動可能に取り付けられると共に、前記第２連動部材は、前記第１，第２の側面板に回動可能に取り付けられ、前記第２連動部材が前記第１連動部材よりも下方に位置した状態で、前記第１，第２の側面板に取り付けられた構成とした。
【００２２】
また、第３の解決手段として、前記第１連動部材の一端部を保持する前記第３の側面板には、下方が開放した切り欠き部を設け、この切り欠き部の上端には、前記切り欠き部の下方から挿入された前記第１連動部材の前記一端部の上部を当接させると共に、前記第１連動部材の前記一端部の下部が底板によって支持されて、前記第１連動部材の前記一端部が前記切り欠き部の前記上端と前記底板によって回動可能に保持された構成とした。
【００２３】
また、第４の解決手段として、前記第３の側面板と対向する前記第４の側面板には、前記電気部品のもう一つが取り付けられ、前記第４の側面板に設けた孔には、前記第１連動部材の他端部が回動可能に保持された構成とした。
また、第５の解決手段として、前記第１連動部材には、前記操作軸が回転可能に取り付けられた構成とした。
また、第６の解決手段として、前記第１，第２連動部材が合成樹脂、或いは亜鉛ダイキャストの成型品で形成された構成とした。
【００２４】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の多方向入力装置の図面を説明すると、図１は本発明の多方向入力装置の平面図、図２は図１の２−２線における断面図、図３は図１の３−３線における断面図、図４は本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、動作を説明するための説明図、図５は本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、動作を説明するための説明図、図６は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る操作軸の平面図、図７は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る操作軸の右側面図である。
【００２５】
また、図８は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の平面図、図９は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の正面図、図１０は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の裏面図、図１１は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の左側面図、図１２は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の右側面図、図１３は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の下面図である。
【００２６】
また、図１４は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第１連動部材の平面図、図１５は図１４の１５−１５線における断面図、図１６は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第１連動部材の下面図、図１７は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第２連動部材の平面図、図１８は図１７の１８−１８線における断面図、図１９は本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第２連動部材の下面図、図２０〜図２３は本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第１連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図、図２４〜図２７は本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第２連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図である。
【００２７】
まず、本発明の多方向入力装置は、図５に示すように、鉄板等からなる箱形の筺体１は、打ち抜き加工と折り曲げ加工されて形成され、特に図８〜図１３に示すように、四角形の上面板１ａと、この上面板１ａの中央部に設けられた円形の孔１ｂと、上面板１ａの四方から折り曲げされて下方に延びるロ字状をなした四つの第１〜第４の側面板１ｃ、１ｄ、１ｅ、１ｆを有して、筺体１の内部が空洞になって形成されている。
【００２８】
また、筺体１の第１の側面板１ｃは、図１１に示すように、下方にＵ字状の孔からなる切り込み部１ｇを設けて形成された舌片部１ｈと、舌片部１ｈの両側に切り込み部１ｇを挟んで形成された一対の側板部１ｊと、舌片部１ｈの下方に位置した状態で、一対の側板部１ｊを繋ぐ連結部１ｋと、舌片部１ｈに設けられた円形の孔１ｍを有する。
更に、舌片部１ｈの下端部は、外方に折り曲げられて傾斜状になっていると共に、舌片部１ｈと対向する連結部１ｋは、台形状で外方に突出（膨出）した逃げ部１ｎ（図１３参照）が設けられて、この逃げ部１ｎによって、後述する第２連動部材３に対して、筺体１下方からの挿入を容易にしている。
また、第１の側面板１ｃと対向する第２の側面板１ｄは、図１２に示すように、孔１ｍと対向する位置に設けられた円形の孔１ｐと、この孔１ｐの下方に設けられた三日月状の孔１ｑと、複数の取付孔１ｒとを有する。
【００２９】
更に、第３の側面板１ｅは、図１０に示すように、下方が開放した切り欠き部１ｓと、この切り欠き部１ｓの上端に設けられた半円筒状の受け部１ｔと、切り欠き部１ｓの両側に位置する一対の側板部１ｕと、一対の側板部１ｕの下方部同士を繋ぐ連結部１ｖとを有する。
そして、この連結部１ｖは、先の連結部１ｋと同様に、台形状で外方に突出（膨出）した逃げ部１ｗ（図１３参照）が設けられて、この逃げ部１ｗによって、後述する底板１０に対して、筺体１下方からの挿入を容易にしていると共に、この逃げ部１ｗによって、切り欠き部１ｓの下方が開放状態となっている。
更に又、第３の側面板１ｅと対向する第４の側面板１ｆは、図９に示すように、切り欠き部１ｓと対向する位置に設けられた円形の孔１ｘと、この孔１ｘの下方に設けられた三日月状の孔１ｙと、複数の取付孔１ｚとを有する。
【００３０】
前記筺体１の空洞内部には、第１、第２連動部材２、３が、十字状に直交して組み合わされて配設されている。
そして、合成樹脂、或いは亜鉛ダイキャストの成型品からなる第１連動部材２は、特に図１４〜図１６に示すように、中央部に位置する半円状の基部２ａと、この基部２ａの中央部に設けられたスリット２ｂと、基部２ａの一端側に位置する一端部２ｃと、基部２ａの他端側に位置する他端部２ｄと、この他端部２ｄから軸方向に延びる非円形の係合部２ｅと、基部２ａの外周から円周方向に突出した一対の円弧状の鍔部２ｆと、スリット２ｂを横切って基部２ａに設けられた孔２ｇと、コイルバネ８をガイドする受け部２ｈとを有する。
【００３１】
そして、この第１連動部材２の両端部２ｃ、２ｄには、筺体１に支承される軸部が形成されており、第１連動部材２は、一端部２ｃの上部が第３の側面板１ｅの切り欠き部１ｓの上端に当接し、他端部２ｄが第４の側面板１ｆの孔１ｘに嵌入、支承されて、筺体１に回動可能に取り付けられている。
なお、一端部２ｃの下部は、後述する底板１０によって支持された構成となっている。
【００３２】
また、合成樹脂、或いは亜鉛ダイキャストの成型品からなる第２連動部材３は、特に図１７〜図１９に示すように、中央部に位置する弓状の基部３ａと、この基部３ａの中央部に設けられたスリット３ｂと、基部３ａの一端側に位置する一端部３ｃと、基部３ａの他端側に位置する他端部３ｄと、この他端部３ｄから軸方向に延びる非円形の係合部３ｅと、基部３ａの外周から円周方向に突出した一対の円弧状の鍔部３ｆと、コイルバネ８をガイドする受け部３ｇとを有する。
【００３３】
そして、この第２連動部材３の両端部３ｃ、３ｄには、筺体１に支承される軸部が形成されており、第２連動部材３は、一端部３ｃが第１の側面板１ｃに設けられた舌片部１ｈの孔１ｍに嵌入、支承され、他端部３ｄが第２の側面板１ｄの孔１ｐに嵌入、支承されて、筺体１に回動可能に取り付けられている。
また、この第２連動部材３は、第１連動部材２よりも下方に位置した状態で、筺体１に取り付けられると共に、第１，第２連動部材２，３が筺体１に取り付けられた際、両者の鍔部２ｆ、３ｆの下部は、面一となっている。
そして、この鍔部２ｆ、３ｆの下部には、後述するコイルバネ８の上端部が当接するようになっている。
【００３４】
金属材等からなる操作軸４は、図６、図７に示すように、平坦状の取付部４ａと、この取付部４ａの中心部に設けられた円形の孔４ｂと、取付部４ａから前方に延びる円柱状の操作部４ｃと、取付部４ａから後方に延びる円柱状の突起４ｄとを有する。
そして、この操作軸４は、突起４ｄ側から第１連動部材２のスリット２ｂに挿入して、取付部４ａをスリット２ｂ内に位置させた状態で、円柱状の止め棒５を、第１連動部材２の孔２ｇと操作軸４の孔４ｂに挿通し、しかる後、止め棒５の先端部をカシメて、操作軸４を第１連動部材２に回動可能（傾倒可能）に取り付ける。
【００３５】
また、第１連動部材２に傾倒可能に取り付けられた操作軸４は、操作部４ｃが上面板１ａの孔１ｂから上方に突出すると共に、突起４ｄが第２連動部材３のスリット３ｂに挿通された状態となっている。
そして、操作軸４が図４に示すように、第１連動部材２のスリット２ｂに沿って回動（傾倒）した時、操作軸４は、突起４ｄで第２連動部材３を押圧して、第２連動部材３を回動させ、また、操作軸４が図５に示すように、第２連動部材３のスリット３ｂに沿って回動（傾倒）した時、操作軸４は、操作部４ｃで第１連動部材２を押圧して、第１連動部材２を回動するようになっている。
【００３６】
次に、第１連動部材２の組立方法を図２０〜図２３に基づいて説明すると、先ず、第１連動部材２には、止め棒５によって、操作軸４を取り付ける。
次に、図２０に示すように、筺体１の下方から筺体１内に第１連動部材２を挿入する。
この時、操作軸４の操作部４ｃが孔１ｂから突出するようにすると共に、他端部２ｄ側から挿入して、係合部２ｅを第４の側面板１ｆの孔１ｘに係合させる。
【００３７】
次に、図２１に示すように、孔１ｘに係合した係合部２ｅを支点として、その反対側の一端部２ｃ側を筺体１内に押し込む。
すると、第１連動部材２は、図２２の状態を経て図２３に示すように、一端部２ｃが切り欠き部１ｓの上端に位置する受け部１ｔに当接すると共に、他端部２ｄが孔１ｘに嵌合して、筺体１に対して水平状態に取り付けられる。
また、この組立途上の図２１〜図２３において、孔１ｙによって受け部２ｈが支障無くはめ合わされ、また、逃げ部１ｗによって下方が開放された切り欠き部１ｓに、一端部２ｃが支障無く、順次はめ合わされて、その組立が容易となっている。
また、側面板からの突出量が少なく、ほぼ面一の一端部２ｃを、係合部２ｅを組み込んだ後に、挿入するようにしているので、組立の作業性がよい。
【００３８】
次に、第２連動部材３の組立方法を図２４〜図２７に基づいて説明すると、先ず、図２４に示すように、筺体１の下方から筺体１内に第２連動部材３を挿入する。
この時、他端部３ｄ側から挿入して、図２５に示すように、係合部３ｅを第２の側面板１ｄの孔１ｐに係合させる。
次に、図２６に示すように、孔１ｐに係合した係合部３ｅを支点として、その反対側の一端部３ｃ側を筺体１内に押し込む。
【００３９】
すると、舌片部１ｈの傾斜部に一端部３ｃがぶつかって、この舌片部１ｈを外方に撓ませた後、図２７に示すように、一端部３ｃが第１の側面板１ｃの孔１ｍにスナップ結合すると共に、他端部３ｄが孔１ｐに嵌合して、筺体１に対して水平状態に取り付けられる。
また、この組立途上の図２６，図２７において、孔１ｑによって受け部３ｇが支障無くはめ合わされ、逃げ部１ｎによって舌片部１ｈの下方が開放されているため、一端部３ｃが支障無く、舌片部１ｈの下部にぶつかって、一端部３ｃのスナップ結合による組立が容易となっている。
更に、第２連動部材３の組立途上において、図２５から図２６に示す間の工程で、スリット３ｂに操作軸４の突起４ｄをはめ合わせると共に、下方に位置して取り付けられた第２連動部材３によって、上方に位置する第１連動部材２の落下を防止している。
なお、この際、側面板からの突出量が少なく、ほぼ面一の一端部３ｃを、係合部３ｅを組み込んだ後に、スナップ結合しているので、組立の作業性がよい。
【００４０】
回転型の可変抵抗器からなる複数の電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂは、箱形のケース１２と、このケース１２に取り付けられ、抵抗体（図示せず）を設けた絶縁基板１３と、この絶縁基板１３に回転可能に取り付けられ、抵抗体上を摺動する摺動子１４を取り付け、中心に非円形の孔を有する回転体１５とで構成されている。そして、隣り合う第４，第２側面板１ｆ、１ｄには、取付孔１ｚ、１ｒにケース１２を取り付けて、２個の電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂが互いに直角状態に取り付けられている。
そして、電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂが筺体１に取り付けられた際、電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂのそれぞれの回転体１５の非円形の孔には、第１，第２連動部材２，３の係合部２ｅ、３ｅが係合し、第１，第２連動部材２，３の回動動作によって回転体１５を回転して、電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂを操作するようになっている。
なお、この電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂの取付は、連動部材２，３を筺体１に組み付けた後に行う。
【００４１】
合成樹脂の成型品等からなる底板１０は、球面状の凹部１０ａを有する突部１０ｂと、凸部１０ｂの外周部に設けられたコイルバネ８用の凹部からなる受け部１０ｃと、直立して設けられた支持壁１０ｄとを有する。
この底板１０は、筺体１の下方の開放部を塞ぐように、筺体１の下部に取り付けられている。
そして、底板１０が取り付けられた際、図２に示すように、支持壁１０ｄの上端部が第１連動部材２の一端部２ｃの下部を挟持して、この支持壁１０ｄと切り欠き部１ｓの上端とで、一端部２ｃを回動可能に支持している。
【００４２】
また、第１，第２連動部材２，３の鍔部２ｆ、３ｆと底板１０の受け部１０ｃとの間にコイルバネ８を介在させ、このコイルバネ８によって、常時、第１，第２連動部材２，３を上方に弾圧して、第１，第２連動部材２，３を常に水平状態を維持し、これによって、操作軸４が未傾倒の直立状態にしている。
このような状態で、図４に示すように、操作軸４を第１連動部材２のスリット２ｂに沿って回動（傾倒）した時、第２連動部材３の回動に伴って鍔部３ｆがコイルバネ８を押圧して、コイルバネ８を変形させ、また、図５に示すように、操作軸４を第２連動部材３のスリット３ｂに沿って回動（傾倒）した時、第１連動部材２の回動に伴って鍔部２ｆがコイルバネ８を押圧して、コイルバネ８を変形させるようになる。
なお、この際、受け部２ｈ、３ｇによってコイルバネ８がガイドされているので、スムーズに変形させることができる。
【００４３】
また、操作軸４の傾倒動作を解除すると、変形したコイルバネ８によって、第１，第２連動部材２，３が水平状態に戻るようになると共に、この動作で、操作軸４も直立状態に戻されるようになっている。
即ち、コイルバネ８によって、第１，第２連動部材２，３と操作軸４の自動復帰を行わしめるための復帰手段が形成されている。
【００４４】
このような構成を有する本発明の多方向入力装置の動作を説明すると、先ず、操作軸４を傾倒させると、操作軸４は止め棒５、或いは一端部２ｃと他端部２ｄを支点として傾倒し、その結果、操作軸４が第１連動部材２，又は／及び第２連動部材３を押圧して、これを回転させる。
すると、第１，第２連動部材２，３がそれぞれ電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂの回転体１５を回転させて、電気部品１１ａ、１１ｂを操作する。
【００４５】
また、操作軸４の傾倒動作を解除すると、コイルバネ８によって、第１，第２連動部材２，３が水平状態に戻るようになると共に、この動作で、操作軸４も直立状態の元の状態に戻される。
このようにして、本発明の多方向入力装置の動作が行われるものである。
【００４６】
なお、上記実施例では、筺体１を金属板で形成したもので説明したが、筺体１を合成樹脂の成型品で形成しても良い。
また、第２連動部材３の一端部３ｃがスナップ止めされるもので説明したが、第２連動部材３の両端部、又は／及び第１連動部材２の両端部をスナップ止めするようにしても良い。
また、本実施例においては、他端部２ｄ、３ｄによって連動部材を第４，第２の側面板１ｆ、１ｄに直接保持しているが、回転体１５によってのみ保持する、即ち、間接的に側面板１ｆ、１ｄに保持しても良い。
【００４７】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力装置において、少なくとも一つの第１の側面板１ｃは、下方側に切り込み部１ｇを設けて形成された舌片部１ｈを有し、この舌片部１ｈに設けられた孔１ｍには、筺体１の下方から筺体１内に取り付けられる第１，或いは第２連動部材２，３の少なくとも一端部を挿入して、一端部を回動可能に保持したため、第１，或いは第２連動部材２，３は、舌片部１ｈの孔１ｍにスナップ止が可能となり、従来に比して、その組立が容易となり、安価なものを提供できる。
【００４８】
また、舌片部１ｈを設けた第１の側面板１ｃと対向する第２の側面板１ｄには、電気部品の一つが取り付けられ、第２の側面板１ｄに設けた孔１ｐには、連動部材の他端部が回動可能に保持されると共に、連動部材の一端部が舌片部１ｈの孔１ｈにスナップ結合されたため、連動部材が舌片部１ｈの孔１ｍにスナップ止できて、従来に比して、その組立が容易となり、安価なものを提供できる。
【００４９】
また、第１の側面板１ｃに設けられた切り込み部１ｇがＵ字状の孔で形成されて、舌片部１ｈの両側には一対の側板部１ｊが形成されると共に、舌片部１ｈの下方に位置した状態で、一対の側板部１ｊ間を繋ぐ連結部１ｋが設けられたため、側面板１ｃの強度を高めることができて、精度の良いものが得られる。
【００５０】
また、連結部１ｋには、外方に突出する逃げ部１ｎが設けられたため、逃げ部１ｎによって舌片部１ｈの下方が開放されて、連結部材の一端部が支障無く、舌片部１ｈの下部にぶつかって、一端部のスナップ結合による組立が容易となって、組立性の良好なものが得られる。
【００５１】
また、第１連動部材２は、互いに対向する第３，第４の側面板１ｅ、１ｆに回動可能に取り付けられると共に、第２連動部材３は、第１，第２の側面板１ｃ、１ｄに回動可能に取り付けられ、第２連動部材３が第１連動部材２よりも下方に位置した状態で、第１，第２の側面板１ｃ、１ｄに取り付けられたため、下方に位置して取り付けられた第２連動部材３によって、上方に位置する第１連動部材２の落下を防止し、このため、爾後の組立性が容易なものを提供できる。
【００５２】
また、第１連動部材２の一端部２ｃを保持する第３の側面板１ｅには、下方が開放した切り欠き部１ｓを設け、この切り欠き部１ｓの上端には、切り欠き部１ｓの下方から挿入された第１連動部材２の一端部２ｃの上部を当接させると共に、第１連結部材２の一端部２ｃの下部が底板１０によって支持されて、第１連動部材２の一端部２ｃが切り欠き部１ｓの上端と底板１０によって回動可能に保持されたため、従来のように筺体を開く等の作業が無く、単に、第１連動部材２を筺体１の下方から挿入するだけでよく、組立性の良好なものが得られる。
【００５３】
また、第３の側面板１ｅと対向する第４の側面板１ｆには、電気部品のもう一つが取り付けられ、第４の側面板１ｆに設けた孔１ｘには、第１連動部材２の他端部２ｄが回動可能に保持されたため、孔１ｘ側を支点として一端部２ｃ側を押し込むだけで組立でき、作業性の良いものが得られる。
【００５４】
また、第１連動部材２には、操作軸４が回転可能に取り付けられたため、操作軸４は孔１ｂに挿通すれば良く、従って、従来に比して、組立性の良好なものが得られる。
【００５５】
また、第１，第２連動部材２，３が合成樹脂、或いは亜鉛ダイキャストの成型品で形成されたため、第１，第２連動部材２，３の厚さを厚くでき、このため、スリット２ｂ、３ｂ内における操作軸４と第１、第２連動部材２，３の対向面積が大きく、操作軸４と第１、第２連動部材２，３との間の遊びが小さくなって、操作軸４の傾倒動作時に、直ちに第１、第２連動部材２，３に傾倒動作が伝達できて、精度の良いものが提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の多方向入力装置の平面図。
【図２】図１の２−２線における断面図。
【図３】図１の３−３線における断面図。
【図４】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、動作を説明するための説明図。
【図５】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、動作を説明するための説明図。
【図６】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る操作軸の平面図。
【図７】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る操作軸の右側面図。
【図８】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の平面図。
【図９】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の正面図。
【図１０】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の裏面図。
【図１１】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の左側面図。
【図１２】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の右側面図。
【図１３】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る筺体の下面図。
【図１４】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第１連動部材の平面図。
【図１５】図１４の１５−１５線における断面図。
【図１６】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第１連動部材の下面図。
【図１７】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第２連動部材の平面図。
【図１８】図１７の１８−１８線における断面図。
【図１９】本発明の多方向入力装置に係る第２連動部材の下面図。
【図２０】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第１連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２１】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第１連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２２】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第１連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２３】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第１連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２４】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第２連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２５】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第２連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２６】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第２連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２７】本発明の多方向入力装置に係り、第２連動部材の組立を説明するための説明図。
【図２８】従来の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図。
【図２９】従来の多方向入力装置の要部の断面図。
【図３０】従来の多方向入力装置に係り、操作軸を傾倒した状態を示す断面図。
【符号の説明】
１筺体
１ａ上面板
１ｂ孔
１ｃ第１の側面板
１ｄ第２の側面板
１ｅ第３の側面板
１ｆ第４の側面板
１ｇ切り込み部
１ｈ舌片部
１ｊ側板部
１ｋ連結部
１ｍ孔
１ｎ逃げ部
１ｐ孔
１ｑ孔
１ｒ取付孔
１ｓ切り欠き部
１ｔ受け部
１ｕ側板部
１ｖ連結部
１ｗ逃げ部
１ｘ孔
１ｙ孔
１ｚ取付孔
２第１連動部材
２ａ基部
２ｂスリット
２ｃ一端部
２ｄ他端部
２ｅ係合部
２ｆ鍔部
２ｇ孔
２ｈ受け部
３第２連動部材
３ａ基部
３ｂスリット
３ｃ一端部
３ｄ他端部
３ｅ係合部
３ｆ鍔部
３ｇ受け部
４操作軸
４ａ取付部
４ｂ孔
４ｃ操作部
４ｄ突起
５止め棒
８コイルバネ
１０底板
１０ａ凹部
１０ｂ突部
１０ｃ受け部
１０ｄ支持壁
１１ａ電気部品
１１ｂ電気部品
１２ケース
１３絶縁基板
１４摺動子
１５回転体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device that is used in a game machine or the like and can operate a plurality of electric components by operating an operation shaft.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The structure of a conventional joystick-type multidirectional input device will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30. A housing 31 formed by bending a metal plate includes an upper surface plate 31b having a large hole 31a and the upper surface plate 31b. 4 side plates 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f that are bent from the four sides and extend downward, and holes 31g provided in the four side plates 31c to 31f.
[0003]
A plurality of electric components 32a and 32b made of a rotary variable resistor include a box-shaped case 33, an insulating substrate 34 attached to an open portion of the case 33 and provided with a resistor (not shown), The rotating body 35 is rotatably attached to the insulating substrate 34 and is attached with a slider (not shown) that slides on the resistor, and each is formed as a single electric component 32a, 32b. Yes.
And the case 33 is attached to the side plates 31d and 31f adjacent to each other, and the two electrical components 32a and 32b are attached at right angles to each other.
[0004]
The first and second interlocking members 36 and 37 have slits 36a and 37a in the center, and the first and second interlocking members 36 and 37 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other in a cross shape. Both end portions 36b, 36c of the first interlocking member 36 are inserted into holes 31g of the side plates 31d, 31c facing each other, and both end portions 37b, 37c of the second interlocking member 37 are side plates 31e, 31f facing each other. It is inserted in the hole 31g and is rotatably attached.
[0005]
And when the 1st, 2nd interlocking members 36 and 37 are attached, the edge part 36b of the 1st interlocking member 36 engages with the rotary body 35 of one electrical component 32a, The end 37c is engaged with the rotating body 35 of another electrical component 32b.
When the first and second interlocking members 36 and 37 are rotated simultaneously or independently, the rotating body 35 is also rotated, whereby the slider slides on the resistor and the resistance value is varied. The electric parts 32a and 32b are operated.
[0006]
Further, the first interlocking member 36 is formed of a metal plate having a spring property that has been punched, bent, and drawn, and the attachment of the first interlocking member 36 to the housing 31 is as shown in FIG. With the first interlocking member 36 bent in the direction of arrow Z, the first interlocking member 36 is inserted into the casing 31 from below the casing 31, and both end portions 36b and 36c are inserted into the holes 31g of the side plates 31d and 31c. It is to be hung.
[0007]
Further, the second interlocking member 37 is made of a zinc die-cast molded product, and the second interlocking member 37 is attached to the housing 31 by the side plates 31e and 31f in the direction of the arrow Y as shown in FIG. With the lower portion opened, the second interlocking member 37 is inserted into the housing 31 from below the housing 31, and then the opened side plates 31e and 31f are returned to the upright state, so that both end portions 37b and 37c are connected. The side plates 31e and 31f are latched in the holes 31g.
In the first and second interlocking members 36 and 37, first, the first interlocking member 36 positioned above the second interlocking member 37 is attached first, and then, below the first interlocking member 36. The second interlocking member 37 located at is attached.
[0008]
The operation shaft 38 having the hole 38a is inserted into the slits 36a and 37a of the first and second interlocking members 36 and 37, and is stopped inserted into the hole 37d provided in the second interlocking member 37 and the hole 38a of the operation shaft 38. The rod 39 is rotatably attached to the second interlocking member 37, the upper portion of the operation shaft 38 protrudes upward from the hole 31a, and a knob 40 is attached to the tip.
In addition, the operation shaft 38 is assembled by attaching the operation shaft 38 to the second interlocking member 37 and then the slit 36a of the first interlocking member 36 in which the operation shaft 38 is first integrated, and the hole 31a of the upper surface plate 31b. The operation shaft 38 is assembled by assembling the second interlocking member 37 in such a state.
[0009]
When the operation shaft 38 is rotated (tilted) along the slit 37a, the operation shaft 38 presses the first interlocking member 36 and rotates the first interlocking member 36 to operate the electrical component 32a. When the operation shaft 38 rotates (tilts) along the slit 36a, the operation shaft 38 presses the second interlocking member 37 and rotates the second interlocking member 37 to operate the electrical component 32b. Further, when the operation shaft 38 is rotated (tilted) in the direction between the two holes 31g, the operation shaft 38 presses the first and second interlocking members 36 and 37, and the first and second interlocking members are pressed. The electric parts 32a and 32b are operated simultaneously by rotating 36 and 37.
[0010]
A rectangular bottom plate 41 made of a metal plate is attached to the lower portion of the housing 31 so as to close an open portion below the housing 31.
The swing member 42 formed by drawing a metal plate or the like has a dish-like portion 42b having a bottom wall 42a and a cylindrical portion 42c provided at the center of the bottom wall 42a.
The swinging member 42 is attached with the convex portion 38b of the operation shaft 38 being inserted into the cylindrical portion 42c in a state where the bottom wall 42a is placed on the bottom plate 41.
[0011]
In addition, a coil spring 43 is interposed between the swing member 42 and the flange portion 38c of the operation shaft 38, and the coil spring 43 constantly elastically presses the operation shaft 38 upward and elastically presses the swing member 42 to the bottom plate 41. is doing.
With this configuration, the swinging member 42 is always maintained in a horizontal state by the coil spring 43, so that the bottom wall 42a of the swinging member 42 is placed on the bottom plate 41 in a horizontal state in a normal state. The operation shaft 38 is in an upright state in which the operation shaft 38 is not tilted. In this state, when the operation shaft 38 is rotated (tilted), the swinging member 42 is tilted with respect to the bottom wall 41.
[0012]
Further, when the tilting operation of the operation shaft 38 is released, the swing member 42 is returned to the horizontal state by the coil spring 43, and the operation shaft 38 is also returned to the upright state by this operation.
That is, the swinging member 42 and the coil spring 43 form a return means for automatically returning the operation shaft 38.
[0013]
The operation of the conventional multi-directional input device having such a configuration will be described. First, when the knob 40 is picked and the operation shaft 38 is tilted, the operation shaft 38 uses the stop rod 39 or both ends 37b and 37c as fulcrums. As a result, the operating shaft 38 presses the first interlocking member 36 and / or the second interlocking member 37 and rotates it.
Then, the 1st, 2nd interlocking members 36 and 37 rotate the rotary body 35 of the electrical components 32a and 32b, respectively, and operate the electrical components 32a and 32b.
[0014]
The swinging member 42 is tilted by the tilting operation of the operating shaft 38. Next, when the tilting operation to the operating shaft 38 is released, the coil spring 43 returns to the horizontal state of the swinging member 42. By this operation, the operation shaft 38 is also returned to the original state in the upright state.
In this way, the operation of the conventional multidirectional input device is performed.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional multidirectional input device, the first interlocking member 36 made of a spring metal plate is attached to the housing 31 in a state in which the first interlocking member 36 is bent, so that the work is performed. However, there is a problem that the assemblability is poor and the cost is high.
In addition, since the first interlocking member 36 is formed of a metal plate, the thickness is small. For this reason, the facing area of the operation shaft 38 and the first interlocking member 36 in the slit 36a is small, and the operation shaft 38 and the first There is a problem that play with the interlocking member 36 increases, and the tilting operation cannot be immediately transmitted to the first interlocking member 36 when the operation shaft 38 tilts.
[0016]
The second interlocking member 37 formed of a zinc die cast product is attached to the housing 31 by inserting the second interlocking member 37 into the housing 31 with the side plates 31e and 31f being opened. Thereafter, since the open side plates 31e and 31f are returned to the upright state, there is a problem that the work is troublesome, the assembling property is poor, and the cost is increased.
In addition, since the operation shaft 38 is attached to the second interlocking member 37 that is incorporated after the first interlocking member 36, the operation shaft 38 is slit in the first interlocking member 36 when the second interlocking member 37 is assembled. 36a and the hole 31a of the upper surface plate 31b must be inserted, and there is a problem that the work is troublesome and the assemblability is poor.
[0017]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive multidirectional input device that is easy to assemble.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Solve the problem Ruta As a first means for solving the problem, an upper surface plate provided with a hole, a housing having four side plates extending downward from four sides of the upper surface plate and having a square shape, and an operating shaft inserted through the hole And the first and second interlocking members rotatably attached between the side plates facing each other in a state of being arranged orthogonal to each other, and attached to the side plates, and by the operating shaft, the first 1 and a plurality of electrical components operable via a second interlocking member, and at least one first side plate has a tongue piece formed by providing a cut portion on the lower side, A lower end portion of the tongue piece portion is bent outward to be inclined, the cut portion is formed by a U-shaped hole, and a pair of side plate portions are formed on both sides of the tongue piece portion. And a connecting portion having an outwardly projecting relief portion connecting the pair of side plate portions in a state of being positioned below the tongue piece portion, In the hole provided in the tongue piece, ,in front At least one end of the first or second interlocking member But Insert Been The one end But Holds pivotably One of the electrical components is attached to the second side plate facing the first side plate provided with the tongue piece, and the hole provided in the second side plate is The other end portion of the first or second interlocking member is rotatably held, and an engaging portion that engages with the electrical component extends from the other end portion in the direction of the rotation axis of the interlocking member. In addition, the first or second interlocking member is inserted into the hole of the tongue piece portion from one end of the first or second interlocking member from below the housing, and is attached to the first or second interlocking member. Holds the member pivotably The configuration was as follows.
[0021]
Also, Second The first interlocking member is rotatably attached to the third and fourth side plates facing each other, and the second interlocking member is attached to the first and second side plates. The second interlocking member is pivotally attached, and the second interlocking member is attached to the first and second side plates with the second interlocking member positioned below the first interlocking member.
[0022]
Also, Third As a means for solving this problem, the third side plate that holds one end of the first interlocking member is provided with a notch that opens downward, and the upper end of the notch is below the notch. The lower end of the one end part of the first interlocking member is supported by a bottom plate, and the one end part of the first interlocking member is It was set as the structure hold | maintained rotatably by the said upper end and said bottom plate of a notch part.
[0023]
Also, 4th As another means for solving the problem, another electric component is attached to the fourth side plate facing the third side plate, and the first interlocking is provided in a hole provided in the fourth side plate. The other end portion of the member was held rotatably.
Also, 5th As a solution to this, the operation shaft is rotatably attached to the first interlocking member.
Also, 6th As a means for solving this problem, the first and second interlocking members are formed of synthetic resin or zinc die cast.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is 3-3 of FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. 6 is a plan view of the operation shaft according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a right side view of the operation shaft according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
[0025]
8 is a plan view of the housing according to the multi-directional input device of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a front view of the housing according to the multi-directional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is the front view of the housing according to the multi-directional input device of the present invention. 11 is a left side view of the housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a right side view of the housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is the multidirectional input device of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the housing which concerns.
[0026]
14 is a plan view of a first interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a first diagram of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the interlocking member, FIG. 17 is a plan view of the second interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. FIG. 20 to FIG. 23 relate to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, FIG. 20 to FIG. 23 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the assembly of the first interlock member, and FIG. 24 to FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the assembly of a 2nd interlocking member in connection with a direction input device.
[0027]
First, as shown in FIG. 5, the multi-directional input device of the present invention is formed by punching and bending a box-shaped casing 1 made of an iron plate or the like, particularly as shown in FIGS. 8 to 13. A rectangular upper surface plate 1a, a circular hole 1b provided in the central portion of the upper surface plate 1a, and four first to fourth shapes that are bent from four sides of the upper surface plate 1a and have a rectangular shape extending downward. It has side plates 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f, and the inside of the housing 1 is formed as a cavity.
[0028]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the first side plate 1c of the casing 1 includes a tongue piece portion 1h formed by providing a cut portion 1g formed of a U-shaped hole below, and both sides of the tongue piece portion 1h. A pair of side plate portions 1j formed with a notch portion 1g interposed therebetween, a connecting portion 1k that connects the pair of side plate portions 1j in a state positioned below the tongue piece portion 1h, and a circular shape provided on the tongue piece portion 1h. 1m of holes.
Further, the lower end portion of the tongue piece 1h is bent outward and has an inclined shape, and the connecting portion 1k facing the tongue piece 1h is a trapezoidal relief that protrudes outward (swells). A portion 1n (see FIG. 13) is provided, and the escape portion 1n facilitates insertion from below the housing 1 into the second interlocking member 3 described later.
Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the second side plate 1d facing the first side plate 1c is provided in a circular hole 1p provided at a position facing the hole 1m, and below the hole 1p. It has a crescent-shaped hole 1q and a plurality of mounting holes 1r.
[0029]
Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the third side face plate 1e includes a notch portion 1s opened at the bottom, a semi-cylindrical receiving portion 1t provided at the upper end of the notch portion 1s, and a notch portion. It has a pair of side plate parts 1u located on both sides of 1s and a connecting part 1v that connects the lower parts of the pair of side plate parts 1u.
And this connection part 1v is provided with the escape part 1w (refer FIG. 13) which protruded outward in the trapezoid shape similarly to the previous connection part 1k (refer FIG. 13), and mentions later by this escape part 1w. The bottom plate 10 can be easily inserted from below the housing 1, and the lower portion of the notch 1 s is opened by the escape portion 1 w.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the fourth side plate 1f facing the third side plate 1e includes a circular hole 1x provided at a position facing the notch 1s, and a lower portion of the hole 1x. And a plurality of mounting holes 1z.
[0030]
In the cavity of the housing 1, first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 are arranged in a cross-like manner and orthogonally combined.
And the 1st interlocking member 2 which consists of a synthetic resin or a zinc die-casting molded product has a semicircular base 2a located at the center and a center of the base 2a as shown in FIGS. A slit 2b provided in the base, one end 2c located on one end of the base 2a, the other end 2d located on the other end of the base 2a, and a non-circular shape extending in the axial direction from the other end 2d An engaging portion 2e, a pair of arcuate flange portions 2f protruding in the circumferential direction from the outer periphery of the base portion 2a, a hole 2g provided in the base portion 2a across the slit 2b, and a receiving portion 2h for guiding the coil spring 8 And have.
[0031]
And the shaft part supported by the housing 1 is formed in both ends 2c and 2d of this 1st interlocking member 2, As for the 1st interlocking member 2, the upper part of the one end part 2c is the 3rd side plate 1e. The other end 2d is fitted into and supported by the hole 1x of the fourth side plate 1f, and is rotatably attached to the housing 1.
In addition, the lower part of the one end part 2c becomes the structure supported by the baseplate 10 mentioned later.
[0032]
Further, the second interlocking member 3 made of a synthetic resin or a zinc die-cast product has an arcuate base portion 3a located at the center portion and a center portion of the base portion 3a as shown in FIGS. A non-circular engagement extending in the axial direction from the other end 3d, the slit 3b provided in the base 3a, one end 3c located on one end of the base 3a, the other end 3d located on the other end of the base 3a. It has a joint part 3e, a pair of arcuate flanges 3f protruding in the circumferential direction from the outer periphery of the base part 3a, and a receiving part 3g for guiding the coil spring 8.
[0033]
And the shaft part supported by the housing 1 is formed in the both ends 3c and 3d of this 2nd interlocking member 3, and the 2nd interlocking member 3 provides one end part 3c in the 1st side plate 1c. The other end 3d is fitted and supported in the hole 1p of the second side plate 1d, and is rotatably attached to the housing 1.
In addition, the second interlocking member 3 is attached to the housing 1 in a state of being positioned below the first interlocking member 2, and when the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 are attached to the housing 1, The lower portions of both flange portions 2f and 3f are flush with each other.
And the upper end part of the coil spring 8 mentioned later contacts the lower part of these collar parts 2f and 3f.
[0034]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation shaft 4 made of a metal material has a flat mounting portion 4a, a circular hole 4b provided at the center of the mounting portion 4a, and a front side from the mounting portion 4a. A column-shaped operation portion 4c extending in the rear direction and a columnar projection 4d extending rearward from the attachment portion 4a.
The operation shaft 4 is inserted into the slit 2b of the first interlocking member 2 from the protrusion 4d side, and the columnar stopper bar 5 is moved to the first interlocking state with the mounting portion 4a positioned in the slit 2b. The shaft 2 is inserted into the hole 2g of the member 2 and the hole 4b of the operation shaft 4, and then the tip of the stopper bar 5 is crimped to attach the operation shaft 4 to the first interlocking member 2 so as to be rotatable (tiltable).
[0035]
Further, the operation shaft 4 attached to the first interlocking member 2 so as to be tiltable has the operation portion 4c protruding upward from the hole 1b of the upper surface plate 1a, and the protrusion 4d is inserted into the slit 3b of the second interlocking member 3. It is in a state.
When the operation shaft 4 is rotated (tilted) along the slit 2b of the first interlocking member 2 as shown in FIG. 4, the operation shaft 4 presses the second interlocking member 3 with the protrusion 4d, When the second interlocking member 3 is rotated and the operation shaft 4 is rotated (tilted) along the slit 3b of the second interlocking member 3 as shown in FIG. 5, the operation shaft 4 is operated by the operation portion 4c. Thus, the first interlocking member 2 is pressed to rotate the first interlocking member 2.
[0036]
Next, a method for assembling the first interlocking member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 23. First, the operation shaft 4 is attached to the first interlocking member 2 with a stop bar 5.
Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the first interlocking member 2 is inserted into the housing 1 from below the housing 1.
At this time, the operation portion 4c of the operation shaft 4 is projected from the hole 1b and inserted from the other end 2d side, and the engaging portion 2e is engaged with the hole 1x of the fourth side plate 1f.
[0037]
Next, as shown in FIG. 21, with the engaging portion 2 e engaged with the hole 1 x as a fulcrum, the opposite end portion 2 c side is pushed into the housing 1.
Then, as shown in FIG. 23 through the state of FIG. 22, the first interlocking member 2 comes into contact with the receiving portion 1t positioned at the upper end of the notch portion 1s and the other end portion 2d is formed in the hole 1x. Are attached to the housing 1 in a horizontal state.
Further, in FIGS. 21 to 23 in the course of assembly, the receiving portion 2h is fitted without any trouble by the hole 1y, and the one end portion 2c is sequentially without trouble to the notch portion 1s whose lower portion is opened by the escape portion 1w. It is fitted and easy to assemble.
Further, since the protruding amount from the side plate is small and the one end portion 2c that is substantially flush is inserted after the engaging portion 2e is assembled, the assembling workability is good.
[0038]
Next, the assembly method of the second interlocking member 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27. First, as shown in FIG. 24, the second interlocking member 3 is inserted into the housing 1 from below the housing 1.
At this time, it inserts from the other end part 3d side, and as shown in FIG. 25, the engaging part 3e is engaged with the hole 1p of the 2nd side plate 1d.
Next, as shown in FIG. 26, with the engaging portion 3 e engaged with the hole 1 p as a fulcrum, the opposite end portion 3 c side is pushed into the housing 1.
[0039]
Then, after the one end 3c collides with the inclined portion of the tongue piece 1h and bends the tongue piece 1h outward, as shown in FIG. 27, the one end 3c becomes a hole in the first side plate 1c. While being snap-coupled to 1 m, the other end 3 d is fitted into the hole 1 p and attached to the housing 1 in a horizontal state.
Further, in FIGS. 26 and 27 in the course of the assembly, the receiving portion 3g is fitted without any trouble by the hole 1q, and the lower portion of the tongue piece 1h is opened by the escape portion 1n. It collides with the lower part of the one part 1h, and the assembly by the snap coupling | bonding of the one end part 3c is easy.
Further, in the process of assembling the second interlocking member 3, the second interlocking member attached to be positioned below and fitted with the projection 4 d of the operating shaft 4 to the slit 3 b in the process shown in FIGS. 25 to 26. 3 prevents the first interlocking member 2 located above from falling.
At this time, the amount of protrusion from the side plate is small, and the substantially flush one end 3c is snap-coupled after incorporating the engaging portion 3e, so that the assembly workability is good.
[0040]
A plurality of electrical components 11a and 11b made of a rotary variable resistor are a box-shaped case 12, an insulating substrate 13 attached to the case 12 and provided with a resistor (not shown), and the insulating substrate 13 The slider 14 is rotatably attached to the slider 14, and the slider 14 is attached to the resistor. The rotor 15 has a non-circular hole at the center. The case 12 is attached to the attachment holes 1z and 1r on the adjacent fourth and second side plates 1f and 1d, and the two electrical components 11a and 11b are attached to each other at right angles.
When the electrical components 11a and 11b are attached to the housing 1, the engaging portions 2e of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 are inserted into the non-circular holes of the rotating bodies 15 of the electrical components 11a and 11b. 3e are engaged, and the rotating body 15 is rotated by the rotation of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 to operate the electrical components 11a and 11b.
The electrical components 11a and 11b are attached after the interlocking members 2 and 3 are assembled to the housing 1.
[0041]
A bottom plate 10 made of a synthetic resin molding or the like is provided upright with a projection 10b having a spherical recess 10a and a receiving portion 10c consisting of a recess for the coil spring 8 provided on the outer periphery of the projection 10b. And a supporting wall 10d.
The bottom plate 10 is attached to the lower portion of the housing 1 so as to close the open portion below the housing 1.
When the bottom plate 10 is attached, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper end portion of the support wall 10d sandwiches the lower portion of the one end portion 2c of the first interlocking member 2, and the support wall 10d and the cutout portion 1s The one end 2c is rotatably supported by the upper end.
[0042]
In addition, a coil spring 8 is interposed between the flange portions 2f and 3f of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 and the receiving portion 10c of the bottom plate 10, and the first and second interlocking members 2 are always provided by the coil spring 8. , 3 are pressed upward, and the first and second interlocking members 2, 3 are always maintained in a horizontal state, whereby the operation shaft 4 is in an upright state in which it is not tilted.
In this state, as shown in FIG. 4, when the operation shaft 4 is rotated (tilted) along the slit 2 b of the first interlocking member 2, the flange portion 3 f is accompanied by the rotation of the second interlocking member 3. Presses the coil spring 8 to deform the coil spring 8, and as shown in FIG. 5, when the operating shaft 4 is rotated (tilted) along the slit 3b of the second interlocking member 3, the first interlocking member With the rotation of 2, the flange portion 2 f presses the coil spring 8 to deform the coil spring 8.
At this time, since the coil spring 8 is guided by the receiving portions 2h and 3g, the coil spring 8 can be smoothly deformed.
[0043]
When the tilting operation of the operation shaft 4 is released, the deformed coil spring 8 causes the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 to return to the horizontal state, and this operation also returns the operation shaft 4 to the upright state. It is supposed to be.
That is, a return means for automatically returning the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 and the operation shaft 4 is formed by the coil spring 8.
[0044]
The operation of the multi-directional input device of the present invention having such a configuration will be described. First, when the operating shaft 4 is tilted, the operating shaft 4 tilts with the stop rod 5 or the one end 2c and the other end 2d as fulcrums. As a result, the operating shaft 4 presses the first interlocking member 2 and / or the second interlocking member 3 to rotate it.
Then, the 1st, 2nd interlocking members 2 and 3 rotate the rotary body 15 of the electrical components 11a and 11b, respectively, and operate the electrical components 11a and 11b.
[0045]
When the tilting operation of the operation shaft 4 is released, the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 are returned to the horizontal state by the coil spring 8, and the operation shaft 4 is also in the original state in the upright state by this operation. Returned to
In this way, the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention is performed.
[0046]
In addition, although the said Example demonstrated the case 1 which formed the housing 1 with the metal plate, you may form the housing 1 with the molded article of a synthetic resin.
Moreover, although the one end part 3c of the 2nd interlocking member 3 was demonstrated as what is snap-stopped, you may make it snap-stop the both ends of the 2nd interlocking member 3, and / or the both ends of the 1st interlocking member 2. good.
In this embodiment, the interlocking member is directly held by the fourth and second side plates 1f and 1d by the other end portions 2d and 3d, but is held only by the rotating body 15, that is, indirectly. You may hold | maintain to the side plates 1f and 1d.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, at least one first side plate 1c has a tongue piece 1h formed by providing a cut portion 1g on the lower side, and a hole provided in the tongue piece 1h. In 1 m, at least one end of the first or second interlocking member 2 or 3 attached to the inside of the housing 1 is inserted from below the housing 1 and the one end is rotatably held. The two interlocking members 2 and 3 can be snapped into the hole 1m of the tongue piece 1h, and the assembly thereof is easier and less expensive than the conventional one.
[0048]
In addition, one of the electrical components is attached to the second side plate 1d facing the first side plate 1c provided with the tongue piece 1h, and interlocked with the hole 1p provided in the second side plate 1d. Since the other end of the member is rotatably held, and the one end of the interlocking member is snap-coupled to the hole 1h of the tongue piece 1h, the interlocking member can be snapped into the hole 1m of the tongue piece 1h. As compared with the prior art, the assembly becomes easier and an inexpensive one can be provided.
[0049]
In addition, a cut portion 1g provided in the first side plate 1c is formed by a U-shaped hole, a pair of side plate portions 1j are formed on both sides of the tongue piece 1h, and the tongue piece 1h Since the connecting portion 1k that connects the pair of side plate portions 1j is provided in a state of being positioned below, the strength of the side plate 1c can be increased, and a highly accurate one can be obtained.
[0050]
Further, since the connecting portion 1k is provided with a relief portion 1n that protrudes outward, the lower portion of the tongue piece 1h is opened by the relief portion 1n, and one end portion of the connecting member has no problem, and the tongue piece portion 1h When it hits the lower part, it is easy to assemble by snap coupling at one end, and a product with good assemblability can be obtained.
[0051]
The first interlocking member 2 is pivotally attached to the third and fourth side plates 1e and 1f facing each other, and the second interlocking member 3 is composed of the first and second side plates 1c and 1d. Since the second interlocking member 3 is attached to the first and second side plates 1c and 1d in a state where the second interlocking member 3 is positioned below the first interlocking member 2, it is positioned below and attached. The second interlocking member 3 thus formed prevents the first interlocking member 2 located above from dropping, and therefore, it is possible to provide a device that is easy to assemble.
[0052]
The third side plate 1e that holds the one end 2c of the first interlocking member 2 is provided with a notch 1s that is open at the bottom, and the upper end of the notch 1s is below the notch 1s. The upper end of the one end portion 2c of the first interlocking member 2 inserted from above is brought into contact, and the lower end of the one end portion 2c of the first connecting member 2 is supported by the bottom plate 10 so that the one end portion 2c of the first interlocking member 2 is Since the upper end of the cutout portion 1s and the bottom plate 10 are rotatably held, there is no work such as opening the housing as in the prior art, and it is only necessary to insert the first interlocking member 2 from below the housing 1, Good assemblability can be obtained.
[0053]
Further, another electric component is attached to the fourth side plate 1f facing the third side plate 1e, and the hole 1x provided in the fourth side plate 1f is placed in addition to the first interlocking member 2. Since the end portion 2d is rotatably held, it can be assembled simply by pushing in the one end portion 2c side with the hole 1x side as a fulcrum, and a product with good workability can be obtained.
[0054]
Further, since the operation shaft 4 is rotatably attached to the first interlocking member 2, the operation shaft 4 only needs to be inserted into the hole 1b. Therefore, a member with better assemblability than the conventional one can be obtained. .
[0055]
Further, since the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 are formed of a synthetic resin or a zinc die-cast molded product, the thickness of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 can be increased. 3b, the facing area of the operating shaft 4 and the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 is large, and the play between the operating shaft 4 and the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3 is small, so that the operating shaft At the time of the tilting operation 4, the tilting operation can be immediately transmitted to the first and second interlocking members 2 and 3, and a highly accurate one can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of an operation shaft according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a right side view of an operation shaft according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view of a housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a left side view of a housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a right side view of a housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a housing according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a first interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the first interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a plan view of a second interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a second interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the assembly of the first interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the assembly of the first interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the assembly of the first interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining assembly of the first interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining assembly of the second interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram for explaining assembly of the second interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the assembly of the second interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the assembly of the second interlocking member according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an operation shaft is tilted according to a conventional multidirectional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 body
1a Top plate
1b hole
1c First side plate
1d second side plate
1e Third side plate
1f Fourth side plate
1g notch
1h Tongue piece
1j Side plate
1k connecting part
1m hole
1n relief
1p hole
1q hole
1r Mounting hole
1s cutout
1t receiving part
1u side plate
1v connecting part
1w escape part
1x hole
1y hole
1z Mounting hole
2 First interlocking member
2a base
2b slit
2c One end
2d other end
2e engagement part
2f buttock
2g hole
2h receiving part
3 Second interlocking member
3a base
3b slit
3c one end
3d other end
3e engagement part
3f Isobe
3g receiving part
4 Operation axis
4a Mounting part
4b hole
4c Operation part
4d protrusion
5 Stopper
8 Coil spring
10 Bottom plate
10a recess
10b Projection
10c receiving part
10d support wall
11a Electrical parts
11b Electrical parts
12 cases
13 Insulating substrate
14 Slider
15 Rotating body

Claims

A casing having a top plate provided with a hole, and four side plates extending downward from four sides of the top plate to form a square shape, and an operating shaft inserted through the hole are arranged orthogonal to each other. In a state, the first and second interlocking members rotatably attached between the side plates facing each other, and the side shafts are attached to the side plates via the first and second interlocking members. A plurality of operable electrical components, and at least one of the first side plates has a tongue piece portion formed by providing a cut portion on a lower side, and a lower end portion of the tongue piece portion is outward. The cut portion is formed by a U-shaped hole, a pair of side plate portions are formed on both sides of the tongue piece portion, and below the tongue piece portion. In a positioned state, a connection having an outwardly projecting relief part that connects the pair of side plate parts Is provided, the hole provided in the tongue part, before Symbol first, or at least one end portion is inserted in the second interlocking member, wherein one end portion is rotatably held, the tongue One of the electrical components is attached to the second side plate opposed to the first side plate provided with a piece, and the hole provided in the second side plate has the first or The other end of the second interlocking member is rotatably held, and an engaging portion that engages with the electrical component extends from the other end extending in the direction of the rotation axis of the interlocking member. Alternatively, the one end portion of the second interlocking member is inserted from below the housing and is snap-coupled to the hole of the tongue piece so that the first or second interlocking member attached to the housing can be rotated. A multidirectional input device characterized by being held .

The first interlocking member is rotatably attached to the third and fourth side plates facing each other, and the second interlocking member is rotatably attached to the first and second side plates. is, in a state in which the second interlocking member is located below said first interlocking member, said first, claim 1 Symbol placement of multi-directional input device, characterized in that attached to the second side plate .

The third side plate that holds one end of the first interlocking member is provided with a notch that opens downward, and the upper end of the notch is inserted from below the notch. The upper part of the one end part of the first interlocking member is brought into contact with the lower part of the one end part of the first interlocking member is supported by a bottom plate, and the one end part of the first interlocking member is supported by the notch part. The multidirectional input device according to claim 2 , wherein the multidirectional input device is rotatably held by an upper end and the bottom plate.

Another of the electrical components is attached to the fourth side plate facing the third side plate, and the other end of the first interlocking member is provided in the hole provided in the fourth side plate. The multi-directional input device according to claim 3 , wherein the multi-directional input device is held rotatably.

Wherein the first interlocking member, multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said operating shaft is rotatably mounted.

The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the first and second interlocking members are formed of a synthetic resin or a zinc die cast product.