JP4105432B2

JP4105432B2 - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP4105432B2
Application number: JP2001388877A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 功一森戸
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-12-21
Filing date: 2001-12-21
Publication date: 2008-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2021-12-21
Also published as: JP2003187674A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、多方向入力装置に関し、特に、円周状の各接点部と、中央部の１個の接点部とによる二段階にオン操作するように用いて好適な多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の多方向入力装置について図面を用いて説明すると、図１６は、従来の多方向入力装置を示す一部切欠した平面図、図１７は、図１６の１７ー１７線における断面図である。
【０００３】
多方向入力装置１１は、十字状の操作ツマミ１２と、操作ツマミ１２を保持する基体部１３と、基体部１３に支持されたラバー部材１４と、操作ツマミ１２と基体部１３との中心部に配設された下端が半球状でスプリング１５を介して嵌着された支承部材１６と、ラバー部材１４と対向して配設された基板１７とを有している。
【０００４】
また、ラバー部材１４には、中心部から外側方向に向かって順次厚さ寸法が小さくなるラバー片１４ａ、１４ｂ、１４ｃが十字状の位置にそれぞれ設けられ、各ラバー片１４ａ、１４ｂ、１４ｃの下端面には可動接点１８ａ、１８ｂ、１８ｃが貼着されている。
【０００５】
また、基板１７上には、各可動接点１８ａ、１８ｂ、１８ｃに対応して同数の固定接点１９ａ、１９ｂ、１９ｃが設けてある。
従って、各可動接点１８ａ、１８ｂ、１８ｃと、基板１７上の各固定接点１９ａ、１９ｂ、１９ｃとの間隔は、中心側（内側）の接点間ほど狭くなるように形成されている。
【０００６】
上述の如き構成の従来の多方向入力装置１１は、十字状の操作ツマミ１２の一辺１２ａが垂直に下方に押圧されるのであるが、この押圧動作によって、操作ツマミ１２は、図１７において左方向（矢印Ｆ方向）に倒回し、先ず、中心側（内側）の可動接点１８ａと固定接点１９ａとが接触する。
【０００７】
ここで、更に、操作ツマミ１２の一辺１２ａを押圧し続けると、操作ツマミ１２の左方向への倒回が大きくなり、可動接点１８ｂ、および可動接点１８ｃが、順次固定接点１９ｂ、及び固定接点１９ｃと接触していくことになる。従って、操作ツマミ１２の押圧力によって、接触する接点数が順次増加していくように構成されいる。
【０００８】
このような押圧動作は、十字状の操作ツマミ１２のその他の一辺を下方に押圧されたときも、ほぼ同様な動作をする。
また、この多方向入力装置１１は、操作ツマミ１２への押圧力をを解除すると、スプリング１５の弾発力によって、操作ツマミ１２が元の位置に復帰するように構成されている。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の多方向入力装置は、確実なクリック感（節度感）を生起する機構を有していないことから、操作者に入力操作を行ったという確実なクリック感覚を感得させることが出来ず、且つ、中心部から外側方向に向かい、十字状に順次設けられた複数個の可動接点、及び複数個の固定接点がそれぞれ配設されていることから装置が大型化するという問題点がある。
【００１０】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、上述の問題点を解決するもので、その目的は、確実なクリック感を操作者に感得させることが出来、且つ、小型化された多方向入力装置を提供する。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、複数個の第１固定接点部が円周状に設けられた絶縁基板と、該絶縁基板の前記各第１固定接点部の中央部に設けられた押圧式のスイッチ素子と、弾性材から成り、各第１固定接点部にそれぞれ接離可能に対向する複数個の第１可動接点部を有する操作部と、該操作部の外周縁から末広がり状に延設され、座屈可能なスカート部と、該スカート部から延設され、前記絶縁基板に載置される載置部とを有する操作ツマミと、前記第１可動接点部の円周状の配置よりも外側近傍に配置された複数個の支持部と、前記操作部の下面側に前記各第１可動接点部を露出させる切欠部とが設けられた剛性の受け部材とを備え、前記操作部の外周部への第１の押圧操作によって、操作側の前記第１可動接点部が対向する前記第１固定接点部に当接し、更に、そのまま続けて前記操作部の第２の押圧操作によって、前記支持部が前記絶縁基板に当接し、前記支持部を支点として前記操作部が回動し、前記スイッチ素子を押圧するようにしたことである。
かかる構成によって、操作部の外周部への押圧操作にて、円周状に設けられた各第１固定接点部と、該各第１固定接点部とそれぞれ接離可能に対向する複数個の第１可動接点部とをクリック感を伴って当接させることが出来、且つ、支持部を支点とし、操作部の中央部がスイッチ素子を操作するので、一段目の押圧操作時に、クリック感を有し、二段階の押圧操作の操作性が良好で、小型化可能な多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００１２】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、円周状に設けられた複数個の第１固定接点部、及び該各第１固定接点部の中央部に設けられた第２固定接点部を有する絶縁基板と、弾性材から成り、前記各第１、及び第２固定接点部にそれぞれ接離可能に対向する複数個の第１、及び第２可動接点部を有する操作部と、該操作部の外周縁から末広がり状に延設され、座屈可能なスカート部と、該スカート部から延設され、前記絶縁基板に載置される載置部とを有する操作ツマミと、前記第１可動接点部の円周状の配置よりも外側近傍に配置された複数個の支持部と、前記操作部の下面側に前記各第１可動接点部を露出させる切欠部と前記第２可動接点部を露出させる貫通孔が設けられた剛性の受け部材とを備え、前記操作部の外周部への第１の押圧操作によって、操作側の前記第１可動接点部が対向する前記第１固定接点部に当接し、更に、そのまま続けて前記操作部の第２の押圧操作によって、前記支持部が前記絶縁基板に当接し、前記支持部を支点として前記操作部が回動し、前記第２可動接点部が対向する前記第２固定接点部に当接するようにしたことである。
かかる構成によって、操作ツマミに第１、及び第２可動接点部を設けることで、構成部品点数を削減でき、構成が簡単で、支持部を支点とすることで第２可動接点部の確実な操作が行え、小型化可能な多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。
【００１３】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、複数個の支持部の配置が、複数個の第１可動接点部の円周状の配置よりも外側に設けられたことである。
かかる構成によって、スイッチ素子のオン・オフ操作、又は第２固定接点部への第２可動接点部のオン・オフ操作が、支点となる支持部の外側配置にて、一層確実な操作が行える多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。
【００１４】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、操作部の中央部を押圧した際に、操作部が絶縁基板に対して垂直方向に移動し、操作部の中央部がスイッチ素子のみをオン操作するようにしたことである。
かかる構成によって、操作部の中央部を押圧したとき、スイッチ素子のみがオン操作するので、他の各接点部のオン操作による機能に加えて、その他の機能を付加することが出来ることから、多機能な多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。
【００１５】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、スイッチ素子が操作されるときに、クリック感を生起することである。
かかる構成によって、二段目に押圧操作されるスイッチ素子がクリック感を生起することで、誤操作を防ぐことが出来、操作者による操作性が、一層良好な多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。
【００１６】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、操作部の下面に設けられた受け部材の中央部には、スイッチ素子を押圧操作する押圧部が一体に設けられたことである。
かかる構成によって、押圧部が剛性の受け部材と一体に設けられたことから、スイッチ素子の操作感触が、確実に操作部を操作する操作者に感得させることが出来、操作性の一層良好な多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。
【００１７】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、受け部材の外周縁部には、複数個の切欠部が設けられ、該各切欠部内に各第１可動接点部が配設され、該各第１可動接点部を挟む等間隔の位置に２個の支持部が設けられていることである。
かかる構成によって、第１可動接点部の露出した配設、及び２個の支持部の配設が受け部材の簡単な構成にて形成出来、且つ、各第１可動接点部を挟む２個の支持部の配設にて、支点が２点に成り、操作部の二段目の押圧操作を一層安定した操作とすることが出来る。
【００１８】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、複数個の第１固定接点部と複数個の第１可動接点部とが、操作ツマミの中心から同心円上で、等間隔で４個配設されていると共に、受け部材の２個の支持部が隣り合う第１可動接点部のそれぞれの間に同心円上に位置し、等間隔で８個の支持部が受け部材に配設されたことである。
かかる構成によって、隣り合う第１可動接点部の間の操作部の外周部を押圧操作した際にも、２個の支持部がそれぞれ支点と成ることで、操作部による二段目の押圧操作もスムースに出来る多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の多方向入力装置についての図面を説明すると、図１は、本発明の多方向入力装置の実施の形態を示す上面側からの分解斜視図、図２は、本発明の多方向入力装置の実施の形態を示す下面側からの分解斜視図、図３は、本発明の多方向入力装置の実施の形態に係わるプリント配線基板の平面図、図４は、本発明の多方向入力装置の実施の形態に係わる操作ツマミの平面図、図５は、図４の側面図、図６は、図４の底面図である。
【００２０】
図１、図２に示すように、プリント配線基板１は、絶縁性平板材から成り、矩形であって、一方の面に設けられ、略中心から９０度の等角度間隔で同心円上（円周状）の位置（十字状の位置）にそれぞれ配設された４個の固定接点部１ａと、図示していないが各固定接点部１ａに接続された所定の回路パターンと、固定接点部１ａと同心円上（円周状）で、且つ、隣り合う固定接点部１ａの中央部にそれぞれ設けられた貫通する矩形の４個の孔部１ｂとを有している。
【００２１】
このプリント配線基板１は、いわゆる絶縁基板として機能するように配設されている。
【００２２】
押釦スイッチ２は、固定接点部（図示せず）とドーム状をした金属板製の可動接点部（図示せず）とが配設され、可動接点部の反転に伴ってクリック感（節度感）を生起する機構（図示せず）を有する略矩形の本体部２ａと、本体部２ａの前面（上面）から外方に突出する押釦２ｂと、本体部２ａの側面の所定の個所から延設された複数本の端子２ｃとを有している。
【００２３】
この押釦スイッチ２は、押釦２ｂへの押圧操作にて、可動接点部が固定接点部に当接されると共に、本体部２ａ内に配設されたクリック感を生起する機構（図示しないドーム状の可動接点部の反転動作）によって、クリック感が生起される。
そして、この押釦スイッチ２は、プリント配線基板１の同心円上（円周状）に設けられた各固定接点部１ａの中心部に配設され、各端子２ｃが回路パターン（図示せず）に半田付けされている。
【００２４】
この押釦スイッチ２は、いわゆるスイッチ素子としてプリント配線基板１（絶縁基板）上に設けられている。
【００２５】
受け部材３は、例えば、合成樹脂材料や金属材料などの剛性材料から成り、成形加工や切削加工によって形成され、平板状で略八角形の基板部３ａと、基板部３ａの一方の面の外周縁の近傍から基板部３ａに直交する外方に延設され、基板部３ａの中心から９０度の等角度間隔（十字状）で同心円上（円周状）の位置に設けられた４個の固定用突起３ｂと、基板部３ａの他方の面の外周縁の近傍から基板部３ａに直交する外方に延設され、基板部３ａの中心から９０度の等角度間隔（十字状）で同心円上（円周状）の位置に設けられた４個の取付脚（突起部）３ｃとを有している。
【００２６】
また、略八角形の基板部３ａには、基板部３ａの中心部に前方に円形状に突出する凸部３ｄと、凸部３ｄの後面側から前面側に凹んで設けられた円形状の凹部３ｅと、凹部３ｅの内底面の中心部に設けられ、凹部３ｅ内に突出する円弧状の押圧部３ｆとを有している。
また、更に、略八角形の基板部３ａには、基板部３ａの各頂部の近傍に基板部３ａから後方側に突出する凸部から成る円板状の８個の支持部３ｇと、基板部３ａの中心から９０度の等角度間隔で、十字状に位置する基板部３ａの４辺の各中心に設けられたＵ字状の４個の切欠部３ｈとを有している。
【００２７】
また、この各固定用突起３ｂと各取付脚３ｃとは、ほぼ基板部３ａの同位置であって基板部３ａの前方、及び後方に向かってそれぞれ延設されている。
また、隣接する支持部３ｇの中央部に取付脚３ｃ、又は切欠部３ｈが位置するように基板部３ａの中心から４５度の等角度間隔で支持部３ｇが設けられている。
【００２８】
また、固定用突起３ｂは、略円柱状であって、外側面には、複数個の円環状の凹凸部３ｊを備えている。
また、取付脚３ｃは、平板状の脚部３ｋと、脚部３ｋの自由端部に設けられたフック部３ｍとを備えている。この取付脚３ｃは、後述する操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａのプリント配線基板１（絶縁基板）に対する平行移動を規制する規制部材として配設されている。
【００２９】
この受け部材３は、４個の取付脚３ｃがプリント配線基板１の４個の孔部１ｂ内にスナップイン係合の如く挿通されて、脚部３ｋが孔部１ｂの内側面に対向すると共に、フック部３ｍの係止面３ｎが孔部１ｂの周縁部（裏面）に掛け止めされることになっている。
また、受け部材３の円弧状の押圧部３ｆの頂部は、押釦スイッチ２の押釦２ｂと所定の間隔をもって対向する位置に配設されている。
【００３０】
操作ツマミ４は、例えば、ゴム材やエラストマー材などの弾性材料から成り、所定の厚さ寸法を有する円板状の操作部４ａと、操作部４ａの後端部の外周縁から末広がり状に延設され、座屈可能な八角形のスカート部４ｂと、スカート部４ｂの後端部から操作部４ａの外周側面と直交する方向に延設され、平板状で矩形の支持部（載置部）４ｃとを有している。
【００３１】
また、操作部４ａには、操作部４ａの後面の中央部に設けられた円形の第１凹部４ｄと、操作部４ａの後面の中心から９０度の等角度間隔で同心円の位置に設けられ、内方に突出する４個の円柱部４ｅと、円柱部４ｅと同心円上で、且つ、隣り合う円柱部４ｅの中央部にそれぞれ設けられた４個の第２凹部４ｆとを有している。また、操作部４ａの前面は、中央部が僅かに窪んだ状態に設けられている。
【００３２】
また、円柱部４ｅの先端面には、例えば、カーボン材などの導電材料からなる可動接点部６が印刷などの適宜手段にて配設されている。
【００３３】
そして、この操作ツマミ４の４個の第２凹部４ｆには、受け部材３の４個の固定用突起３ｂが圧入され、固定用突起３ｂの凹凸部３ｊによって、固定用突起３ｂが第２凹部４ｆ内に確実に係合・固着される。即ち、操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａの裏面側に受け部材３の取付脚３ｃが外方に延設し、配設されることになっている。
【００３４】
また、このとき、操作ツマミ４の第１凹部４ｄ内に受け部材３の凸部３ｄが挿通されて配設されると共に、操作ツマミ４の円柱部４ｅが受け部材３のＵ字状の切欠部３ｈ内に挿通されて配設されることになっている。
【００３５】
この各切欠部３ｈ内への各円柱部４ｅの配設によって、受け部材３から各可動接点部６が露出（突出）されて設けられることになっている。
【００３６】
そして、４個の円柱部４ｅに配設された各可動接点部６は、プリント配線基板１の４個の固定接点部１ａ上に所定の間隔をもって、対向され、それぞれ配設されることになっている。
また、このとき、各可動接点部６と各固定接点部１ａとの第１の間隔寸法と、８個の支持部３ｇとプリント配線基板１との第２の間隔寸法とは、第１の間隔寸法が、第２の間隔寸法に対して僅かに短い寸法であるように形成されている。
このようにして、プリント配線基板１と押釦スイッチ２と受け部材３と操作ツマミ４とは一体化される。
【００３７】
ハウジング５は、合成樹脂材料から成り、成形加工によって形成され、所定の形状で平板状の前面板５ａと、前面板５ａの所定の個所に設けられ、貫通する円形の開口部５ｂと、開口部５ｂを囲む外周部であって、前面板５ａから後方側に前面板５ａに対して直交するように延設された八角形のリブ部５ｃとを有している。
【００３８】
このハウジング５は、開口部５ｂ内に操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａが挿通されて配設され、八角形のリブ部５ｃが八角形のスカート部４ｂの外側の近傍に位置し、リブ部５ｃの端面が操作ツマミ４の支持部４ｃ上に当接されて配設されている。
これによって、操作ツマミ４の支持部４ｃは、プリント配線基板１の前面と、ハウジング５のリブ部５ｃとによって挟み込まれた状態で確実に保持されることになっている。
【００３９】
また、このハウジング５によって、図示していないが、プリント配線基板１が、適宜手段によって、ハウジング５に取り付けられることになっている。
【００４０】
次に、本発明の多方向入力装置の組立について説明する。
先ず、操作ツマミ４の４個の第２凹部４ｆ内に受け部材３の４個の固定用突起３ｂを圧入する。この固定用突起３ｂの圧入によって、操作部４ａの後面（裏面）が受け部材３の基板部３ａに面で支持されるようになり、操作ツマミ４と受け部材３とは、一体化される。このとき、略八角形の基板部３ａが八角形のスカート部４ｂ内に配設されると共に、円形状の凸部３ｄが第１凹部４ｄ内に配設され、且つ、各可動接点部６が配設された各円柱部４ｅがＵ字状の各切欠部３ｈ内に挿通されて配置される。
【００４１】
次に、プリント配線基板１の４個の固定接点部１ａの中央部に押釦スイッチ２を配設し、各端子２ｃをプリント配線基板１の配線パターン（図示せず）に半田付けする。
【００４２】
次に、一体化された操作ツマミ４と受け部材３とは、受け部材３の４個の取付脚３ｃの各フック部３ｍをプリント配線基板１の４個の孔部１ｂ内に挿通し、各脚部３ｋが各孔部１ｂの内側面と対向して位置されると共に、各フック部３ｍの係止面３ｎが各孔部１ｂの周縁部（裏面）に掛け止めされる。
【００４３】
この孔部１ｂへのフック部３ｍの掛け止めによって、プリント配線基板１と操作ツマミ４と受け部材３とは、一体化される。
次に、ハウジング５の開口部５ｂ内に操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａを挿通し、操作部４ａの表面を前面板５ａの表面よりも外方に位置させる。
【００４４】
このとき、ハウジング５の八角形のリブ部５ｃ内に操作ツマミ４の八角形のスカート部４ｂが配設されると共に、リブ部５ｃの端面が操作ツマミ４の支持部４ｃの所定の個所に当接し、このリブ部５ｃの端面の当接によって、操作ツマミ４は、プリント配線基板１の表面に確実に配設される。即ち、操作ツマミ４の支持部４ｃが、スカート部４ｂを介して操作部４ａを支持した状態でプリント配線基板１の表面に載置されている。
また、このハウジング５にて、図示していないが、プリント配線基板１が、適宜手段によって、ハウジング５に取り付けられる。
【００４５】
次に、本発明の多方向入力装置の動作について説明する。
図７は、本発明の多方向入力装置の可動接点部の第１の動作を説明する断面図、図８は、本発明の多方向入力装置の取付脚の第１の動作を説明する断面図、図９は、本発明の多方向入力装置の可動接点部の第２の動作を説明する断面図、図１０は、本発明の多方向入力装置の取付脚の第２の動作を説明する断面図、図１１は、本発明の多方向入力装置の可動接点部の第３の動作を説明する断面図である。
【００４６】
先ず、図７、図８に示すように、多方向入力装置の操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａに押圧力を加えていないときは、４個の可動接点部６は、それぞれ対向する４個の固定接点部１ａから所定の間隔をもって配設されていると共に、押釦スイッチ２の押釦２ｂは、受け部材３の押圧部３ｆから所定の間隔をもって配設されている。
即ち、この多方向入力装置の各接点は、オフの状態に保持されている。
【００４７】
次に、図９、図１０に示すように、多方向入力装置の操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａの外周部のうちの所望の近傍個所を矢印Ａ方向に押圧力を加えて、押圧操作を行うと、押圧操作された操作部４ａの外周部の近傍のスカート部４ｂが部分的に座屈する。このスカート部４ｂの座屈によって、操作者（押圧者）にクリック感（節度感）を生起させるように動作する。
【００４８】
この動作によって、押圧される外周部側に位置する可動接点部６が、この可動接点部６と対向して設けられた固定接点部１ａに軽快なクリック感を伴って当接し、オン状態となる。
【００４９】
なお、この操作部４ａの外周部への矢印Ａ方向への押圧力の際に、スカート部４ｂが部分的に座屈することから、ときとして、操作部４ａがプリント配線基板１に対して平行である矢印Ｂ方向に移動するような作用力が働くことがある。
【００５０】
この矢印Ｂ方向への作用力は、押圧力の加えられる操作部４ａの外周部と、操作部４ａの中心に対して対向する側に位置する受け部材３のふたつの取付脚３ｃの脚部３ｋの各外表面がプリント配線基板１のふたつの孔部１ｂの各内側面に当接することによって、押し止められる。即ち、操作部４ａが矢印Ｂ方向へ移動することが規制される。
【００５１】
このことから、押圧力の加えられる操作部４ａの外周部は、確実に矢印Ａ方向（下方向）に移動するように動作し、スカート部４ｂは、確実にクリック感を生起して座屈する。
【００５２】
前述のふたつの孔部１ｂの各内側面に当接するふたつの取付脚３ｃの各フック部３ｍの係止面３ｎは、各孔部１ｂの周縁部（裏面）に確実に掛け止めされ、この掛け止めされた側の操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａが上方に移動すること無く、このことからも、スカート部４ｂの座屈は軽快なクリック感を伴うように座屈する。
【００５３】
このとき、押釦スイッチ２は、押釦２ｂが押圧されておらず、オフ操作の状態に維持されている。
【００５４】
次に、可動接点部６が固定接点部１ａに当接した状態から、更に、そのまま続けて操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａを矢印Ａ方向に押圧する。この押圧によって、可動接点部６が設けられた弾性材料から成る円柱部４ｅは、押圧によって、可動接点部６が固定接点部１ａに当接した状態から更に僅かに矢印Ａ方向に移動する（圧縮される）。
【００５５】
この移動によって、可動接点部６を挟む受け部材３のふたつの支持部３ｇが、プリント配線基板１の固定接点部１ａを挟むそれぞれ所定の位置に当接される。そして、図１１に示すように、この当接されたふたつの支持部３ｇを支点として、操作ツマミ４が矢印Ｃ方向に回動され、この操作ツマミ４の回動によって、受け部材３の押圧部３ｆが押釦スイッチ２の押釦２ｂに当接し、押釦２ｂが押圧される。
【００５６】
この押釦２ｂの押圧によって、本体部２ａ内のクリック感を生起する機構（図示しないドーム状の可動接点部の反転動作）にてクリック感が生起されると共に、押釦スイッチ２がオン操作される。
このクリック感は、受け部材３が操作ツマミ４よりも剛性の高い（硬い）合成樹脂材料などによって形成され、操作ツマミ４が受け部材３に支持されていることから、操作ツマミ４への操作者が確実に感得できるクリック感である。
【００５７】
次に、操作ツマミ４への押圧力を解除すると、押釦スイッチ２の自己復帰力、及び、操作ツマミ４の座屈したスカート部４ｂの自己復帰力によって、クリック感を伴って、操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａが最初の状態であるプリント配線基板１に対して平行な位置に復帰する。
そして、この操作ツマミ４の復帰に伴って、オンされていた押釦スイッチ２、及び、オンされていた固定接点部１ａと可動接点部６とがそれぞれオフ状態に復帰する。
【００５８】
また、この復帰は、押釦スイッチ２がオンされる前に、操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａへの押圧力を解除した際にも、スカート部４ｂの自己復帰力によって、ほぼ同様の復帰動作が成される。
【００５９】
なお、上述した操作部４ａの外周部への押圧操作時の説明は、押圧位置が、可動接点部６の配設されている部分の近傍である場合のものであるが、隣接する二つの可動接点部６の中間位置における操作部４ａの外周部を押圧した際にも同様に、二段階の入力を行うことができる。
【００６０】
即ち、この場合には、先ず、隣接する二つの可動接点部６が近接のスカート部４ｂの部分的な座屈を伴って、対応する二つの固定接点部１ａとそれぞれ、ほぼ同時に当接する。この際にも、操作部４ａの横方向への移動は、取付脚３ｃと孔部１ｂとによって、同様に規制されるため、確実にクリック感を得ることが出来る。
【００６１】
そして、押圧力を増して、更に押圧を続けると、固定接点部１ａと当接した隣接する二つの可動接点部６の間に位置する二つの支持部３ｇがプリント配線基板１と当接し、この二つの支持部３ｇを支点として、操作ツマミ４が回動され、受け部材３の押圧部３ｆによって、押釦２ｂが、押圧操作されて、押釦スイッチ２がオン操作される。
【００６２】
このように、本実施の形態に係わる入力装置は、８方向の入力が可能となっており、いずれの方向の入力操作時にもスカート部４ｂがクリック感触を伴って、容易に座屈すべく、スカート部４ｂは、操作ツマミ４の傾倒する方向と直交する辺を有する八角形状を成している。
【００６３】
次に、本発明の多方向入力装置に係わる押釦スイッチのみの操作について説明する。
図１２は、本発明の多方向入力装置の押釦スイッチのみの第１の動作を説明する断面図、図１３は、本発明の多方向入力装置の押釦スイッチのみの第２の動作を説明する断面図である。
【００６４】
先ず、図１２に示すように、この多方向入力装置に係わる押釦スイッチのみの操作は、操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａのほぼ中央部を矢印Ｄ方向に押圧する。
この操作部４ａの中央部の押圧によって、操作部４ａがプリント配線基板１に対して垂直方向に平行に移動し、この操作部４ａの平行移動に伴って、受け部材３が同様にプリント配線基板１に対して垂直方向に移動する。
【００６５】
このとき、操作ツマミ４の八角形のスカート部４ｂは、座屈せず、全体が僅かに撓むように変形する。
【００６６】
次に、垂直方向に移動した受け部材３の押圧部３ｆが押釦スイッチ２の押釦２ｂの上面に当接する。そして、更に、そのまま続けて操作部４ａの中央部を押圧すると、図１３に示すように、押圧部３ｆが押釦２ｂを押圧し、押釦スイッチ２の本体部２ａ内に配設されたクリック感（節度感）を生起する前述した機構によって、押圧をする操作者が軽快なクリック感を感得することになる。
【００６７】
そして、このクリック感の感得と同時に押釦スイッチ２のみがオン操作されるように動作し、このとき、複数個の可動接点部６と、複数個の固定接点部１ａとはオフであるような位置に配設されている。
【００６８】
次に、操作部４ａの中央部への押圧を解除すると、押釦スイッチ２の自己復帰力と、操作ツマミ４のスカート部４ｂの自己復帰力とによって、操作部４ａは元の位置に復帰し、押釦スイッチ２がオフ操作されるように動作する。
【００６９】
なお、前述の多方向入力装置は、例えば、カーソル移動を操作するリモートコントローラの入力装置として用いられ、先ず、操作部４ａへの第１の押圧操作によって、画面上のカーソル移動が第１の速度（比較的遅い速度）で移動し、次に、続けての操作部４ａへの第２の押圧操作によって、カーソル移動が第２の速度（比較的早い速度）で移動するように操作することが出来るように用いられる。
【００７０】
また、押釦スイッチのみへの押圧操作は、例えば、画面上の所定のカーソル位置における、その位置での確定操作が出来るように用いられる。
【００７１】
次に、本発明の多方向入力装置の第２の実施の形態について図面を用いて説明する。この第２の実施の形態の多方向入力装置の基本的な構成は、前述の第１の実施の形態の多方向入力装置とほぼ同一の構成である。
このことから、前述の第１の実施の形態と同一構成については、同一符号を付与して詳細な説明は、省略する。
【００７２】
図１４は、本発明の多方向入力装置の第２の実施の形態を示す第１の断面図、図１５は、本発明の多方向入力装置の第２の実施の形態を示す第２の断面図である。
【００７３】
ここで、図１４、図１５に示すように、第２の実施の形態の構成の相異点は、前述の如く、第１の実施の形態の多方向入力装置では、プリント配線基板１の４個の固定接点部１ａの中央部に、押釦２ｂを設けた押釦スイッチ２が取り付けられているに対して、第２の実施の形態の多方向入力装置では、プリント配線基板１の４個の固定接点部１ａの中央部に、第２固定接点部１ｃが設けられ、この第２固定接点部１ｃに対向して、第２可動接点部７が操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａの第２円柱部４ｇに設けられている。
【００７４】
この第２円柱部４ｇは、操作部４ａの中央部から内方に突出して延設されている。
また、この操作部４ａの第２円柱部４ｇは、受け部材３の凸部３ｄの中央部に設けられた貫通孔３ｐに挿通されて配設され、第２円柱部４ｇに設けられた第２可動接点部７が露出された状態に配設されている。即ち、中央部の第２固定接点部１ｃと第２可動接点部７とは所定の間隔寸法をもって、対向して配設されている。
【００７５】
次に、本発明の多方向入力装置の第２の実施の形態の動作について説明する。この動作については、基本的に前述の第１の実施の形態の多方向入力装置の動作と同様であるので、相異点について説明する。
【００７６】
この多方向入力装置の動作は、操作ツマミ４の操作部４ａの外周外周部押圧操作によって、先ず、前述の第１の実施の形態と同様に、第１固定接点部１ａと第１可動接点部６とが当接して、オン操作され、更に、そのまま続けて操作部４ａへの押圧操作によって、第２固定接点部１ｃと第２可動接点部７とが当接して、オン操作される。
【００７７】
次に、操作部４ａの外周部への押圧操作を解除すると、前述の第１の実施の形態と同様に、順次、自己復帰力によって、操作部４ａは、元の位置に復帰する。次に、操作部４ａの中央部への押圧操作についての動作だが、この動作は、第２固定接点部１ｃと第２可動接点部７とが当接する以外は、前述の第１の実施の形態での動作とほぼ同様の動作であることから、説明は省略する。
また、この第２の実施の形態における多方向入力装置においても、第１の実施の形態と同様に、８方向の入力操作を行うことができるようになっている。
【００７８】
なお、前述の第１、及び第２の実施の形態においては、固定接点部、及び可動接点部を十字状に４個配設したが、これに限定されず、円周状に２個や、８個配設したものであっても良い。
また、前述の受け部材３の取付脚３ｃは、受け部材３における、いわゆる突起部として形成されている。
【００７９】
また、第１の実施の形態においては、規制部材が、受け部材に十字状に配置した４個の取付脚によって構成されているが、これに限定されるものではない。
【００８０】
また、第１の実施の形態においては、規制部材が、突起部（取付脚）を有する受け部材から構成され、この受け部材が操作部に係止されているが、これに限定されず、規制部材をプリント配線基板（絶縁基板）側に配設しても良い。
【００８１】
また、第１、及び第２の実施の形態においては、二段目の押圧操作をより安定したものとするために、受け部材に設けられた支持部が各可動接点部（切欠部）を挟む等間隔の位置にそれぞれ２個配設されているが、これに限定されず、各可動接点部の近傍にそれぞれ１個のみ配設されていても良い。
【００８２】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、受け部材が操作部の下面側に各第１可動接点部が露出するように取り付けられ、各支持部をそれぞれ各第１可動接点部の位置の近傍に配設し、操作部の外外周部の第１の押圧操作によって、第１の押圧操作された操作部の外周部の近傍のスカート部が部分的に座屈し、操作側の第１可動接点部が対向する第１固定接点部にクリック感を伴って当接し、更に、そのまま続けて操作部の第２の押圧操作によって、操作側の第１可動接点部が僅かに押圧され、この第１可動接点部の近傍にある支持部が絶縁基板に当接し、該支持部を支点とし、操作ツマミの操作部が回動し、操作部の中央部がスイッチ素子を操作するようにしたことによって、操作部の外周部への押圧操作にて、円周状に設けられた各第１固定接点部と、該各第１固定接点部とそれぞれ接離可能に対向する複数個の第１可動接点部とをクリック感を伴って当接させることが出来、且つ、支持部を支点とし、操作部の中央部がスイッチ素子を操作するので、一段目の押圧操作時にクリック感を有し、二段階の押圧操作の操作性が良好で、小型化が可能な多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００８３】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、複数個の支持部の配置が、複数個の第１可動接点部の円周状の配置よりも外側に設けられたことによって、スイッチ素子のオン・オフ操作、又は第２固定接点部への第２可動接点部のオン・オフ操作が、支点となる支持部の外側配置にて、一層確実な操作が行える多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。
【００８４】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置は、スイッチ素子が操作されるときに、クリック感を生起することによって、二段目に押圧操作されるスイッチ素子がクリック感を生起することで、誤操作を起こし難く、操作者による操作性が、一層良好な多方向入力装置を提供することが出来る。。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の多方向入力装置の実施の形態を示す上面側からの分解斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の多方向入力装置の実施の形態を示す下面側からの分解斜視図である。
【図３】本発明のの多方向入力装置の実施の形態に係わるプリント配線基板の平面図である。
【図４】本発明の多方向入力装置の実施の形態に係わる操作ツマミの平面図である。
【図５】図４の側面図である。
【図６】図４の底面図である。
【図７】本発明の多方向入力装置の可動接点部の第１の動作を説明する断面図である。
【図８】本発明の多方向入力装置の取付脚の第１の動作を説明する断面図である。
【図９】本発明の多方向入力装置の可動接点部の第２の動作を説明する断面図である。
【図１０】本発明の多方向入力装置の取付脚の第２の動作を説明する断面図である。
【図１１】本発明の多方向入力装置の可動接点部の第３の動作を説明する断面図である。
【図１２】本発明の多方向入力装置の押釦スイッチのみの第１の動作を説明する断面図である。
【図１３】本発明の多方向入力装置の押釦スイッチのみの第２の動作を説明する断面図である。
【図１４】本発明の多方向入力装置の第２の実施の形態を示す第１の断面図である。
【図１５】本発明の多方向入力装置の第２の実施の形態を示す第２の断面図である。
【図１６】従来の多方向入力装置を示す一部切欠した平面図である。
【図１７】図１６の１７ー１７線における断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１プリント配線基板（絶縁基板）
１ａ固定接点部（第１固定接点部）
１ｂ孔部
１ｃ第２固定接点部
２押釦スイッチ（スイッチ素子）
２ｂ押釦
３受け部材
３ａ基板部
３ｂ固定用突起
３ｃ取付脚（突起部）
３ｆ押圧部
３ｇ支持部
３ｍフック部
３ｐ貫通孔
４操作ツマミ
４ａ操作部
４ｂスカート部
４ｃ支持部（載置部）
４ｅ円柱部（第１円柱部）
４ｇ第２円柱部
５ハウジング
５ｂ開口部
６可動接点部（第１可動接点部）
７第２可動接点部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device, and more particularly to a multi-directional input device suitable for use in a two-stage ON operation with each circumferential contact portion and one central contact portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional multidirectional input device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway plan view showing the conventional multidirectional input device, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in FIG.
[0003]
The multi-directional input device 11 includes a cross-shaped operation knob 12, a base portion 13 that holds the operation knob 12, a rubber member 14 supported by the base portion 13, and a central portion between the operation knob 12 and the base portion 13. The lower end is hemispherical and has a support member 16 fitted through a spring 15 and a substrate 17 disposed to face the rubber member 14.
[0004]
Further, the rubber member 14 is provided with rubber pieces 14a, 14b, and 14c that are successively reduced in thickness from the center toward the outer side at cross-shaped positions, respectively, and below the rubber pieces 14a, 14b, and 14c. Movable contacts 18a, 18b, and 18c are attached to the end surfaces.
[0005]
On the substrate 17, the same number of fixed contacts 19a, 19b, 19c are provided corresponding to the movable contacts 18a, 18b, 18c.
Accordingly, the distance between each movable contact 18a, 18b, 18c and each fixed contact 19a, 19b, 19c on the substrate 17 is formed so as to be narrower between the contacts on the center side (inner side).
[0006]
In the conventional multidirectional input device 11 having the above-described configuration, one side 12a of the cross-shaped operation knob 12 is pressed vertically downward. By this pressing operation, the operation knob 12 is moved leftward in FIG. First, the movable contact 18a on the center side (inner side) and the fixed contact 19a come into contact with each other.
[0007]
Here, if the one side 12a of the operation knob 12 is further pressed, the operation knob 12 is turned to the left, and the movable contact 18b and the movable contact 18c are sequentially turned into the fixed contact 19b and the fixed contact 19c. Will come in contact with. Accordingly, the number of contact points that come into contact with the pressing force of the operation knob 12 is sequentially increased.
[0008]
Such a pressing operation is substantially the same when the other side of the cross-shaped operation knob 12 is pressed downward.
The multi-directional input device 11 is configured such that when the pressing force applied to the operation knob 12 is released, the operation knob 12 is returned to the original position by the elastic force of the spring 15.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the conventional multi-directional input device does not have a mechanism that generates a reliable click feeling (moderation feeling), the operator cannot feel a reliable click feeling that an input operation has been performed. In addition, since a plurality of movable contacts and a plurality of fixed contacts sequentially provided in a cross shape are provided from the central portion toward the outer side, there is a problem that the apparatus is increased in size.
[0010]
The multi-directional input device of the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and the object thereof is to provide a compact multi-directional input device that can make the operator feel a certain click feeling. To do.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The multi-directional input device according to the present invention includes an insulating substrate having a plurality of first fixed contact portions provided circumferentially, and a pressing type provided at a central portion of each of the first fixed contact portions of the insulating substrate. An operation portion made of an elastic material and having a plurality of first movable contact portions facing each first fixed contact portion so as to be able to come into contact with and separated from each other, and extending from the outer periphery of the operation portion so as to spread outwardly. An operation knob having a buckleable skirt portion and a placement portion extending from the skirt portion and placed on the insulating substrate; The first movable contact portion is arranged near the outside than the circumferential arrangement. Multiple supports And a notch that exposes each of the first movable contact portions on the lower surface side of the operation portion; And a rigid receiving member provided with ,in front By the first pressing operation to the outer periphery of the operation unit , Manipulation The first fixed contact portion facing the first movable contact portion on the work side Hit In addition, by continuing the second pressing operation of the operation unit ,in front The support part contacts the insulating substrate, and the support part is used as a fulcrum. The The operation part rotates ,in front Switch element Pressing This is what I did.
With such a configuration, each of the first fixed contact portions provided in a circumferential shape by a pressing operation to the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion, and a plurality of first fixed contact portions facing each of the first fixed contact portions so as to be able to contact and separate from each other 1 It can be brought into contact with the movable contact part with a click feeling, and the support part is used as a fulcrum, and the center part of the operation part operates the switch element. In addition, it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device that has good operability in two-stage pressing operation and can be miniaturized.
[0012]
The multi-directional input device according to the present invention includes a plurality of first fixed contact portions provided in a circumferential shape, and an insulation having a second fixed contact portion provided in a central portion of each first fixed contact portion. An operation unit having a plurality of first and second movable contact parts, each of which is made of an elastic material and is opposed to the first and second fixed contact parts in a separable manner; An operation knob having a skirt portion extending from the periphery and being buckled and capable of buckling; a mounting portion extending from the skirt portion and placed on the insulating substrate; and a first movable contact portion A plurality of support portions arranged near the outside of the circumferential arrangement, and notch portions for exposing the first movable contact portions on the lower surface side of the operation portion; A through hole exposing the second movable contact portion The first movable contact portion on the operation side is in contact with the opposed first fixed contact portion by a first pressing operation on the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion, and Then, by continuing the second pressing operation of the operation part, the support part comes into contact with the insulating substrate, the operation part is rotated with the support part as a fulcrum, and the second movable contact part is opposed. This is to contact the second fixed contact portion.
With this configuration, the number of component parts can be reduced by providing the first and second movable contact portions on the operation knob, the configuration is simple, and the second movable contact portion can be reliably operated by using the support portion as a fulcrum. Therefore, it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device that can be miniaturized.
[0013]
In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the plurality of support portions are arranged outside the circumferential arrangement of the plurality of first movable contact portions.
With such a configuration, the switch element can be turned on / off or the second movable contact portion can be turned on / off with respect to the second fixed contact portion by performing more reliable operation on the outer side of the support portion serving as a fulcrum. A direction input device can be provided.
[0014]
In the multi-directional input device of the present invention, when the central portion of the operating portion is pressed, the operating portion moves in the vertical direction with respect to the insulating substrate, and the central portion of the operating portion turns on only the switch element. It is that.
With such a configuration, only the switch element is turned on when the central portion of the operation unit is pressed, so that other functions can be added in addition to the function by the on operation of each other contact part. A functional multidirectional input device can be provided.
[0015]
In addition, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is to generate a click feeling when the switch element is operated.
With such a configuration, the switch element that is pressed in the second stage generates a click feeling, so that an erroneous operation can be prevented, and a multidirectional input device with better operability by the operator can be provided. .
[0016]
In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, a pressing portion for pressing and operating the switch element is integrally provided at the central portion of the receiving member provided on the lower surface of the operating portion.
With this configuration, since the pressing portion is provided integrally with the rigid receiving member, the operation feeling of the switch element can be surely felt by the operator who operates the operating portion, and the operability is further improved. A multidirectional input device can be provided.
[0017]
In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, a plurality of notches are provided in the outer peripheral edge of the receiving member, and each first movable contact portion is disposed in each notch, and each first movable That is, two support portions are provided at equally spaced positions sandwiching the contact portion.
With this configuration, the exposed arrangement of the first movable contact portion and the arrangement of the two support portions can be formed with a simple configuration of the receiving member, and two supports sandwiching each first movable contact portion. With the arrangement of the portions, the fulcrum becomes two points, and the second-stage pressing operation of the operation portion can be made a more stable operation.
[0018]
In the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, a plurality of first fixed contact portions and a plurality of first movable contact portions are arranged concentrically from the center of the operation knob at equal intervals. In addition, the two support portions of the receiving member are located concentrically between the adjacent first movable contact portions, and eight support portions are arranged on the receiving member at equal intervals.
With this configuration, even when the outer peripheral portion of the operation unit between adjacent first movable contact portions is pressed, the two support portions serve as fulcrums, so that the second pressing operation by the operation unit can be performed. A multi-directional input device that can be smoothly provided can be provided.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The multidirectional input device according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the embodiment of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention from the top side, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a printed wiring board according to an embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a multidirectional input of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 is a bottom view of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a plan view of an operation knob according to the embodiment of the apparatus.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printed wiring board 1 is made of an insulating flat plate, is rectangular, is provided on one surface, and is concentric (circumferential) at equal angular intervals of 90 degrees from the center. Four fixed contact portions 1a respectively disposed at positions (cross-shaped positions), a predetermined circuit pattern connected to each fixed contact portion 1a (not shown), fixed contact portions 1a, It has four rectangular hole portions 1b that are concentric (circumferential) and are provided in the center of adjacent fixed contact portions 1a.
[0021]
The printed wiring board 1 is disposed so as to function as a so-called insulating substrate.
[0022]
The push button switch 2 includes a fixed contact portion (not shown) and a dome-shaped movable contact portion (not shown) made of a metal plate, and a click feeling (moderation feeling) as the movable contact portion is reversed. A substantially rectangular main body portion 2a having a mechanism (not shown) for generating the same, a push button 2b projecting outward from the front surface (upper surface) of the main body portion 2a, and a predetermined portion on the side surface of the main body portion 2a. And a plurality of terminals 2c.
[0023]
This push button switch 2 has a mechanism (a dome-like shape not shown) that causes a click feeling disposed in the main body 2a while the movable contact is brought into contact with the fixed contact by a pressing operation to the push button 2b. A click feeling is generated by the reversal operation of the movable contact portion.
The push button switch 2 is disposed at the center of each fixed contact portion 1a provided concentrically (circumferentially) on the printed wiring board 1, and each terminal 2c is soldered to a circuit pattern (not shown). It is attached.
[0024]
The push button switch 2 is provided on a printed wiring board 1 (insulating board) as a so-called switch element.
[0025]
The receiving member 3 is made of, for example, a rigid material such as a synthetic resin material or a metal material, and is formed by molding or cutting, and has a flat plate-like substantially octagonal substrate portion 3a and an outer surface of one surface of the substrate portion 3a. Four pieces are provided extending from the vicinity of the periphery to the outside perpendicular to the substrate portion 3a and concentrically (circumferentially) at an equal angular interval (cross shape) of 90 degrees from the center of the substrate portion 3a. The fixing projection 3b and a concentric circle extending from the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the other surface of the substrate portion 3a to the outside perpendicular to the substrate portion 3a, with an equiangular interval (cross shape) of 90 degrees from the center of the substrate portion 3a And four mounting legs (projections) 3c provided at the upper (circumferential) position.
[0026]
The substantially octagonal substrate portion 3a has a convex portion 3d that protrudes forward in a circular shape at the center of the substrate portion 3a, and a circular concave portion that is recessed from the rear surface side to the front surface side of the convex portion 3d. 3e and an arcuate pressing portion 3f provided at the center of the inner bottom surface of the recess 3e and protruding into the recess 3e.
Further, the substantially octagonal substrate portion 3a includes eight disk-shaped support portions 3g each including a convex portion protruding rearward from the substrate portion 3a in the vicinity of each apex of the substrate portion 3a, and the substrate portion. There are four U-shaped cutout portions 3h provided at the centers of the four sides of the substrate portion 3a located in a cross shape at equal angular intervals of 90 degrees from the center of 3a.
[0027]
Each of the fixing protrusions 3b and each of the mounting legs 3c extend substantially at the same position of the substrate portion 3a and toward the front and rear of the substrate portion 3a.
Further, the support portions 3g are provided at equal angular intervals of 45 degrees from the center of the substrate portion 3a so that the mounting legs 3c or the notches 3h are located at the center portions of the adjacent support portions 3g.
[0028]
The fixing protrusion 3b has a substantially cylindrical shape, and includes a plurality of annular uneven portions 3j on the outer surface.
Moreover, the attachment leg 3c is provided with the flat leg part 3k and the hook part 3m provided in the free end part of the leg part 3k. This attachment leg 3c is arrange | positioned as a control member which controls the parallel displacement with respect to the printed wiring board 1 (insulation board | substrate) of the operation part 4a of the operation knob 4 mentioned later.
[0029]
In this receiving member 3, four mounting legs 3c are inserted into the four holes 1b of the printed wiring board 1 like snap-in engagement, and the legs 3k are opposed to the inner surface of the hole 1b. The locking surface 3n of the hook 3m is to be hooked on the peripheral edge (back surface) of the hole 1b.
The top of the arc-shaped pressing portion 3f of the receiving member 3 is disposed at a position facing the push button 2b of the push button switch 2 with a predetermined interval.
[0030]
The operation knob 4 is made of, for example, an elastic material such as a rubber material or an elastomer material, and extends from the outer peripheral edge of the disk-shaped operation portion 4a having a predetermined thickness and the rear end portion of the operation portion 4a in a divergent shape. An octagonal skirt portion 4b that can be buckled, and extends in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral side surface of the operation portion 4a from the rear end portion of the skirt portion 4b, and is a flat and rectangular support portion (mounting portion) 4c.
[0031]
In addition, the operation portion 4a is provided with a circular first recess 4d provided at the center of the rear surface of the operation portion 4a and concentric positions at equal angular intervals of 90 degrees from the center of the rear surface of the operation portion 4a. There are four cylindrical portions 4e projecting inward, and four second recesses 4f provided concentrically with the cylindrical portion 4e and provided at the central portion of the adjacent cylindrical portions 4e. Further, the front surface of the operation unit 4a is provided in a state where the central part is slightly depressed.
[0032]
In addition, a movable contact portion 6 made of a conductive material such as a carbon material is disposed on the front end surface of the cylindrical portion 4e by appropriate means such as printing.
[0033]
Then, the four fixing projections 3b of the receiving member 3 are press-fitted into the four second recesses 4f of the operation knob 4, and the fixing projection 3b is formed into the second recesses by the concave and convex portions 3j of the fixing projection 3b. It is securely engaged and fixed within 4f. That is, the mounting leg 3c of the receiving member 3 extends outward and is disposed on the back side of the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4.
[0034]
At this time, the convex portion 3d of the receiving member 3 is inserted into the first concave portion 4d of the operation knob 4 and the cylindrical portion 4e of the operation knob 4 is provided with the U-shaped notch portion of the receiving member 3. It is supposed to be inserted through 3h.
[0035]
By disposing each cylindrical portion 4e in each notch 3h, each movable contact portion 6 is exposed (protruded) from the receiving member 3.
[0036]
And each movable contact part 6 arrange | positioned by the four cylindrical parts 4e is opposed and arrange | positioned on the four fixed contact parts 1a of the printed wiring board 1 with a predetermined space | interval, respectively. ing.
At this time, the first distance between each movable contact portion 6 and each fixed contact 1a and the second distance between eight support portions 3g and the printed wiring board 1 are the first distance. The dimension is formed to be slightly shorter than the second spacing dimension.
In this way, the printed circuit board 1, the push button switch 2, the receiving member 3, and the operation knob 4 are integrated.
[0037]
The housing 5 is made of a synthetic resin material, is formed by molding, and has a flat plate-like front plate 5a having a predetermined shape, a circular opening 5b that is provided at a predetermined portion of the front plate 5a, and passes therethrough. It has an outer peripheral portion surrounding 5b and an octagonal rib portion 5c extending from the front plate 5a to the rear side so as to be orthogonal to the front plate 5a.
[0038]
The housing 5 is provided with the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 inserted in the opening 5b, the octagonal rib portion 5c is located in the vicinity of the outside of the octagonal skirt portion 4b, and the rib portion 5c The end surface is disposed in contact with the support portion 4 c of the operation knob 4.
As a result, the support portion 4c of the operation knob 4 is securely held in a state of being sandwiched between the front surface of the printed wiring board 1 and the rib portion 5c of the housing 5.
[0039]
Although not shown in the figure, the printed wiring board 1 is attached to the housing 5 by appropriate means.
[0040]
Next, the assembly of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described.
First, the four fixing protrusions 3b of the receiving member 3 are press-fitted into the four second recesses 4f of the operation knob 4. By press-fitting the fixing protrusion 3b, the rear surface (back surface) of the operation portion 4a is supported by the surface of the substrate portion 3a of the receiving member 3, and the operation knob 4 and the receiving member 3 are integrated. At this time, the substantially octagonal substrate portion 3a is disposed in the octagonal skirt portion 4b, the circular convex portion 3d is disposed in the first concave portion 4d, and each movable contact portion 6 is Each arranged cylindrical part 4e is inserted and arranged in each U-shaped notch 3h.
[0041]
Next, the push button switch 2 is disposed at the center of the four fixed contact portions 1a of the printed wiring board 1, and each terminal 2c is soldered to a wiring pattern (not shown) of the printed wiring board 1.
[0042]
Next, the integrated operation knob 4 and the receiving member 3 insert the hook portions 3m of the four mounting legs 3c of the receiving member 3 into the four hole portions 1b of the printed wiring board 1, respectively. The leg 3k is positioned to face the inner surface of each hole 1b, and the locking surface 3n of each hook 3m is hooked on the peripheral edge (back surface) of each hole 1b.
[0043]
The printed wiring board 1, the operation knob 4, and the receiving member 3 are integrated by latching the hook portion 3 m on the hole 1 b.
Next, the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 is inserted into the opening 5b of the housing 5, and the surface of the operation portion 4a is positioned outward from the surface of the front plate 5a.
[0044]
At this time, the octagonal skirt portion 4b of the operation knob 4 is disposed in the octagonal rib portion 5c of the housing 5, and the end surface of the rib portion 5c contacts a predetermined portion of the support portion 4c of the operation knob 4. The operation knob 4 is reliably disposed on the surface of the printed wiring board 1 by contact with the end face of the rib portion 5c. That is, the support portion 4c of the operation knob 4 is placed on the surface of the printed wiring board 1 with the operation portion 4a supported via the skirt portion 4b.
Although not shown, the printed wiring board 1 is attached to the housing 5 by appropriate means.
[0045]
Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view for explaining the first operation of the movable contact portion of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view for explaining the first operation of the mounting leg of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second operation of the movable contact portion of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross section illustrating a second operation of the mounting leg of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. 11 and 11 are cross-sectional views illustrating a third operation of the movable contact portion of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
[0046]
First, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when no pressing force is applied to the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 of the multi-directional input device, the four movable contact portions 6 have four fixed positions facing each other. The push button 2 b of the push button switch 2 is disposed at a predetermined interval from the pressing portion 3 f of the receiving member 3 while being disposed at a predetermined interval from the contact portion 1 a.
That is, each contact of the multidirectional input device is held in an off state.
[0047]
Next, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a pressing operation is performed by applying a pressing force in the direction of arrow A to a desired vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 4 a of the operation knob 4 of the multidirectional input device. Then, the skirt portion 4b in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 4a that has been pressed is partially buckled. By the buckling of the skirt portion 4b, the operator (presser) operates to cause a click feeling (moderation feeling).
[0048]
By this operation, the movable contact portion 6 positioned on the outer peripheral side to be pressed comes into contact with the fixed contact portion 1a provided to face the movable contact portion 6 with a light click feeling and is turned on. .
[0049]
Note that the skirt portion 4b is partially buckled when the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 4a is pressed in the direction of arrow A, so that the operation portion 4a is sometimes parallel to the printed wiring board 1. An acting force that moves in the direction of an arrow B may work.
[0050]
The acting force in the direction of the arrow B is that the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 4a to which the pressing force is applied and the leg portions 3k of the two attachment legs 3c of the receiving member 3 positioned on the side facing the center of the operation portion 4a. Each of the outer surfaces of the printed circuit board 1 is pressed against the inner surface of the two holes 1b of the printed circuit board 1 to be pressed. That is, the operation unit 4a is restricted from moving in the arrow B direction.
[0051]
From this, the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 4a to which the pressing force is applied operates so as to surely move in the direction of arrow A (downward), and the skirt portion 4b surely generates a click feeling and buckles.
[0052]
The locking surfaces 3n of the hook portions 3m of the two mounting legs 3c that contact the inner side surfaces of the two hole portions 1b are securely hooked to the peripheral edge portions (back surfaces) of the hole portions 1b. The operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 on the stopped side does not move upward, and also from this fact, the buckling of the skirt portion 4b buckles with a light click feeling.
[0053]
At this time, the push button switch 2 is maintained in the off-operation state without the push button 2b being pressed.
[0054]
Next, from the state where the movable contact portion 6 is in contact with the fixed contact portion 1a, the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 is further pressed in the direction of arrow A. By this pressing, the cylindrical portion 4e made of an elastic material provided with the movable contact portion 6 is further moved in the direction of arrow A from the state in which the movable contact portion 6 is in contact with the fixed contact portion 1a by the pressing (compression). )
[0055]
By this movement, the two support portions 3g of the receiving member 3 sandwiching the movable contact portion 6 are brought into contact with predetermined positions sandwiching the fixed contact portion 1a of the printed wiring board 1, respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the operation knob 4 is rotated in the direction of arrow C with the two support portions 3g in contact with each other as a fulcrum, and the pressing portion of the receiving member 3 is rotated by the rotation of the operation knob 4. 3f contacts the push button 2b of the push button switch 2, and the push button 2b is pressed.
[0056]
When the push button 2b is pressed, a click feeling is generated by a mechanism (a reversal operation of a dome-shaped movable contact portion (not shown)) that generates a click feeling in the main body 2a, and the push button switch 2 is turned on.
This click feeling is because the receiving member 3 is formed of a synthetic resin material having rigidity (hard) higher than that of the operation knob 4 and the operation knob 4 is supported by the receiving member 3. Is a click feeling that can be definitely felt.
[0057]
Next, when the pressing force to the operation knob 4 is released, the self-returning force of the push button switch 2 and the self-returning force of the buckled skirt portion 4b of the operation knob 4 are accompanied by a click feeling and the operation knob 4 The operation unit 4a returns to a position parallel to the printed wiring board 1 in the initial state.
With the return of the operation knob 4, the push button switch 2 that has been turned on, and the fixed contact portion 1a and the movable contact portion 6 that have been turned on, each return to the off state.
[0058]
In addition, this return operation is performed by the self-returning force of the skirt portion 4b even when the pressing force to the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 is released before the push button switch 2 is turned on. Is done.
[0059]
In addition, although the description at the time of pressing operation to the outer peripheral part of the operation part 4a mentioned above is a case where a pressing position is the vicinity of the part by which the movable contact part 6 is arrange | positioned, two adjacent movable Similarly, when the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 4a at the intermediate position of the contact portion 6 is pressed, two-stage input can be performed.
[0060]
That is, in this case, first, the two adjacent movable contact portions 6 abut against the corresponding two fixed contact portions 1a almost simultaneously with the partial buckling of the adjacent skirt portion 4b. Also in this case, since the movement of the operation portion 4a in the lateral direction is similarly regulated by the mounting leg 3c and the hole portion 1b, a click feeling can be reliably obtained.
[0061]
When the pressing force is increased and further pressing is continued, the two support portions 3g positioned between the two adjacent movable contact portions 6 that are in contact with the fixed contact portion 1a are in contact with the printed wiring board 1, and this With the two support portions 3g as fulcrums, the operation knob 4 is rotated, and the push button 2b is pressed by the pressing portion 3f of the receiving member 3, and the push button switch 2 is turned on.
[0062]
As described above, the input device according to the present embodiment can input in eight directions, and the skirt portion 4b can be easily buckled with a click feeling at the time of input operation in any direction. The part 4b has an octagonal shape having sides perpendicular to the direction in which the operation knob 4 is tilted.
[0063]
Next, the operation of only the push button switch relating to the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described.
12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first operation of only the push button switch of the multi-directional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second operation of only the push button switch of the multi-directional input device of the present invention. FIG.
[0064]
First, as shown in FIG. 12, the operation of only the push button switch related to the multidirectional input device presses the substantially central portion of the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 in the direction of arrow D.
Due to the pressing of the central portion of the operation portion 4a, the operation portion 4a moves parallel to the printed wiring board 1 in the vertical direction. With the parallel movement of the operation portion 4a, the receiving member 3 is similarly printed on the printed wiring board. Move in the direction perpendicular to 1.
[0065]
At this time, the octagonal skirt portion 4b of the operation knob 4 is not buckled and deformed so that the whole is slightly bent.
[0066]
Next, the pressing portion 3 f of the receiving member 3 moved in the vertical direction comes into contact with the upper surface of the push button 2 b of the push button switch 2. Further, when the central portion of the operation portion 4a is continuously pressed as it is, the pressing portion 3f presses the push button 2b as shown in FIG. 13, and a click feeling (within the body portion 2a of the push button switch 2) By the above-described mechanism that causes a feeling of moderation, the operator who presses can feel a light click feeling.
[0067]
At the same time that the click feeling is acquired, only the push button switch 2 is operated to be turned on. At this time, the plurality of movable contact portions 6 and the plurality of fixed contact portions 1a are turned off. Arranged in position.
[0068]
Next, when the pressing of the central portion of the operation portion 4a is released, the operation portion 4a returns to the original position by the self-returning force of the push button switch 2 and the self-returning force of the skirt portion 4b of the operation knob 4. The push button switch 2 operates so as to be turned off.
[0069]
The multi-directional input device described above is used, for example, as an input device of a remote controller that operates cursor movement. First, the first pressing operation on the operation unit 4a causes the cursor movement on the screen to move to the first speed. It is possible to move the cursor at a second speed (relatively fast speed) and then move the cursor at the second speed (relatively fast speed) by the second pressing operation to the operation unit 4a. Used as possible.
[0070]
Further, the pressing operation only to the push button switch is used so that, for example, a determination operation at a predetermined cursor position on the screen can be performed.
[0071]
Next, a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The basic configuration of the multidirectional input device of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the multidirectional input device of the first embodiment described above.
For this reason, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0072]
FIG. 14 is a first cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a second cross section showing the second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG.
[0073]
Here, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the difference in the configuration of the second embodiment is that, as described above, in the multidirectional input device of the first embodiment, 4 of the printed wiring board 1. The push button switch 2 provided with the push button 2b is attached to the center of each fixed contact portion 1a, whereas in the multidirectional input device according to the second embodiment, the four fixed wiring boards 1 are fixed. A second fixed contact portion 1c is provided at the center of the contact portion 1a. The second movable contact portion 7 is opposed to the second fixed contact portion 1c, and the second movable contact portion 7 is a second cylindrical portion 4g of the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4. Is provided.
[0074]
The second cylindrical portion 4g extends inwardly from the central portion of the operation portion 4a.
In addition, the second cylindrical portion 4g of the operation portion 4a is disposed by being inserted through a through hole 3p provided in the central portion of the convex portion 3d of the receiving member 3, and is provided in the second cylindrical portion 4g. The movable contact portion 7 is disposed in an exposed state. That is, the second fixed contact portion 1c and the second movable contact portion 7 at the center are arranged to face each other with a predetermined distance dimension.
[0075]
Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described. Since this operation is basically the same as the operation of the multidirectional input device of the first embodiment described above, differences will be described.
[0076]
The operation of the multidirectional input device is performed by first pressing the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 4a of the operation knob 4 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, first fixed contact portion 1a and first movable contact portion. 6, the second fixed contact portion 1c and the second movable contact portion 7 come into contact with each other and are turned on by a pressing operation to the operation portion 4a.
[0077]
Next, when the pressing operation to the outer peripheral portion of the operation unit 4a is released, the operation unit 4a is sequentially returned to the original position by the self-returning force as in the first embodiment. Next, the operation for pressing the central portion of the operation portion 4a is the same as that of the first embodiment described above except that the second fixed contact portion 1c and the second movable contact portion 7 abut. Since the operation is almost the same as the operation in FIG.
Also in the multidirectional input device in the second embodiment, an input operation in eight directions can be performed as in the first embodiment.
[0078]
In the first and second embodiments described above, four fixed contact portions and four movable contact portions are arranged in a cross shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Eight may be provided.
Further, the mounting leg 3 c of the receiving member 3 described above is formed as a so-called protrusion in the receiving member 3.
[0079]
Further, in the first embodiment, the restricting member is configured by four mounting legs arranged in a cross shape on the receiving member, but is not limited thereto.
[0080]
In the first embodiment, the restricting member is constituted by a receiving member having a protruding portion (attachment leg), and the receiving member is locked to the operation portion. The member may be disposed on the printed wiring board (insulating board) side.
[0081]
In the first and second embodiments, the support portion provided on the receiving member sandwiches each movable contact portion (notch portion) in order to make the second-stage pressing operation more stable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one piece may be provided in the vicinity of each movable contact portion.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
In the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, the receiving member is attached to the lower surface side of the operation portion so that each first movable contact portion is exposed, and each support portion is disposed in the vicinity of the position of each first movable contact portion. Then, by the first pressing operation on the outer peripheral portion of the operating portion, the skirt portion in the vicinity of the outer peripheral portion of the operating portion subjected to the first pressing operation is partially buckled, and the first movable contact portion on the operating side is opposed. The first movable contact portion is brought into contact with the first fixed contact portion with a click feeling, and further, the first movable contact portion on the operation side is slightly pressed by the second pressing operation of the operation portion. The support portion in the vicinity of the contact portion abuts the insulating substrate, the support portion serves as a fulcrum, the operation portion of the operation knob rotates, and the central portion of the operation portion operates the switch element. Each of the first fixed contact portions provided in a circumferential shape by a pressing operation to the outer peripheral portion and A plurality of first movable contact portions facing each first fixed contact portion so as to be able to come into contact with and away from each other can be brought into contact with a click feeling, and the support portion serves as a fulcrum, and the central portion of the operation portion Since the switch element is operated, it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device that has a click feeling at the time of the first-stage pressing operation, has good operability of the two-stage pressing operation, and can be miniaturized.
[0083]
In the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, the plurality of support portions are arranged outside the circumferential arrangement of the plurality of first movable contact portions, so that the switching element is turned on / off. It is possible to provide a multidirectional input device in which the operation or the on / off operation of the second movable contact portion with respect to the second fixed contact portion can be performed more reliably by the outer arrangement of the support portion serving as a fulcrum.
[0084]
In addition, the multi-directional input device of the present invention causes a click feeling when the switch element is operated, so that the switch element pressed and operated in the second stage causes a click feeling, thereby causing an erroneous operation. It is difficult to provide a multidirectional input device that is more operable by the operator. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view from the top side showing an embodiment of a multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view from the lower surface side showing the embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a printed wiring board according to the embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation knob according to the embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4;
6 is a bottom view of FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first operation of the movable contact portion of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first operation of a mounting leg of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second operation of the movable contact portion of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second operation of the mounting leg of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third operation of the movable contact portion of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first operation of only the pushbutton switch of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second operation of only the push button switch of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a first sectional view showing a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the invention.
FIG. 15 is a second sectional view showing a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the invention.
FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway plan view showing a conventional multidirectional input device.
17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Printed wiring board (insulating board)
1a Fixed contact part (first fixed contact part)
1b hole
1c Second fixed contact portion
2 Pushbutton switch (switch element)
2b push button
3 receiving member
3a Board part
3b Fixing protrusion
3c Mounting leg (protrusion)
3f Pressing part
3g support
3m hook part
3p through hole
4 Operation knob
4a Operation part
4b Skirt
4c Support part (mounting part)
4e Cylindrical part (first cylindrical part)
4g Second cylindrical part
5 Housing
5b opening
6 Movable contact part (first movable contact part)
7 Second movable contact

Claims

An insulating substrate in which a plurality of first fixed contact portions are provided circumferentially, a pressing type switch element provided in a central portion of each of the first fixed contact portions of the insulating substrate, and an elastic material, An operation portion having a plurality of first movable contact portions facing each first fixed contact portion so as to be able to contact and separate; a skirt portion extending from the outer peripheral edge of the operation portion so as to widen toward the end and buckling; An operation knob that extends from the skirt portion and has a placement portion that is placed on the insulating substrate, and a plurality of supports that are disposed near the outside of the circumferential arrangement of the first movable contact portion. and parts, and a receiving member rigid the a cutout portion for exposing the respective first movable contact portion is provided on the lower surface side of the operation portion, by a first pressing operation to the outer peripheral portion of the front Stories operating unit abutting said first fixed contact portion to which the first movable contact portion of the operation side faces, further, its The second pressing operation of the operating unit continues to mom, front Symbol support portion abuts on the insulating substrate, so that the operating portion as a fulcrum the supporting part is rotated to push the front Stories switching element A multidirectional input device characterized by that.

An insulating substrate having a plurality of first fixed contact portions provided circumferentially and a second fixed contact portion provided in the center of each first fixed contact portion, and an elastic material, An operation portion having a plurality of first and second movable contact portions facing each of the first and second fixed contact portions so as to be able to come into contact with and away from the first and second fixed contact portions; An operation knob having a possible skirt portion and a placement portion that extends from the skirt portion and is placed on the insulating substrate, and is arranged near the outer side of the circumferential arrangement of the first movable contact portion. A plurality of support portions, a notch portion that exposes each first movable contact portion on a lower surface side of the operation portion, and a rigid receiving member provided with a through hole that exposes the second movable contact portion. The first movable contact on the operation side by a first pressing operation on the outer peripheral portion of the operation unit Comes into contact with the opposed first fixed contact portion, and further, the support portion comes into contact with the insulating substrate by the second pressing operation of the operation portion, and the operation portion is supported by the support portion as a fulcrum. A multi-directional input device, wherein the multi-directional input device rotates and contacts the second fixed contact portion facing the second movable contact portion.

When the central portion of the operation portion is pressed, the operation portion moves in a direction perpendicular to the insulating substrate, and the central portion of the operation portion turns on only the switch element. multidirectional input device according to claim 1 Symbol mounting to.

When the switching element is operated, according to claim 1, characterized in that occurring click feeling, or 3 multidirectional input device according.

Wherein the central portion of the receiving member provided on the lower surface of the operating portion, multidirectional claims 1, 3, or 4, wherein the pressing portion for pressing the switch element, characterized in that the integrally provided Input device.

Before Stories multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1, to 5, characterized in that the supporting part of the two equally spaced positions sandwiching the first movable contact portion each is provided.

A plurality of the first fixed contact portions and a plurality of the first movable contact portions are arranged concentrically from the center of the operation knob at equal intervals, and two of the receiving members. 2. The support portions are concentrically positioned between the adjacent first movable contact portions, and the eight support portions are arranged at equal intervals on the receiving member. The multidirectional input device according to any one of 1 to 6 .