JP4159704B2 - Multi-directional input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a multidirectional input device used for a remote controller of a video game or the like, by bringing any one of a plurality of pairs of electrodes arranged at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction into contact with or in proximity to a predetermined state. The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device that performs a switch operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A multi-directional input device having a configuration as shown in FIG. 9 has been known. That is, a pair of switches including a first electrode 5 provided on the substrate 4 as a fixed portion and a second electrode 3a that receives an operating force and moves to a predetermined switch-on state with respect to the first electrode 5 are arranged in the circumferential direction. The second electrode 3a is disposed at a plurality of locations, and the second electrode 3a is provided on the rubber body 3 placed on the substrate 4, and the pressure receiving portion 3A formed so as to protrude from the rubber body 3 is pushed in, so that the second electrode 3a Is provided with an operation button 2 for switching the first electrode 5 to a predetermined switch-on state, the rubber body 3 and the operation button 2 are installed in the recess of the housing 1, and the amount of pushing operation with respect to the operation button 2 is set. The center boss 2C to be controlled is projected from the surface of the operation button 2 facing the substrate 4 and the center boss 2C reaches the substrate 4 at the center of the rubber body 3. It has been provided containers through hole 3d.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above conventional configuration, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pressure receiving portion 3 </ b> A of the rubber body 3 that receives the pressing operation of the operation button 2 is provided in a state of protruding from the rubber body 3. Has occurred.
As a result, the moisture that has entered between the operation button 2 and the housing 1 enters the space where the center boss 2C exists from the gap between the pressure receiving portions as shown by the broken lines in the figure, and enters the center of the rubber body 3. The first electrode 5 was reached through the formed through hole 3d.
An object of the present invention is to employ a structure that prevents intrusion of moisture reaching the substrate.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
〔Constitution〕
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of switches including a first electrode provided in the fixed portion and a second electrode that receives an operating force and moves to a predetermined switched-on state with respect to the first electrode. It is arranged at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction, and the second electrode is provided in a rubber body placed on the fixed portion, and a pressure receiving portion formed in a state protruding from the rubber body is pushed in, so that the second electrode is An operation button for switching to a predetermined switch-on state with respect to one electrode is provided, the rubber body and the operation button are installed in a recessed portion of the housing, and a center boss for restricting a push operation amount with respect to the operation button is provided in the operation button. A cylindrical portion that protrudes from the surface facing the fixed portion and penetrates the rubber body, and fits in a watertight manner to the peripheral surface of the center boss penetrating the rubber body. Located at a point that is formed in the rubber body, its action and effects are as follows.
[0005]
[Action]
Since the cylindrical portion formed at the center boss penetrating portion of the rubber body is fitted in a watertight manner with respect to the peripheral surface of the center boss, even if moisture penetrates through the gap between the pressure receiving portions, the cylindrical portion It is blocked by the watertight fitting portion between the portion and the center boss, and does not enter the rubber body and does not reach the substrate.
On the other hand, since the cylindrical part provided in the rubber body exhibits an elastic return force, even if the operation force on the operation button is released, the operation button receives a return force that returns to the standby position (home position) before the operation.
[0006]
〔effect〕
Therefore, a cylindrical portion that satisfies the function of the center boss is provided while preventing moisture from entering between the pressure receiving portions, and the water-tight fitting portion of the cylindrical portion allows moisture to reach between the electrodes, thereby preventing the switch operation. There is no stabilization.
In addition, since the cylindrical portion exerts a return force to the standby position with respect to the operation button, when the operation button returns to the standby position, positional deviation from each electrode can be suppressed, and in addition to returning to the standby position. This mechanism (for example, a dedicated spring) is not particularly required, and the device configuration can be simplified.
[0007]
〔Constitution〕
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of switches including a first electrode provided in the fixed portion and a second electrode that receives an operating force and moves to a predetermined switched-on state with respect to the first electrode. It is arranged at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction, and the second electrode is provided in a rubber body placed on the fixed portion, and a pressure receiving portion formed in a state protruding from the rubber body is pushed in, so that the second electrode is An operation button for switching to a predetermined switch-on state with respect to one electrode is provided, the rubber body and the operation button are installed in a recessed portion of the housing, and a center boss for restricting a push operation amount with respect to the operation button is provided in the operation button. The cylindrical portion is formed at a penetration portion of the rubber body through which the center boss penetrates while projecting from the surface facing the fixed portion and through the rubber body. There the tubular tip while surrounding the center boss to the point that contact abutted is in a watertight state on a surface opposed to the fixed portion in parts, its action and effects are as follows.
[0008]
[Function and effect]
Since the cylindrical portion formed at the penetrating portion of the rubber body surrounds the center boss, the tip thereof is brought into contact with the surface facing the fixed portion of the operation button in a watertight state, so that there is a gap between the pressure receiving portions. Even moisture that has penetrated through is blocked by the watertight portion between the tip of the cylindrical portion and the opposing surface, and does not enter the rubber body and reach the substrate.
This prevents moisture from reaching between the electrodes and making the switch operation unstable.
[0009]
〔Constitution〕
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of switches including a first electrode provided in the fixed portion and a second electrode that receives an operating force and moves to a predetermined switched-on state with respect to the first electrode. It is arranged at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction, and the second electrode is provided in a rubber body placed on the fixed portion, and a pressure receiving portion formed in a state protruding from the rubber body is pushed in, so that the second electrode is An operation button for switching to a predetermined switch-on state with respect to one electrode is provided, the rubber body and the operation button are installed in a recessed portion of the housing, and a center boss for restricting a push operation amount to the operation button is provided in the operation button. The cylindrical portion is formed at a penetration portion of the rubber body through which the center boss penetrates while projecting from the surface facing the fixed portion and through the rubber body. The tip of the cylindrical portion is in contact with the surface facing the fixed portion while fitting the portion with the peripheral surface of the center boss in a watertight state, and the operation and effect are as follows. It is.
[0010]
[Function and effect]
While the cylindrical portion formed at the center boss penetrating portion of the rubber body is in contact with the peripheral surface of the center boss in a watertight state, the tip thereof is further in contact with the surface facing the fixed electrode of the operation button in a watertight state. Therefore, even moisture that has entered through the gaps between the electrode holding portions is blocked by the watertight portion between the tip of the cylindrical portion and the opposing surface, and enters the rubber body and enters the substrate. It will not reach.
This prevents moisture from reaching between the electrodes and making the switch operation unstable.
On the other hand, since the cylindrical part provided in the rubber body exhibits an elastic return force, even if the operation force on the operation button is released, the operation button receives a return force that returns to the standby position (home position) before the operation.
As a result, the cylindrical portion exerts a return force to the standby position with respect to the operation button, so that when the operation button returns to the standby position, positional deviation from each electrode can be suppressed, and for returning to the standby position. No other mechanism (for example, a dedicated spring) or the like is particularly required, and the device configuration can be simplified.
[0011]
〔Constitution〕
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a characteristic configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein an edge portion of the peripheral wall in the recess of the housing and the fixed portion facing the edge portion are provided. And the substrate that forms the outer peripheral portion formed on the outer side of the pressure receiving portion of the rubber body, and the operation and effect thereof are as follows.
[0012]
[Function and effect]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the flange-shaped peripheral edge 3B formed outside the pressure receiving part 3A of the rubber body 3 is connected to the edge 1b and the edge 1b in the peripheral wall 1B in the recess 1A of the housing 1. Since it is sandwiched between the opposing substrates 4, the moisture that has entered the recess 1 </ b> A of the housing and reaches the periphery of the rubber body 3 is from between the edge 1 b of the peripheral wall 1 </ b> B of the housing 1 and the substrate 4. It does not enter the housing 1.
In addition, since the flange-shaped peripheral edge 3B of the rubber body 3 is pressed, even if the rubber body 3 receives the pressing operation force of the operation button 2, the rubber body 3 does not move and the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 3a. Can suppress positional deviation.
[0013]
〔Constitution〕
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the cylindrical portion of the rubber body is reduced in diameter toward the distal end side of the cylindrical portion. The function and the effect are as follows.
[0014]
[Function and effect]
Since the rubber body is provided with the cylindrical portion, as shown in the section of the action corresponding to claims 1 to 3, moisture can be prevented from entering the substrate, and the standby position return force for the operation button can be Can be held in the shape.
Moreover, since the shape of the cylindrical portion is formed in a truncated cone shape, the diameter of the base end portion is larger than that of the distal end portion, and the shape retaining property of the cylindrical portion itself is high. large.
[0015]
〔Constitution〕
The characteristic structure by the invention which concerns on Claim 6 exists in the point by which the cylindrical part of the said rubber body is formed in the cylindrical shape in the structure by the invention as described in any one of Claims 1-4, Its actions and effects are as follows.
[0016]
[Function and effect]
Since the rubber body is provided with the cylindrical portion, as shown in the section of the action corresponding to claims 1 to 3, moisture can be prevented from entering the substrate, and the standby position return force for the operation button can be Can be held in the shape.
Moreover, since the cylindrical portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, the waterproof property and the standby position return force as described above can be provided while the shape can be simplified.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A structure of a cross switch as an example of a multidirectional input device used for a video game controller or the like will be described. Although not shown in the drawing, a concave portion 1A for storing a switch is formed in one half of the housing 1 having a split structure, and the cross switch A is stored in the concave portion 1A.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cross switch A includes an operation button 2 that is viewed from the concave portion 1 </ b> A, a rubber body 3 that is deformed by receiving an operation force from the operation button 2, and the rubber body 3. And a printed circuit board 4 as a fixed portion on which the battery is mounted. The operation button 2 is provided with four finger pressing portions 2B arranged in a cross shape on the upper surface 2a of the disk-shaped button body 2A. The lower surface 2b of the button body 2A is formed as a flat surface, and a center boss 2C protruding downward is provided at the center of the flat surface. The operation button 2 is formed of a metal such as synthetic resin or aluminum.
[0019]
The rubber body 3 will be described. The rubber body 3 is provided with a cylindrical pressure receiving portion 3A at four locations in the circumferential direction, a flange-shaped peripheral portion 3B is disposed outside the pressure receiving portion 3A, and a cylindrical portion 3C is provided inside each pressure receiving portion 3A. An opening is provided at the upper end. Each pressure receiving portion 3A is supported by an inclined circumferential wall 3D having a truncated cone shape raised from a bottom plate including a peripheral edge portion 3B. A conductive rubber portion 3a as a second electrode is provided at the lower end of the cylindrical pressure receiving portion 3A, and conducts by contacting a first electrode 5 provided on a substrate 4 to be described later.
A cylindrical portion 3C standing at the center of the rubber body 3 is formed on a truncated cone-shaped inclined circumferential wall raised from the bottom plate, and is formed in a truncated cone shape whose diameter decreases toward the upper end side. . The upper end opening edge 3c of the truncated cone is in contact with the peripheral surface of the center boss 2C in a watertight state with the center boss 2C of the operation button 2 fitted, and at the same time, a flat surface on which the center boss 2C of the operation button 2 protrudes. On the other hand, it is in a watertight state.
The rubber body 3 is formed using a highly elastic material such as rubber.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, a switch pattern 5 constituting the first electrode is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 4, and a pattern 5A connected to the ground side and a pattern 5B connected to the power source side are arranged in a state of facing each other. The pair of patterns 5A and 5B are arranged so as to face the pressure receiving portion 3A.
[0021]
The inner wall 1B surrounding the switch housing recess 1A provided in the housing 1 is lowered inward, and the peripheral portion 3B of the rubber body 3 is sandwiched between the tip of the inner wall 1B and the substrate 4 facing the tip, A waterproof structure is formed and a positioning mechanism for the rubber body 3 is formed.
[0022]
The function of the center boss 2C provided on the operation button 2 will be described. The center boss 2C is in a state of being separated from the substrate 4 as shown in FIG. When the center of the four finger pressing portions 2B arranged in a cross shape is pushed downward from this state, the center boss 2C is placed on the substrate before any of the four pairs of the second electrode 3a and the first electrode 5 come into contact with each other. 4 to prevent the switch from operating. That is, the center boss 2C functions as a regulating mechanism so that at least three or more of the four pairs of electrodes do not operate simultaneously.
However, when one of the four finger pressing portions 2B arranged in a cross shape is pressed as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the corresponding pair of electrodes come into contact with each other to switch. When two finger pressing portions 2B of the finger pressing portions 2B arranged in a cross are simultaneously operated and pressed toward the middle direction of both finger pressing portions 2B, two pairs of electrodes are brought into contact with each other. Thus, an operation different from the case where only the pair of electrodes 3a and 5 are in contact with each other can be performed.
[0023]
With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 2B, when one finger pressing portion 2B is pressed, the button body 2A of the operation button 2 presses the corresponding pressure receiving portion 3A of the rubber body 3. Then, the inclined peripheral wall 3D is bent, the electrode 3a and the electrode 5 are brought into contact with each other, and the switch is turned on to operate.
When the operating force is released, the operation button 2 is lifted by the pressure receiving portion 3A by the elastic restoring force of the rubber body 3 itself and the elasticity of the cylindrical portion 3C at the center of the rubber body 3 is released as shown in FIG. The operation button 2 is returned to the standby position via the center boss 2C by receiving the help of the return force.
[0024]
Although not shown, the switch having the above configuration is assembled as follows. First, one of the two-split housing 1 is placed in a workbench shape so that the internal space faces upward, the operation button 2 is installed in the recess 1A of the housing 1, and the center boss 2C of the operation button 2 is attached to the center boss 2C. The switch is assembled by fitting the cylindrical portion 3C of the rubber body 3 and attaching the substrate 4 to a predetermined position.
[Another Example]
[0025]
(1) As shown in FIG. 3, the cylindrical portion 3C of the rubber body 3 has a configuration in which the tip of the cylindrical portion is operated only by adopting a configuration in which the peripheral surface of the center boss 2C of the operation button 2 is in watertight contact. It is not necessary to touch the flat surface of the button 2 (corresponding to claims 1 and 5).
[0026]
(2) As shown in FIG. 4, the cylindrical portion 3C of the rubber body 3 may be formed in a cylindrical shape instead of a truncated cone shape (corresponding to claims 1 and 6).
Even if the cylindrical portion 3C is formed in a cylindrical shape, as shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical portion is in contact with the center boss 2C in a watertight state, and the tip of the cylindrical portion is moved to the operation button 2. You may take the structure which touches the flat surface of this.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical portion is simply fitted on the center boss 2C, and the tip of the cylindrical portion is contacted with the flat surface of the operation button 2 in a watertight state. You may take the structure to make.
[0027]
(3) As shown in FIG. 7, as a configuration in which the tip of the cylindrical portion 3 </ b> C of the rubber body 3 is brought into contact with the flat surface of the operation button 2, an engagement groove that enters the flat surface of the base end portion of the center boss 2 </ b> C. A configuration may be adopted in which 2c is provided so that the tip of the cylindrical portion 3C enters the flat surface to enhance the waterproof function.
[0028]
(4) As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical portion 3 </ b> C of the rubber body 3 is a minimum diameter portion formed in a truncated cone shape and is in watertight contact with the peripheral surface of the center boss 2 </ b> C. On the other hand, it may be formed in the shape of an inverted truncated cone so that the diameter increases toward the tip side.
Then, when the rubber body 3 is attached to the center boss 2C of the operation button 2, the tip of the cylindrical portion 3C is larger in diameter than the center boss, so that it is easy to fit.
[0029]
(5) The above switch is configured as a switch that conducts when both electrodes 3a and 5 are in contact with each other. However, a capacitance type switch that operates when the electrodes 3a and 5 are close to each other by a predetermined distance. It may be.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-directional input switch. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input switch. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing another implementation structure of the cylindrical portion. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing another implementation structure of the cylindrical portion of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing another implementation structure of the cylindrical portion. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another implementation structure of a cylindrical portion. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a conventional multidirectional input switch. Is a perspective view showing the structure of the rubber body in
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 1A Recessed part 2 Operation button 2C Center boss 3 Rubber body 3A Pressure receiving part 3B Peripheral part 3C Cylindrical part 3a Second electrode 4 Fixing part 5 First electrode

Claims (6)

A pair of switches including a first electrode provided on the fixed portion and a second electrode that receives an operating force and moves to a predetermined switch-on state with respect to the first electrode are disposed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction. An electrode is provided in the rubber body placed on the fixed part, and the pressure receiving part formed in a state protruding from the rubber body is pushed in, so that the second electrode is brought into a predetermined switched state with respect to the first electrode. An operation button for switching is provided, the rubber body and the operation button are installed in a recess of the housing, and a center boss that regulates the amount of pushing operation with respect to the operation button is protruded from a surface of the operation button facing the fixed portion. A multi-direction in which the rubber body is formed with a cylindrical portion that penetrates the rubber body and fits in a watertight manner to a peripheral surface of a center boss penetrating the rubber body. Power equipment. A pair of switches including a first electrode provided on the fixed portion and a second electrode that receives an operating force and moves to a predetermined switch-on state with respect to the first electrode are disposed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction. An electrode is provided in the rubber body placed on the fixed part, and the pressure receiving part formed in a state protruding from the rubber body is pushed in, so that the second electrode is brought into a predetermined switched state with respect to the first electrode. An operation button for switching is provided, the rubber body and the operation button are installed in a recess of the housing, and a center boss that regulates the amount of pushing operation with respect to the operation button is protruded from a surface of the operation button facing the fixed portion. A cylindrical portion is formed at a portion of the rubber body that penetrates the rubber body and the center boss penetrates, and the cylindrical boss surrounds the center boss while surrounding the center boss. Multidirectional input device which contact abutted is in a watertight state Jo tip on a surface opposed to the fixed part. A pair of switches including a first electrode provided on the fixed portion and a second electrode that receives an operating force and moves to a predetermined switch-on state with respect to the first electrode are disposed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction. An electrode is provided in the rubber body placed on the fixed part, and the pressure receiving part formed in a state protruding from the rubber body is pushed in, so that the second electrode is brought into a predetermined switched state with respect to the first electrode. An operation button for switching is provided, the rubber body and the operation button are installed in a recess of the housing, and a center boss that regulates the amount of pushing operation with respect to the operation button is protruded from a surface of the operation button facing the fixed portion. A cylindrical portion is formed at a penetration portion of the rubber body that penetrates the rubber body and through which the center boss penetrates. Multi-directional input apparatus of the cylindrical tip while fitted in a state that is brought into contact with a surface opposed to the fixed part. The peripheral part formed outside the said pressure receiving part of the said rubber body is inserted | pinched with the board | substrate which forms the said fixing | fixed part which opposes this edge part in the peripheral part in the recessed part of the said housing. The multidirectional input device according to any one of? The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cylindrical portion of the rubber body is formed in a truncated cone shape that is reduced in diameter toward the distal end side of the cylindrical portion. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion of the rubber body is formed in a cylindrical shape.

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