JP4522376B2 - Multi-directional input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device used for a game machine for business use or home use.

  As this type of multidirectional input device, there are four digital detection means provided at 90 ° intervals on the upper peripheral edge of the convex substrate in cross section, and the same interval as the digital detection means on the lower peripheral edge of the substrate. A first cross-shaped operating body having four analog detecting means provided in the above, four first pressing parts for pressing the digital detecting means, and the first operating body are fitted in the center portion. And a first operating part having four second pressing parts for pressing the analog detection means at a position shifted by 45 °, and four first pressing parts of the first operating body. And a digital operation input mode in which the first pressing unit of the first operating body can press the digital detection means by rotating the first and second operating bodies, and a second of the second operating body. Switch the analog operation mode in which the pressing part can press the analog detection means. There is one that can be replaced (see Patent Document 1).

  Further, as another multi-directional input device, on the pedestal portion through which the operation body passes, four digital detection means are provided around the operation body so as to be displaceable, while the analog detection means is provided below the pedestal section. By rotating the position displacement mechanism provided on the pedestal, the digital detection means is displaced from the tilting area of the operating body to the outside of the tilting area, and the digital operation input mode and the analog operation mode are switched. Some have made it possible (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-167672 A Japanese Patent No. 3430018

  However, the multidirectional input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires two substrates because the substrate is convex in cross-section. In addition, since the digital detection means and the analog detection means are arranged radially, a large detection means installation space is required on the substrate. For this reason, it has been difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus.

  Further, the multidirectional input device has a recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second operating body as a locking means for locking the second operating body so as not to operate in the digital operation input mode, and is inserted into the recess. The one having a locking rod to be removed is used. Since this locking means is arranged outside the second operating body, it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus also in this respect.

  On the other hand, in the multidirectional input device of Patent Document 2, since the pedestal portion is indispensable, it is difficult to reduce the size of the device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional input device capable of reducing the size of the device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first multidirectional input device of the present invention includes an operation body that is tiltably held by a case from an upright state, a substrate that is disposed at a position below the operation body in the case, A plurality of first detection means arranged at intervals around the tilt axis of the operating body on the substrate, and a plurality of second detection means arranged between the first detection means on the substrate. The operating body is disposed above the first detection means around the main key top and relatively to the main key top. A plurality of sub key tops each rotatable in the horizontal direction, and the main key top is released from the holding positions held by the sub key tops according to the rotation. Move to the release position Has a holding portion of the number, the holding portion, when positioned in the release position, so as to reach the second detecting means from between the subkey top.

  In the case of such a multi-directional input device, when the main key top is operated with the main key top rotated and the main key top holding portion positioned at the holding position, the main key top moves the tilting shaft. The shaft is tilted together with the sub key top, and the sub key top depresses the first detecting means to operate. On the other hand, when the main key top is operated in a state where the main key top is rotated, the holding portion of the main key top is positioned at the release position, and the second key detection unit is faced between the sub key tops, Only the key top tilts about the tilt axis, and the holding part of the main key top presses the second detecting means to operate. Thus, by rotating the main key top, it is possible to switch the operation input modes of the first and second detection means arranged alternately around the tilt axis of the main key top.

  When the plurality of sub key tops are integrated, the sub key top is provided with a plurality of notches corresponding to the arrangement interval of the second detection means. In this case, when the holding part of the main key top is located at the release position, the main key top holding part faces the second detection means from the notch part.

  It is preferable that the holding part of the main key top has a convex part protruding outward, and a concave part into which the convex part is fitted is provided on the inner surface of the sub key top. In this way, the convex part of the holding part of the main key top is fitted into the concave part of the sub key top, so that the sub key top is stably linked to the main key top tilting and returning operation.

  The main key top holding portion and the sub key top are preferably provided with engaging means that can be engaged with each other. The engaging means may include an engaging convex portion provided on the bottom surface of the holding portion of the main key top and an engaging hole provided on the holding portion mounting surface of the sub key top. That is, when the holding part of the main key top is engaged with the sub key top, the engaging convex part is engaged with the engaging hole, and then when the main key top is rotated, the engaging hole And the engagement hole are disengaged. For this reason, since a separate locking mechanism is not required unlike the conventional example, the apparatus can be reduced in size. In addition, the main key top is rotated by an inadvertent operation of the main key top when the holding portion of the main key top is located at the release position and the engagement of the engagement means is released. However, since the engaging convex portion of the engaging means contacts the sub key top, it is possible to prevent the operation input mode from being switched.

  The first and second detection means are preferably arranged in a staggered manner. For this reason, the installation space of the 1st, 2nd detection means on a board | substrate can be further reduced, and size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved.

  As the first detection means, a switch element that is turned on / off by pressing the sub key top or a pressure sensor that operates by pressing the sub key top can be used. As the second detection means, a pressure-sensitive sensor that operates when the holding part of the main key top is pressed or a switching element that is turned on / off when the holding part of the main key top is pressed can be used.

  A first elastic body interposed between the first detection means and the sub key top of the operating body can be provided. A tilting shaft of the operating body is passed through the first elastic body, and a cylindrical support portion that supports the tilting shaft can be provided. In this case, when the operating body is operated, the sub key top of the operating body is tilted together with the main key top, and the first detecting means is pressed through the first elastic body. At this time, the first elastic body is compressed between the sub key top and the substrate under the first detection means. Thereafter, when the operating body is released, the sub key top and the main key top return to the upright state by the restoring force of the first elastic body.

  In the case where the second detection means is a pressure-sensitive sensor, it can be configured to have an elastic body having conductivity. In this case, when the operating body is operated, the main key top of the operating body is tilted, and the second elastic body of the second detecting means is pushed down by the holding portion. At this time, the second elastic body is compressed between the holding portion of the main key top and the substrate. Thereafter, when the operating body is released, the main key top returns to the upright state by the restoring force of the second elastic body.

  In the case of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, the first and second detection means are alternately arranged around the tilt axis of the main key top, and the sub key top is the first detection means around the main key top. The main key top holding portion is held by the sub key top by rotation of the main key top, and the first operation input mode in which the first detection means can be pressed, and the main key top holding portion. And the sub key top are released, and the holding unit can switch between the second operation input mode in which the second detection means can be pressed. Thus, since the first and second detection means can be alternately arranged on the same surface of one substrate, two substrates are not required unlike the conventional example, and the substrate The detection means installation space can be reduced. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size. In addition, since the main key top holding portion and the sub key top are provided with engaging means that can be engaged with each other, a separate locking mechanism is not required as in the conventional example. Can be planned. Furthermore, since the main key top and the sub key top are engaged in the holding state by the engaging means, it is possible to prevent the operation input mode from being switched by an inadvertent operation of the main key top.

  Hereinafter, an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a first schematic cross-sectional perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which a main key top holding portion of an operating body is located at a holding position, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a first schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the input device, showing a state in which the main key top holding portion of the operating body is positioned at the release position, and FIG. 3 is a second schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the input device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the main key top holding portion of the operating body is positioned at the holding position, and FIG. 4 is a second schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the input device, and shows the main key top of the operating body. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the first and second detection means of the apparatus. FIG.

  The multi-directional input device described here is held in a case 100 so as to be tiltable from an upright state and can be pressed in four directions of X, -X, Y, and -Y directions, A substrate 300 disposed below the operation body 200, four first detection means 400 disposed at intervals around the tilt axis 212 of the operation body 200 on the substrate 300, and the substrate 300 And four second detection means 500 arranged between the first detection means 400 above. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

  The case 100 is a box having an open bottom as shown in FIGS. At the center of the ceiling surface of the case 100, a circular first opening 110, and four second openings 120 connected to the peripheral edge of the first opening 110 at intervals of 90 °, Is provided. The 1st opening part 110 is for exposing the main-body part 211 and the key part 213 of the main key top 210 of the operation body 200 so that operation is possible outside. The four second openings 120 are for exposing the upper end portions 221 of the four sub key tops 220 of the operation body 200 to the outside and positioning the sub key tops 220.

  The end of the ceiling surface of the case 100 is for accommodating the two standing wall portions 621 and 622 of the first elastic body 600 interposed between the sub key top 220 of the operation body 200 and the first detection means 400. Two accommodating portions 131 and 132 having a substantially Ω cross section are provided facing downward.

  The substrate 300 is a well-known printed circuit board or the like, and is attached to the case 100 so as to close the open portion at the bottom of the case 100.

  The first elastic body 600 includes a rectangular base portion 610 and two standing wall portions 621 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) provided at a pair of corners of the base portion 610 so as to be orthogonal to the base portion 610. ), Two standing wall portions 622 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) provided at right angles to another pair of corner portions of the base portion 610, and the support portion 611 a of the base portion 610. Four protrusions 630 and four attachment holes 640 are provided.

  The base part 610 includes a thin part 611 and a thick part 612 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) continuous to the outside of the thin part 611. A cylindrical support portion 611 a that protrudes upward is provided at the center of the thin portion 611. The tilting shaft 212 of the operating body 200 is passed through and held by the support portion 611a.

  The upright wall portion 621 is housed in the housing portion 131 of the case 100 at the upper side and is placed on the upper surface of the substrate 300 at the lower side. The standing wall portion 622 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 132 of the case 100 and is placed on the upper surface of the substrate 300.

  The protrusions 630 are continuous with the upper protrusions 631 provided at 90 ° intervals around the support portions 611a on the upper surface of the thin portion 611 of the base portion 610, and the upper protrusions 631 on the lower surface of the thin portion 611 of the base portion 610. And a lower convex portion 632 provided to do so. Such protrusions 630 are arranged in a positional relationship corresponding to the first detection means 400 as shown in FIG.

  The upper convex portion 631 is a substantially cylindrical body, and its upper surface is a flat surface. A positioning hole 631 a into which the positioning protrusion 225 of the sub key top 220 is fitted is provided at the center of the upper surface of the upper convex portion 631. That is, the sub key top 220 is installed on the upper convex portion 631 and is maintained in a horizontal state (hereinafter, this state is referred to as an initial state).

  The lower convex portion 632 is a substantially cylindrical body having a smaller diameter than the upper convex portion 631, and the lower surface thereof is in contact with the top of the movable contact 420 of the first detection means 400. That is, the protrusion 630 is a portion interposed between the sub key top 220 and the second detection means 500.

  The mounting hole 640 is a hole for inserting a conductive rubber 510 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 500 are arranged in a positional relationship corresponding to 500. The conductive rubber 510 has an upper surface that is a flat surface that contacts the holding portion 214 of the operating body 200, and a lower surface that is an inclined surface that contacts the substrate 300 with an inclination.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the operating body 200 includes a main key top 210 and four sub key tops 220 that hold the main key top 210 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction. By rotating the main key top 210 in the horizontal direction, a digital operation input mode described later and an analog operation input mode described later are switched.

  The main key top 210 includes a columnar main body 211, a tilting shaft 212 provided at the center of the lower surface of the main body 211, and four key parts provided at 90 ° intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 211. 213, four holding portions 214 provided to be continuous with the lower surface of the four key portions 213, and a connecting portion 215 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) connecting the four holding portions 214. ing.

  The tilt shaft 212 is a cylindrical body, and a lower end portion thereof is inserted and held in the support portion 611 a of the first elastic body 600 and abuts on the upper surface of the substrate 300. The tip surface of the lower end portion of the tilting shaft 212 is spherical. That is, the main key top 210 is held in an upright state by holding the tilting shaft 212 on the support portion 611a of the first elastic body 600, and the main key top 210 tilts with the lower end portion of the tilting shaft 212 as a fulcrum. It is like that. Further, the tilting shaft 212 also functions as a rotating shaft for rotating the main key top 210 in the horizontal direction.

  The key unit 213 is an operation key for performing a pressing operation input in the X, −X, Y, and −Y directions. When the key portion 213 is pressed, the main key top 210 tilts about the tilt shaft 212.

  The holding part 214 is a part held by the lower end part 222 of the sub key top 220. The holding unit 214 releases the holding of the sub key top 200 shown in FIG. 4 from the holding position held on the sub key top 220 shown in FIG. 1 according to the rotation of the main key top 210 about the tilting shaft 212. Move to a position. The state where the holding unit 214 is positioned at the holding position is the digital operation input mode, and the state where the holding unit 214 is positioned at the release position is the analog operation input mode. When the holding unit 214 is located at the release position, the holding unit 214 desires the second detection unit 500 from between the sub key tops 220 and contacts the upper surface of the conductive rubber 510 of the second detection unit 500. That is, the holding part 214 is a pressing part where the conductive rubber 510 of the second detection means 500 is pressed by the tilting of the main key top 210.

  The holding portion 214 is provided with a convex portion 214a that protrudes outward. As shown in FIG. 1, when the holding portion 214 is positioned at the holding position, the convex portion 214a is fitted into the concave portion 223 of the sub key top 220, while the holding portion 214 is at the release position as shown in FIG. When positioned, the sub key top 220 is disengaged from the recess 223. When the convex portion 214a is also located at the release position, the convex portion 214a is desired by the second detection means 500 from between the sub key tops 220 and contacts the upper surface of the conductive rubber 510 of the second detection means 500.

  Further, an engagement convex portion 214b (engagement means) is provided on an inner portion of the bottom surface of the holding portion 214. The engaging convex portion 214 b is engaged with an engaging hole 222 a (engaging means) of the lower end portion 222 of the sub key top 220. Further, when the main key top 210 is rotated by an inadvertent operation when the holding portion 214 is positioned at the release position, the engagement convex portion 214b comes into contact with the end portion of the lower end portion 222 of the sub key top 220, and the main key It functions as a stopper for stopping the rotation of the top 210. In this way, the engagement of the engaging convex portion 214b and the engaging hole 222a and the stopper function of the engaging convex portion 214b prevent the main key top 210 from rotating due to an inadvertent operation and switching the operation input mode. is doing.

  The connecting portion 215 is an arc-shaped plate whose thickness is smaller than the thickness dimension of the holding portion 214. The connecting portion 215 moves from the release position to the holding position by the rotation of the main key top 210. That is, when the holding part 214 is located at the holding position, as shown in FIG. 3, the connecting part 215 is located at the release position, and faces the conductive rubber 510 of the second detection means 500 from between the sub key tops 220. At this time, a gap is generated between the connecting portion 215 and the conductive rubber 510, and even if the connecting portion 215 tilts with the tilt of the main key top 210, the conductive rubber 510 is not pressed down. On the other hand, when the holding part 214 is located at the release position, the connecting part 215 is located at the holding position and is inserted into the recess 223 of the sub key top 220 as shown in FIG. At this time, a gap is generated between the connecting portion 215 and the upper and lower wall surfaces of the concave portion 223 so that the concave portion 223 of the sub key top 220 is not pushed down or pushed up even when the connecting portion 215 tilts with the tilt of the main key top 210. It has become.

  The four sub key tops 220 are arranged at 90 ° intervals around the main key top 210 by being fitted into the four second openings 120 of the case 100, and the first elastic body 600 is sandwiched between the first sub key tops 220. It is located above the detection means 400.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sub key top 220 is a member having a substantially L-shaped cross section, and has a prismatic upper end 221 and a plate-like shape extending inward from the lower end of the upper end 221. Lower end 222, recess 223 provided on the inner surface of the lower side of upper end 221, protrusion 224 provided on the outer surface of the lower side of upper end 221, and positioning provided on the lower surface of lower end 222 And a protrusion 225.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the holding part 214 of the main key top 210 is located at the holding position, the upper end part 221 is continuous with the key part 213 of the main key top 210, and X, -X, Y, -Y It functions as an operation key for inputting a direction pressing operation.

  The lower end portion 222 is a portion for holding the holding portion 214 of the main key top 210, and is provided with an engagement hole 222a penetrating vertically. When the engaging convex portion 214b of the holding portion 214 is fitted into the engaging hole 222a, the holding portion 214 is locked in a state where it is located at the holding position. Further, the lower end portion 222 is placed on the upper surface of the upper convex portion 631 of the protruding portion 630 of the first elastic body 600. That is, the lower end portion 222 is a pressing portion where the first detection unit 400 is pressed through the protrusion 630 of the first elastic body 600 by the movement of the sub key top 220.

  The concave portion 223 is configured such that the convex portion 214a of the holding portion 214 is fitted when the holding portion 214 is positioned at the holding position. When the main key top 210 is tilted or returned, the concave portion 223 is pressed or pushed up by the convex portion 214 a so that the sub key top 220 is interlocked with the operation of the main key top 210.

  The protrusion 224 abuts against the edge of the second opening 120 of the case 100 when the sub key top 220 moves with the tilt of the main key top 210, and restricts the tilt of the main key top 210 beyond a predetermined level. It is a part to do.

  The positioning protrusion 225 fits into the positioning hole 631a on the upper surface of the upper protrusion 631 of the protrusion 630 of the first elastic body 600, and positions the sub key top 220. That is, the sub key top 220 is positioned and held by the engagement of the second opening 120 and the positioning projection 225 of the case 100 with the positioning hole 631a.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first detection unit 400 includes a pair of fixed contacts 411 and 412 formed at intervals of 90 ° around the tilting shaft 212 of the main key top 210 on the upper surface of the substrate 300, and the upper surface of the substrate 300. And a movable contact 420 that is a thin dome-shaped conductive plate (so-called snap plate) installed above the fixed contacts 411 and 412. The fixed contact 412 has a circular shape, and the fixed contact 411 has a ring shape, and these are arranged concentrically. The movable contact 420 is configured to short-circuit the fixed contacts 411 and 412 when an external force acts on the movable contact 420 and deforms.

  The pair of fixed contacts 411 and 412 are disposed below the sub key top 220 of the substrate 300 as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. In other words, the first detection means 400 is reversed with a click feeling when the movable contact 420 is pressed by the lower end 222 of the sub key top 220 through the protrusion 630 of the first elastic body 600. The fixed contact 412 is contacted to output an output signal.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the second detection unit 500 is in contact with a resistance pattern (not shown) formed at intervals of 90 ° around the tilting axis 212 of the main key top 210 on the upper surface of the substrate 300. This is a pressure-sensitive sensor having a conductive rubber 510 (second elastic body).

  The resistance pattern is arranged concentrically differently from the first detection means 400 and is displaced by 45 ° from the pair of fixed contacts 411 and 412 of the first detection means 400. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the conductive rubber 510 is inserted into the attachment hole 640 of the first elastic body 600 and installed on the resistance pattern. As described above, the first and second detection means 400 and 500 are arranged in a staggered manner in a ring shape.

  In such second detection means, the conductive rubber 510 is pressed by the holding portion 214 of the main key top 210 and pressed against the resistance pattern, so that the resistance value thereof is variable.

  Hereinafter, a method for assembling the multidirectional input device will be described. First, the four conductive rubbers 510 of the second detection means 500 are attached to the four attachment holes 640 of the first elastic body 600. On the other hand, four movable contacts 420 are installed on one of the four fixed contacts 411 of the first detection means 400 on the upper surface of the substrate 300.

  Then, the tilting shaft 212 of the main key top 210 is inserted into the support portion 611 a of the first elastic body 600. At this time, the four holding portions 214 of the main key top 210 are placed on the four conductive rubbers 510 of the second detection means 500.

  Thereafter, the positioning protrusion 225 of the sub key top 220 is inserted into the positioning hole 631a of the protrusion 630 of the first elastic body 600 while being aligned, and the sub key top 220 is inserted into the protrusion of the first elastic body 600. Place on the upper convex part 631 of the part 630.

  Then, the main key top 210 is rotated about the tilting shaft 212, and the engagement convex portions 214 b of the four holding portions 214 of the main key top 210 are engaged with the engagement holes 222 a of the lower end portions 222 of the four sub key tops 220. Combine. That is, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 214b and the engagement hole 222a is used for temporary fixing.

  In this state, the main key top 210 and the four sub key tops 220 are inserted into the first opening 110 and the second opening 120 of the case 100 while being aligned, and the standing wall portion of the first elastic body 600 is inserted. 621 and 622 are inserted into the housing parts 131 and 132 of the case 100 while being aligned.

  Then, the substrate 300 is attached to the case 100. Then, the lower protrusions 632 of the four protrusions 630 of the first elastic body 600 come into contact with the four movable contacts 420 of the first detection means 400 of the substrate 300.

  Hereinafter, the usage method of the multidirectional input device assembled in this way and the operation of each part will be described in detail. First, the main key top 210 is rotated by 45 ° in the horizontal direction, and the holding portion 214 of the main key top 210 is positioned at the holding position. Then, the holding portion 214 of the main key top 210 is held by the lower end portion 222 of the sub key top 220 as shown in FIG. 1, while the connecting portion 215 of the main key top 210 is held as shown in FIG. The space between the sub key tops 220 faces the conductive rubber 510 of the second detection means 500 with a gap.

  At this time, the engaging convex portion 214 b of the holding portion 214 of the main key top 210 is fitted into and engaged with the engaging hole 222 a of the lower end portion 222 of the sub key top 220. Thus, the digital operation input mode is set.

  On the other hand, the main key top 210 is rotated by 45 ° in the horizontal direction, and the holding portion 214 of the main key top 210 is positioned at the release position. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the holding part 214 of the main key top 210 desires and comes into contact with the upper surface of the conductive rubber 510 of the second detection means 500 from between the sub key tops 220, while the main key top 210 As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 215 is inserted into the recess 223 of the sub key top 220 with a gap in the upper and lower wall surfaces.

  At this time, the four key portions 213 of the main key top 210 are displaced from the upper end portion 221 of the sub key top 220 by 45 °. For this reason, it becomes easy to operate the said key part 213. FIG. In this way, the analog operation input mode is set.

  In the digital operation input mode, when the key portion 213 in the X, -X, Y or -Y direction of the main key top 210 is pressed, the main key top 210 stands upright with the lower end portion of the tilting shaft 212 as a fulcrum. Tilt from state to perform seesaw motion.

  Then, the lower holding portion 214 of the operated key portion 213 of the main key top 210 presses the lower end portion 222 of the sub key top 220. As a result, the sub key top 220 moves downward, and the movable contact 420 of the first detection unit 400 is pressed through the protrusion 630 of the first elastic body 600. Then, the movable contact 420 is inverted and contacts the other fixed contact 412 to output an output signal. This output signal is input to a computer of an electronic device equipped with a multidirectional input device, and is recognized as an operation input in the X, -X, Y, or -Y direction.

  At this time, the connecting portions 215 on both sides of the holding portion 214 on the lower side of the key portion 213 operated on the main key top 210 have a gap between the conductive rubber 510 as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the connecting portion 215 is tilted by the seesaw motion of the main key top 210, it does not contact the conductive rubber 510.

  Thereafter, when the key portion 213 of the main key top 210 is released from the pressing operation, the base portion 610 of the first elastic body 600 elastically deformed by the tilt of the main key top 210 and the support portion 611 of the base portion 610 are restored. By the force, the main key top 210 returns to the upright state, while the sub key top 220 depresses the movable contact 420 of the first detection means 400, thereby compressing the protrusion between the sub key top 220 and the substrate 300. The sub key top 220 returns to the initial state by the restoring force 630.

  In the digital operation input mode, when the upper end portion 221 of the sub key top 220 in the X, −X, Y, or −Y direction is pressed, the sub key top 220 moves downward, and the first elastic body 600 is moved. The movable contact 420 of the first detection means 400 is pressed through the protrusion 630. Then, the movable contact 420 is inverted and contacts the other fixed contact 412 to output an output signal. This output signal is input to a computer of an electronic device equipped with a multidirectional input device, and is recognized as an operation input in the X, -X, Y, or -Y direction.

  At this time, the upper wall surface of the concave portion 223 of the sub key top pushes down the convex portion 214a of the holding portion 214 in the direction in which the main key top 210 is operated. As a result, the main key top 210 tilts from the upright state in conjunction with the movement of the sub key top 220 with the lower end portion of the tilt shaft 212 as a fulcrum, but the connecting portion 215 of the main key top 210 is electrically conductive as described above. Since there is a gap between the conductive rubber 510 and the conductive rubber 510, even if the connecting portion 215 is tilted by the seesaw motion of the main key top 210, the conductive rubber 510 is not contacted.

  Thereafter, when the sub key top 220 is released from the pressing operation, as described above, the sub key top 220 returns to the initial state and the main key top 210 returns to the upright state.

  When both the X, −X, Y or −Y direction key part 213 of the main key top 210 and the upper end part 221 of the X, −X, Y or −Y direction sub key top 220 are pressed. Both operate as described above in response to the pressing operation.

  On the other hand, when the X, −X, Y or −Y direction key portion 213 of the main key top 210 is pressed in the analog operation input mode, only the main key top 210 moves the lower end portion of the tilt shaft 212. Tilt the fulcrum from an upright position and perform a seesaw motion. As a result, the lower holding portion 214 of the operated key portion 213 of the main key top 210 presses the conductive rubber 510 of the second detection means 500 and presses it against the resistance pattern. As a result, the resistance value changes. This change in resistance value is input to a computer of an electronic device equipped with the input device, and is recognized as an operation input in the X, −X, Y, or −Y direction and its operation amount.

  At this time, the connecting portions 215 on both sides of the holding portion 214 on the lower side of the key portion 213 on which the main key top 210 is operated are spaced from the upper and lower wall surfaces of the concave portion 223 of the sub key top 220 as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the connecting portion 215 is tilted by the seesaw motion of the main key top 210, it does not contact the upper and lower wall surfaces of the recess 223 of the sub key top 220.

  Thereafter, when the key portion 213 of the main key top 210 is released from the pressing operation, the base portion 610 of the first elastic body 600 elastically deformed by the tilt of the main key top 210 and the support portion 611 of the base portion 610 are restored. The main key top 210 is returned to the upright state by the force.

  In the case of such a multidirectional input device, the first and second detection means 400 and 500 are arranged in a zigzag manner around the tilting shaft 212 of the main key top 210 of the substrate 300, and the sub key top 220 is placed in the main key. Arranged above the first detection means 400 around the top 210, the holding part 214 of the main key top 210 is held by the sub key top by the rotation of the main key top 210, and the first detection means can be pressed down. The digital operation input mode and the analog operation input mode in which the holding of the main key top holding unit and the sub key top is released and the holding unit 214 can press the second detection unit can be switched. ing. Thus, since the first and second detection means 400 and 500 can be arranged in a zigzag pattern on the same surface of one substrate 300, two substrates are not required as in the conventional example. The detection means installation space can be reduced. Therefore, the apparatus can be reduced in size. In addition, since the holding portion 214 of the main key top 210 and the sub key top 220 can be engaged with each other, a separate locking mechanism is not required unlike the conventional example, and also in this respect, the apparatus can be reduced in size. Can do. Further, the engagement of the engaging convex portion 214b and the engaging hole 222a and the stopper function of the engaging convex portion 214b prevent the main key top 210 from rotating due to an inadvertent operation and switching the operation input mode. be able to.

  Any case 100 may be used as long as it can expose the operation body 200 and can accommodate each part.

  The main key top 210 of the operating body 200 is rotated about the tilting shaft 212, but the sub key top 220 may be rotated in the horizontal direction. As long as the main key top 210 has a plurality of holding portions that move from the holding position held by the sub key top to the release position where the holding of the sub key top is released according to the rotation of itself or the sub key top, The design may be changed as follows.

  The holding portion is preferably provided with an engaging means for maintaining the state held by the sub key top, but it may not be provided. As the engaging means, the engaging convex portion 214b is not limited to the engaging hole 222a. Needless to say, it is possible to provide the engaging convex portion on the sub key top and the engaging hole on the holding portion.

  The number of holding units may be appropriately selected and designed according to the number of detection means. The number of detection means is appropriately selected and designed according to the desired number of operation input directions.

  Four sub key tops 220 are provided, but as with the holding unit, it may be provided as appropriate according to the number of detection means. Moreover, it can also be set as the shape which integrated several subkey tops. In this case, the sub key top is provided with a plurality of cutout portions corresponding to the arrangement interval of the second detection means, and the main keytop holding portion is located at the release position when the cutout portion is located. What is necessary is just to make it face a 2nd detection means from a notch.

  The first detection unit 400 can be replaced with a digital detection switch similar to the above-described switch element, or an analog detection unit such as the second detection unit 500 can be used. . Also for the second detection means 500, it is possible to use not only the pressure sensor described above but also other analog detection means or digital detection means. Further, both the first and second detection means can be analog detection means. In this case, it is preferable to use conductive rubbers having different hardnesses for the first and second detection means having different operational feelings.

  As the digital detection means, a conductive contact is formed on the lower surface of the lower convex portion of the first elastic body projection, and the conductive contact is brought into contact with a pair of fixed contacts on the surface of the substrate. You can also.

  As the analog detection means, a conductive rubber is pressed against a pair of electrode patterns and resistance patterns formed on the substrate. As a result, the short-circuit position between the pair of electrode patterns and the resistance pattern is moved outward, and the resistance value is changed, or pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is used, and the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is pressed against the substrate. A resistance value variable can be used. In addition to a sensor that outputs a change in resistance value, a pressure-sensitive sensor that outputs a pressed pressure as a change in current or voltage can be used.

  Whether or not the first elastic body 600 is provided is arbitrary. In that case, it is desirable to provide a return mechanism for returning the main key top to the upright state. As the return mechanism, a coil spring or the like disposed around the tilting axis of the main key top can be used.

It is the 1st schematic section perspective view of the input device concerning an embodiment of the invention, and is a figure showing the state where the holding part of the main key top of the operation object was located in the holding position. It is the 1st schematic section perspective view of the input device, and is a figure showing the state where the holding part of the main key top of the operation object was located in the release position. It is a 2nd schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the input device, and is a view showing a state where the holding part of the main key top of the operating body is located at the holding position. It is a 2nd schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the input device, and is a view showing a state in which the main key top holding portion of the operating body is located at the release position. It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the 1st, 2nd detection means of the same apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Case 200 Operation body 210 Main key top 214 Holding part 214a Convex part 214b Engaging convex part (engaging means)
220 sub key top 222a engagement hole 223 recess 400 first detection means 500 second detection means 600 first elastic body

Claims (10)

An operation body that is tiltably held from the upright state in the case, a substrate that is disposed below the operation body in the case, and a space around the tilting axis of the operation body on the substrate. A plurality of first detection means, and a plurality of second detection means disposed between the first detection means on the substrate,
The operating body is disposed above the main key top having the tilting shaft and the first detecting means around the main key top, and is rotatable relative to the main key top in the horizontal direction. A plurality of subkey tops,
The main key top has a plurality of holding portions that move from holding positions held by the sub key tops according to the rotation to release positions where the holding of the sub key tops is released. A multi-directional input device, wherein the multi-directional input device faces the second detection means from between the sub key tops when positioned.   2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sub key tops are integrated, and the sub key top is provided with a plurality of notches corresponding to the arrangement interval of the second detection means. And the holding portion of the main key top faces the second detecting means from the notch when the holding portion is located at the release position.   3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the holding part of the main key top has a convex part protruding outward, and a concave part into which the convex part is fitted is provided on the inner surface of the sub key top. A multi-directional input device characterized by that.   3. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the main key top holding portion and the sub key top are provided with engaging means that can be engaged with each other.   5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4, wherein the engaging means includes an engaging convex portion provided on a bottom surface of the holding portion of the main key top and an engaging hole provided on the holding portion mounting surface of the sub key top. A multidirectional input device.   The multidirectional input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second detection means are arranged in a staggered manner.   3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the first detection means is a switch element that is turned on / off by pressing the sub key top or a pressure sensor that operates by pressing the sub key top, and the second detection means. The means is a pressure-sensitive sensor that operates when the holding part of the main key top is pressed or a switch element that is turned on / off when the holding part of the main key top is pressed.   5. The multidirectional input device according to claim 4, further comprising a first elastic body interposed between the first detection means and the sub key top of the operating body.   9. The multidirectional input device according to claim 8, wherein a tilting shaft of the operating body is passed through the first elastic body, and a cylindrical support portion for supporting the tilting shaft is provided. Input device.   9. The multidirectional input device according to claim 8, wherein the second detection means is a pressure-sensitive sensor and has a conductive second elastic body.

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