JP4624306B2

JP4624306B2 - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP4624306B2
Application number: JP2006141771A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 淳八代; 睦門脇
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-01-27
Filing date: 2006-05-22
Publication date: 2011-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-22
Also published as: TW200741786A; JP2007227337A

Description

本発明は、スライド操作と押下操作とが行える多方向入力装置に係り、特に、操作体がスライド操作後に元位置へ自動復帰するように構成された多方向入力装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device capable of performing a slide operation and a pressing operation, and more particularly to a multi-directional input device configured such that an operating body automatically returns to an original position after a slide operation.

この種の多方向入力装置は、操作体を所定平面（ＸＹ平面）に沿ってスライド移動させると、そのスライド操作に応じた信号が検出手段から出力され、かかるスライド操作力を除去すると、ばね等の弾性復帰手段によって操作体が中立位置まで押し戻されるようになっている。また、操作体がプッシュスイッチ上で昇降可能に保持されているため、この操作体を所定量押し下げると、プッシュスイッチの可動接点が固定接点に接触してスイッチオン信号が出力されるようになっている。 In this type of multidirectional input device, when the operating body is slid along a predetermined plane (XY plane), a signal corresponding to the sliding operation is output from the detection means, and when the sliding operation force is removed, a spring or the like The operating body is pushed back to the neutral position by the elastic return means. In addition, since the operating body is held on the push switch so as to be able to move up and down, when the operating body is pushed down by a predetermined amount, the movable contact of the push switch comes into contact with the fixed contact and a switch-on signal is output. Yes.

従来より、このような多方向入力装置の一例として、ハウジングの内底面の中央部にプッシュスイッチを配設し、このプッシュスイッチ上に搭載した操作体の上端部（ノブ）をハウジングの天板部の開口から上方へ突出させると共に、ハウジング内で水平方向にスライド移動可能な円環状部材の中心孔に操作体を昇降可能に挿通し、この円環状部材をリング状の弾性部材によって径方向内側へ弾性付勢したものが提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。かかる従来の多方向入力装置においては、導電性材料からなる円環状部材の上方と下方に絶縁シートを介して電極部が配設されており、円環状部材がスライド移動すると両電極部間の静電容量が変化するようになっている。そして、操作体のスライド操作時に、円環状部材が操作方向に存するリング状の弾性部材を押し撓めながら操作体と一体的にスライド移動するため、両電極部間の静電容量の変化に基づいて操作体のスライド方向およびスライド量を検出することができ、かかるスライド操作力が除去されると、押し撓められた弾性部材の反発力によって円環状部材と操作体が中立位置へ自動復帰する。また、プッシュスイッチには可動接点として円椀状の反転ばね（板ばね）が組み込まれており、この反転ばねの中央部（頂部）が固定接点と接離可能に対向しているため、操作体が押下操作されて反転ばねの中央部が反転すると、反転ばねの中央部が固定接点に接触してスイッチオン信号が出力されると共に、反転ばねの反転動作に伴ってクリック感が生起されるようになっている。 Conventionally, as an example of such a multi-directional input device, a push switch is provided at the center of the inner bottom surface of the housing, and the upper end (knob) of the operating body mounted on the push switch is the top plate of the housing. The operating body is inserted through a central hole of an annular member that can be slid in the horizontal direction within the housing, and the annular member can be moved radially inward by a ring-shaped elastic member. An elastically biased one has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a conventional multidirectional input device, electrode portions are disposed above and below an annular member made of a conductive material via an insulating sheet, and when the annular member slides, the static electricity between both electrode portions is disposed. The electric capacity changes. When the operating body is slid, the annular member slides integrally with the operating body while pushing and bending the ring-shaped elastic member in the operating direction. The sliding direction and the sliding amount of the operating body can be detected, and when the sliding operating force is removed, the annular member and the operating body are automatically returned to the neutral position by the repulsive force of the elastic member pushed and bent. . The push switch incorporates a circular reversal spring (plate spring) as a movable contact, and the center (top) of the reversal spring faces the fixed contact so that it can be contacted and separated. When the center part of the reversing spring is reversed by pressing the button, the center part of the reversing spring comes into contact with the fixed contact and a switch-on signal is output, and a click feeling is caused by the reversing operation of the reversing spring. It has become.

なお、操作体のスライド方向およびスライド量を検出する検出手段は静電容量の変化に基づくものに限らず、例えば、スライド操作時の操作体に駆動されて互いに直交する方向へ移動可能な一対のスライダをハウジング内に組み込み、各スライダに取着した摺動子を対応する導電パターンに摺接させることにより、操作体のスライド方向およびスライド量を検出するように構成したものも知られている。
特開２００３−８４９１６号公報（第４−６頁、図４） Note that the detection means for detecting the slide direction and the slide amount of the operating body is not limited to those based on the change in capacitance. For example, a pair of movable units driven by the operating body at the time of the sliding operation and movable in directions orthogonal to each other. There is also known a configuration in which a slider is incorporated in a housing, and a sliding element attached to each slider is brought into sliding contact with a corresponding conductive pattern to detect a sliding direction and a sliding amount of an operating body.
JP 2003-84916 A (page 4-6, FIG. 4)

前述した従来の多方向入力装置では、操作体がプッシュスイッチ上でスライド移動するように構成されているため、中立位置で操作体が押下操作された場合、反転ばねは中央部が押圧されて正常に反転動作するものの、中立位置から大きくスライド移動させた位置で操作体に押下操作力が作用すると、反転ばねは中央部から離れた端部が押圧されて塑性変形してしまう危険性があった。なお、操作体のスライド移動可能な範囲を狭く設定すれば、プッシュスイッチの反転ばねに対する端押しを回避することは可能であるが、このように操作体のスライド移動量が極端に少ない多方向入力装置は使い勝手が悪く好ましくない。 In the conventional multi-directional input device described above, since the operating body is configured to slide on the push switch, when the operating body is pressed down at the neutral position, the reversing spring is pressed normally at the center. However, if the pressing force is applied to the operating body at a position largely slid from the neutral position, the end of the reversing spring may be pressed and plastically deformed. . In addition, if the range in which the operating body can be slid is set narrow, it is possible to avoid pushing the end of the push switch against the reversing spring. The device is not easy to use and is not preferred.

本発明は、このような従来技術の実情に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的は、操作体のスライド移動量を十分に確保しつつプッシュスイッチに対する端押しを確実に防止できる多方向入力装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of the actual situation of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional input device that can reliably prevent an end push against the push switch while sufficiently securing a sliding movement amount of the operating body. It is to provide.

上記の目的を達成するため、本発明の多方向入力装置では、天板部に開口を有するハウジングと、前記開口を貫通して押下操作可能であると共に押下方向と略直交する方向へスライド操作可能な操作体と、この操作体を前記ハウジング内で昇降可能に保持して該操作体と一体的にスライド移動可能な保持移動体と、この保持移動体を中立位置へ復帰させる弾性復帰手段と、前記操作体のスライド操作を検出する検出手段と、前記操作体によって押圧駆動されるプッシュスイッチとを備え、前記操作体には、前記保持移動体の中立位置において、前記ハウジング外で前記開口に対向する位置に配置される該開口よりも小さな鍔部が設けられており、前記操作体のスライド操作時に前記鍔部の一部が前記ハウジングの前記天板部上へ移動するように構成すると共に、前記保持移動体が、前記操作体を昇降可能に挿通させるための筒状部と、この筒状部から径方向外側へ突設された大径部とを有し、この大径部が前記弾性復帰手段によって弾性付勢されるように構成した。

In order to achieve the above object, in the multi-directional input device of the present invention, a housing having an opening in the top plate portion, a pressing operation that can be performed through the opening and a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the pressing direction can be performed. An operating body, a holding and moving body that can be moved up and down in the housing so as to be movable up and down in the housing, and an elastic return means that returns the holding and moving body to a neutral position. A detecting means for detecting a slide operation of the operating body and a push switch pressed by the operating body are provided, and the operating body faces the opening outside the housing at a neutral position of the holding moving body. A flange that is smaller than the opening disposed at the position is provided, and a part of the flange moves to the top plate of the housing when the operating body is slid. Together constituting the holding moving body has a cylindrical portion for inserting said operating body to be movable up and down, and a large diameter portion projecting from the cylindrical portion radially outward, the large-diameter The portion is elastically biased by the elastic return means .

このように構成された多方向入力装置は、操作体のスライド操作に伴って保持移動体が一体的にスライド移動するため、スライド操作力が除去されると、弾性復帰手段によって保持移動体と操作体を中立位置へ自動復帰させることができる。ただし、操作体がスライド移動すると、操作体に設けられた鍔部の一部がハウジングの天板部上へ移動するため、この天板部に規制されて操作体は押下操作不能な状態となる。したがって、スライド操作時に懸念されるプッシュスイッチに対する端押しを確実に防止できて信頼性が向上すると共に、操作体に十分なスライド移動量を確保することができて使い勝手が向上する。また、操作体の鍔部がハウジングの天板部と重なり合っていないときには、この鍔部をハウジングの開口内へ挿入させながら操作体を押下操作することができるため、予め該開口の真下にプッシュスイッチの中央部を配置させておけば、操作体の押下操作時の動作を安定させることができる。しかも、保持移動体が、操作体を昇降可能に挿通させるための筒状部と、この筒状部から径方向外側へ突設された大径部とを有し、この大径部が弾性復帰手段によって弾性付勢されているため、筒状部で保持することによって操作体の傾きを防止しやすくなると共に、スライド操作後の弾性復帰手段として環状コイルばね等の安価で長寿命な部材を使用することができる。

In the multi-directional input device configured as described above, the holding and moving body integrally slides with the slide operation of the operating body. Therefore, when the slide operation force is removed, the elastic moving means and the holding and moving body are operated. The body can be automatically returned to the neutral position. However, when the operating body slides, a part of the collar provided on the operating body moves onto the top plate portion of the housing, so that the operating body is restricted by the top plate portion and cannot be pressed. . Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the end pushing of the push switch, which is a concern during the slide operation, to improve reliability, and to secure a sufficient amount of slide movement for the operating body, thereby improving usability. In addition, when the collar of the operating body does not overlap the top plate of the housing, the operating body can be pushed down while being inserted into the opening of the housing. If the central portion of the control unit is arranged, the operation at the time of the pressing operation of the operating body can be stabilized. In addition, the holding and moving body has a cylindrical portion for allowing the operating body to be inserted in a vertically movable manner, and a large-diameter portion projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion, and the large-diameter portion is elastically restored. Because it is elastically biased by the means, it is easy to prevent the tilt of the operating body by holding it with the cylindrical part, and an inexpensive and long-life member such as an annular coil spring is used as the elastic return means after the slide operation can do.

上記の構成において、操作体が最下点まで押下操作されたとき、操作体の鍔部の外周面がハウジングの開口の内壁面と対向するように構成すると、押下操作時に操作体をスライド移動させる不所望な力が作用した場合にも、鍔部の外周面がハウジングの開口の内壁面に当接して操作体のスライド移動が速やかに規制されるため、押下操作時にもプッシュスイッチに対する端押しを確実に防止することができて好ましい。 In the above configuration, when the operating body is pressed down to the lowest point, the outer surface of the collar portion of the operating body is configured to face the inner wall surface of the opening of the housing. Even when an undesired force is applied, the outer peripheral surface of the collar comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the opening of the housing, and the sliding movement of the operating body is quickly regulated. This is preferable because it can be surely prevented.

また、上記の構成において、保持移動体の大径部の径方向内側と操作体の鍔部の径方向内側とに相対向するばね受け部を設け、これら両ばね受け部間に操作体を初期位置へ復帰させる圧縮コイルばねを介設すると、プッシュスイッチの作動力が軽くても操作体を誤って押下操作してしまう危険性が少なくなるため好ましい。この場合において、操作体は例えば金属材料の切削加工によって得られる単品でもよいが、この操作体が、保持移動体の筒状部の下側から挿入されて上方への移動が規制されたレバー部材と、このレバー部材が挿通される貫通孔と一方のばね受け部および鍔部を有する移動部材との２部材からなり、レバー部材に移動部材の貫通孔の上端と当接する抜け止め部材を取着することにより、これらレバー部材と移動部材が圧縮コイルを介して保持移動体に保持されるように構成すると、抜け止め部材をレバー部材に簡単に取着できるため組立作業性が向上して好ましい。

Further, in the above configuration, a spring receiving portion is provided opposite to the radially inner side of the large-diameter portion of the holding moving body and the radially inner side of the flange portion of the operating body, and the operating body is initially placed between these spring receiving portions. It is preferable to provide a compression coil spring that returns to the position because there is less risk of the operator pressing the operating body by mistake even if the operating force of the push switch is light . In this case, the operating body may be a single product obtained, for example, by cutting a metal material. However, the operating body is inserted from the lower side of the cylindrical portion of the holding moving body, and the lever member is restricted from moving upward. And a through-hole through which the lever member is inserted and a moving member having one spring receiving portion and a flange portion, and a retaining member that contacts the upper end of the through-hole of the moving member is attached to the lever member. Thus, it is preferable that the lever member and the moving member are held by the holding and moving body via the compression coil, because the retaining member can be easily attached to the lever member and the assembly workability is improved.

また、上記の構成において、操作体のスライド操作を検出する検出手段として適宜構造のものを選択可能であるが、この検出手段が、操作体のスライド操作によって駆動されて互いに直交する方向へ移動可能な第１のスライダと第２のスライダとを備えていれば、各スライダに取着した摺動子を対応する導電パターンに摺接させることによって操作体のスライド方向およびスライド量を高精度に検出することができるため好ましい。この場合において、操作体が第１および第２のスライダと係合する円柱状または円筒状に形成された係合部を有し、かつ、第１のスライダと第２のスライダに該係合部を挿通して互いに直交する方向へ延びる長孔が形成されていると、スライド操作時に意図せぬ回転力が操作体に作用したときに、この回転力が第１のスライダや第２のスライダに伝達されにくくなるため、該回転力に起因する各スライダの位置ずれを効果的に防止できて好ましい。これに加えて、操作体が保持移動体に回転規制された状態で昇降可能に挿通されていると共に、該保持移動体の一部を摺動可能かつ回転不能に挿通する長孔が形成された第３のスライダを備え、この第３のスライダの長孔が第１および第２のスライダのいずれか一方の長孔と同じ方向に延びていると、スライド操作時に意図せぬ回転力が操作体に付与されると、すぐに保持移動体の一部が第３のスライダの長孔周縁部に当接して回転規制されるため、操作体の回転動作を保持移動体と第３のスライダを介して速やかに規制することができて好ましい。 Further, in the above-described configuration, a detector having an appropriate structure can be selected as a detection means for detecting the slide operation of the operating body. However, this detection means is driven by the slide operation of the operating body and can move in directions orthogonal to each other. If the first slider and the second slider are provided, the sliding direction and the sliding amount of the operating body can be detected with high accuracy by bringing the slider attached to each slider into sliding contact with the corresponding conductive pattern. This is preferable because it can be performed. In this case, the operating body has a cylindrical or cylindrical engaging portion that engages with the first and second sliders, and the first slider and the second slider have the engaging portions. If a long hole extending in a direction perpendicular to each other is formed through the insertion of the first slider and the second slider when an unintended rotational force is applied to the operating body during the slide operation Since it becomes difficult to transmit, it is preferable that the displacement of each slider due to the rotational force can be effectively prevented. In addition to this, the operating body is inserted into the holding moving body so as to be able to move up and down while being restricted in rotation, and a long hole is formed through which a part of the holding moving body is slidably and non-rotatably inserted. When a third slider is provided, and the elongated hole of the third slider extends in the same direction as one of the elongated holes of the first and second sliders, an unintended rotational force is generated during the slide operation. Is immediately applied, the rotation of the operating body is controlled via the holding moving body and the third slider. This is preferable because it can be quickly regulated.

本発明の多方向入力装置は、操作体がスライド移動すると、操作体に設けられた鍔部の一部がハウジングの天板部上へ移動するため、この天板部に規制されて操作体は押下操作不能な状態となり、よってスライド操作時に懸念されるプッシュスイッチに対する端押しを確実に防止できて信頼性が向上すると共に、操作体に十分なスライド移動量を確保することができて使い勝手が向上する。また、操作体が保持移動体の筒状部によって昇降可能に保持され、この筒状部から径方向外側へ突設された大径部が弾性復帰手段によって弾性付勢されているため、操作体の傾きを防止しやすくなると共に、スライド操作後の弾性復帰手段として環状コイルばね等の安価で長寿命な部材を使用することができる。
In the multi-directional input device of the present invention, when the operating body slides, a part of the collar provided on the operating body moves onto the top plate of the housing. The push operation becomes impossible, so it is possible to reliably prevent the end pushing of the push switch, which is a concern during the slide operation, to improve reliability, and to secure a sufficient amount of slide movement for the operating body, improving usability. To do. Further, the operating body is held so as to be movable up and down by the cylindrical portion of the holding and moving body, and the large diameter portion projecting radially outward from the cylindrical portion is elastically biased by the elastic return means. In addition, it is possible to use an inexpensive and long-life member such as an annular coil spring as the elastic return means after the sliding operation.

発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明すると、図１は本発明の第１実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置の分解斜視図、図２（ａ），（ｂ）はそれぞれ図１に示す操作ユニットを分解して示す上方斜視図と下方斜視図、図３は図１に示す中ケースの下方斜視図、図４は図１に示す底板ケースに組み込まれたプッシュスイッチの分解斜視図、図５は該多方向入力装置の外観図、図６は該多方向入力装置の非操作時の断面図、図７は図６に対応する平面図、図８は該多方向入力装置のスライド操作時の断面図、図９は図８に対応する平面図、図１０は該多方向入力装置の押圧操作時の断面図である。 An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch incorporated in the bottom plate case shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the middle case shown in FIG. 5 is an external view of the multidirectional input device, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the multidirectional input device when not operated, FIG. 7 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a slide operation of the multidirectional input device. 9 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the multidirectional input device during a pressing operation.

これらの図に示す多方向入力装置は、上ケース２と中ケース３と底板ケース４および取付板５を積層・一体化してなるハウジング１と、底板ケース４の内底面の中央部に組み込まれたプッシュスイッチ６と、摺動子１０ａ，１０ｂが取着されて互いに直交する方向へスライド移動可能な第１のスライダ７および第２のスライダ８と、第２のスライダ８上で第１のスライダ７と同方向へスライド移動可能な第３のスライダ９と、操作体１２と保持移動体１３および圧縮コイルばね１４を備えた操作ユニット１１と、保持移動体１３に外装された弾性復帰手段である環状コイルばね１５とによって主に構成されている。後述するように、操作体１２は水平方向へスライド操作可能であると共に垂直方向へ押下操作可能であり、操作力が除去されると元の位置へ自動復帰するようになっている。 The multi-directional input device shown in these drawings is assembled in a housing 1 formed by laminating and integrating an upper case 2, an intermediate case 3, a bottom plate case 4 and a mounting plate 5, and a central portion of the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate case 4. A push switch 6, a first slider 7 and a second slider 8 that are slidably movable in directions orthogonal to each other with the sliders 10 a and 10 b attached thereto, and the first slider 7 on the second slider 8. A third slider 9 slidably movable in the same direction, an operating unit 11 having an operating body 12, a holding moving body 13, and a compression coil spring 14, and a ring that is an elastic return means sheathed on the holding moving body 13 The coil spring 15 is mainly used. As will be described later, the operating body 12 can be slid in the horizontal direction and can be pressed in the vertical direction. When the operating force is removed, the operating body 12 automatically returns to the original position.

ハウジング１の上ケース２は樹脂モールド品からなり、その天板部２ａの中央部には円形の開口２ｂが形成されている。また、上ケース２の四隅には下方へ向かって延びる位置決めピン２ｃが突設されており、上ケース２の外側壁には複数箇所に係止凸部２ｄが突設されている。中ケース３も樹脂モールド品からなり、その天板部３ａの中央部に円形の開口３ｂが形成されていると共に、開口３ｂの周縁に円環状の突堤部３ｃが突設されており、四隅には位置決めピン２ｃを貫通させるための位置決め孔３ｄが穿設されている。また、図３に示すように、天板部３ａの裏面には、互いに平行に延びる一対の第１ガイドレール３ｅと、第１ガイドレール３ｅに対して直交する方向へ延びる一対の第２ガイドレール３ｆとが、開口３ｂを包囲するような配置で突設されている。底板ケース４は内底面の中央部に凹所４ａが形成された合成樹脂からなる基板であり、抵抗体等からなる導電パターン１６，１７や固定接点１８，１９、接続端子２０等が配設されている。この底板ケース４の四隅には位置決めピン２ｃを貫通させるための位置決め孔４ｂが穿設されている。取付板５は平板部５ａの両端から複数の係止片５ｂが起立するように折曲加工された金属板であって、図５に示すように、平板部５ａが底板ケース４の裏面に配置された状態で、係止片５ｂが上ケース２の係止凸部２ｄに係止されている。すなわち、上ケース２と中ケース３および底板ケース４からなる積層体に取付板５を下方から外装し、各係止片５ｂを対応する係止凸部２ｄにスナップ嵌合させることにより、各部材２〜５が一体化されてハウジング１が完成する。なお、上ケース２と中ケース３および底板ケース４は、位置決めピン２ｃを対応する位置決め孔３ｄ，４ｂに挿通することによって互いに位置決めされている。 The upper case 2 of the housing 1 is made of a resin molded product, and a circular opening 2b is formed at the center of the top plate portion 2a. In addition, positioning pins 2c extending downward are projected from the four corners of the upper case 2, and locking projections 2d are projected from a plurality of locations on the outer wall of the upper case 2. The middle case 3 is also made of a resin-molded product. A circular opening 3b is formed at the center of the top plate 3a, and an annular jetty 3c projects from the periphery of the opening 3b. Is provided with a positioning hole 3d for allowing the positioning pin 2c to pass therethrough. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of first guide rails 3e extending in parallel to each other and a pair of second guide rails extending in a direction orthogonal to the first guide rail 3e are provided on the back surface of the top plate portion 3a. 3f protrudes so as to surround the opening 3b. The bottom plate case 4 is a substrate made of synthetic resin with a recess 4a formed in the center of the inner bottom surface, and is provided with conductive patterns 16 and 17 made of resistors and the like, fixed contacts 18 and 19 and connection terminals 20 and the like. ing. Positioning holes 4b for penetrating the positioning pins 2c are formed in the four corners of the bottom plate case 4. The mounting plate 5 is a metal plate bent so that a plurality of locking pieces 5b rise from both ends of the flat plate portion 5a, and the flat plate portion 5a is disposed on the back surface of the bottom plate case 4 as shown in FIG. In this state, the locking piece 5 b is locked to the locking projection 2 d of the upper case 2. That is, by attaching the mounting plate 5 from below to a laminate composed of the upper case 2, the middle case 3, and the bottom plate case 4, and snap-fitting each locking piece 5b to the corresponding locking projection 2d, each member 2-5 are integrated and the housing 1 is completed. The upper case 2, the middle case 3, and the bottom plate case 4 are positioned with respect to each other by inserting the positioning pins 2c into the corresponding positioning holes 3d and 4b.

図４に示すように、プッシュスイッチ６は、底板ケース４の凹所４ａの内底面に独立に配設されている中央固定接点１８および周縁固定接点１９と、周縁固定接点１９上に搭載されて凹所４ａ内に収納された金属板からなる円椀状の反転ばね（板ばね）２１と、凹所４ａを蓋閉した状態で底板ケース４に貼着された可撓性に富む防塵シート２２とによって構成されており、周縁固定接点１９に常時導通されている反転ばね２１が可動接点として機能する。すなわち、反転ばね２１の中央部（頂部）が中央固定接点１８と接離可能に対向しており、該中央部が上方から押し込まれて反転すると中央固定接点１８に当接するため、反転ばね２１を介して中央固定接点１８と周縁固定接点１９とが導通され、スイッチオン信号が外部へ出力されるようになっている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the push switch 6 is mounted on the center fixed contact 18 and the peripheral fixed contact 19 that are independently disposed on the inner bottom surface of the recess 4 a of the bottom plate case 4, and the peripheral fixed contact 19. A circular reversal spring (plate spring) 21 made of a metal plate housed in the recess 4a, and a flexible dustproof sheet 22 adhered to the bottom plate case 4 with the recess 4a closed. The reversing spring 21 that is always connected to the peripheral fixed contact 19 functions as a movable contact. That is, the central portion (top portion) of the reversing spring 21 is opposed to the central fixed contact 18 so as to be able to contact and separate, and when the central portion is pushed in from above and reversed, the reversing spring 21 contacts the central fixed contact 18. Thus, the central fixed contact 18 and the peripheral fixed contact 19 are electrically connected, and a switch-on signal is output to the outside.

第１〜第３のスライダ７〜９はいずれも、中ケース３の天板部３ａと底板ケース４との間に画成された空間に配置されて操作体１２の駆動軸部１２ａを移動可能に挿通している。第１のスライダ７には、その長手方向に延びる長孔７ａと、第１ガイドレール３ｅに案内される一対のガイド壁７ｂとが形成されていると共に、導電パターン１６に摺接する摺動子１０ａが取着されている。第２のスライダ８には、その長手方向に延びる長孔８ａと、第２ガイドレール３ｆに案内される一対のガイド壁８ｂとが形成されていると共に、導電パターン１７に摺接する摺動子１０ｂが取着されている。第３のスライダ９には、第１のスライダ７の長孔７ａと同方向に延びる長孔９ａと、第１ガイドレール３ｅに案内される一対のガイド壁９ｂとが形成されている。なお、第１のスライダ７と摺動子１０ａと導電パターン１６とで第１のスライダ７のスライド移動を検出する第１の検出手段が構成され、第２のスライダ８と摺動子１０ｂと導電パターン１７とで第２のスライダ８のスライド移動を検出する第２の検出手段が構成されている。そして、これら第１および第２の検出手段により操作体１２のスライド操作を検出可能となっている。 All of the first to third sliders 7 to 9 are arranged in a space defined between the top plate portion 3 a of the middle case 3 and the bottom plate case 4 and can move the drive shaft portion 12 a of the operating body 12. Is inserted. The first slider 7 is formed with a long hole 7a extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of guide walls 7b guided by the first guide rail 3e, and a slider 10a slidably contacting the conductive pattern 16. Is attached. The second slider 8 is formed with a long hole 8a extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of guide walls 8b guided by the second guide rail 3f, and a slider 10b slidably contacting the conductive pattern 17. Is attached. The third slider 9 is formed with a long hole 9a extending in the same direction as the long hole 7a of the first slider 7, and a pair of guide walls 9b guided by the first guide rail 3e. The first slider 7, the slider 10a, and the conductive pattern 16 constitute a first detecting means for detecting the sliding movement of the first slider 7, and the second slider 8, the slider 10b and the conductive pattern 16 are electrically conductive. The pattern 17 constitutes a second detection means for detecting the sliding movement of the second slider 8. The first and second detection means can detect the slide operation of the operating body 12.

図２（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、操作ユニット１１は、駆動軸部１２ａや鍔部１２ｂ等が設けられた操作体１２と、筒状部１３ａや大径部１３ｂ等が設けられた保持移動体１３と、鍔部１２ｂと大径部１３ｂとの間に介設された圧縮コイルばね１４と、駆動軸部１２ａに嵌着された略リング形の抜け止め部材２３とによって構成されている。操作体１２の駆動軸部１２ａはほぼ円柱状に形成されているが、駆動軸部１２ａの基端部は断面略小判形の嵌合部１２ｃとなっており、駆動軸部１２ａの所定位置には抜け止め部材２３を嵌着させるためのくびれ部１２ｄが形成されている。この駆動軸部１２ａは開口２ｂ，３ｂを貫通してハウジング１内に配置されており、駆動軸部１２ａの下端部の係合部である円柱状部分１２ｅが第１および第２のスライダ７，８の長孔７ａ，８ａ内に摺動可能かつ回転可能に挿通されている。そして、図６に示すように、操作体１２の非操作時には、駆動軸部１２ａが防塵シート２２を介して反転ばね２１の中央部の真上に位置している。操作体１２の鍔部１２ｂは上ケース２の開口２ｂよりも小径で、非操作時にこの鍔部１２ｂは開口２ｂの真上に位置しているが、スライド操作時には鍔部１２ｂの一部が天板部２ａ上へ移動するようになっている。また、鍔部１２ｂの径方向内側には、圧縮コイルばね１４の上端部を保持するためのばね受け部となるばね受け凹所１２ｆが形成されている。なお、鍔部１２ｂは押下操作時に開口２ｂ内へ挿入されるが、図１０に示すように、操作体１２が最下点まで押下操作された状態でも、鍔部１２ｂは開口２ｂの下端よりも上方に位置している。 As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the operation unit 11 includes an operation body 12 provided with a drive shaft portion 12a, a flange portion 12b, and the like, a cylindrical portion 13a, a large diameter portion 13b, and the like. The holding moving body 13, the compression coil spring 14 interposed between the flange portion 12b and the large diameter portion 13b, and a substantially ring-shaped retaining member 23 fitted to the drive shaft portion 12a. ing. The drive shaft portion 12a of the operating body 12 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, but the base end portion of the drive shaft portion 12a is a fitting portion 12c having a substantially oval cross section, and is located at a predetermined position of the drive shaft portion 12a. A constricted portion 12d for fitting the retaining member 23 is formed. The drive shaft portion 12a passes through the openings 2b and 3b and is disposed in the housing 1, and a cylindrical portion 12e which is an engaging portion at the lower end portion of the drive shaft portion 12a is formed by the first and second sliders 7, It is slidably and rotatably inserted into the eight long holes 7a, 8a. As shown in FIG. 6, when the operating body 12 is not operated, the drive shaft portion 12 a is positioned directly above the central portion of the reversing spring 21 via the dustproof sheet 22. The collar portion 12b of the operating body 12 has a smaller diameter than the opening 2b of the upper case 2, and the collar portion 12b is positioned immediately above the opening 2b when not operated. It moves on the plate part 2a. Further, a spring receiving recess 12f serving as a spring receiving portion for holding the upper end portion of the compression coil spring 14 is formed on the radially inner side of the flange portion 12b. Note that the collar portion 12b is inserted into the opening 2b during the pressing operation. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the collar portion 12b is more than the lower end of the opening 2b even when the operating body 12 is depressed to the lowest point. Located above.

保持移動体１３の筒状部１３ａには操作体１２の駆動軸部１２ａが昇降可能に挿通されているが、図２（ａ）に示すように、筒状部１３ａの上端部の内部形状は駆動軸部１２ａの嵌合部１２ｃの外形に対応させて平面視略小判形に形成されており、該上端部内に嵌合部１２ｃが昇降可能に配置されるため、駆動軸部１２ａは筒状部１３ａに対して回転不能となっている。図２（ｂ）に示すように、この筒状部１３ａの下端には円筒形を部分的に切除した形状の一対の係合片１３ｃが形成されており、これら係合片１３ｃが第３のスライダ９の長孔９ａ内に摺動可能かつ回転不能に挿通されている。保持移動体１３の大径部１３ｂは中ケース３の突堤部３ｃ上に摺動可能に搭載されて水平方向にスライド移動可能であり、大径部１３ｂの上方への移動は上ケース２の天板部２ａによって規制されている。また、大径部１３ｂの径方向内側には、ばね受け凹所１２ｆと対向する位置に圧縮コイルばね１４の下端部を保持するためのばね受け部となるばね受け凹部１３ｄが形成されている。この圧縮コイルばね１４は操作体１２を上方へ弾性付勢しているが、図６に示すように、抜け止め部材２３が筒状部１３ａに当接して上方への移動が規制されるため、操作体１２が保持移動体１３から脱落することはない。 The drive shaft portion 12a of the operating body 12 is inserted in the cylindrical portion 13a of the holding and moving body 13 so as to be movable up and down, but as shown in FIG. 2A, the internal shape of the upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 13a is The driving shaft portion 12a is formed in a substantially oval shape in plan view so as to correspond to the outer shape of the fitting portion 12c of the driving shaft portion 12a. It cannot rotate with respect to the portion 13a. As shown in FIG. 2B, a pair of engaging pieces 13c having a shape obtained by partially cutting the cylindrical shape is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 13a. The slider 9 is inserted into the long hole 9a so as to be slidable and non-rotatable. The large diameter portion 13b of the holding movable body 13 is slidably mounted on the jetty portion 3c of the middle case 3 and is slidable in the horizontal direction. The upward movement of the large diameter portion 13b is the top of the upper case 2. It is regulated by the plate portion 2a. Further, on the radially inner side of the large-diameter portion 13b, a spring receiving recess 13d serving as a spring receiving portion for holding the lower end portion of the compression coil spring 14 is formed at a position facing the spring receiving recess 12f. Although this compression coil spring 14 elastically biases the operating body 12 upward, as shown in FIG. 6, the retaining member 23 abuts against the tubular portion 13a and the upward movement is restricted. The operating body 12 does not fall off the holding moving body 13.

弾性復帰手段である環状コイルばね１５は保持移動体１３の大径部１３ｂに外装されて、この大径部１３ｂを径方向内側へ弾性付勢している。そして、操作体１２のスライド操作時に大径部１３ｂに押し込まれて環状コイルばね１５が操作方向で伸長するため、操作体１２に対するスライド操作力が除去されると、環状コイルばね１５の弾性復帰力によって操作体１２と保持移動体１３が元の位置へ自動復帰するようになっている。なお、この環状コイルばね１５は天板部２ａの内縁部と中ケース３の突堤部３ｃとによって内方への移動が規制されるため、図８に示すように、大径部１３ｂがスライド移動しても環状コイルばね１５の一部が開口２ｂ内に露出することはない。 An annular coil spring 15 serving as an elastic return means is mounted on the large-diameter portion 13b of the holding moving body 13 and elastically biases the large-diameter portion 13b radially inward. Since the annular coil spring 15 is pushed into the large-diameter portion 13b during the slide operation of the operation body 12 and extends in the operation direction, the elastic restoring force of the annular coil spring 15 is removed when the slide operation force on the operation body 12 is removed. Thus, the operating body 12 and the holding moving body 13 are automatically returned to their original positions. Since the annular coil spring 15 is restricted from moving inwardly by the inner edge of the top plate 2a and the jetty 3c of the middle case 3, the large-diameter portion 13b slides as shown in FIG. Even in this case, a part of the annular coil spring 15 is not exposed in the opening 2b.

このように構成された多方向入力装置は、図示せぬ操作つまみを介して操作体１２に操作力を付与することにより、操作体１２と保持移動体１３を一体的に水平方向へスライド移動させて第１のスライダ７や第２のスライダ８を駆動するというスライド操作と、操作体１２を押し込んでプッシュスイッチ６の反転ばね２１を反転動作させるという押下操作とが行えるようになっている。 The multidirectional input device configured as described above slides the operating body 12 and the holding and moving body 13 integrally in the horizontal direction by applying an operating force to the operating body 12 via an operating knob (not shown). Thus, a sliding operation of driving the first slider 7 and the second slider 8 and a pressing operation of pushing the operating body 12 to reversely rotate the reversing spring 21 of the push switch 6 can be performed.

すなわち、非操作時に操作体１２と保持移動体１３は図６，７に示すような中立位置にあり、この状態で操作体１２が図６，７の右方向へスライド操作されると、第１および第３のスライダ７，９には操作力が作用しないが、第２のスライダ８は駆動軸部１２ａの円柱状部分１２ｅに駆動されるため第２ガイドレール３ｆに案内されつつ操作方向へスライド移動し、例えば図８，９に示すような状態に移行する。この場合、第１のスライダ７に取着されている摺動子１０ａは導電パターン１６上での位置を変化させないが、第２のスライダ８に取着されている摺動子１０ｂは導電パターン１７上を摺動するため、摺動子１０ｂのスライド位置に応じた検出信号が出力される。また、こうして操作体１２がスライド操作されると、鍔部１２ｂの一部が天板部２ａ上へ移動するため、スライド操作時に操作体１２が下方へ押し込まれたとしても、鍔部１２ｂが天板部２ａに位置規制されることから操作体１２の下降動作は起こらず、よって図８に示すような位置で反転ばね２１が駆動軸部１２ａに押し込まれるという端押しは確実に防止される。そして、この後、操作体１２に対するスライド操作力が除去されると、環状コイルばね１５の弾性復帰力によって操作体１２と保持移動体１３は中立位置へ自動復帰する。 That is, the operating body 12 and the holding and moving body 13 are in the neutral positions as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 when not operated, and when the operating body 12 is slid in the right direction in FIGS. Although no operating force is applied to the third sliders 7 and 9, the second slider 8 is driven by the cylindrical portion 12e of the drive shaft portion 12a, and therefore slides in the operating direction while being guided by the second guide rail 3f. For example, the state moves to the state shown in FIGS. In this case, the slider 10a attached to the first slider 7 does not change the position on the conductive pattern 16, but the slider 10b attached to the second slider 8 does not change the position of the conductive pattern 17. In order to slide on, the detection signal according to the slide position of the slider 10b is output. Further, when the operating body 12 is slid in this way, a part of the collar portion 12b moves onto the top plate portion 2a. Therefore, even if the operating body 12 is pushed downward during the sliding operation, the collar portion 12b is Since the position is regulated by the plate portion 2a, the lowering operation of the operating body 12 does not occur. Therefore, the end pushing that the reversing spring 21 is pushed into the drive shaft portion 12a at the position shown in FIG. 8 is reliably prevented. After that, when the slide operating force on the operating body 12 is removed, the operating body 12 and the holding moving body 13 are automatically returned to the neutral position by the elastic return force of the annular coil spring 15.

同様に、図６，７に示す中立位置の操作体１２が図７の上下方向（図６の紙面と直交する方向）へスライド操作されると、第２のスライダ８には操作力が作用しないが、第１のスライダ７は駆動軸部１２ａの円柱状部分１２ｅに駆動され、第３のスライダ９は係合片１３ｃに駆動されるため、両スライダ７，９が第１ガイドレール３ｅに案内されつつ操作方向へスライド移動する。その結果、第１のスライダ７に取着されている摺動子１０ａが導電パターン１６上を摺動して、摺動子１０ａのスライド位置に応じた検出信号が出力されると共に、鍔部１２ｂの一部が天板部２ａ上へ移動してプッシュスイッチ６に対する端押しが行えない状態となり、この後、スライド操作力が除去されると、環状コイルばね１５の弾性復帰力によって操作体１２と保持移動体１３は中立位置へ自動復帰する。 Similarly, when the operation body 12 at the neutral position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is slid in the vertical direction in FIG. 7 (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6), no operating force acts on the second slider 8. However, since the first slider 7 is driven by the cylindrical portion 12e of the drive shaft portion 12a and the third slider 9 is driven by the engaging piece 13c, both the sliders 7 and 9 are guided to the first guide rail 3e. While moving, it slides in the operation direction. As a result, the slider 10a attached to the first slider 7 slides on the conductive pattern 16, and a detection signal corresponding to the slide position of the slider 10a is output, and the flange portion 12b. Is moved to a position on the top plate 2a so that the end of the push switch 6 cannot be pushed. After that, when the slide operation force is removed, the elastic return force of the annular coil spring 15 causes the operation body 12 and The holding moving body 13 automatically returns to the neutral position.

なお、操作体１２が第１および第２ガイドレール３ｅ，３ｆに対して斜め方向へスライド操作された場合には、その操作方向とスライド量に応じて第１および第２のスライダ７，８が互いに直交する方向へそれぞれ所定量だけスライド移動するため、導電パターン１６，１７上における摺動子１０ａ，１０ｂのスライド位置に応じた検出信号が出力され、これら検出信号を外部回路の制御部で演算処理することにより、操作体１２のスライド方向およびスライド量を検出することができる。そして、この場合も、スライド操作時に鍔部１２ｂの一部が天板部２ａ上へ移動するため、プッシュスイッチ６に対する端押しは防止されている。 When the operating body 12 is slid in an oblique direction with respect to the first and second guide rails 3e and 3f, the first and second sliders 7 and 8 are moved according to the operating direction and the sliding amount. Since the slide movement is performed by a predetermined amount in directions orthogonal to each other, detection signals corresponding to the slide positions of the sliders 10a and 10b on the conductive patterns 16 and 17 are output, and these detection signals are calculated by the control unit of the external circuit. By performing the processing, it is possible to detect the sliding direction and the sliding amount of the operation body 12. Also in this case, since a part of the collar portion 12b moves onto the top plate portion 2a during the slide operation, the end push against the push switch 6 is prevented.

また、図６，７に示す中立位置の操作体１２が押下操作された場合には、鍔部１２ｂを開口２ｂ内へ挿入していくことができるため、駆動軸部１２ａが保持移動体１３の筒状部１３ａ内を下降していくのに伴い、圧縮コイルばね１４が押し縮められると共に、駆動軸部１２ａの下端が防塵シート２２を介して反転ばね２１の中央部を押し撓めていく。その結果、図１０に示すように、駆動軸部１２ａが所定ストローク下降した時点で反転ばね２１の中央部が反転して中央固定接点１８に当接し、中央固定接点１８と周縁固定接点１９とが導通されたことによるスイッチオン信号が出力されると共に、反転ばね２１の反転動作に伴って生起されるクリック感が操作体１２に伝達される。そして、この後、操作体１２に対する押下操作力が除去されると、操作体１２は圧縮コイルばね１４と反転ばね２１の弾性復帰力によって元の高さ位置まで押し上げられ、図６に示す初期状態に自動復帰する。なお、操作体１２が図１０に示す最下点まで押下操作されても鍔部１２ｂは開口２ｂの下端よりも上方に位置しているため、押下操作時に操作体１２をスライド移動させる外力が作用しても、鍔部１２ｂはすぐに開口２ｂの内壁面に当接して位置規制された状態となり、よって押下操作時にもプッシュスイッチ６に対する端押しは防止されている。 Further, when the operation body 12 at the neutral position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is pressed, the collar portion 12b can be inserted into the opening 2b. As the inside of the cylindrical portion 13a is lowered, the compression coil spring 14 is pressed and contracted, and the lower end of the drive shaft portion 12a pushes and bends the central portion of the reversing spring 21 through the dustproof sheet 22. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, when the drive shaft portion 12a is lowered by a predetermined stroke, the central portion of the reversing spring 21 is reversed and comes into contact with the central fixed contact 18, and the central fixed contact 18 and the peripheral fixed contact 19 are connected. A switch-on signal resulting from the conduction is output, and a click feeling generated in association with the reversing operation of the reversing spring 21 is transmitted to the operating body 12. After that, when the pressing operation force on the operating body 12 is removed, the operating body 12 is pushed up to the original height position by the elastic return force of the compression coil spring 14 and the reversing spring 21, and the initial state shown in FIG. Automatically return to. Even if the operating body 12 is pressed down to the lowest point shown in FIG. 10, the collar portion 12b is located above the lower end of the opening 2b, so that an external force that slides the operating body 12 during the pressing operation acts. Even so, the collar portion 12b immediately comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the opening 2b and is in a position-controlled state, so that the end push against the push switch 6 is prevented even during the pressing operation.

このように本実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置は、操作体１２が所定量スライド移動すると、鍔部１２ｂの一部がハウジング１の天板部２ａ上へ移動するため、操作体１２はこの天板部２ａに規制されて押下操作不能な状態となる。したがって、スライド操作時に懸念されるプッシュスイッチ６に対する端押しを確実に防止できて信頼性が向上すると共に、操作体１２に十分なスライド移動量を確保することができて使い勝手が向上する。また、鍔部１２ｂが天板部２ａと重なり合っていないときには、この鍔部１２ｂを開口２ｂ内へ挿入させながら操作体１２を押下操作することができるため、開口２ｂの真下に位置する反転ばね２１の中央部を操作体１２の駆動軸部１２ａで確実に押圧駆動することができ、よって常に安定した押下操作が行える。 As described above, in the multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment example, when the operating body 12 slides by a predetermined amount, a part of the collar 12b moves onto the top plate 2a of the housing 1, so that the operating body 12 is The state is restricted by the top plate portion 2a and cannot be pressed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the end push against the push switch 6 that is concerned during the slide operation, thereby improving the reliability and securing a sufficient amount of sliding movement for the operating body 12 and improving the usability. Further, when the collar portion 12b does not overlap the top plate portion 2a, the operating body 12 can be pressed while inserting the collar portion 12b into the opening 2b. Therefore, the reversing spring 21 positioned immediately below the opening 2b. Can be reliably pressed by the drive shaft portion 12a of the operating body 12, so that a stable pressing operation can always be performed.

しかも、この多方向入力装置では、操作体１２が最下点まで押下操作されても鍔部１２ｂの外周面が開口２ｂの内壁面と対向するように、つまり鍔部１２ｂが開口２ｂを通過してしまわないように配慮した構成になっているため、押下操作時に操作体１２をスライド移動させる不所望な力が作用した場合にも、鍔部１２ｂの外周面が開口２ｂの内壁面に当接して操作体１２のスライド移動が速やかに規制される。したがって、押下操作時にもプッシュスイッチ６に対する端押しを確実に防止することができる。 Moreover, in this multi-directional input device, even if the operating body 12 is pressed down to the lowest point, the outer peripheral surface of the collar portion 12b faces the inner wall surface of the opening 2b, that is, the collar portion 12b passes through the opening 2b. Since the structure is designed so as not to be disturbed, the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 12b abuts against the inner wall surface of the opening 2b even when an undesired force for sliding the operating body 12 is applied during the pressing operation. Thus, the slide movement of the operating body 12 is quickly regulated. Therefore, it is possible to surely prevent the end push on the push switch 6 even during the pressing operation.

また、本実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置は、操作ユニット１１の保持移動体１３が筒状部１３ａと大径部１３ｂとを有し、筒状部１３ａに操作体１２の駆動軸部１２ａが昇降可能に挿通されて大径部１３ｂに環状コイルばね１５が外装されているため、操作体１２の傾きが防止しやすくなっていると共に、スライド操作後の弾性復帰手段として安価で長寿命な環状コイルばね（線ばね等でもよい）を使用できるという利点がある。しかも、操作ユニット１１には大径部１３ｂのばね受け凹部１３ｄと鍔部１２ｂのばね受け凹所１２ｆとの間に圧縮コイルばね１４が介設してあるため、プッシュスイッチ６の作動力が軽くても所要の押下操作力に設定されており、それゆえ操作体１２を誤って押下操作してしまう危険性が少なくなっている。 In the multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment, the holding and moving body 13 of the operation unit 11 has a cylindrical portion 13a and a large diameter portion 13b, and the drive shaft portion 12a of the operating body 12 is provided in the cylindrical portion 13a. Since the annular coil spring 15 is externally inserted into the large-diameter portion 13b so that it can be moved up and down, it is easy to prevent the operation body 12 from being tilted, and it is inexpensive and has a long life as an elastic return means after the slide operation. There is an advantage that an annular coil spring (which may be a wire spring or the like) can be used. Moreover, since the compression coil spring 14 is interposed between the spring receiving recess 13d of the large-diameter portion 13b and the spring receiving recess 12f of the flange portion 12b, the operating force of the push switch 6 is light. However, the required pressing operation force is set, and therefore, the risk of erroneously pressing the operating tool 12 is reduced.

また、本実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置は、互いに直交する方向へ移動可能な第１および第２のスライダ７，８がスライド操作時に操作体１２の駆動軸部１２ａに駆動されることによって、各スライダ７，８に取着された摺動子１０ａ，１０ｂが対応する導電パターン１６，１７上を摺動するように構成されているため、操作体１２のスライド方向およびスライド量を高精度に検出することができる。しかも、第１および第２のスライダ７，８と駆動軸部１２ａとの係合構造は、各スライダ７，８の長孔７ａ，８ａ内に駆動軸部１２ａの円柱状部分１２ｅを摺動可能かつ回転可能に挿通するというものなので、スライド操作時に意図せぬ回転力が操作体１２に作用しても、係合部である円柱状部分１２ｅが長孔７ａ，８ａ内で回転できるため、該回転力が第１のスライダ７や第２のスライダ８に伝達される可能性は低く、それゆえ該回転力に起因する各スライダ７，８の位置ずれを効果的に防止できる。なお、各スライダ７，８と係合する駆動軸部１２ａの円柱状部分１２ｅは円筒状の係合部であってもよい。 In the multidirectional input device according to this embodiment, the first and second sliders 7 and 8 that are movable in directions orthogonal to each other are driven by the drive shaft portion 12a of the operating body 12 during the slide operation. Since the sliders 10a and 10b attached to the sliders 7 and 8 are configured to slide on the corresponding conductive patterns 16 and 17, the slide direction and the slide amount of the operating body 12 are highly accurate. Can be detected. Moreover, the engagement structure between the first and second sliders 7 and 8 and the drive shaft portion 12a allows the cylindrical portion 12e of the drive shaft portion 12a to slide in the long holes 7a and 8a of the sliders 7 and 8. Since the cylindrical portion 12e that is the engaging portion can rotate within the long holes 7a and 8a even if an unintended rotational force acts on the operating body 12 during the slide operation, the cylindrical portion 12e can rotate within the long holes 7a and 8a. The possibility that the rotational force is transmitted to the first slider 7 and the second slider 8 is low, and therefore, the displacement of the sliders 7 and 8 due to the rotational force can be effectively prevented. The columnar portion 12e of the drive shaft portion 12a that engages with the sliders 7 and 8 may be a cylindrical engagement portion.

さらに、この多方向入力装置では、操作体１２の駆動軸部１２ａが保持移動体１３の筒状部１３ａ内に回転不能な状態で挿通されていると共に、筒状部１３ａの下端に突設された係合片１３ｃが第３のスライダ９の長孔９ａ内に摺動可能かつ回転不能に挿通されているため、スライド操作時に意図せぬ回転力が操作体１２に付与され、この回転力が保持移動体１３に作用すると、すぐに係合片１３ｃが第３のスライダ９の長孔９ａ周縁部に当接して回転が規制されるようになっている。それゆえ、操作体１２の回転動作を保持移動体１３と第３のスライダ９を介して速やかに規制することができ、意図せぬ回転力に起因する各スライダ７，８の位置ずれを防止する効果が一層高まっている。 Further, in this multi-directional input device, the drive shaft portion 12a of the operating body 12 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 13a of the holding and moving body 13 in a non-rotatable state, and is projected from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 13a. Since the engaging piece 13c is inserted into the elongated hole 9a of the third slider 9 so as to be slidable and non-rotatable, an unintended rotational force is applied to the operating body 12 during the sliding operation, and this rotational force is When acting on the holding and moving body 13, the engaging piece 13 c immediately comes into contact with the peripheral edge of the long hole 9 a of the third slider 9 to restrict the rotation. Therefore, the rotational movement of the operating body 12 can be quickly regulated via the holding and moving body 13 and the third slider 9, and the positional displacement of the sliders 7 and 8 due to unintended rotational force can be prevented. The effect is increasing further.

図１１は本発明の第２実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置の外観図、図１２は図１１に示す操作ユニットの斜視図、図１３（ａ），（ｂ）はそれぞれ該操作ユニットを分解して示す上方斜視図と下方斜視図、図１４は該多方向入力装置の非操作時における一方向に沿う断面図、図１５は該多方向入力装置の非操作時における図１４とは直交した他方向に沿う断面図であり、図１〜図１０に対応する部分には同一符号を付してある。 FIG. 11 is an external view of a multidirectional input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the operation unit shown in FIG. 11, and FIGS. 13A and 13B are exploded views of the operation unit. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along one direction when the multi-directional input device is not operated, and FIG. 15 is orthogonal to FIG. 14 when the multi-directional input device is not operated. It is sectional drawing which follows another direction, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the part corresponding to FIGS.

この第２実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置が前述した第１実施形態例と相違する点は、操作ユニット１１を構成する操作体１２と保持移動体１３と圧縮コイルばね１４および抜け止め部材２３のうち、操作体１２をレバー部材２４と移動部材２５という２つの金属製部材によって構成したことと、このような操作体１２と保持移動体１３の抜け止め構造にあり、それ以外の構成は基本的に同様である。 The multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that the operating body 12, the holding and moving body 13, the compression coil spring 14, and the retaining member 23 that constitute the operating unit 11. Among them, the operating body 12 is composed of two metal members, that is, a lever member 24 and a moving member 25, and there is such a structure for preventing the operating body 12 and the holding moving body 13 from being detached. The same.

図１３（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、レバー部材２４の下端部は第１および第２のスライダ７，８の長孔７ａ，８ａ内に挿通される係合部である円柱状部分２４ａとなっているが、この円柱状部分２４ａより上端側は断面略小判形の嵌合部２４ｂとなっており、これら円柱状部分２４ａと嵌合部２４ｂの境界部分に係合段部２４ｃが形成されている。嵌合部２４ｂは保持移動体１３の筒状部１３ａの内部形状に対応しており、この嵌合部２４ｂの所定位置には抜け止め部材２３を嵌着させるためのくびれ部２４ｄが形成されている。一方、移動部材２５には筒状突部２５ａと鍔部２５ｂが設けられており、筒状突部２５ａにはレバー部材２４の嵌合部２４ｂが挿通される平面視略小判形の貫通孔２５ｃが形成されている。また、鍔部２５ｂの径方向内側には、圧縮コイルばね１４の上端部を保持するためのばね受け部となるばね受け凹所２５ｄが形成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the lower end portion of the lever member 24 is a cylindrical portion that is an engaging portion that is inserted into the long holes 7 a and 8 a of the first and second sliders 7 and 8. 24a, the upper end side of the cylindrical portion 24a is a fitting portion 24b having a substantially oval cross section, and an engaging step portion 24c is formed at a boundary portion between the cylindrical portion 24a and the fitting portion 24b. Is formed. The fitting portion 24b corresponds to the internal shape of the cylindrical portion 13a of the holding moving body 13, and a constricted portion 24d for fitting the retaining member 23 is formed at a predetermined position of the fitting portion 24b. Yes. On the other hand, the movable member 25 is provided with a cylindrical protrusion 25a and a flange 25b, and the cylindrical protrusion 25a has a substantially oblong through hole 25c in plan view through which the fitting portion 24b of the lever member 24 is inserted. Is formed. Further, a spring receiving recess 25d serving as a spring receiving portion for holding the upper end portion of the compression coil spring 14 is formed on the radially inner side of the flange portion 25b.

これらレバー部材２４と移動部材２５を用いて操作ユニット１１を組み立てる場合は、まず、レバー部材２４を保持移動体１３の下側から筒状部１３ａに挿入し、係合段部２４ｃを筒状部１３ａの下面に当接させると共に、嵌合部２４ｂの上側部分を筒状部１３ａから突出させる。次いで、保持移動体１３のばね受け凹部１３ｄに圧縮コイルばね１４の下端部を挿入した後、筒状部１３ａから突出しているレバー部材２４の嵌合部２４ｂに移動部材２５の貫通孔２５ｃを挿入する。そして、移動部材２５を圧縮コイルばね１４の弾発力に抗して押し込んでくびれ部２４ｄを筒状突部２５ａから突出させ、この状態でくびれ部２４ｄに抜け止め部材２３を嵌着した後、移動部材２５への押込力を除去すると、抜け止め部材２３が貫通孔２５ｃの上端すなわち移動部材２５（筒状突部２５ａ）の上端（上面）に当接して移動部材２５の上方への移動を規制するため、操作体１２（レバー部材２４と移動部材２５）が保持移動体１３から脱落することはなくなる。 When the operation unit 11 is assembled using the lever member 24 and the moving member 25, first, the lever member 24 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 13a from the lower side of the holding moving body 13, and the engaging step portion 24c is inserted into the cylindrical portion. While making it contact | abut to the lower surface of 13a, the upper part of the fitting part 24b is protruded from the cylindrical part 13a. Next, after inserting the lower end portion of the compression coil spring 14 into the spring receiving recess 13d of the holding moving body 13, the through hole 25c of the moving member 25 is inserted into the fitting portion 24b of the lever member 24 protruding from the cylindrical portion 13a. To do. Then, the movable member 25 is pushed against the elastic force of the compression coil spring 14 to project the constricted portion 24d from the cylindrical projecting portion 25a, and in this state, the retaining member 23 is fitted to the constricted portion 24d. When the pushing force to the moving member 25 is removed, the retaining member 23 comes into contact with the upper end of the through hole 25c, that is, the upper end (upper surface) of the moving member 25 (cylindrical protrusion 25a), and the moving member 25 moves upward. Therefore, the operating body 12 (the lever member 24 and the moving member 25) is not dropped from the holding moving body 13.

このように第２実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置は、操作ユニット１１の構成部品である操作体１２が、保持移動体１３の筒状部１３ａの下側から挿入されて上方への移動が規制されたレバー部材２４と、このレバー部材２４が挿通される貫通孔２５ｃとばね受け凹所２５ｄおよび鍔部２５ｂ等を有する移動部材２５とからなり、このレバー部材２４に移動部材２５の貫通孔２５ｃの上端と当接する抜け止め部材２３を取着するように構成したので、操作ユニット１１を簡単に組み立てられるという付加的な効果を奏する。すなわち、保持移動体１３の下面に係合段部２４ｃを当接することで上方への移動が規制されたレバー部材２４に移動部材２５の貫通孔２５ｃを挿入し、この移動部材２５を圧縮コイルばね１４の弾発力に抗して押し込んでくびれ部２４ｄを筒状突部２５ａから突出させれば、障害物のない広い空間内で抜け止め部材２３をくびれ部２４ｄに簡単に嵌着することができ、操作ユニット１１の組立作業性が著しく向上する。また、抜け止め部材２３をくびれ部２４ｄに嵌着するときの摩擦によってレバー部材２４から金属製の摩耗粉が発生したとしても、この摩耗粉は移動部材２５によってハウジング１内に入りにくくなっているため、第１および第２の検出手段の信頼性を高めることができる。 As described above, in the multidirectional input device according to the second embodiment, the operation body 12 which is a component of the operation unit 11 is inserted from the lower side of the cylindrical portion 13a of the holding moving body 13 and moved upward. It is composed of a regulated lever member 24, a through hole 25c through which the lever member 24 is inserted, and a moving member 25 having a spring receiving recess 25d, a flange portion 25b, and the like. Since the retaining member 23 that contacts the upper end of the 25c is attached, there is an additional effect that the operation unit 11 can be easily assembled. That is, the through hole 25c of the moving member 25 is inserted into the lever member 24 whose upward movement is restricted by contacting the engaging step portion 24c with the lower surface of the holding moving body 13, and the moving member 25 is compressed with the compression coil spring. If the constricted portion 24d is pushed out from the cylindrical projecting portion 25a against the elastic force of 14, the retaining member 23 can be easily fitted to the constricted portion 24d in a wide space free of obstacles. Thus, the assembling workability of the operation unit 11 is remarkably improved. Even if metal wear powder is generated from the lever member 24 due to friction when the retaining member 23 is fitted to the constricted portion 24d, the wear powder is less likely to enter the housing 1 by the moving member 25. Therefore, the reliability of the first and second detection means can be increased.

なお、上記各実施形態例では、プッシュスイッチ６として、底板ケース４に中央固定接点１８および周縁固定接点１９を設けると共に、周縁固定接点１９上に可動接点としての反転ばね２１を載置したもので説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されず、固定接点と反転ばね等からなる可動接点を内蔵し、可動接点を押圧操作する押釦を備えた電気部品単体をプッシュスイッチとして用いてもよい。 In each of the above embodiments, the push switch 6 is provided with the center fixed contact 18 and the peripheral fixed contact 19 on the bottom plate case 4 and the reversing spring 21 as a movable contact is placed on the peripheral fixed contact 19. Although described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single electric component having a built-in movable contact composed of a fixed contact and a reversing spring and having a push button for pressing the movable contact may be used as a push switch.

本発明の第１実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である。1 is an exploded perspective view of a multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 該多方向入力装置に備えられる操作ユニットの分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the operation unit with which this multidirectional input device is equipped. 該多方向入力装置に備えられる中ケースを下方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view which looked at the middle case with which this multi-directional input device is equipped from the lower part. 該多方向入力装置に備えられる底板ケースとプッシュスイッチの分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the baseplate case and push switch with which this multidirectional input device is equipped. 該多方向入力装置の外観図である。It is an external view of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置の非操作時の断面図である。It is sectional drawing at the time of the non-operation of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置の非操作時の平面図である。It is a top view at the time of non-operation of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置のスライド操作時の断面図である。It is sectional drawing at the time of slide operation of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置のスライド操作時の平面図である。It is a top view at the time of slide operation of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置の押圧操作時の断面図である。It is sectional drawing at the time of pressing operation of this multidirectional input device. 本発明の第２実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置の外観図である。It is an external view of the multidirectional input device which concerns on the example of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 該多方向入力装置に備えられる操作ユニットの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the operation unit with which this multidirectional input device is equipped. 該操作ユニットの分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of this operation unit. 該多方向入力装置の非操作時における一方向に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing in alignment with one direction at the time of the non-operation of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置の非操作時における他方向に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows another direction at the time of this non-operation of this multidirectional input device.

Explanation of symbols

１ハウジング
２上ケース
２ａ天板部
２ｂ開口
３中ケース
３ｃ突堤部
３ｅ，３ｆガイドレール
４底板ケース
５取付板
６プッシュスイッチ
７第１のスライダ
８第２のスライダ
９第３のスライダ
７ａ，８ａ，９ａ長孔
１０ａ，１０ｂ摺動子（検出手段）
１１操作ユニット
１２操作体
１２ａ駆動軸部
１２ｂ鍔部
１２ｃ嵌合部
１２ｅ円柱状部分（係合部）
１２ｆばね受け凹所（ばね受け部）
１３保持移動体
１３ａ筒状部
１３ｂ大径部
１３ｃ係合片
１３ｄばね受け凹部（ばね受け部）
１４圧縮コイルばね
１５環状コイルばね（弾性復帰手段）
１６，１７導電パターン（検出手段）
１８，１９固定接点
２１反転ばね（可動接点）
２２防塵シート
２３抜け止め部材
２４レバー部材
２４ａ円柱状部分（係合部）
２４ｂ嵌合部
２４ｃ係合段部
２４ｄくびれ部
２５移動部材
２５ａ筒状突部
２５ｂ鍔部
２５ｃ貫通孔
２５ｄばね受け凹所（ばね受け部） DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 Upper case 2a Top plate part 2b Opening 3 Middle case 3c Jetty part 3e, 3f Guide rail 4 Bottom plate case 5 Mounting plate 6 Push switch 7 1st slider 8 2nd slider 9 3rd slider 7a, 8a, 9a Long hole 10a, 10b Slider (detection means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Operation unit 12 Operation body 12a Drive shaft part 12b Eaves part 12c Fitting part 12e Cylindrical part (engaging part)
12f Spring receiving recess (spring receiving part)
13 Holding and Moving Body 13a Tubular Part 13b Large Diameter Part 13c Engagement Piece 13d Spring Receiving Concave (Spring Receiving Part)
14 compression coil spring 15 annular coil spring (elastic return means)
16, 17 Conductive pattern (detection means)
18, 19 Fixed contact 21 Reversing spring (movable contact)
22 dustproof sheet 23 retaining member 24 lever member 24a cylindrical part (engagement part)
24b Fitting part 24c Engagement step part 24d Constriction part 25 Moving member 25a Cylindrical protrusion 25b Gutter part 25c Through-hole 25d Spring receiving recess (spring receiving part)

Claims

A housing having an opening in the top plate, an operating body that can be pressed through the opening and slidable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pressing direction, and the operating body is held up and down in the housing A holding movable body that is slidable integrally with the operating body, an elastic return means that returns the holding movable body to a neutral position, a detecting means that detects a sliding operation of the operating body, and the operating body. A push switch that is driven by pressing,
The operating body is provided with a collar that is smaller than the opening disposed at a position opposite to the opening outside the housing at a neutral position of the holding and moving body. A part of the collar portion is configured to move onto the top plate portion of the housing, and the holding moving body includes a cylindrical portion for allowing the operating body to be inserted in a vertically movable manner, and from the cylindrical portion. And a large-diameter portion protruding outward in the radial direction, and the large-diameter portion is configured to be elastically biased by the elastic return means .

2. The multi-direction according to claim 1, wherein when the operating body is pushed down to the lowest point, the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion is opposed to the inner wall surface of the opening of the housing. 3. Input device.

In Claim 1 , The spring receiving part which opposes the radial direction inner side of the said large diameter part of the said holding | maintenance moving body and the radial direction inner side of the said collar part of the said operating body is provided, Between these both spring receiving parts. A multidirectional input device comprising a compression coil spring for returning the operating body to an initial position.

4. The lever member according to claim 3 , wherein the operating body is inserted from the lower side of the cylindrical portion of the holding moving body and the upward movement is restricted, and a through hole through which the lever member is inserted. A multi-directional input device comprising a moving member having one of the spring receiving portion and the flange portion, and a retaining member that contacts the upper end of the through hole of the moving member is attached to the lever member. .

In the description of claim 1 any one of 4, the detection means, comprises a first slider movable and the second slider is driven by a sliding operation of the operating body in a direction orthogonal to each other A multidirectional input device.

6. The operation body according to claim 5 , wherein the operating body has a columnar or cylindrical engaging portion that engages with the first and second sliders, and the first slider and the second slider. A multi-directional input device characterized in that a long hole extending in a direction perpendicular to each other through the engagement portion is formed in the slider.

In the description of the claims 5 or 6, along with being liftable inserted in a state in which the operating body is rotated restricted to the holding mobile, inserting the portion of the holding mobile possible and non-rotatably slide A third slider having a long hole is provided, and the long hole of the third slider extends in the same direction as the long hole of one of the first and second sliders. Multidirectional input device.

In the description of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detecting means comprises a conductive pattern, multi-directional input apparatus characterized by and a sliding contact slider to the conductive pattern.