JP5497527B2 - Multi-directional input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device, and more particularly, to a multidirectional input device suitable for a direction input operation in a mobile phone device, a game machine controller, or the like.

  Conventionally, a pair of slide members that are slidable in directions orthogonal to each other, an operating body having a hook-shaped movable portion and a drive portion that is provided on the lower surface of the movable portion and drives the slide member, and fixed to the slide member. And a substrate provided with a conductive pattern on which the slider slides, the slide member is slid in accordance with a slide operation on the operating body, and the sliding contact position of the conductive pattern on the slider fixed to the slide member A multi-directional input device that detects an operation position in response to the above has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this multidirectional input device, the operation body is configured to be able to accept a slide operation in a state where the tip of the drive unit is disposed opposite to the substrate.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-310670, FIG.

  However, in the conventional multi-directional input device as described above, if the slide operation is performed with the operation body being excessively pressed, the drive unit slides with the tip of the drive unit in contact with the substrate, and the drive There is a problem that the part wears. In particular, when the substrate is composed of, for example, a glass epoxy substrate (a so-called glass epoxy substrate in which a glass woven fabric in which glass fibers are woven into a sheet shape is impregnated with an epoxy resin), the driving unit is driven by the glass fibers contained in the substrate. It becomes a problem that the wear of the becomes intense.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and reduces wear of a driving portion of an operating body even when an undesired operation of moving the operating body in an excessively pressed state is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multidirectional input device that can ensure reliability.

The multi-directional input device of the present invention includes a housing having an external opening, an operation part exposed to the external opening, a bowl-shaped movable part provided with the operation part on one surface side, and a projecting part on the other surface side of the movable part. An operating body having a drive section provided, and an internal opening through which the drive section is inserted while the housing is divided into a first space and a second space facing the external opening, and the operating body is slidable And a pair of slide members disposed in the second space that slide in a direction orthogonal to each other as the drive unit moves. A multi-directional input device comprising: a substrate disposed opposite to the partition wall through the second space; and a detection means provided on the substrate for detecting sliding movement of the operating body, When the operating tool is not operated , And presence of tip and clearance of the drive unit to place the lubricant between the tip portion of the opposing surface which is opposed to the drive unit, the housing has a cover member for placing the substrate An opening for exposing the cover member is formed in the substrate, and the facing surface arranged to face the tip of the driving unit is configured by the cover member exposed from the opening. It is characterized by.

  According to the multi-directional input device, since the lubricant is disposed between the front end portion of the drive unit and the opposed surface that is opposed, the slide operation is performed in a state where the operation body is excessively pressed. In addition, since the lubricant can be interposed between the front end portion and the facing surface of the drive unit, wear of the drive unit can be reduced, and reliability can be ensured.

In addition , since a cover member on which the substrate is placed is provided and the opposing surface is exposed through an opening provided in the substrate, a substrate with high friction (for example, a glass epoxy substrate) is used as the substrate However, since it is possible to avoid a situation in which the tip of the drive unit slides on the substrate, it is possible to effectively reduce the wear of the drive unit.

  In the multidirectional input device, it is preferable that the tip of the driving unit protrudes toward the facing surface with respect to the surface of the substrate on which the detection unit is provided when the operating body is not operated. In this case, the tip of the drive unit can be disposed at a position on the opposite surface side of the surface of the substrate. Therefore, even if wear powder is generated from the drive unit, the wear powder is not removed from the surface of the substrate. Can make it difficult to reach.

  In the multidirectional input device, it is preferable that at least one of the cover member, the substrate, and the driving unit is provided with a holding unit for holding the lubricant on the facing surface. In this case, since the holding means is provided in at least one of the cover member, the substrate, and the drive unit, the lubricant disposed between the tip of the drive unit and the facing surface flows out to a region other than the facing surface. Therefore, it is possible to hold the lubricant on the opposite surface over a long period of time.

  In the multidirectional input device, the holding unit is configured by an annular groove portion that is located on the outer peripheral side of the opening portion of the substrate provided on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the cover member and the substrate. It is preferable to do. Since the substrate and the cover member are overlapped at the peripheral edge of the opening of the substrate, when the lubricant reaches these interfaces, it penetrates into the gap between the substrate and the cover member due to capillary action or the like, Try to spill into the area. As described above, by providing a groove on at least one of the facing surface of the cover member and the substrate, it is possible to limit the progress of the lubricant in the gap between the substrate and the cover member. It is possible to hold it over the entire range.

  In the multidirectional input device, the holding means may be configured by a recess provided facing the opening of the substrate, and the tip of the drive unit may be disposed inside the recess. In this case, since the lubricant can be accommodated in the concave portion, it is possible to make it difficult for the lubricant to flow out to the region outside the facing surface, and it is possible to hold the lubricant on the facing surface for a long time. Become.

  In the multi-directional input device, the holding means may be constituted by a concave portion provided at the tip of the drive portion having a columnar shape. In this case, since the lubricant is held in the drive unit, the lubricant can be replenished to the opposing surface as appropriate, so that it can be held on the opposing surface for a long period of time.

  In the multi-directional input device, the detection means includes a slider provided on the slide member, and a resistor pattern and a current collector pattern provided on the substrate on which the slider slides. Is preferred. In this case, since the detecting means is configured by the slider provided on the slide member and the resistor pattern and the current collector pattern provided on the substrate, the slide movement of the operating body is detected with a simple configuration. It becomes possible.

  According to the present invention, since the lubricant is disposed between the front end portion of the drive unit and the opposed surface that is disposed to be opposed, an undesired operation of moving the operating body in an excessively pressed state is performed. However, it is possible to reduce the wear of the drive part of the operating body and to ensure reliability.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a multidirectional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the multidirectional input device which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a sectional side view of the multidirectional input device which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a top view for demonstrating the state of the operation body which the multidirectional input device which concerns on the said embodiment has. It is a top view for demonstrating the state of the slide member which the multidirectional input device which concerns on the said embodiment has. It is a bottom view for demonstrating the state of the slide member which the multidirectional input device which concerns on the said embodiment has. It is a bottom view for demonstrating the state of the control member which the multidirectional input device which concerns on the said embodiment has. It is a sectional side view of the multidirectional input device which concerns on the modification of the said embodiment. It is a sectional side view of the multidirectional input device which concerns on the modification of the said embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment is used for a direction input operation in, for example, a mobile phone device or a game machine controller. The use of the multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment is not limited to these, and can be changed as appropriate.

  1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of a multidirectional input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the upper side of FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to as the upper side of the multidirectional input device 1, and the lower side of FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to as the lower side of the multidirectional input device 1. . In the exploded perspective view of FIG. 1, the multidirectional input device 1 is shown from above, and in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, the multidirectional input device 1 is shown from below.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes an upper case 2, a lower case 3, and a cover member 4. Consists of components. When the upper case 2, the lower case 3 and the cover member 4 are overlapped, the columnar engagement pieces 22 a of the upper case 2 are inserted into the through holes 31 e and 43 of the lower case 3 and the cover member 4, and their tips The parts are integrated by deforming them by hot caulking or cold caulking. 1 and 2 show a state in which the engaging piece 22a of the upper case 2 is deformed by heat caulking or the like for convenience of explanation.

  On the upper surface of the cover member 4, a substrate 5 provided with a resistor pattern 52 (52a, 52b) and a current collector pattern 53 (53a, 53b) constituting a part of the detecting means is placed. The substrate 5 is disposed in a state of being sandwiched between the lower case 3 and the cover member 4. In a space (lower space DS described later) formed between the substrate 5 stacked on the cover member 4 and the lower case 3, a pair of slide members 6, 7 and a regulating member 8 are accommodated. An operation body 9 and an annular coil spring 10 are accommodated in a space (an upper space US described later) formed between the case 3 and the upper case 2.

  The upper case 2, the lower case 3, and the cover member 4 are formed by molding an insulating resin material, for example. The upper case 2 has a top plate portion 21 that constitutes the upper surface of the multidirectional input device 1 and a side wall portion 22 that is provided to hang from the side edge portion of the top plate portion 21, and has a shape that opens downward. have. A circular opening 21 a is provided at the center of the top plate 21. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower surface of the top-plate part 21 is provided with the annular protrusion part 21b along the periphery of the opening part 21a. The projecting portion 21b is provided with a dimension capable of locking the inner peripheral portion of the annular coil spring 10. Four engaging pieces 22 a extending downward are provided at the lower end portion of the side wall portion 22.

  The lower case 3 has a top plate portion 31 that is formed in a generally rectangular shape, and a side wall portion 32 that is provided to hang from the side edge portion of the top plate portion 31, and has a shape that opens downward. ing. A circular opening 31 a is provided at the center of the top plate portion 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an annular protrusion 31b is provided on the top surface of the top plate 31 along the periphery of the opening 31a. The projecting portion 31b is provided with a dimension capable of locking the inner peripheral portion of the annular coil spring 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of ribs 31 c and 31 d constituting the guide members of the slide members 6 and 7 are provided on the lower surface of the top plate portion 31. The ribs 31c are provided in parallel across a certain distance. The rib 31d extends in a direction orthogonal to the rib 31c and is provided in parallel with a certain distance therebetween. The rib 31d constitutes a guide member of the regulating member 8 with its inner wall surface. In addition, the strength of the lower case 3 is improved by providing these ribs 31c and 31d.

  Near the corner portion of the top plate portion 31, four through holes 31 e into which the engagement pieces 22 a of the upper case 2 are inserted are provided. Further, a pair of mounting holes 31 f for mounting to a device on which the multi-directional input device 1 is mounted is provided in a pair of opposite corners of the top plate portion 31. In addition, a protection plate portion 32 a is provided on one side of the side wall portion 32 so as to extend laterally. The protection plate portion 32a is overlaid on a part of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 11 connected to the substrate 5 to protect it.

  The cover member 4 is made of a synthetic resin material having a smaller frictional resistance against the drive unit 94 of the operating body 9 to be described later than the substrate 5 and constitutes the lower surface of the multidirectional input device 1 and is generally composed of an octagonal plate-like member. Has been. As shown in FIG. 1, an annular groove 42 is provided at the center of the upper surface portion 41 of the cover member 4. A part of the upper surface portion 41 inside the groove portion 42 constitutes a facing surface 41a that is disposed to face a driving portion 94 of the operating body 9 described later. Further, four through holes 43 through which the engaging pieces 22 a of the upper case 2 are inserted are provided in the vicinity of the corners of the upper surface portion 41. As will be described in detail later, the lubricant 12 that prevents the driving portion 94 of the operating body 9 from being worn is applied to the facing surface 41a. The groove portion 42 described above functions as a holding unit that prevents the lubricant 12 from flowing out and holds it on the opposing surface 41a. For example, the lubricant 12 is a fluorine-based or silicone-based lubricating oil. The cover member 4 is preferably made of a metal plate having a friction resistance (friction coefficient) smaller than that of the substrate 5 with respect to the drive unit 94 of the operating body 9, and a metal plate having a smaller friction resistance than that of the substrate 5 is used. Is also possible.

  The housing of the multidirectional input device 1 is configured with the upper case 2, the lower case 3, and the cover member 4 being stacked. The opening 21a of the upper case 2 constitutes an external opening of the housing, and the opening 31a of the lower case 3 constitutes an internal opening of the housing. The top plate portion 31 of the lower case 3 includes a partition portion that divides a space formed inside the housing into an upper space US that constitutes a first space facing the external opening and a lower space DS that constitutes a second space. Configure (see FIG. 3).

  The board | substrate 5 is arrange | positioned facing the top-plate part 31 (partition part) of the lower case 3 via lower space DS. The substrate 5 is formed of, for example, a glass epoxy substrate and has an octagon shape that is substantially the same shape as the cover member 4. A circular opening 51 is provided in the center of the substrate 5. The opening 51 is provided with a smaller diameter than the groove 42 of the cover member 4. In the state of being overlaid on the cover member 4, a part of the facing surface 41 a disposed in the groove 42 is configured to be exposed from the opening 51. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of resistor patterns 52 (52a, 52b) and a current collector pattern 53 (53a, 53b) are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 5, respectively. A wiring pattern 54 for connecting the resistor pattern 52 and the current collector pattern 53 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 5. An FPC fixing portion 55 to which the FPC 11 is fixed is provided on one side of the substrate 5. A wiring pattern 54 is connected to the lead wire of the FPC 11 fixed to the FPC fixing portion 55. Further, four through holes 56 through which the engaging pieces 22 a of the upper case 2 are inserted are provided in the vicinity of the corners of the substrate 5.

  The pair of slide members 6 and 7 are arranged in the lower space DS so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the slide movement of the operating body 9. The slide members 6 and 7 are long plate-like members, and are arranged so that the long sides thereof are orthogonal to each other. Further, in the vicinity of the center of the slide members 6 and 7, long holes 61 and 71 are provided as penetrating portions extending along the long sides. A pair of guided pieces 62 are provided in the vicinity of both ends of the long side of the slide member 6. A slider 63 constituting a part of the detecting means is fixed to the lower surface of one end of the slide member 6. Similarly, a pair of guided pieces 72 are provided in the vicinity of both ends of the long side of the slide member 7. A slider 73 constituting a part of the detection means is fixed to the lower surface of one end of the slide member 7.

  The restricting member 8 is disposed on the upper side of the slide member 6 in the lower space DS. For example, the regulating member 8 is formed by bending a long plate-like member. In the center of the regulating member 8, a long hole 81 extending along the long side is provided. The regulating member 8 is provided with a pair of engaging pieces 82 that hang down from both ends in the longitudinal direction. The length between the pair of engagement pieces 82 is substantially the same as the length between the ribs 31 d of the lower case 3. The regulating member 8 plays a role of regulating the rotation of the operating body 9 by bringing the engaging piece 82 into contact with the rib 31 d when a rotational force is applied to the operating body 9.

  The operating body 9 is made of, for example, an insulating resin material, and has a disk-shaped movable portion 91, an operation portion 92 provided to project upward from the central portion of the movable portion 91, and the movable portion 91. It has a non-circular portion 93 provided so as to protrude downward from the center portion, and a drive portion 94 provided so as to further protrude from the lower end portion of this non-circular shape 93. The movable portion 91 is provided in a bowl shape with respect to the operation portion 92 and the non-circular portion 93, and the outer diameter of the movable portion 91 is that of the annular protrusion 21 b of the upper case 2 and the annular protrusion 31 b of the lower case 3. It is provided approximately the same as the dimension of the top. The operation unit 92 has a non-circular upper end and is configured so that an operation knob (not shown) can be attached. The non-circular portion 93 is provided in a shape that can be engaged with the elongated hole 81 of the restriction member 8, and is configured to be able to transmit the rotational force acting on the operating body 9 to the restriction member 8. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive unit 94 is provided in a columnar shape, and is configured to be inserted through the long holes 61 and 71 of the slide members 6 and 7.

  The annular coil spring 10 is formed in an annular shape by connecting both ends of the linear coil spring 10. The coil spring 10 is accommodated in the upper space US so as to be placed on the top plate portion 31 of the lower case 3. The inner diameter of the coil spring 10 before being incorporated into the upper space US is larger than the dimensions of the outer shape of the movable portion 91 of the operating body 9, the top of the annular protrusion 21b of the upper case 2, and the annular protrusion 31b of the lower case 3. Slightly smaller dimensions are configured. When the coil spring 10 is incorporated into the upper space US, the coil spring 10 is slightly pushed outward by the projecting portions 21 b and 31 b and the movable portion 91. The coil spring 10 serves to return the operating body 9 on which the sliding operation has been performed to the initial position (neutral position) shown in FIG.

  When the multidirectional input device 1 having such a configuration is assembled, as shown in FIG. 3, the substrate 5 is placed on the cover member 4 in a state where the corners are aligned. In this case, the opening 51 is arranged at a position corresponding to the facing surface 41 a, and the central portion of the facing surface 41 a and the vicinity thereof are exposed from the opening 51. In the multidirectional input device 1, the lubricant 12 is disposed on a part or all of the facing surface 41 a exposed from the opening 51 by a method such as coating. Note that the groove 42 of the cover member 4 is closed by the lower surface of the substrate 5.

  The lower case 3 is overlaid on the substrate 5 with the slide members 6, 7 and the regulating member 8 placed on the substrate 5. In this case, the slide members 6 and 7 are disposed in the lower space DS so that the inner surfaces of the guided pieces 62 and 72 are in contact with the outer surfaces of the ribs 31c and 31d, respectively. Thus, by bringing the inner surfaces of the guided pieces 62 and 72 into contact with the outer surfaces of the ribs 31c and 31d, the slide members 6 and 7 can be stably slid in the directions A and B shown in FIG. ing. Further, the slide members 6 and 7 are arranged so that the sliders 63 and 73 are in contact with each other across the resistor pattern 52a and the current collector pattern 53a, the resistor pattern 52b and the current collector pattern 53b on the substrate 5, respectively. Is done. Thereby, the output signal according to the slide position of the slide members 6 and 7 can be output. The restricting member 8 is disposed in the lower space DS so as to overlap the upper side of the slide members 6 and 7. The restricting member 8 is disposed so that the pair of engaging pieces 82 face the inner surface of the rib 31d.

  The upper case 2 is overlaid on the lower case 3 with the operating body 9 and the coil spring 10 placed on the lower case 3. In this case, the upper case 2 is disposed such that the engaging piece 22a is inserted through the through holes 31e, 56, and 43 of the lower case 3, the substrate 5, and the cover member 4. The operation body 9 is exposed at the upper end portion of the operation portion 92 through the opening portion 21 a of the upper case 2, while the non-circular portion 93 and the drive portion 94 are placed in the lower space DS through the opening portion 31 a of the lower case 3. Arranged in the upper space US in an approached state. The movable portion 91 of the operating body 9 is arranged in a state where the outer peripheral end portion is placed on the protruding portion 31 b of the lower case 3. The protruding portion 21b of the upper case 2 is disposed so as to face the protruding portion 31b of the lower case 3, and a movable portion 91 is slidably disposed therebetween. The coil spring 10 is disposed in the upper space US so as to surround the outer peripheral portion of the movable portion 91 of the operating body 9 at the inner peripheral portion thereof. Moreover, the coil spring 10 is arrange | positioned in the state in which the inner peripheral part was latched by the protrusion part 21b and the protrusion part 31b. When the operating body 9 slides, the coil spring 10 is partly extended (elastically deformed) in the sliding movement direction while being locked by the protruding portions 21b and 31b on the opposite side of the sliding movement direction. A force is applied to return 9 to the initial position.

  The non-circular portion 93 of the operating body 9 is inserted so as to engage with the long hole 81 of the regulating member 8 made of a metal plate. Further, the drive unit 94 is inserted into the long holes 61 and 71 of the slide members 6 and 7, and the slide members 6 and 7 are slid in the A and B directions shown in FIG. It is possible. The front end (lower end) of the drive unit 94 extends to the position on the facing surface 41a side of the cover member 4 from the surface (upper surface) of the substrate 5 on which the resistor pattern 52 and the like are provided. A clearance is provided between the distal end of the drive unit 94 and the facing surface 41a when the operating body 9 is not operated.

  Hereinafter, an operation when a slide operation is performed with the operation body 9 of the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 4 is a top view for explaining the state of the operating body 9 included in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a top view for explaining the state of the slide members 6 and 7 included in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a bottom view for explaining the state of the slide members 6 and 7 included in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view for explaining a state of the regulating member 8 included in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment.

  4 to 7 all show an initial state (non-operation state with respect to the operation body 9) of the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, and the FPC 11 connected to the substrate 5 is omitted. . In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 are omitted from the multidirectional input device 1, and the operation body 9 and the coil spring 10 are further omitted in FIG. 5. Further, in FIG. 6, the cover member 4 and the substrate 5 are omitted for convenience of explanation, and the slide members 6 and 7 are further omitted in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operating body 9 is disposed above the slide members 6 and 7 that are disposed orthogonal to each other. As shown in FIG. 5, the slide members 6 and 7 are arranged at the center of the substrate 5 so that the long holes 61 and 71 are orthogonal to each other. The restricting member 8 is disposed above the slide member 6 with the restricting member 8 extending in the same direction as the slide member 7. The long hole 81 of the restricting member 8 faces an opening C formed by intersecting the long holes 61 and 71 of the slide members 6 and 7, and the facing surface 41 a of the cover member 4 is formed from the opening C. It is in a state of facing.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit 94 of the operating body 9 is inserted into the opening C through the long hole 81 of the regulating member 8. The drive part 94 protrudes to the facing surface 41a side of the cover member 4 through the opening C, and the tip (lower end) thereof is disposed in the vicinity of the facing surface 41a (see FIG. 3). ). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the non-circular portion 93 of the operating body 9 is inserted in a state where the non-circular portion is engaged with the long hole 81 of the regulating member 8. In the restricting member 8, a pair of engaging pieces 82 provided at both ends thereof are arranged to face the inner surface of the rib 31 d of the lower case 3, and its rotation is restricted. In addition, the folding | returning part 81a is provided in the side edge part of the longitudinal direction of the long hole 81 of the control member 8, and it can reduce the abrasion of the non-circular shaped part of the non-circular shaped part 93. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of brush portions 63a and 73a are provided on the sliders 63 and 73 fixed to one end of the lower surfaces of the slide members 6 and 7, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, the pair of brush portions 63a of the slider 63 is in contact with the resistor pattern 52a and the current collector pattern 53a provided on the substrate 5. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the pair of brush portions 73a of the slider 73 is in contact with the resistor pattern 52b and the current collector pattern 53b provided on the substrate 5.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operating body 9 is disposed around the movable portion 91 with the inner peripheral portion of the coil spring 10 in close contact with the outer peripheral portion thereof. Further, at the boundary portion between the outer peripheral portion of the movable portion 91 and the inner peripheral portion of the coil spring 10, the protruding portion 21b of the upper case 2 is disposed on the upper side, while the protruding portion 31b of the lower case 3 is positioned on the lower side. Is arranged (see FIG. 3). That is, the coil spring 10 is in a state in which its inner peripheral portion is locked by the protruding portion 21b and the protruding portion 31b.

  When a slide operation is performed on the operation body 9 in the X direction shown in FIG. 4, the slide member 7 slides in the B1-B2 direction via the drive unit 94. At this time, since the drive part 94 slides along the long hole 61 of the slide member 6, the slide member 6 does not operate. On the other hand, when a slide operation is performed on the operation body 9 in the Y direction shown in FIG. 4, the slide member 6 slides in the A1-A2 direction via the drive unit 94. At this time, since the drive unit 94 slides along the long hole 71 of the slide member 7, the slide member 7 does not operate. Further, when a slide operation is performed on the operation body 9 in the Z direction (C1-C2 direction) shown in FIG. 4, the slide members 6 and 7 are moved in the A1-A2 direction and the B1-B2 direction via the drive unit 94, respectively. Move to slide.

  The sliders 63 and 73 fixed to the lower surfaces of the slide members 6 and 7 are connected to the resistor patterns 52a and the current collector patterns 53a, the resistor patterns 52b and the current collectors according to the slide movement of the slide members 6 and 7, respectively. The electric body pattern 53b is slid. The sliding movement of the operating body 9 is detected according to the sliding contact positions of the sliders 63 and 73, and a signal corresponding to the sliding position is output to the outside via the FPC 11.

  In the multidirectional input device 1 operating as described above, the lubricant 12 is disposed between the drive unit 94 of the operating body 9 and the facing surface 41a of the cover member 4. This lubricant 12 reduces the situation in which the front end (lower end) of the drive unit 94 is worn due to the drive unit 94 of the operating body 9 sliding while being in direct contact with the opposing surface 41a. Is to be arranged. As described above, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the lubricant 12 is disposed between the drive portion 94 of the operating body 9 and the facing surface 41a of the cover member 4, and therefore the operating body 9 is excessively moved. Even when the slide operation is performed in a state of being pressed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the drive unit 94 directly contacts the opposing surface 41a, that is, between the driving unit 94 and the opposing surface 41a. Since the lubricant 12 is interposed, wear of the drive unit 94 can be reduced, and reliability can be ensured.

  Further, the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cover member 4 on which the substrate 5 is placed and a configuration in which the facing surface 41 a is exposed through the opening 51 provided in the substrate 5. Therefore, even when a substrate having a high frictional resistance (for example, a glass epoxy substrate) is used as the substrate 5, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the front end portion of the drive unit 94 slides on the substrate 5. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the wear of the drive unit 94. In addition, since the selection of the constituent material of the substrate 5 is not limited, it is possible to select the substrate 5 of an arbitrary constituent material according to the dimensions and durability of the apparatus.

  Further, since the facing surface 41a is exposed through the opening 51 provided in the substrate 5, the cover member 4 and the surface of the substrate 5 (surface on which the resistor pattern 52 and the current collector pattern 53 are provided) A height difference can be provided between them (see FIG. 3). Thereby, even when wear powder is generated from the drive unit 94, it is possible to make it difficult for the wear powder to reach the surface of the substrate 5. As a result, even when a contact-type detection unit is used as the slide movement detection unit as in the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of poor contact of the detection unit due to wear powder.

  In particular, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the front end portion (lower end portion) of the drive unit 94 is disposed closer to the facing surface 41 a than the surface of the substrate 5 when the operating body 9 is not operated. (See FIG. 3). Thereby, since the front-end | tip part of the drive part 94 can be arrange | positioned in the position below the surface of the board | substrate 5, even when an abrasion powder generate | occur | produces from the drive part 94, this abrasion powder is the substrate 5's. It can be made harder to reach by the surface.

  Furthermore, in the multidirectional input device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the annular groove portion 42 is provided around the facing surface 41a of the cover member 4, it is disposed between the driving portion 94 and the facing surface 41a. The lubricant 12 can be prevented from flowing out to the region other than the facing surface 41a, and the lubricant 12 can be held on the facing surface 41a for a long time. That is, in the multidirectional input device 1, since the substrate 5 and the cover member 4 are overlapped at the periphery of the opening 51 of the substrate 5, when the lubricant 12 reaches these interfaces, capillary action or the like occurs. It enters the gap between the substrate 5 and the cover member 4 and tries to flow out to a region outside the facing surface 41a. However, by providing the groove portion 42 in the cover member 4 as in the multidirectional input device 1, it is possible to limit the progress of the lubricant 12 in the gap between the substrate 5 and the cover member 4, so that the lubricant 12 is opposed. It becomes possible to hold on the surface 41a for a long time.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change and implement variously. In the above-described embodiment, the size, shape, and the like illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed within a range in which the effect of the present invention is exhibited. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the groove portion 42 is provided in a part of the cover member 4 facing the substrate 5 as the holding means for the lubricant 12 has been described. However, a groove portion having a similar function is provided. The constituent member is not limited to the cover member 4 and may be provided on a part of the substrate 5 facing the cover member 4. In this case, for example, the groove portion is provided in such a manner that the groove portion 42 shown in FIG. 3 and an opening on the opposite side across the interface between the cover member 4 and the substrate 5 are opened downward. As described above, even when the groove portion is provided in the substrate 5, the lubricant 12 can be held on the facing surface 41a for a long period of time as in the present embodiment. Further, the groove portion may be provided on both the upper surface of the cover member 4 and the lower surface of the substrate 5. In addition, the groove part does not need to be annular, and may be polygonal or other shapes as long as it is annular.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the groove 42 is provided in a part of the cover member 4 facing the substrate 5 as the holding means for the lubricant 12 is described. It is not limited and can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, it may be constituted by a recess 44 provided at the position of the cover member 4 facing the opening 51 of the substrate 5, and the lubricant 12 may be accommodated in the recess 44. In this case, the facing surface 41 a is configured by a bottom surface portion of the recess 44. In addition, it is preferable to arrange the front end (lower end) of the drive unit 94 in the recess 44. In this case, since the lubricant 12 is accommodated in the concave portion 44 separated from the interface between the substrate 5 and the cover member 4, it can be prevented from flowing out of the concave portion 44, and the opposing surface 41 a can be covered over a long period of time. Can be held. Further, even if wear powder is generated from the drive unit 94, the tip of the drive unit 94 extends to the concave portion 44, so that the wear powder can hardly reach the surface of the substrate 5.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a recess 94a may be provided at the tip (lower end) of the drive unit 94 of the operating body 9, and the lubricant 12 may be held in the recess 94a. In this case, since the lubricant 12 is held in the drive unit 94, the lubricant 12 can be appropriately replenished to the opposing surface 41a, so that it is held on the opposing surface 41a for a long period of time. Is possible. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, when combined with the groove portion 42 provided in the cover member 4, it is possible to further extend the period for holding the lubricant 12 on the facing surface 41 a.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as the detection means for detecting the slide movement of the operating body 9, the resistor pattern 52 and the current collector pattern 53, and the sliders 63 and 73 fixed to the slide members 6 and 7 The case where the contact-type detection means which consists of is provided is demonstrated. However, the configuration of the detection means is not limited to the contact type, and can be appropriately changed. For example, magnetic detection means may be employed. In this way, when the magnetic detection means is employed, it is possible to avoid a situation such as wear of the resistor pattern 52 and the current collector pattern 53 and the sliders 63 and 73, so that it is reliable over a long period. High slide movement can be detected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multidirectional input device 2 Upper case 21 Top plate part 21a Opening part (external opening)
22 Side wall part 3 Lower case 31 Top plate part (partition wall part)
31a Opening (internal opening)
31c, 31d Rib 32 Side wall part 4 Cover member 41 Upper surface part 41a Opposing surface 42 Groove part 44 Recessed part 5 Substrate 51 Opening part 52a, 52b Resistor pattern 53a, 53b Current collector pattern 6, 7 Slide member 61, 71 Long hole (through) Part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 Restriction member 81 Long hole 9 Operation body 91 Movable part 92 Operation part 93 Non-circular shaped part 94 Drive part 94a Recess 10 Coil spring 11 FPC
12 Lubricant

Claims (7)

An operating body having a housing having an external opening, an operation part exposed to the external opening, a hook-like movable part provided with the operation part on one surface side, and a drive part provided protruding on the other surface side of the movable part And a partition part that divides the housing into a first space and a second space that face the external opening and has an internal opening through which the drive part is inserted, and that holds the operating body slidably, and the drive A pair of slide members disposed in the second space that slides in directions orthogonal to each other as the drive unit moves, and the second space through the second space. A multidirectional input device comprising a substrate disposed opposite to the partition wall, and a detection means provided on the substrate and detecting the sliding movement of the operating body,
In a non-operating state of the operating body, a lubricant is disposed between a front surface of the driving unit and a front surface of the driving unit that are disposed to face each other with a clearance .
The housing is provided with a cover member on which the substrate is placed, and the substrate is formed with an opening for exposing the cover member. A multidirectional input device comprising the cover member exposed from the opening . In non-operated state of the operating body, the distal end portion of the driving unit, multidirectional of claim 1, wherein a projecting into the facing surface than the surface of the substrate on which the detecting means is provided Input device. It said cover member, at least one of the substrate and the driving unit, according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the holding means for holding the lubricant on the facing surface is provided Multi-directional input device. The said holding means is comprised by the cyclic | annular groove part located in the outer peripheral side of the opening part of the said board | substrate provided in at least any one of the mutually opposing surfaces of the said cover member and the said board | substrate. 3. The multidirectional input device according to 3 . 4. The multidirectional input device according to claim 3 , wherein the holding means is constituted by a concave portion provided to face the opening of the substrate, and the tip of the driving portion is disposed inside the concave portion. Multidirectional input device according to claim 5 wherein the retaining means, from claim 3, characterized in that configured in the recess provided at the tip of the driving unit without columnar. 2. The detection means includes a slider provided on the slide member, and a resistor pattern and a current collector pattern provided on the substrate on which the slider slides. The multidirectional input device according to claim 6 .

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