JPH0741928U - Multi-directional switch - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide a multi-directional switch that surely prevents unintended switch malfunctions when the peripheral operation unit of the key top is pressed and that does not cause a sense of incompatibility. [Structure] On the surface of its periphery, slightly projecting upward 8
A key top 10 provided with two circular peripheral operation parts 4-1 to 4-8 is arranged on the top of the switch housing 5 so as to be movable inward of the housing, and an opening 14 is provided at substantially the center of the key top 10. The push button 11 is formed in the opening 14 so as to be movable inward of the housing with respect to the key top 10. That is, the push button 11 which can be operated completely independently of the key top 10 is provided. And
The switch 12 which is operated only by the downward movement of the push button 11 is arranged in the substantial center of the back surface of the key top 10.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a multi-directional switch configured so that one corresponding switch or a plurality of switches can be operated at the same time depending on the pressing position of the same key top (push button).

[0002]

[Prior art]

 As an example of the conventional multi-directional switch, an eight-way switch with a center pressing portion configured such that all of the plurality of switches are activated when the central operation portion (center pressing portion) of the key top is pressed is shown in FIG. The configuration is as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 5, showing a circular shape protruding slightly upward at the center of the upper surface of the key top 1 having a substantially circular shape. A central operation portion 2 (center pressing portion) is formed, and eight circular peripheral operation portions 4 that also project slightly upward are formed on the outer periphery of the key top 1 at substantially equal angular intervals along the circumference. -1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8 are formed respectively. On the other hand, in this example, four, for example, tact switches 3-1 and 3-2 are provided in the vicinity of the inside of the four peripheral operation units 4-2, 4-4, 4-6, and 4-8 every other one in the center direction. 3-3 and 3-4 are arranged, respectively. These switches 3-1 to 3-4 are attached to the board 6, and one or two or all of the switches corresponding to each of the switches are operated in an ON state when the respective operation portions are pressed. When this substrate 6 is attached to the housing 5 of the multidirectional switch, the arrangement shown in FIG. 5 is obtained.

Each of the switches 3-1 to 3-4 is provided with an operator 7 that can move in the vertical direction in FIG. 6, and when the operator 7 is pushed down, the switch contact is turned on. A hanging rod-shaped pressing body 8 integrally formed at a corresponding position on the back side of the key top 1 is in contact with the top of the operator 7. Since these operating elements 7 are constantly pressed upward by the spring force of the switches 3-1 to 3-4, the pressing body 8 that abuts on the top of each operating element 7 is also constantly pressed upward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the key top 1 is normally biased upward with its flange portion 1a locked to the step portion of the housing 5. Of course, instead of using the spring force of the switches 3-1 to 3-4, an upward elastic force may be applied to the rod-shaped pressing body 8 or the key top 1 by another suitable elastic member provided outside the switch. You may

In the above configuration, for example, when the peripheral operation section 4-1 of the key top 1 is pressed, the key top 1 has a portion including the operation section 4-1 largely depressed downward due to the pressing force, and the brim section on the opposite side. Since it does not sink, as shown in FIG. 7, it tilts with the flange portion at the right end as a fulcrum, and the two pressing bodies 8 in the depressed portion descend more than the remaining two pressing bodies 8. The actuators 7 of the two switches 3-1 and 3-4 are pushed down to a position sufficient to turn on the switch contacts. Therefore, these switches 3-1 and 3-4 are turned on almost at the same time. Similarly, when the other peripheral operation parts 4-3, 4-5, 4-7 are pressed, the corresponding two switches are simultaneously turned on.

In addition, when, for example, the peripheral operation section 4-2 of the key top 1 is pressed, in the key top 1, a portion including the operation section 4-2 is largely sunk downward, and one pressing body of the greatly sunk portion is pressed. 8 causes the corresponding actuator 7 of one switch 3-1 to be pushed down more than the actuators 7 of the other switches 3-2 to 3-4 to turn on the switch contacts. Therefore, only this switch 3-1 is turned on. Similarly, when the other peripheral operation parts 4-4, 4-6, 4-8 are pressed, the corresponding one switch is turned on.

Further, when the central operation portion 2 of the key top 1 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 8, the entire key top 1 is lowered, and all four pressing bodies 8 are lowered. Therefore, the actuators 7 of all the four switches 3-1 to 3-4 are respectively pressed by the corresponding four pressing bodies 8 to positions sufficient to turn on the switch contacts, and then all the switches 3 to 3-4 are pressed. -1 and 3-4 turn on at about the same time. Table 1 shows the switches that are turned on when each operation unit of the key top 1 is pressed.

[0007]

[Table 1]

[0008]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 In the conventional multi-directional switch described above, since there is no mechanism (structure) for restricting the movement of the key top 1 when the central operation portion 2 is pressed, depending on how the key top 1 is pressed, the central operation portion 2 may be pressed. In some cases, the key top 1 may be slightly tilted without going down, and not all the switches 3-1 to 3-4 are turned on (for example, one switch remains off). There is a drawback that the operation of is not executed and it is not reliable. In addition, since the key top 1 may not immediately drop right below, there is a problem in that the user feels something wrong with the operation, such as double-clicking.

An object of the present invention is to provide a push button that can be operated independently of the key top at a substantially central position of the key top, thereby ensuring an unintended malfunction of the switch when the peripheral operation part of the key top is pressed. Another object is to provide a multi-directional switch that is highly reliable and has high reliability and that does not cause a feeling of strangeness in operation.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In this invention, an opening is formed in the center of a key top that is movably arranged inward of the housing at the top of the switch housing, and the key top is movably pushed toward the inside of the housing in this opening. A key top is provided by arranging a button, arranging a switch that is activated by the movement of the pressing of the push button almost at the center of the back of the key top, and pressing any one of the peripheral operation parts of the key top. The push button moves together with the key top when it is slanted toward the inside of the housing, the switch in the corresponding center position is not activated, and the switch in the corresponding center position is activated only when the push button is pressed. It was designed to be activated.

In addition, the operation amount required to operate the switch contact of the switch arranged in the central portion is larger than the operation amounts of the other plurality of switches operated by pressing the peripheral operation portion of the keytop. Has also been long.

[0012]

[Action]

 According to the structure of the present invention, the push button moves together with the key top when the key top is tilted toward the inside of the housing by pressing any one of the peripheral operation parts of the key top. The actuator of the switch in its corresponding center position is only slightly pushed, so this switch is not activated. Further, when the push button is pressed, the key top does not move at all, so only the switch at the corresponding center position is activated. Therefore, unintended switch malfunction does not occur.

Further, the operation amount required to operate the switch contact at the central position switch is longer than the operation amounts of the other plurality of switches operated by the pressing of the peripheral operation portion of the keytop. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the switch in the central position from malfunctioning due to the pressing of the peripheral operation portion of the key top.

[0014]

【Example】

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the multidirectional switch according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. Eight circular peripheral operation parts 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4- which project slightly upward on the surface of the periphery of 10 at substantially equal angular intervals along the circumference thereof. 5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8 are formed respectively, and on the back surface of the key top 10, every other four peripheral operating parts 4-2, 4-4, 4-6 and 4-8. Four, for example, tact switches 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4 are arranged at positions in the vicinity of the inner side in the direction of the center of each, and at least one corresponding to each of the above-mentioned operation parts when pressed. The description will be given by taking an eight-direction switch configured so that the switch of FIG.

Note that, like the above-mentioned conventional example, these switches 3-1 to 3-4 are mounted on the board 6, and when the board 6 is attached to the switch housing 5, the arrangement shown in FIG. Becomes Further, each of the switches 3-1 to 3-4 is provided with an actuator 7 that can move in the vertical direction in FIG. 2, and when the actuator 7 is pushed down, the switch contact is turned on. A hanging rod-shaped pressing body 8 integrally formed at the corresponding position on the back side of the key top 10 is in contact with the top of these operating elements 7. Since these actuators 7 are constantly pressed upward by the spring force of the switches 3-1 to 3-4, the pressing body 8 that abuts on the top of each actuator 7 is also constantly pressed upward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the key top 10 is normally biased upward with its flange portion 10a locked to the step portion of the housing 5. Of course, instead of utilizing the spring force of the switches 3-1 to 3-4, an upward elastic force is applied to the rod-shaped pressing body 8 or the key top 10 by another suitable elastic member provided outside the switch. Maybe

According to the present invention, an opening 14 is formed at the top of the switch housing 5 at substantially the center of the key top 10 which is arranged so as to be movable toward the inside of the housing. A push button 11 (center push button) is arranged so as to be movable inward of the housing, and a switch 12 that is activated by the downward movement of the center push button 11 is moved to a substantially central portion on the back surface of the key top 10. It was placed in.

The switch 12 located at the center is provided with an actuator 13 which can slide in the vertical direction in FIG. 2, and the top of the actuator 13 is integrally formed at a corresponding position on the back side of the center push button 11. The hanging rod-shaped pressing portion 11b thus formed is in contact. Since the operating element 13 is also constantly pressed upward by the spring force of the switch 12, the pressing portion 11b that abuts on the top of the operating element 13 is also always pressed upward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the center push button 11 is normally biased upward with its flange portion 11a being locked to the lower surface of the edge of the opening 14 of the key-top 10. Of course, instead of utilizing the spring force of the switch 12, an elastic force upward may be applied to the center push button 13 by another suitable elastic member provided outside the switch.

Further, in the switch 12 located at the center, the movement amount of the operator 13 (the operation amount of the switch) required to turn on the switch contact of the switch 12 is the peripheral operation unit 4- of the key top 10. It is longer than the amount of movement required to turn on the switch contacts of the operator 7 of the plurality of other switches 3-1 to 3-4 that are operated by pressing 1 to 4-8.

In the above configuration, for example, when the peripheral operating portion 4-1 of the key top 10 is pressed, the portion of the key top 10 including the operating portion 4-1 is largely depressed downward by the pressing force, and the collar portion on the opposite side is depressed. Since it does not sink, as shown in FIG. 3, the two pressing bodies 8 in the greatly descended portion are inclined (rotated) downward with the right end of the flange as a fulcrum, and the remaining two pressing bodies 8 are rotated. Since it is lowered more than that, the actuator 7 of the corresponding two switches 3-1 and 3-4 is pushed down to a position sufficient to turn on the switch contacts. Assuming that the operation amounts of all the peripheral operation units 4-1 to 4-8 are the same, when the switches 3-1 and 3-4 are both turned on, the key top 10 is tilted downward. (Rotation) is completed, and the remaining two switches 3-2 and 3-3 remain off. Therefore, only both switches 3-1 and 3-4 are turned on almost at the same time. Similarly, when the other peripheral operation parts 4-3, 4-5, 4-7 located at the same position are pressed, only the two switches corresponding to the two pressing bodies 8 in the greatly lowered part are simultaneously turned on. The remaining two switches remain off.

Further, when, for example, the peripheral operation section 4-2 of the key top 10 is pressed, the part including the operation section 4-2 of the key top 10 is largely sunk downward, and one pressing body of this greatly sunk portion is pressed. 8, the corresponding actuator 7 of one switch 3-1 is pushed down more than the actuators 7 of the other switches 3-2 to 3-4 to turn on the switch contacts. Therefore, only this switch 3-1 is turned on, and the remaining three switches 3-2 to 3-4 remain off. Similarly, when the other peripheral operation parts 4-4, 4-6, 4-8 in the same position are pressed, only one switch corresponding to one pressing body 8 in the greatly lowered part is turned on and the remaining The three switches in are still off.

By the way, by pressing any one of the peripheral operation parts 4-1 to 4-8 of the key top 10 as a fulcrum, the lower end of the key top 10 is opposite to the pressing part of the key top 10 as a fulcrum. When the center push button 11 is tilted to the side, since the collar portion 11a of the center push button 11 is locked to the lower surface of the edge of the opening of the key top 10, it is substantially integrated with the key top 10. It moves with the movement of the top 10. However, since the center push button 11 is located at the center of the key top 10, the amount of downward movement is considerably small, so that the actuator 13 of the switch 12 at the corresponding center position is too much as is clear from FIG. I can't push it down. Therefore, the switch 12 is not operated when the peripheral operation parts 4-1 to 4-8 of the key top 10 are pressed.

On the other hand, when the center push button 11 is pressed, the center push button 11 is provided independently in the opening 14 at the center of the key top 10, and as shown in FIG. In addition, only the push button 11 descends straight down sufficiently, and the key top 10 does not descend at all. Therefore, the actuator 13 of the switch 12 at the corresponding center position is pushed down by the pressing portion 11b integral with the push button 11 to a position sufficient to turn on the switch contact, and only the switch 12 is turned on. Therefore, the switch 12 at the center position can be surely operated without a feeling of discomfort such as a two-step click, and the operation by the operation of the switch 12 is set to be the same as the operation by the operation of all the conventional four switches. By doing so, it is possible to surely execute the intended action.

Table 2 shows the switches that are turned on when the peripheral operation units 4-1 to 4-8 of the key top 10 are pressed and the switches that are turned on when the center push button 11 is pressed. Is.

[0024]

[Table 2] Further, in this invention, the movement amount of the actuator 13 required to turn on the switch contact of the switch 12 located at the center is determined by pressing the peripheral operation parts 4-1 to 4-8 of the key top 10. It is longer than the amount of movement required to turn on the switch contacts of the operator 7 of the plurality of other switches 3-1 to 3-4 to be operated. This is to reliably prevent the switch 12 at the center position from being actuated by the center push button 11 that moves simultaneously when one of the peripheral operation units 4-1 to 4-8 of the key top 10 is pressed. is there. When the movement amount of the actuator 13 of the switch 12 at the center position and the movement amount of the actuator 7 of the plurality of other switches 3-1 to 3-4 are substantially the same, for example, the switch 12 at the center position is a component. In the case where the key top 10 is attached in a state of being slightly floated from the substrate 6 due to dimensional error or assembly error, the center push moves simultaneously when one of the peripheral operation parts 4-1 to 4-8 of the key top 10 is pressed. It is possible that the button 11 actuates the switch 12 in the central position on. Therefore, the movement amount of the actuator 13 of the switch 12 at the central position is made longer than the movement amount of the actuator 7 of the plurality of other switches 3-1 to 3-4, and the peripheral operation parts 4-1 to 4-1 of the key top 10 are made. The switch 12 in the central position is prevented from operating reliably when 4-8 is pressed. Of course, according to the configuration of the present invention, the switch 12 at the center position does not operate when the peripheral operation parts 4-1 to 4-8 of the key top 10 are pressed in a normal state, so that the switch 12 at the center position does not operate. It is not an essential requirement of this invention to make the movement amount of the actuator 13 longer than the movement amount of the actuator 7 of the plurality of other switches 3-1 to 3-4, but the error movement of the switch 12 is completely eliminated. The feature is that it can be prevented.

The above embodiment is merely an example of the present invention. Therefore, the configuration, structure, shape of the key top and the center push button, the number of peripheral operation parts, the type and number of operated switches, The arrangement mode and the like can be variously modified and changed as necessary. Further, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the eight-way switch and is equally applicable to any number of multi-way switches.

[0026]

[Effect of device]

 As described above, according to the present invention, an opening is formed substantially at the center of the key top of a multi-directional switch, and a push button that can be independently operated with respect to the key top is provided in the opening toward the inside of the switch housing. The switch is arranged so that it can be moved, and the switch that is activated by the push of this push button is placed almost at the center of the back surface of the keytop. Therefore, by pressing any one of the peripheral operation parts of the keytop, the keytop The push button moves together with the key top when tilting toward the inside of the housing, and only slightly moves in the direction of pressing the switch at the corresponding center position. Therefore, this switch is not activated. Further, when the push button is pressed, the key top does not move at all, so that only the switch at the corresponding center position is activated. Therefore, there is a remarkable effect that it is possible to surely prevent an unintended malfunction of the switch. In addition, since the push button can be operated independently of the key top, there is also an effect that no operational discomfort such as a two-step click occurs when the button is pressed.

Further, the operation amount of the switch arranged at the center operated by the pressing of the push button is more than the operation amount of the other plurality of switches operated by the pressing of the peripheral operation part of the key top. By making the length longer, it is possible to more reliably prevent the malfunction of the switch at the center position due to the pressing of the peripheral operation portion of the key top. Moreover, since the structure is simple, there is no problem in manufacturing, and therefore, the multidirectional switch having the above effect can be provided at low cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a multidirectional switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing FIG. 1 taken along the line AA.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operation state when one of the peripheral operation parts of the key top is pressed in the multidirectional switch according to the present invention of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating state when a push button located at the center of the multidirectional switch according to the present invention of FIG. 1 is pressed.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a conventional multidirectional switch.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 taken along the line BB.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operation state when one of the peripheral operation parts of the key top is pressed in the conventional multidirectional switch of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating state when the central operation portion of the key top is pressed in the conventional multidirectional switch of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 key top 2 center operation part of key top 3-1 to 3-4 switch 4-1 to 4-8 peripheral operation part of key top 5 switch housing 6 board 7 switch operator 8 pusher 10 key top 11a key top Collar portion 11b Key top pressing portion 12 Switch 13 Switch operator

Claims (2)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A key top is disposed on the top of the switch housing so as to be movable inward of the switch housing, and the key top has a plurality of peripheral operations on its surface at least along its periphery at predetermined intervals. A plurality of switches, and a plurality of switches selectively operated by the movement of the key top in the housing inward direction by the pressing of these peripheral operation parts are arranged at predetermined positions on the back surface of the key top,
At least one corresponding switch of the plurality of switches is actuated by the tilted movement of the key top by pressing any one of the peripheral operation parts of the key top, and the key top is directed toward the inside of the housing. A multi-directional switch configured so that all of the plurality of switches are actuated by substantially parallel movement of the key top, wherein an opening is formed in a central portion of the key top, and the inside of the housing is located in the opening with respect to the key top. A push button is movably arranged in the direction, and a switch operated by the movement of the push button is arranged substantially at the center of the back surface of the key top, and any one of the peripheral operation parts of the key top is attached. When the key top is slanted toward the inside of the housing due to pressing, the push button is A multi-directional switch characterized in that the switch at the corresponding central position is not activated, and the switch at the corresponding central position is activated only when the push button is pressed. 2. A plurality of switches arranged substantially at the center of the back surface of the keytop are operated by pressing a peripheral operation part of the keytop. The multi-directional switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch is longer than the operation amount of the other switches, and the malfunction of the switch disposed in the central portion due to the pressing of the peripheral operation portion is reliably prevented. .