JPH1131440A - Multi-way operating switch and multi-way operating device using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-way operating switch, driven by tilting and pushing an operation shaft, with an outer diameter and a thickness reduced, to which click feeling is granted in each-way operation. SOLUTION: In a switch, a dome-shaped movable contact 38 is put at the lower end of its outer edge on the outside fixed contact 33 on the bottom of a boxed case 31 to tilt and push the shaft 40B of an operator 40 with a conductor 50 and an annular thrust 41 corresponding to a center fixed contact 48 under its center position and a plurality of inside fixed contacts 34-37 equally distant from and equally angled to the center fixed contact 48. In this way, switching is performed between the outside fixed contact 33 and each of the inside fixed contacts 34-37 and between the former and the center fixed contact 48 and a multi-way operating switch with a click feeling in each-way operation is provided with a less number of component parts, in a small size and at a low cost.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention mainly relates to mobile communication devices such as mobile phones and pagers, and input operation units of various electronic devices such as remote controllers, audio devices, game devices, car navigation systems, and electronic cameras. The present invention relates to a multi-directional operation switch that is used and is driven by tilting and pushing operation of an operation shaft, and a multi-directional operation device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional multi-directional operation switch of this type will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 22 is a front sectional view showing a conventional multidirectional operation switch. In FIG. 22, reference numeral 1 denotes a box-shaped case made of resin, and an opening on the upper surface thereof is covered with a cover 2 made of a metal plate or the like. As shown in a partially cutaway exploded perspective view of FIG. 23, a central fixed contact 3 (3A, 3B) is disposed on the bottom surface of the case 1 at the same distance from the left and right and front and rear directions. Four peripheral fixed contacts 4 to 7 are fixed by insert molding, and terminals 14 and 15 for external connection are respectively provided.
A dome-shaped movable contact 8 is mounted on the outer fixed contact 3A of the central fixed contact 3 and a common movable contact fixed by a dowel 1A on the upper part of the peripheral fixed contacts 4-7. The elastic contact pieces 10 to 13 of the body 9 are arranged, respectively, and are connected to external connection terminals 19A via the contact points 19.

A rectangular upper end 2 of a support 21 urged upward by a compression coil spring 20 arranged along the inner periphery of the side wall of the case 1.
1A is elastically contacted with the lower surface of the cover 2, and a hemispherical rotating body 22 is held in a central recess 21B.

The rotating body 22 has a flange 22A on the outer periphery at the lower end thereof resting on the bottom surface of a hollow 21B in the center of the support 21 and an upper spherical part 22B in a circular hole 2A in the center of the cover 2. A rod-shaped operation shaft 23 made of a metal material is fitted and held in the non-circular central vertical hole 22C so as to be vertically movable.

The operating shaft 23 has a lower end 23A projecting downward from the rotating body 22 to abut the dome-shaped movable contact 8 at the center of the bottom of the case 1 and an operating end 23B projecting upward from the case 1. Knob 24 is mounted.

On the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the support 21, pressing portions 25A to 25D respectively corresponding to the elastic contact pieces 10 to 13 of the common movable contact body 9 are provided.

Next, the operation of the conventional multidirectional operation switch constructed as described above will be described. First, the operation shaft 23 is at the vertical neutral position, and the lower end 23A pushes the central dome-shaped movable contact 8. In the state shown in FIG. 22, none of the contacts of the multidirectional operation switch is off.

As shown by the arrow in the front sectional view of FIG. 24, when the upper left surface of the knob 24 mounted on the distal end portion 23B of the operating shaft 23 is pushed downward, the operating shaft 23 is tilted, The rotating body 22 rotates to the left while abutting on the spherical circular hole 2A of the cover 2, and the rotating body 22
The end of the flange portion 22A on the lower surface is the concave portion 2 of the support 21.
By pressing the bottom surface of 1B downward, the support 21 is supported by the upper end 21A of the square side opposite to the pressed surface as a fulcrum.
Tilts to the left, pushes the elastic contact piece 10 corresponding to the pressing portion 25A downward to come into contact with the peripheral fixed contact 4, turns on the common movable contact body 9 and the peripheral fixed contact 4, and makes the terminal 19A for external derivation. , 15 to the outside.

At this time, the upper end 21A of the outer periphery of the support 21
The left part in the drawing is separated from the lower surface of the cover 2 while compressing and compressing the compression coil spring 20 downward. After that, when the pressing force applied to the knob 24 is removed, the support 21 and the support 21 are restored by the restoring force of the compression coil spring 20. When the rotating body 22 is pushed back to the original neutral position in FIG. 22, the elastic contact piece 10 is separated from the peripheral fixed contact 4 by the elastic restoring force and returns to the original state in FIG. 22, and the switch contact returns to the off state.

Similarly, by changing the position of pressing the upper surface of the knob 24 mounted on the operation shaft 23 to right, front and rear, a signal is externally transmitted through the external lead-out terminals 16 to 18 corresponding to the direction. Can be put out.

As shown by an arrow in the front sectional view of FIG. 25, when a pressing force is applied vertically from above to the center upper surface of the knob 24, that is, the operating shaft 23, the operating shaft 23 is pressed down.
The dome-shaped movable contact 8 on the bottom surface of the case 1 is pushed by the lower end 23A to perform a reversing operation, generating a moderation, turning on the central fixed contact 3 (3A, 3B) and transmitting a signal to the outside through the terminal 14. When the pressing force is removed, the operating shaft 23 is pushed up by the restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact 8 and returns to the original state of FIG.

[0013]

However, in recent years,
While miniaturization of various electronic devices is required, the conventional multidirectional operation switch has a problem that the outer diameter and thickness are large, and the cost is high due to the large number of components.

Further, there is also a problem that when switching is performed by inclining the operating shaft 23 obliquely, there is no clicking feeling, and it is difficult to intuitively recognize that the switch has been turned on.

The present invention is to solve such a conventional problem. The switch has a small number of components, is small in size, and is low in cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-directional operation switch that can perform switching with certainty and a multi-directional operation device using the same.

[0016]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention comprises a dome-shaped switch having a central hole on an outer fixed contact provided on the bottom surface of a resin box-shaped case. The lower end of the outer edge of the movable contact is placed, and the inner fixed contact below the center position of the dome-shaped movable contact and the inner fixed contact located inside the outer fixed contact and equidistant from the center fixed contact and equidistant from the center fixed contact are supported. By tilting and pushing the shaft portion of the operating body having the conductive central pressing portion and the inner pressing portion serving as the pressing step portion, between the outer fixed contact and each inner fixed contact, and the outer fixed contact And switching between the center fixed contact and the center fixed contact.

According to the present invention, there is provided a multi-directional operation switch having a small number of component parts, a small outer diameter and a small thickness, a low cost, and a click feeling even when switching is performed by inclining the operation body. The multidirectional operation device used can be provided.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is directed to a dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal sheet having a hole in the center, an outer fixed contact on which the lower end of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact is mounted, and The center fixed contact smaller than the center hole of the dome-shaped movable contact arranged at the center position of the dome-shaped movable contact, and the center fixed contact arranged at an equidistant and equidistant position from the center fixed contact inside the outer fixed contact. A box-shaped case made of resin having a plurality of inner fixed contacts on the bottom surface, a cover covering the opening at the top of the box-shaped case and having a through-hole in the center, and a shaft protruding upward from the through-hole at the center of the cover. And a flange portion integrally formed at the lower end thereof. The outer periphery of the flange portion does not rotate on the inner wall of the case, but is engaged and supported so that it can tilt and move up and down. On the lower surface of the flange portion pushed up to the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact, the position corresponding to the plurality of inner fixed contacts on the bottom of the box-shaped case becomes a pressing step, which is larger than the hole of the dome-shaped movable contact in the center. A polygonal or circular ring-shaped inner pressing portion having a depression is integrally formed, and furthermore, an operation body in which a central pressing portion made of a conductor having substantially the same height as the inner pressing portion is arranged in the depression. The switch is a multi-directional operation switch.It has a simple configuration with few switch components, has a small outer diameter and thickness, and is low-cost. There is a click feeling when performing, and the dome-shaped movable contact does not contact the center fixed contact,
When the shaft of the operating body is pushed down vertically, the dome-shaped movable contact is inverted to generate moderation, and at the same time, switching is performed by contacting with the center fixed contact via the conductor on the lower surface of the flange, ensuring reliable and stable operation It has the effect of being able to provide a multi-directional operation switch capable of performing such switching.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal sheet having a hole in the center, an outer fixed contact on which the lower end of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact is placed, and a hole in the center of the dome-shaped movable contact. A resin bearing having a central bearing portion having a smaller diameter than the outer fixed contact and projecting higher than the outer fixed contact and a plurality of inner fixed contacts arranged at equidistant and equidistant positions from the central bearing inside the outer fixed contact on the bottom surface. A box-shaped case, a cover having a through-hole at the center covering the opening at the upper surface of the box-shaped case, a shaft protruding upward from the through-hole at the center of the cover, and a flange integrally formed at a lower end thereof; The outer periphery of the flange portion does not rotate on the inner wall of the case, but is engaged and supported so as to tilt and move up and down, and the upper surface is in contact with the back surface of the cover, and the flange pushed up to the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact. The lower surface of the section, polygonal or circular inner pressing portion a plurality of positions corresponding to the inner fixed contacts is turned pressing stepped portion of the box-shaped case bottom are integrally formed,
A multi-directional operation switch composed of an operation body having a recess in which the tip of the center support portion of the bottom of the box-shaped case engages in the center thereof. With a simple structure, the shaft of the operation body is oblique. When switching between the inner fixed contact and the inner fixed contact, the dome-shaped movable contact performs a partial reversing operation, and the tip of the center support portion and the center recess of the inner pressing portion are engaged, so that the shaft portion is Since there is no displacement in the lateral direction, there is an effect that a multi-directional switch capable of performing reliable and stable switching with a clear click feeling can be provided at low cost.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the center pressing portion on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body is formed of an elastic conductor.
When a strong impact is applied to the operating body when the shaft portion of the operating body is pressed vertically downward, the elastic conductive body can reduce the impact and protect the contact portion.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the inner pressing portion and the center pressing portion on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body are formed by an integral conductor. Since the lower surface of the flange portion has a simple configuration, it has an effect that it is advantageous for miniaturization of the multidirectional operation switch.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the inner pressing portion on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body is formed of an elastic body. This has the effect of preventing the contact portion from being damaged even when a large force or impact force is applied vertically or obliquely to the contact portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the reversing operation force of the dome-shaped movable contact between the outer fixed contact on the bottom of the box-shaped case and the dome-shaped movable contact is smaller. A structure in which a conductive elastic body having a small repulsive force is arranged so that the dome-shaped movable contact floats slightly, and the insulation distance between the inner fixed contact and the dome-shaped movable contact in the neutral state is increased. In addition, when the shaft portion of the operating body is tilted obliquely and the inner pressing portion on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body pushes down the dome-shaped movable contact to perform switching, the shaft portion of the operating body is tilted by the amount of contracting the elastic body. Since the angle can be increased, there is an effect that reliable and stable switching can be performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, an elastic body is disposed between the back surface of the cover and the upper surface of the flange portion of the operating body.
When switching by tilting the shaft of the operating body obliquely, the angle of tilt of the shaft of the operating body can be increased, and the elastic body bends when a large force or impact force is applied to the operating body. Accordingly, the contact portion can be prevented from being damaged, and the variation in the molding size of the operating body or the like can be absorbed, and the rattling of the shaft portion can be reduced.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the dome-shaped movable contact has a substantially spherical shape with an outer peripheral portion having a truncated cone shape and an inner central portion slightly bulging upward. It is a configuration in which an elastic metal thin plate is formed by drawing in a shape in which the boundary between the two is smoothly connected with a curved line, and it is easy to manufacture a mold that forms a dome-shaped movable contact, Since the reversing operation force and the elastic restoring force of the contact can be easily managed by the height and the inclination angle of the truncated cone portion, it has an effect of easily responding to a demand for an operation feeling such as an operation force of a multidirectional operation switch.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth aspect, the angle between the inclined surface and the bottom surface of the truncated conical portion on the outer periphery of the dome-shaped movable contact is 25 ° to 35 °, and the entire dome-shaped movable contact is provided. The height of the truncated cone is 70% of the height
In this configuration, the ratio of the diameter of the inner pressing portion of the operating body to the outer diameter of the dome-shaped movable contact is 40% to 60%, and the shaft of the operating body is inclined and operated. In both cases and when the operation is performed by vertically pressing down, the click feeling at the time of the inverting operation of the dome-shaped movable contact is particularly clear, so that the switching operation can be performed reliably and comfortably.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, the operating knob is deeper than a length of a portion where the shaft of the operating body protrudes from the cover and is downward from an upper end surface of the shaft. It has a configuration with a hole for coupling, compared to a general configuration in which the cylindrical leg of the operation knob is covered on the outer periphery of the part protruding from the cover of the shaft of the operating body.
Since the effective fitting length between the shaft portion of the operating body and the leg portion of the operation knob can be increased, there is an effect that rattling of the connecting portion can be reduced when the operation knob is operated at an angle.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the tenth aspect, a concave portion or a convex portion is provided on a wall surface of a hole provided below the upper end surface of the shaft portion of the operating body, and is inserted and coupled to the hole. The operation knob has a projection or a recess provided on the outer periphery of the leg to engage with the recess or the projection. When the operation knob is operated at an angle, the leg of the operation knob is operated by the operation body. Has the effect that it can be prevented from falling out of the hole of the shaft part.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hole provided below the upper end surface of the shaft portion of the operating body and the outer shape of the leg of the operation knob inserted and coupled to the hole. Both have a configuration in which the upper end has a large diameter and the lower end has a small diameter, and the thickness of the shaft of the operating body and the outer diameter of the legs of the operating knob are large when the operating knob is operated by tilting the operating knob. By increasing the area where the force is applied and reducing the area where only a small amount of force is applied, it is possible to increase the proof stress when the operation knob is tilted and operated without increasing the outer diameter of the shaft of the operating body Having.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multidirectional operation switch according to the first or second aspect, wherein a shaft portion of an operation body of the multidirectional operation switch is arranged in a middle direction between two adjacent inner fixed contacts. When tilted, the two inner fixed contacts are both turned on, and when two or more inner fixed contacts are turned on within a certain time, switching using time measuring means for processing as any other signal different from any single switch signal This is a multi-directional operation device that has a configuration consisting of recognition means, and realizes a multi-directional operation device that can detect a direction twice as many as the number of inner fixed contacts and output a signal when the operation body is tilted obliquely. Has the effect of being able to.

According to the invention of claims 14 to 18, the multidirectional operation switch of claim 1 is mounted on various devices, thereby concentrating and simplifying various operations, and further reducing the size, thickness and weight. It has the effect that it can be achieved simultaneously.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
(A) is an exploded perspective view of the same, in which 31 is a box-shaped case made of resin, and the opening on the upper surface is covered with a cover 32 made of a metal plate or the like. The same is true.

As shown in the plan view of the box-shaped case in FIG. 3, a dome-shaped movable contact 3 made of an elastic thin metal plate having a hole 38A in the center is provided on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31 made of resin.
8 and a center fixed contact 48 disposed below the center position of the dome-shaped movable contact 38, and a substantially middle point between the left, right, front and rear outer fixed contacts 33. Are fixed by insert molding or the like, and these fixed contacts 33 and 34 to 37, 48 are respectively provided for external lead-out corresponding to each other. Terminals 43 and 44 to 47, 49.

The center fixed contact 48 is set smaller than the central hole 38A of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and higher than the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37.

Although four sets of the outer fixed contact 33 and the external lead-out terminal 43 are shown, one set may be used.

Then, the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is arranged as shown in FIG.
As shown in the external perspective view of (a) and the front cross-sectional view of (b), the elastic metal sheet is drawn into a circular dome shape with a hole 38A at the center, and the shape is an outer peripheral portion 38B. Has a substantially truncated cone shape, and a central portion 38C inside thereof has a substantially spherical shape slightly bulging upward, and the boundary between the two is connected by a smooth curve.

Reference numeral 40 denotes an operating body comprising a shaft portion 40B and a square flange portion 40A integrally formed at the lower end thereof. The shaft portion 40B is provided with a through hole 32A at the center of the cover 32.
From the box-shaped case 31
The four inner corners 31A of the inner wall of the inner wall are not rotatable, but are engaged and supported so as to be tiltable and vertically movable.

As shown in the bottom view of the operation body in FIG. 2B, the outer periphery of the outer peripheral portion is located at the center of the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31, as shown in the bottom view of the operation body in FIG. An inner pressing portion 41 formed in a circular ring shape is provided so that the step portion is located, and a central recess of the circular ring inner pressing portion 41 is larger than a central hole 38A of the dome-shaped movable contact 38. Conductor 50 as central pressing part
Are arranged so as to have the same height as or slightly project from the inner pressing portion 41 having a circular ring shape.

The dome-shaped movable contact 38 is positioned by the circular portion of the inner wall of the box-shaped case 31 so as to coincide with the center of the box-shaped case 31 and is mounted on the outer fixed contact 33 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31. The lower surface of the flange portion 40A of the operation body 40 is pushed up by the upper surface portion of the operation body 40, and the upper surface thereof is pressed against the back surface of the cover 32, thereby maintaining the vertical neutral position.

The operation knob 42 is inserted into the hole 40C formed from the upper end surface of the shaft portion 40B above the operation body 40 to a depth deeper than the length of the portion where the shaft portion 40B protrudes from the cover 32 and to the flange portion 40A. Legs 42A are inserted and connected.

Next, the operation of the thus configured multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the operating body 40 is in the vertical neutral position,
In the state of FIG. 1 in which the inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface does not press the dome-shaped movable contact 38, any of the contacts of the present multidirectional operation switch is off.

Then, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5, when the upper left side of the operation knob 42 attached to the shaft portion 40B above the operation body 40 is pushed downward, the operation body 40 The upper surface of the abutting flange 40A is tilted with the vertex 40D on the right side in the drawing as a fulcrum, and the step on the outer periphery of the inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to partially invert it, thereby generating moderation and The outer fixed contact 3 is brought into contact with the inner fixed contact 34 on the bottom left side of the
3 and the inside fixed contact 34 are turned on, and the signal is generated to the outside through the terminals 43 and 44 for external derivation.

At this time, even if the central portion of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 having the hole 38A at the center is inverted to the bottom side of the box-shaped case 31, the center fixed contact 48 is larger than the hole 38A at the center of the dome-shaped movable contact 38. Dome-shaped movable contact 38 because of its small size
Further, the conductor 50 disposed in the center of the circular ring of the inner pressing portion 41 is also lifted away from the center fixed contact 48 with the step portion on the outer periphery of the circular ring-shaped inner pressing portion 41 as a fulcrum. Fixed contact 4
No contact with 8.

Thereafter, when the pressing force applied to the operating knob 42 is removed, the operating body 40 is moved by the elastic restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 so that the operating body 40 is pressed into the inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface of the flange portion 40A.
Is returned to the vertical neutral position, the dome-shaped movable contact 38 separates from the inner fixed contact 34, and the switch contact returns to the off state.

Similarly, by changing the position at which the operation knob 42 is pressed to the right, front, or rear, signals can be output to the outside through the external derivation terminals 45, 46, and 47 corresponding to the respective directions.

The operation knob 42, that is, the operation body 40
Of the operating body 40 when the tilting operation is performed.
And the inner wall of the box-shaped case 31 are four corners 31A of a square.
Therefore, the operation body 40, that is, the operation knob 42 does not rotate, and the desired switch contacts can be easily and reliably turned on.

When the operation body 40 is tilted by pushing the upper end of the operation knob 42 downward to operate the operation body 40,
The hole 40C of the shaft portion 40B and the leg 42 of the operation knob 42
A laterally oscillating force acts between the joints of A.
Since the leg C and the leg 42A are connected by fitting with a long dimension, the backlash is small.

Next, as indicated by an arrow in the front sectional view of FIG. 6, the operation knob 42 mounted on the shaft portion 40B of the operation body 40
When a pressing force is applied vertically downward from above to the central upper surface of the operating body 40, that is, the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40, the operating body 40 is depressed.
The inner pressing portion 41 disposed on the lower surface of the flange portion 40A and the conductor 50 as the center pressing portion are formed of the dome-shaped movable contact 3.
8 is pressed and reversed to produce a moderation, and at the same time
Dome-shaped movable contact 38 via a conductor 50 at the center of the lower surface of the
And the center fixed contact 48 comes into contact with each other to turn on between the outer fixed contact 33 and the center fixed contact 48.
8 can be generated to the outside through the external lead-out terminal 49 corresponding to the dome-shaped movable contact 3 when the pressing force is removed.
The operating body 40 is pushed up by the restoring force of 8, and returns to the state of the vertical neutral position.

As described above, the multi-directional operation switch according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 and a center fixed contact 48 below one dome-shaped movable contact 38, and an operating body 40. Since the switching corresponding to the direction in which the shaft portion 40B is pushed perpendicular to each direction of tilting is performed, the number of components is small, the outer diameter and thickness can be reduced, and the cost is also advantageous. Also, a clear click feeling can be generated by the inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface of the operating body 40 pushing down the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to partially invert it.

Here, when the operation feeling accompanied by the click feeling is schematically represented, it is generally represented as a characteristic diagram showing a change in the operation force with respect to the operation stroke of pushing down the dome-shaped movable contact in FIG. In the figure, the ratio B / A of the reversing operation force A and the repulsive return force B of the dome-shaped movable contact is shown.
It is considered that the time of 40% to 60% is usually a preferable operation feeling.

The contents of the study of the shape of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 in the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment so as to satisfy the condition will be described with reference to FIG.

The multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment is particularly small in size, considering the arrangement of the outer fixed contacts 33, the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37, and the center fixed contact 48 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31. In order to ensure the electrical insulation distance between the above-mentioned fixed contacts, it is considered that it is desirable to dispose the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 at a substantially intermediate position between the outer fixed contact 33 and the center fixed contact 48. Therefore, assuming that the ratio d / D of the outer diameter D of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to the diameter d of the inner pressing portion 41 is 50%, the step of the inner pressing portion 41 pushes down the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to operate. In the case, the angle θ formed between the bottom surface of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the slope of the outer peripheral frustoconical portion, and the ratio h / H of the total height H of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to the height h of the frustoconical portion are shown. While variously changing, operation feeling was studied shape of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to be optimized (the abbreviation of each portion of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 FIG 8 (b)
).

As can be seen from the graph showing the results of the study shown in FIG. 8A, the reversing operation force A and the repulsion / return force B, which are generally said to favor the operation of the dome-shaped movable contact 38, are preferred.
Indicates the ratio B / A = 40% to 60%.
25 ° -35 °, h / H = 70% -95%.

The above examination results are obtained when the value of d / D is fixed at 50%. In addition, the results obtained when the value of d / D is varied in the range of 40% to 60% are also obtained. It was noted that the results were almost the same.

As a result, by mounting the dome-shaped movable contact 38 having a shape within the above range in the multi-directional operation switch, the operation knob 42, that is, the operation body 4
A good and clear click feeling can be obtained in both the operation of tilting 0 and the operation of pressing down, so that good operability can be realized.

In the above description, the shape of the inner pressing portion 41 provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 40A of the operating body 40 is a polygon having corners in the direction corresponding to the inner fixed contact 34 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31. The inner pressing portion 4 may be formed in a ring shape.
Needless to say, the whole may be a conductor.

When the conductor 50 serving as the center pressing portion is formed of a material having elasticity, the contact portion can be protected by its elasticity. Further, the center pressing portion and the inner pressing portion 41 can be formed as an integral conductor. When formed, the flange portion 40
Needless to say, since the lower surface of A can have a simple structure, it is advantageous for miniaturization.

Next, a multidirectional operation device using the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment will be described.

As described above, the multidirectional operation switch of the present invention can switch in four directions by tilting the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40 in the direction in which the inner fixed contact is arranged. 40 shaft portion 40B
Is tilted in the middle direction between two adjacent inner fixed contacts, the operating body 40 is tilted with the vertex opposite to the tilting direction of the upper surface of the upper surface of the flange portion 40A abutting on the back surface of the cover 32 as a fulcrum. Both the inner fixed contacts on both sides in the direction in which the body 40 is tilted are turned on, and if the turning-on timing of two adjacent switch contacts is shifted at this time, it is connected to the external lead-out terminal. By using the switching recognition means constituted by a microcomputer (not shown), the difference between the timings at which the two sets of switch contacts are turned on is measured. By providing a measuring means (not shown) and processing it as another signal different from that when the individual switch contacts are turned on, the number of signals is twice the number of inner fixed contacts. Processing can, in the case of using the multidirectional operating switch of the present embodiment is capable of providing a multi-directional operating device capable 8 direction detection.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 9 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
0 is an exploded perspective view of the same. As shown in the figure, the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment is different from the multidirectional operation switch according to the first embodiment in that the upper surface of the flange 40A of the operating body 40 is The configuration is such that a sheet-like elastic body 51 made of rubber or the like is inserted between the back surfaces of the cover 32, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

By disposing the elastic body 51 between the flange portion 40A of the operation body 40 and the back surface of the cover 32, the elastic body 51 can be used for processing the box-shaped case 31, the cover 32, the operation body 40 and the dome-shaped movable contact 38. Even when a slight dimensional change or variation occurs during the combination, it is possible to prevent the operation body 40 from rattling as long as the elastic body 51 bends.

Further, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 11, when the operation knob 42 mounted on the knob mounting hole 40C of the operation body 40 is pressed downward on the upper left side in the figure, the operation body 40 is moved to the upper surface of the flange 40A. And the inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to partially invert the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to generate a moderation, and at the same time, the corresponding dome-shaped inner fixed contact 34 on the bottom left of the box-shaped case 31. The movable contact 38 contacts, and the outer fixed contact 33 and the inner fixed contact 3
4 can be turned on and a signal can be generated to the outside through the external lead-out terminals 43 and 44, as in the first embodiment, but at this time, the elastic body 51 is locally attached to the vertex 40D. The operating portion 40 is pressed and deformed to a greater degree than the other portions, so that the tilt angle of the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40 can be increased, and an impact force or an abnormal force is applied to the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40 when tilting. In this case, the switch contact portion can be further protected by compressive deformation to absorb the force.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention. For the multidirectional operation switch, a circular ring-shaped inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface of the operating body 40 corresponding to the inner fixed contacts 34 to 37 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31 is configured by an elastic body 52 such as rubber. The elastic body 52 is press-fitted into a ring-shaped recess 40E provided on the lower surface of the operation body 40, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The elastic body 52 is provided with a dome-shaped movable contact 38 placed on the outer fixed contact 33 on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31.
However, the compressive deformation force is set to be larger than the reversing operation force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38.

Therefore, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 13, when the upper left side of the operation knob 42 attached to the knob mounting hole 40C of the operation body 40 in the figure is pushed downward, the operation body 40 is moved to the upper surface of the flange 40A. The right-side apex 40D is tilted with the fulcrum as a fulcrum.
To turn on the switch by contacting the inner fixed contact 34 on the left side of the bottom surface of the corresponding box-shaped case 31 at the same time as pressing the button to cause moderation.
However, at this time, when a large force is applied to the upper left surface of the operation knob 42, the elastic body 52 can be compressed and deformed to absorb the force, and the shaft portion 40B of the operation body 40 It is also possible to prevent the operating body 40 from further tilting against the through-hole wall 32B provided around the through-hole 32A at the center of the 32.

Also, when a large downward impact force is applied to the upper surface of the operation knob 42, that is, the operation body 40, the elastic body 52 is compressed and deformed to absorb the force. It is possible to prevent an excessively large force from being applied and to prevent the damage.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The multi-directional operation switch according to the present embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment. A repulsive force between the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the outer fixed contact 33 of the box-shaped case 31 is slightly smaller than the reversing operation force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 shown in the perspective view of FIG. The configuration is such that a conductive elastic body 53 having the following configuration is arranged so that the dome-shaped movable contact 38 is slightly lifted, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The multi-directional operation switch according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is configured as shown in FIG.
Operating knob 42 attached to the knob mounting hole 40C
When the upper left surface in the figure is pushed downward, the operating body 40 tilts with the right vertex 40D on the upper surface of the flange portion 40A as a fulcrum, and the inner pressing portion 41 on the lower surface pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 38 according to the embodiment. 1, but at this time, the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the box-shaped case 3
A conductive elastic body 5 disposed between the first external fixed contact 33 and the outer fixed contact 33
As the third member 3 is compressed, the dome-shaped movable contact 38 pressed by the inner pressing portion 41 of the operation body 40 is in a state in which the left side of the flange portion 40A of the operation body 40 is more inclined than in the first embodiment. At the same time, the switch is turned on by contacting the inside fixed contact 34 on the left side of the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 31 to generate a signal to the outside through a terminal (not shown) for leading out.

Thereafter, when the pressing force applied to the operation knob 42 is removed, the operating body 40 is moved by the restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 and the conductive elastic body 53 to the inner pressing portion 4 on the lower surface.
1 is pushed up to return to the vertical neutral state, the dome-shaped movable contact 38 separates from the inner fixed contact 34, and the switch returns to the off state.

Similarly, by changing the position where the operation knob 42 is pressed to the right, front, or rear, it is possible to output a signal to the outside through a derivation terminal (not shown) corresponding to each direction. This is the same as the case of the multidirectional operation switch according to the first embodiment.

As described above, the multi-directional operation switch according to the present embodiment is configured such that the inner fixed contacts 34 to 3 in the neutral state are provided.
Since the insulation distance can be increased so that the 7 and the dome-shaped movable contact 38 do not easily come into contact with each other, erroneous operation of the switch can be prevented, and the angle at which the operation body 40 is inclined can be increased, so that reliable and stable switching can be achieved. Is what you can do.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 17 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. For the multi-directional operation switch, a convex locking claw 4 is formed on the outer periphery of the leg 42A of the operation knob 42 inserted and coupled to the knob mounting hole 40C above the operation body 40.
2B and an engagement recess 40F with which the locking claw 42B is engaged is provided on the inner wall surface of the hole 40C, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

With this configuration, the leg 42A of the operation knob 42 can be operated while the multidirectional operation switch is being operated.
Can be securely fixed and held so as not to fall out of the hole 40C of the operating body 40.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 18 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The multi-directional operation switch according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The multi-directional operation switch differs from the multi-directional operation switch in the configuration of the fitting portion between the knob insertion hole 40C of the operation body 40 and the leg 42A of the operation knob 42. The upper end of the hole 40C is a large diameter portion 40G and the lower end is Is a small-diameter portion 40H, the upper end of the corresponding leg portion 42A is a large-diameter portion 42C, the lower end is a small-diameter portion 42D, and the upper and lower ends are press-fitted and fitted. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Since the length from the upper end of the large-diameter portion to the lower end of the small-diameter portion is longer than the length protruding from the cover of the shaft portion 40B as in the first embodiment, the operation body 40 and the operation knob 42 The effective fitting length does not change and the backlash can be reduced, and the lower end portion of the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40 and the upper end of the leg portion 42A of the operating knob 42 to which a large force is applied when the operation knob 42 is tilted and operated. The upper end of the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40 and the operating knob 42 to which no force is applied while increasing the thickness of the large-diameter portion 42C.
By reducing the thickness of the small-diameter portion 42D at the lower end of the leg portion 42A, it is possible to increase the strength when the operation knob 42 is tilted and operated without increasing the outer diameter of the shaft portion 40B of the operating body 40. Things.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 19 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 (a) is an exploded perspective view thereof, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the multi-directional operation switch according to the present embodiment, which is different from the multi-directional operation switch according to the first embodiment in the box-shaped case 3.
1. Instead of the center fixed contact 48 at the center of the bottom surface and the conductor 50 serving as the center pressing portion of the operating body 40, a central support portion projecting upward from a hole 38A at the center of the dome-shaped movable contact 38 at the center of the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 60. 60A is provided with a supporting concave portion 61B which is engaged with the central support portion 60A in the center of the lower surface of the flange portion 61A of the operating body 61, and the other portions are the same as those of the first embodiment. Although the description is omitted, this configuration provides a switching function only when the operating body 61 is tilted.

When the upper left side in the figure of the operation knob 42 of the multidirectional operation switch according to the present embodiment thus configured is pressed downward as shown by the arrow in FIG. 21, the operation body 61 is moved to the right side of the flange portion 61A. Is tilted with the apex 61C of the fulcrum as a fulcrum, and the inner pressing portion 61D on the lower surface of the flange 61A can push the dome-shaped movable contact 38 to partially invert and switch, which is the same as the operation described in the first embodiment.
At this time, the center support portion 60A at the center of the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 60 is engaged with the support recess 61B on the lower surface of the flange portion 61A of the operation body 61.
, The positional relationship between the operating body 61 and the box-shaped case 60 can be maintained at an accurate position without being shifted in the lateral direction, whereby reliable and stable switching with a clear click feeling can be achieved. It can be carried out.

In the above embodiment, the box-shaped case 6
0, the central support portion 60A and the flange portion 61 of the operating body 61.
Although the supporting concave portion 61B is provided on the lower surface of A, it goes without saying that the configuration may be reversed.

(Embodiment 8) The present embodiment relates to a multidirectional operation device using the multidirectional operation switch according to the present invention. This is described as an example.
For example, when a multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention is mounted on a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone or a pager, a cursor movement or menu displayed on a display such as a liquid crystal screen by tilting an axis portion, Scroll or search for characters, etc., confirm the menu by pushing the shaft part (contents of claim 14, only the claim number will be described in parentheses), and send by pushing further (Claim 1
6).

(Embodiment 9) This embodiment relates to a multidirectional operation device using a multidirectional operation switch according to the present invention. As an example, when a multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention is mounted on a remote control or audio equipment, the power is turned on and off by repeating the push operation of the shaft.
F, playback, and stop can be sequentially switched.
6) The operation of tilting the shaft in the front-rear direction and the operation of tilting the shaft in the left and right directions are appropriately assigned to commands such as channel selection, music selection, volume up / down, fast forward rewind, etc. By doing so, a pre-assigned instruction can be executed (claim 17).

Further, the command to be assigned can be switched by pushing the shaft portion.
8).

(Embodiment 10) The present embodiment relates to a multi-directional operation device using the multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention. As an example, in a game device or a car navigation device equipped with a multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention, by tilting the shaft portion, a character or a map on the display is tilted by the method of tilting the shaft portion. In response to this, a predetermined command such as switching of the map magnification or jumping of the character can be executed by pushing the shaft portion.

(Embodiment 11) The present embodiment relates to a multidirectional operation device using a multidirectional operation switch according to the present invention, wherein an electronic camera is an example of the contents described in claims 16 and 17. In the case where the multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention is mounted on an electronic camera, a shutter speed, an aperture value, and the like are set by tilting the shaft, and then the shaft is pushed. In this way, the set contents are determined (claim 17), and the focus is set by pushing the shaft after setting the focus target position in the viewfinder by tilting the shaft, By performing a push operation again within a predetermined time, an operation of releasing a shutter can be performed (claim 16).

(Embodiment 12) The present embodiment relates to a multi-directional operation device using a multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention. The contents of claim 14 will be described by taking a computer device as an example. When the multi-directional operation switch according to the present invention is mounted on the computer device, the cursor is moved on the display or menu is selected by tilting the shaft, and the menu is determined and executed by pushing. (Claim 14).

[0086]

As described above, according to the present invention, the outer diameter and thickness of the switch can be reduced by reducing the number of components of the multi-directional operation switch, and the height including the knob can also be kept low. And low cost,
When switching is performed by inclining the operating body obliquely, there is an advantageous effect that a multi-directional switch can be provided which has a click feeling and a reliable and stable switch operation.

Further, in the multi-directional operation device using the multi-directional operation switch of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effects of concentrating and simplifying various operations, and at the same time, achieving a reduction in size, thickness, and weight.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the same, and FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the box-shaped case.

FIG. 4A is an external perspective view of the dome-shaped movable contact, and FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view when the operating body is pushed.

FIG. 7 is a general characteristic diagram showing a change in an operation force with respect to an operation stroke of the dome-shaped movable contact.

FIG. 8 (a) is a distribution diagram showing a study result on a shape satisfying a preferable operation feeling of the dome-shaped movable contact; and (b) a partial cross-sectional view of the dome-shaped movable contact and an inner pressing portion.

FIG. 9 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conductive elastic body that is the main component.

FIG. 16 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 17 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional operation switch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20A is an exploded perspective view of the same, and FIG.

FIG. 21 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted;

FIG. 22 is a front sectional view of a conventional multidirectional operation switch.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the same case with a part cutaway.

FIG. 24 is a front sectional view when the operation shaft is tilted.

FIG. 25 is a front sectional view when the operating shaft is pushed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 31, 60 Box-shaped case 31A Corner 32 Cover 32A Through-hole 32B Through-hole wall 33 Outer fixed contact 34-37 Inner fixed contact 38 Domed movable contact 38A Hole 38B Outer peripheral part 38C Central part 40,61 Operating body 40A, 61A Flange part 40B Shaft part 40C Hole 40D, 61C Apex part 40E Depression 40F Engagement concave part 40G Large diameter part 40H Small diameter part 41, 61D Inside pressing part 42 Operation knob 42A Leg 42B Locking claw 42C Large diameter part 42D Small diameter part 43- 47, 49 Terminal 48 Center fixed contact 50 Conductor 51, 52 Elastic body 53 Conductive elastic body 60A Central support 61B Support recess

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal sheet having a hole in the center, an outer fixed contact on which the lower end of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact is placed, and a dome-shaped movable contact arranged at the center of the dome-shaped movable contact. Resin made of resin with a center fixed contact smaller than the hole at the center of the contact and a plurality of inner fixed contacts on the bottom surface lower than the center fixed contact arranged at equidistant and equidistant positions from the center fixed contact inside the outer fixed contact A box-shaped case, a cover having a through-hole in the center covering the opening on the top of the box-shaped case, a shaft protruding upward from the through-hole in the center of the cover, and a flange integrally formed at the lower end thereof,
The outer periphery of the flange portion does not rotate on the inner wall of the case, but is engaged and supported so as to tilt and move up and down so that the upper surface contacts the back surface of the cover and the lower surface of the flange portion pushed up by the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact. A position corresponding to the plurality of inner fixed contacts on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case serves as a pressing step, and a polygonal or circular ring-shaped inner pressing portion having a recess in the center larger than the hole of the dome-shaped movable contact. Are integrally formed, and a multi-directional operation switch comprising an operating body in which a central pressing portion made of a conductor having substantially the same height as the inner pressing portion is disposed in the recess. 2. A dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal sheet having a hole in the center, an outer fixed contact on which the lower end of the outer edge of the dome-shaped movable contact is mounted, and an outer fixed having a smaller diameter than the hole in the center of the dome-shaped movable contact. A box-shaped case made of resin having a central support portion projecting higher than the contacts and a plurality of inner fixed contacts disposed at an equidistant and equiangular position from the central support portion inside the outer fixed contacts and a bottom surface; A cover that covers the opening on the upper surface of the case and has a through-hole at the center, a shaft protruding upward from the through-hole at the center of the cover, and a flange integrally formed at the lower end thereof; The inner wall of the dome-shaped movable contact is not engaged with the inner wall of the dome-shaped movable contact, and the upper surface is in contact with the lower surface of the cover. A polygonal or circular inner pressing portion in which positions corresponding to the plurality of inner fixed contacts on the bottom of the base are pressing steps is integrally formed, and the center of the front end of the central supporting portion of the bottom of the box-shaped case is formed at the center thereof. A multidirectional operation switch comprising an operation body provided with a depression to be engaged. 3. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the central pressing portion on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body is formed of an elastic conductor. 4. The multi-directional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the inner pressing portion and the center pressing portion on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body are formed of an integral conductor. 5. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the inner pressing portion on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operation body is formed of an elastic body. 6. A dome-shaped movable member comprising a conductive elastic body having a repulsion force slightly smaller than a reversing operation force of the dome-shaped movable contact between the outer fixed contact on the bottom surface of the box-shaped case and the dome-shaped movable contact. 3. The multi-directional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the contact is slightly lifted. 7. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein an elastic body is disposed between the back surface of the cover and the upper surface of the flange of the operation body. 8. An elastic metal thin plate having a dome-shaped movable contact in a shape in which an outer peripheral portion has a truncated conical shape and an inner central portion has a substantially spherical shape slightly bulging upward and a boundary between the two is smoothly curved. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the multidirectional operation switch is formed by drawing. 9. The angle between the inclined surface and the bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion on the outer periphery of the dome-shaped movable contact is 25 ° to 35 °, and the height of the truncated cone-shaped portion is 70% of the total height of the dome-shaped movable contact.
The ratio of the diameter of the inner pressing portion of the operating body to the outer diameter of the dome-shaped movable contact is 40% to 60%.
Multidirectional operation switch as described. 10. The multidirectional operation according to claim 1, wherein a hole for operating knob connection is provided below the upper end surface of the shaft portion, the hole being deeper than a length of a portion where the shaft portion of the operation body projects from the cover. switch. 11. A concave portion or a convex portion is provided on a wall surface of a hole provided below an upper end surface of a shaft portion of an operation body, and the concave portion or the convex portion is formed on an outer periphery of a leg of an operation knob inserted and coupled to the hole. The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 10, further comprising a convex portion or a concave portion to be engaged. 12. An outer shape of a hole provided below an upper end surface of a shaft portion of an operation body and a leg portion of an operation knob inserted and coupled to the hole, the upper end having a large diameter and the lower end having a small diameter. 1
The multidirectional operation switch according to 0 or 11. 13. The multi-directional operation switch according to claim 1 or 2 and two inner fixed contacts when the shaft of the operating body of the multi-directional operation switch is tilted in the middle direction between any two adjacent inner fixed contacts. Multi-directional operation consisting of switching recognition means using time measuring means for processing both as a different signal different from any single switch signal when two or more inner fixed contacts are turned on within a certain time while both are turned on apparatus. 14. A multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein a signal of turning on one or two adjacent inner fixed contacts by tilting a shaft portion of an operation body of the multidirectional operation switch is detected. A multi-directional operation device that selects an arbitrary item from among a plurality of display items, and then detects a signal that the center fixed contact is turned on by vertically depressing the shaft portion to determine the selected item. . 15. A multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1, wherein a signal of turning on one or two adjacent fixed inner contacts by tilting a shaft of an operating body of the multidirectional operation switch is detected. Selects a pre-assigned vector direction signal from a plurality of vector direction signals, moves the displayed object in the vector direction, and then detects the signal that the center fixed contact is turned on by pushing down the shaft vertically. A multi-directional operation device configured to execute a pre-assigned command for the moved object. 16. A signal in which the center fixed contact is continuously turned on by continuously depressing the shaft vertically plural times within a predetermined time, and sequentially executes a plurality of predetermined command signals based on this signal. The multidirectional operation device according to claim 14, wherein the operation is performed. 17. The method according to claim 17, wherein the shaft portion is tilted in directions opposite to each other with respect to the center, so that a function assigned in advance in accordance with each of the tilting directions is adjusted. 16. The multidirectional operation device according to 14 or 15. 18. A signal in which a center fixed contact is turned on is detected by vertically pushing down a shaft portion, and a command assigned according to each direction of tilting the shaft portion is switched by this signal in a predetermined order. Claim 1
The multidirectional operation device according to 4, 15 or 17.