JP3744638B2

JP3744638B2 - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP3744638B2
Application number: JP05968797A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 喜三郎高橋
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 1997-03-13
Filing date: 1997-03-13
Publication date: 2006-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 2017-03-13
Also published as: JPH10255595A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は自動車、オーデオ機器、ゲーム機器、携帯電話機等に使用して好適な多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来において、携帯用電子機器等に使用される多方向入力装置は、特開平８ー２０３３８７号で開示されたものがある。
この多方向入力装置は、図５ー図８に示すように、操作部Ｓを、回転することにより回転型部品Ｒを操作し、また、操作部Ｓを、軸方向に対して直角方向に移動させることによりプッシュスイッチＰを操作するものである。
そして、回転型部品Ｒは、一対の摺動接片５０ａ、５０ｂを備えた接点体５０を箱形ケース５１に固定し、この箱形ケース５１内には、前記摺動接片５０ａと摺接する接点板５２を固定した回転体５３を、軸５４で回転可能に取り付けた構成となっている。
また、プッシュスイッチＰは、筺体５５内に接点部（図示せず）を設け、筺体５５に移動可能に取り付けられた操作ボタン５６を設けた構成となっている。
【０００３】
また、図８に示すように、平板状の絶縁基板５８には、回転型部品Ｒをガイドするための凹部５８ａと、この凹部５８ａの両側に位置し、回転型部品Ｒの抜け止めのための一対のレール５８ｂと、前記凹部５８ａと間隔を置いた凹部５８ｃと、突部５８ｄとが設けられている。
更に、絶縁基板５８には、固定接点５９が、凹部５８ａ内で露出した状態で埋設されている。
そして、絶縁基板５８の凹部５８ａに、回転型部品Ｒのケース５１を載置し、且つ、レール５８ｂを、ケース５１の段部５１ａに当接させ、また、突部５８ｄに掛け止めしたねじりバネ６０で、ケース５１を弾圧して、回転型部品Ｒが絶縁基板５８に取り付けられている。
そして、回転型部品Ｒが取り付けられた際は、摺動接片５０ｂが、絶縁基板５８上の露出した接点５９ａに接触した状態となっている。
【０００４】
また、絶縁基板５８の凹部５８ｃには、プッシュスイッチＰの筺体５５がはめ込まれ、操作ボタン５６が回転型部品Ｒのケース５１の突起５１ｂに対向した状態で、プッシュスイッチＰが絶縁基板５８に取り付けられている。
更に、操作部Ｓが、回転型部品Ｒの回転体５３にネジ６１で取り付けられた構成となっている。
【０００５】
次に、従来の多方向入力装置の動作を説明すると、先ず、操作部Ｓを回転すると、この回転に伴って、回転体５３が軸５４を中心にして回転する。
すると、回転体５３に取り付けられた接点板５２も回転して、摺動接片５０ａに接離して接点の切り換えが行われ、この接点の切り換えが摺動接点５０ｂと接点５９ａを介して固定接点５９に導出される。
次に、操作部Ｓを、軸５４の軸方向に対して直角方向、即ち、矢印Ｙ方向に押圧すると、操作部Ｓは、回転型部品Ｒを伴って、ねじりバネ６０に抗して矢印Ｙ方向に移動する。
この時、摺動接片５０ｂは、固定接点５９の接点５９ａ上に摺動して、回転型部品Ｒの電気接続を維持した状態で、ケース５１の突起５１ｂがプッシュスイッチＰの操作ボタン５６を押圧する。
【０００６】
すると、プッシュスイッチＰの接点の切り換えが行われ、しかる後、操作部Ｓの押圧を解除すると、ねじりバネ６０によって、回転型部品Ｒは操作部Ｓを伴って押圧前の状態に移動する。
この時、摺動接片５０ｂは接点５９ａ上を摺動して、回転型部品Ｒの電気接続を維持すると共に、操作ボタン５６は押圧前の状態に戻り、プッシュスイッチＰの接点の切り換えが行われる。
このように、操作部Ｓを回転することにより回転型部品Ｒを操作し、また、操作部Ｓを、軸方向に対して直角方向に移動させることによりプッシュスイッチＰを操作するものである。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の多方向入力装置は、操作部Ｓを、軸方向に対して直角方向に移動させた時、回転型部品Ｒが移動するため、装置が大型に成るという問題がある。
また、回転型部品Ｒの移動時、回転型部品Ｒの電気接続の維持のため、摺動接片５０ｂを固定接点５９に摺接させる構成を必要とし、このため、長寿命化を図ることが難しく、且つ、その構成が面倒で、コスト高に成るという問題がある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として、回転可能で、且つ、回転軸方向に対して直角方向に移動可能な操作部と、回転可能な回転体を有する回転型電気部品と、プッシュスイッチと、前記操作部と前記回転型電気部品の回転体との間に設けたオルダム接ぎ手とを備え、前記操作部の回転で、前記オルダム接ぎ手を介して前記回転体を回転して前記回転型電気部品を操作し、また、前記操作部を、回転軸方向に対して直角方向に移動した時、回転軸方向に移動して前記プッシュスイッチを操作する移動体を設けた構成とした。
また、第２の解決手段として、前記回転体の中心部に設けた孔に、移動体を配設し、前記操作部を、回転軸方向に対して直角方向に移動した時、前記移動体を回転軸方向に移動して前記プッシュスイッチを操作するようにした構成とした。
また、第３の解決手段として、前記操作部と前記移動体の何れか一方には凸部を、他方には凹部を設け、前記操作部を、回転軸方向に対して直角方向に移動した時、前記凸部と凹部により前記移動体を回転軸方向に移動して前記プッシュスイッチを操作するようにした構成とした。
また、第４の解決手段として、前記移動体が、前記プッシュスイッチの可動体により前記操作部に付勢された構成とした。
また、第５の解決手段として、前記オルダム接ぎ手に係止部を設けて、回転軸方向の抜け防止を行うようにした構成とした。
また、第６の解決手段として、前記オルダム接ぎ手は、前記係止部を有する二つの腕部が間隔を置いて配置され、この二つの腕部間で、突部が摺動するガイド部を形成した構成とした構成とした。
また、第７の解決手段として、前記ガイド部を、前記オルダム接ぎ手の伝達部の両側に、それぞれ二組設けた構成とした。
更に、第８の解決手段として、前記操作部の外壁に突部を設け、また、前記回転体に突部を設け、前記伝達部に形成した二つの腕部間で、前記操作部の突部と前記回転体の突部を挟持した構成とした。
【０００９】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明における多方向入力装置を、図１から図３に基づいて説明すると、図１は本発明の多方向入力装置の要部断面図であって、操作部付近においては図３のＢ−Ｂ断面、それ以外は図３のＡ−Ａ断面を示し、図２は本発明の多方向入力装置に係るオルダム接ぎ手を説明するための要部の分解斜視図、図３は本発明の多方向入力装置に係るオルダム接ぎ手を説明するための要部の平面図であって、操作部側から見た図、図４は本発明の多方向入力装置の動作を説明するための要部断面図である。
【００１０】
そして、合成樹脂の成型品から成る有底の円筒状の操作部１は、内部が中空部１ａとなし、外壁１ｂには、互いに間隔を置いて設けられた二組の窪み部１ｃ，１ｄと、この窪み部１ｃ，１ｄ内に位置し、中空部１ａと連通する孔１ｅ、１ｆと、所望の長さを持って、窪み部１ｃ，１ｄの底部によって構成された二組の突部１ｇ，１ｈと、中空部１ａ内に位置し、中央部に設けられた円錐形状等の傾斜面を有する凹部１ｊとを備えた構成となっている。
【００１１】
また、ロータリスイッチ、ロータリ型エンコーダ等から成る回転型電気部品Ｒを備えていて、この実施例ではロータリ型エンコーダを用いており、この回転型電気部品Ｒは、合成樹脂から成る絶縁ケース２に、固定接点（図示せず）が埋設されている。
また、金属板を折り曲げして形成された取付板３は、中心部に設けられた孔３ａと、下方に延びたプリント基板等への取付用の脚３ｂを有し、この取付板３は、絶縁ケース２の開放部を塞ぐように絶縁ケース２に取り付けられている。
【００１２】
また、合成樹脂の成型品から成る回転体４には、中心部に設けられた移動体挿入用の孔４ａと、外周部に設けられた凹凸部４ｂと、埋設された可動接点５を備えている。
そして、この回転体４は、絶縁ケース２と取付板３との間に収納されて、その一部が取付板３の孔３ａを貫通して外方に突出し、取付板３によって回転可能に取り付けられている。
そして、取り付けられた回転板３は、可動接点５が絶縁ケース２に固定された回転型電気部品Ｒ用の固定接点（図示せず）に接離して、接点の切り換えを行うようになっている。
また、回転体４と取付板３との間には、金属のバネ板から成るバネ６が設けられ、このバネ６は、回転体４の凹凸部４ｂに弾圧して、節度機構を構成し、回転体４の回転に節度を持たせている。
【００１３】
また、プッシュスイッチＰは、前記絶縁ケース１３に、金属板から成る固定接点７と導出端子８とが埋設され、金属のバネ板から成るドーム状の可動接点を兼ねる可動体９が絶縁ケース１３内に収納された可動接点９の周辺は、導出端子８に常時接触すると共に、可動接点９の中央部は固定接点７に接離可能に、固定接点７と対向した状態となっている。
また、前記絶縁ケース１３の開放部を塞ぐカバーを兼ねる可動体１４の可動片１４ａは、回転体４の孔４ａと対向した状態となっている。
また、前記回転体４の孔４ａには、棒状の移動体１０が配設され、この移動体１０のその一端には円錐等の傾斜面を有する凸部１０ａが設けられている。
そして、この移動体１０は、孔４ａ内で操作部１の回転軸方向Ｇの移動が可能で、移動体１０の一端の凸部１０ａは操作部１の凹部１ｊに嵌合し、移動体１０の他端は、プッシュスイッチＰの可動体１４の可動片１４ａと当接して、凸部１０ａを常時凹部１ｊに付勢して、操作部１を中立位置に保持するようになっている。
【００１４】
更に、操作部１と回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体４との間には、オルダム接ぎ手１１が設けられ、このオルダム接ぎ手１１により、操作部１は、回転と、回転軸方向Ｇに対して直角方向Ｈの移動とを可能にしている。
そして、前記オルダム接ぎ手１１は、図１〜図３に示すように、操作部１に設けられた二組の突部１ｇ，１ｈと、回転型電気部品Ｒの回転体４の外周面に、孔４ａを挟むように設けられた一対の矩形状の突部４ｃと、前記操作部１と前記回転体４との間に配設された伝達部１２とで構成されている。
【００１５】
そして、前記伝達部１２は、合成樹脂の成型品で作られ、前記回転体４と移動体１０とを挿通するための孔１２ａを有するリング状の筒部１２ｂと、該筒部１２ｂの一方の面には互いに間隔を置いて配置された状態で、先端部に互いに向かい合う係止部１２ｃを有する４つの腕部１２ｄが設けられ、一側で対向する二つの腕部１２ｄ、及び他側で対向する二つの腕部１２ｄ間で、ガイド部１２ｅが形成される。
また、該筒部１２ｂの他方の面には互いに間隔を置いて配置された状態で、先端部に互いに向かい合う係止部１２ｆを有する４つの腕部１２ｇが設けられ、一側で対向する二つの腕部１２ｇ、及び他側で対向する二つの腕部１２ｇ間で、ガイド部１２ｈが形成されている。
更に、一方の面に設けられた二組の腕部１２ｄ、及びガイド部１２ｅと、他方の面に設けられた二組の腕部１２ｇ，及びガイド部１２ｈとは、互いに直交した状態で形成されている。
【００１６】
そして、このオルダム接ぎ手１１は、伝達部１２が操作部１の中空部１ａに配設され、一方の面に設けられた腕部１２ｄの先端に設けた係止部１２ｃを、操作部１の孔１ｅ、１ｆから突出させて係止部１２ｃを突部１ｇ，１ｈに係止して、二つの腕部１２ｄ間で突部１ｇ，１ｈを挟持した状態で、伝達部１２が操作部１に組み合わされている。
この時、操作部１と伝達部１２とは、係止部１２ｃによって、回転軸方向Ｇに対して、互いに抜け止めがなされるようになっている。
また、オルダム接ぎ手１１は、他方の面に設けられた二つの腕部１２ｇの先端に設けた係止部１２ｆを、回転体４の突部４ｃに係止して、二つの腕部１２ｇ間で、一対のそれぞれの突部４ｃを挟持した状態で、伝達部１２が回転体４に組み合わされている。
この時、伝達部１２と回転体４とは、係止部１２ｆによって、回転軸方向Ｇに対して互いに抜け止めがなされ、伝達部１２によって、回転体４と操作部１とが組み合わせて取付られると共に、操作部１の端部は、取付板３と摺接できるようになっている。
【００１７】
このようなオルダム接ぎ手１１は、操作部１を回転すると、操作部１と回転体４との間に設けられた伝達部１２が回転し、この回転が回転体４に伝達されて、回転体４が回転して、回転型電気部品Ｒの切り換えが行われるようになる。
また、操作部１を、回転軸方向Ｇに対して直角方向Ｈに移動すると、二組の腕部１２ｄ間に形成されたガイド部１２ｅと操作部１の突部１ｇ，１ｈとの間、及び二組の腕部１２ｇ間に形成されたガイド部１２ｈと回転体４の突部４ｃとの間で摺動動作（回転軸方向Ｇに対して直角方向Ｈの摺動動作）を行い、回転体４を回転することなく、操作部１を直角方向に移動することが出来るようになっている。
なお、伝達部１２は、外壁１ｂ，孔４ａの回りの外壁によって、抜け落ちないようになっている。
また、操作部１を、直角方向Ｈに移動すると、操作部１の凹部１ｊに嵌合した移動体１０の凸部１０ａが、凹部１ｊの底部分によって押されて回転軸方向Ｇに移動出来るようになっている。
【００１８】
次ぎに、本発明の多方向入力装置の組立方法を説明すると、先ず、回転型電気部品Ｒと、プッシュスイッチＰとを組み立て、次いで、回転体４の孔４ａに、移動体１０を挿入する。
次に、回転体４の突部４ｃに、伝達部１２の二つの腕部１２ｇを合わせ、前記突部４ｃに係止部１２ｆ側から圧入すると、二つの腕部１２ｇ間が広がりながら圧入され、突部４ｃが二つの腕部１２ｇ間のガイド部１２ｈに位置すると、突部４ｃに係止部１２ｆが係止されると共に、二つの腕部１２ｇ間で突部４ｃを挟持して、伝達部１２を回転体４に取り付ける。
次に、操作部１を伝達部１２に合わせ、中空部１ａ内に伝達部１２、回転体４を挿入する。
【００１９】
そして、伝達部１２のそれぞれの係止部１２ｃを、操作部１の孔１ｅ、１ｆに合わせて圧入すると、操作部１の突部１ｇ，１ｈによって、二つの腕部１２ｄ間が広がりながら圧入され、係止部１２ｃが孔１ｅ、１ｆを貫通して、突部１ｇ，１ｆが二つの腕部１２ｄ間のガイド部１２ｅに位置すると、突部１ｇ，１ｆに係止部１２ｃが係止されると共に、二つの腕部１２ｄ間で突部１ｇ，１ｆを挟持して、伝達部１２に、操作部１が取り付けられて、その組立が完了する。
そして、組み立てられた際、移動体１０は、その一端がプッシュスイッチＰの可動体１４に当接して付勢されて、他端の凸部１０ａが操作部１の凹部１ｊに弾圧された状態となり、操作部１は中立位置を保持された状態となっている。
【００２０】
次ぎに、このような構成を有する本発明の多方向入力装置の動作を説明すると、図１において、先ず、操作部１を回転すると、操作部１と回転体４との間に設けられた伝達部１２が回転し、この回転が回転体４に伝達されて、回転体４が回転する。
すると、回転体４は、凹凸部４ｂとバネ６とによって、節度を持って回転すると共に、可動接点５は、固定接点（図示せず）と接離して、回転型電気部品Ｒの切り換えが行われるようになる。
また、次に、操作部１を、回転軸方向Ｇに対して直角方向Ｈに押圧・移動すると、上述したように、二つのの腕部１２ｄ間に形成されたガイド部１２ｅと操作部１の突部１ｇ，１ｈとの間、及び二つの腕部１２ｇ間に形成されたガイド部１２ｈと回転体４の突部４ｃとの間で摺動動作（回転軸方向Ｇに対して直角方向Ｈの摺動動作）を行い、回転体４を回転することなく、図４に示すように、操作部１を直角方向に移動する。
【００２１】
すると、図４に示すように、操作部１を、直角方向Ｈに移動すると、操作部１の凹部１ｊに嵌合した移動体１０の凸部１０ａが、凹部１ｊによって押されて回転軸方向Ｇに移動し、可動体１４の可動片１４ａが押圧され、この可動体１４によって可動接点９が押されて、可動接点９は反転運動する。
そして、可動接点９が反転運動すると、可動接点９が固定接点７に接触して、導出端子８と固定接点７との間が導通されて接点の切り換えが行われるようになる。
次いで、操作部１の直角方向Ｈの押圧を解除すると、可動接点９は、そのバネ性によって反転して元の状態に戻り、すると、固定接点７との接触が離れて状態になって、接点の切り換えが行われる。
また、可動接点９の反転運動により、可動体１４の可動片１４ａと移動体１０が元の状態に押し戻され、すると、移動体１０の凸部１０ａが、操作部１の凹部１ｊを押圧して、操作部１が中立位置の元の状態、即ち、図１に示すような状態となる。
【００２２】
このようにして、多方向入力装置の操作を行うが、図４では直角方向Ｈの押圧を、下方に押圧したもので説明したが、回転軸方向Ｇに対して直角方向Ｈで、３６０度の範囲、移動可能になっている。
なお、この実施例では、回転型電気部品ＲとプッシュスイッチＰは、それぞれ単独にユニット化して作り、両者を組み合わせるもので説明したが、両者を一つの絶縁ケース内で構成し、可動接点９が可動体１４を兼ねるなど、実施例以外の種々のものを適用できること勿論である。
【００２３】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、操作部と回転型電気部品の回転体との間に、オルダム接ぎ手を設けたものであるため、操作部を直角方向に移動したとき、回転型電気部品全体を移動することが無く、従って、スペースフアクタが良く、装置が小型となる。
また、回転型電気部品全体が移動しないため、従来のような移動時における摺動接点と固定接点が不要となり、長寿命化が図れると共に、安価な装置を提供できる。
また、操作部と回転体との間に、オルダム接ぎ手を設けたものであるため、両者をオルダム接ぎ手で結合でき、部品点数が少なく、組立性が良く、安価で、小型の装置を提供できる。
また、回転体の孔に移動体を配設したため、スペースフアクターの良い小型の装置を提供できる。
また、操作部と移動体との間に設けた凸部と凹部とで、移動体の回転軸方向の移動を行うようにしたため、その構成が簡単で、部費点数が少なく、組立性が良く、安価な装置を提供できる。
また、移動体がプッシュスイッチの可動体で付勢され、これによって、操作部を中立位置に保持するようにしたため、別部品を必要とせず、その構成が簡単で、組立性が良く、安価な装置が得られる、
また、オルダム接ぎ手に係止部を設けたため、操作部の回転軸方向の抜けを防止でき、操作の確実な装置を提供できる。
また、係止部を有する二つの腕部間で、ガイド部を形成したものであるため、小型で、材料の少ないオルダム接ぎ手が提供でき、しかも、合成樹脂で製作した時、腕部と突部との圧入動作により組立でき、組立性が良好で、生産性の良い装置が提供できる。
また、伝達部の両面に、二組の腕部を設けたため、両面にそれぞれ二つのガイド部が、回転軸方向に対して直角方向に形成された状態となり、オルダム接ぎ手における直角方向の移動をスムースに行うことが出来る。
更に、伝達部に設けた腕部で、操作部と回転体を組み合わせるようにしたため、別部品を必要とせず、その構成が簡単で、組立性が良く、しかも、小型で安価な装置を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の多方向入力装置の要部断面図。
【図２】本発明の多方向入力装置に係るオルダム接ぎ手を説明するための要部の分解斜視図。
【図３】本発明の多方向入力装置に係るオルダム接ぎ手を説明するための要部の平面図。
【図４】本発明の多方向入力装置の動作を説明するための要部断面図。
【図５】従来の多方向入力装置の斜視図。
【図６】従来の多方向入力装置の要部の断面図。
【図７】従来の多方向入力装置の要部の断面図。
【図８】従来の多方向入力装置に係る絶縁基板の斜視図。
【符号の説明】
Ｒ回転型電気部品
Ｐプッシュスイッチ
１操作部
１ａ中空部
１ｂ外壁
１ｃ、１ｄ窪み部
１ｅ、１ｆ孔
１ｇ，１ｈ突部
１ｊ凹部
２絶縁ケース
３取付板
３ａ孔
３ｂ脚
４回転体
４ａ孔
４ｂ凹凸部
４ｃ突部
５可動接点
６バネ
７固定接点
８導出端子
９可動接点
１０移動体
１０ａ凸部
１１オルダム接ぎ手
１２伝達部
１２ａ孔
１２ｂ筒部
１２ｃ係止部
１２ｄ腕部
１２ｅガイド部
１２ｆ係止部
１２ｇ腕部
１２ｈガイド部
１３絶縁ケース
１４可動体
１４ａ可動片[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device suitable for use in automobiles, audio equipment, game machines, mobile phones and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a multi-directional input device used for portable electronic devices and the like is disclosed in JP-A-8-203387.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, this multidirectional input device operates the rotary part R by rotating the operation unit S, and moves the operation unit S in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In this way, the push switch P is operated.
The rotary component R fixes a contact body 50 including a pair of sliding contact pieces 50a and 50b to a box-shaped case 51, and is in sliding contact with the sliding contact piece 50a in the box-shaped case 51. A rotating body 53 to which the contact plate 52 is fixed is attached so as to be rotatable by a shaft 54.
Further, the push switch P has a configuration in which a contact portion (not shown) is provided in the housing 55 and an operation button 56 movably attached to the housing 55 is provided.
[0003]
Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the flat insulating substrate 58 is provided with a recess 58a for guiding the rotary component R, and on both sides of the recess 58a, for preventing the rotary component R from coming off. A pair of rails 58b, a recess 58c spaced from the recess 58a, and a protrusion 58d are provided.
Further, a fixed contact 59 is embedded in the insulating substrate 58 so as to be exposed in the recess 58a.
Then, the torsion spring in which the case 51 of the rotary component R is placed in the recess 58a of the insulating substrate 58, and the rail 58b is brought into contact with the stepped portion 51a of the case 51 and is latched on the projection 58d. At 60, the case 51 is pressed to attach the rotary component R to the insulating substrate 58.
When the rotary component R is attached, the sliding contact piece 50b is in contact with the exposed contact 59a on the insulating substrate 58.
[0004]
The push switch P is attached to the insulating substrate 58 with the housing 55 of the push switch P fitted in the recess 58c of the insulating substrate 58 and the operation button 56 facing the protrusion 51b of the case 51 of the rotary component R. It has been.
Further, the operation unit S is configured to be attached to the rotating body 53 of the rotary component R with a screw 61.
[0005]
Next, the operation of the conventional multidirectional input device will be described. First, when the operation unit S is rotated, the rotating body 53 rotates around the shaft 54 along with the rotation.
Then, the contact plate 52 attached to the rotating body 53 is also rotated to contact and separate from the sliding contact piece 50a, and the contact is switched. This contact switching is performed via the sliding contact 50b and the contact 59a. 59.
Next, when the operation unit S is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shaft 54, that is, in the direction of the arrow Y, the operation unit S is accompanied by the rotary component R and the arrow Y against the torsion spring 60. Move in the direction.
At this time, the sliding contact piece 50b slides on the contact 59a of the fixed contact 59, and the projection 51b of the case 51 pushes the operation button 56 of the push switch P while maintaining the electrical connection of the rotary component R. Press.
[0006]
Then, switching of the contacts of the push switch P is performed. Thereafter, when the pressing of the operation unit S is released, the rotary part R is moved to the state before the pressing with the operation unit S by the torsion spring 60.
At this time, the sliding contact piece 50b slides on the contact 59a to maintain the electrical connection of the rotary part R, and the operation button 56 returns to the state before pressing, and the contact of the push switch P is switched. Is called.
In this way, the rotary part R is operated by rotating the operation unit S, and the push switch P is operated by moving the operation unit S in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional multi-directional input device has a problem that when the operation unit S is moved in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the rotary component R moves, so that the device becomes large.
Further, in order to maintain the electrical connection of the rotary part R during the movement of the rotary part R, a configuration in which the sliding contact piece 50b is slidably contacted with the fixed contact 59 is required. There is a problem that it is difficult, the configuration is troublesome, and the cost is high.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first means for solving the above-mentioned problems, an operation unit that is rotatable and movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction, a rotary electric component having a rotatable rotating body, and a push A switch, and an Oldham joint provided between the operation unit and the rotary body of the rotary electric component, and the rotation of the operation unit rotates the rotary body via the Oldham joint. A rotary electric component is operated, and when the operation unit is moved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction, a moving body that moves in the rotation axis direction to operate the push switch is provided.
As a second solution, when a moving body is disposed in a hole provided in a central portion of the rotating body, and the operating section is moved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction, the moving body is It was set as the structure which moved to the rotating shaft direction and operated the said push switch.
As a third solution, when one of the operation part and the moving body is provided with a convex part and the other is provided with a concave part, the operating part is moved in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction. The movable body is moved in the direction of the rotation axis by the convex portion and the concave portion, and the push switch is operated.
Further, as a fourth solving means, the moving body is urged to the operation portion by the movable body of the push switch.
As a fifth solution, the Oldham joint is provided with a locking part to prevent the rotation axis from coming off.
Further, as a sixth solving means, the Oldham joint has a guide portion on which two arm portions having the locking portion are arranged at an interval, and a protrusion slides between the two arm portions. It was set as the formed structure.
Further, as a seventh solving means, two sets of the guide portions are provided on both sides of the transmission portion of the Oldham joint.
Further, as an eighth solving means, a protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the operation part, a protrusion is provided on the rotating body, and the protrusion of the operation part is formed between two arms formed on the transmission part. And a protrusion of the rotating body.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the multidirectional input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part for explaining the Oldham joint according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part for explaining an Oldham joint related to the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and is a view seen from the operation unit side, and FIG. FIG.
[0010]
The bottomed cylindrical operation portion 1 made of a synthetic resin molded product has a hollow portion 1a inside, and the outer wall 1b has two sets of hollow portions 1c and 1d provided at a distance from each other. , Two sets of protrusions 1g, which are located in the recesses 1c, 1d and have the desired length and are formed by the bottoms of the recesses 1c, 1d, communicating with the hollow part 1a. 1h and the recessed part 1j which has an inclined surface of the cone shape etc. which were located in the hollow part 1a and were provided in the center part.
[0011]
The rotary electrical component R is composed of a rotary switch, a rotary encoder, and the like. In this embodiment, the rotary electrical component R is used. The rotary electrical component R is attached to an insulating case 2 made of synthetic resin. A fixed contact (not shown) is embedded.
The mounting plate 3 formed by bending a metal plate has a hole 3a provided at the center and a leg 3b for mounting to a printed circuit board or the like extending downward. It is attached to the insulating case 2 so as to close the open part of the insulating case 2.
[0012]
Further, the rotating body 4 made of a synthetic resin molded product is provided with a moving body insertion hole 4a provided at the center, an uneven portion 4b provided at the outer periphery, and an embedded movable contact 5. Yes.
The rotating body 4 is housed between the insulating case 2 and the mounting plate 3, a part of which passes through the hole 3 a of the mounting plate 3 and protrudes outward, and is mounted rotatably by the mounting plate 3. It has been.
The attached rotating plate 3 is brought into contact with and separated from a fixed contact (not shown) for the rotary electrical component R in which the movable contact 5 is fixed to the insulating case 2 to switch the contact. .
A spring 6 made of a metal spring plate is provided between the rotating body 4 and the mounting plate 3, and this spring 6 is elastically pressed against the concavo-convex portion 4b of the rotating body 4 to constitute a moderation mechanism. Moderation is given to the rotation of the rotating body 4.
[0013]
In the push switch P, a fixed contact 7 made of a metal plate and a lead-out terminal 8 are embedded in the insulating case 13, and a movable body 9 also serving as a dome-shaped movable contact made of a metal spring plate is provided in the insulating case 13. The periphery of the movable contact 9 housed in is always in contact with the lead-out terminal 8, and the central portion of the movable contact 9 faces the fixed contact 7 so as to be able to contact and separate from the fixed contact 7.
Further, the movable piece 14 a of the movable body 14 that also serves as a cover for closing the open portion of the insulating case 13 is in a state of facing the hole 4 a of the rotating body 4.
Further, a rod-like moving body 10 is disposed in the hole 4a of the rotating body 4, and a convex portion 10a having an inclined surface such as a cone is provided at one end of the moving body 10.
The movable body 10 can move in the rotation axis direction G of the operation unit 1 in the hole 4a. The convex portion 10a at one end of the movable body 10 is fitted in the concave portion 1j of the operation unit 1, and the movable body 10 The other end is in contact with the movable piece 14a of the movable body 14 of the push switch P, so that the convex portion 10a is always urged toward the concave portion 1j to hold the operation portion 1 in the neutral position.
[0014]
Further, an Oldham joint 11 is provided between the operation unit 1 and the rotating body 4 of the rotary electric component R, and the Oldham joint 11 allows the operation unit 1 to rotate and rotate in the rotational axis direction G. Therefore, it is possible to move in the perpendicular direction H.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the Oldham joint 11 has two sets of protrusions 1 g and 1 h provided on the operation unit 1 and an outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 4 of the rotary electric component R. A pair of rectangular protrusions 4c provided so as to sandwich the hole 4a, and a transmission part 12 disposed between the operation part 1 and the rotating body 4 are configured.
[0015]
The transmission portion 12 is made of a synthetic resin molded product, and has a ring-shaped cylindrical portion 12b having a hole 12a for inserting the rotating body 4 and the moving body 10, and one of the cylindrical portions 12b. The surface is provided with four arm portions 12d having locking portions 12c facing each other at the distal end in a state of being spaced apart from each other, two arm portions 12d facing each other, and facing the other side A guide portion 12e is formed between the two arm portions 12d.
In addition, the other surface of the cylindrical portion 12b is provided with four arm portions 12g having locking portions 12f facing each other at the tip portion in a state of being spaced apart from each other. A guide portion 12h is formed between the arm portion 12g and the two arm portions 12g facing each other.
Furthermore, two sets of arm portions 12d and guide portions 12e provided on one surface and two sets of arm portions 12g and guide portions 12h provided on the other surface are formed in a state of being orthogonal to each other. ing.
[0016]
The Oldham joint 11 has a transmission portion 12 disposed in the hollow portion 1a of the operation portion 1, and a locking portion 12c provided at the tip of an arm portion 12d provided on one surface. The transmitting portion 12 is connected to the operation portion 1 in a state where the locking portion 12c is protruded from the holes 1e and 1f and locked to the protruding portions 1g and 1h, and the protruding portions 1g and 1h are sandwiched between the two arm portions 12d. It is combined.
At this time, the operation unit 1 and the transmission unit 12 are prevented from being detached from each other with respect to the rotation axis direction G by the locking unit 12c.
The Oldham joint 11 also locks the locking portion 12f provided at the tip of the two arm portions 12g provided on the other surface to the protrusion 4c of the rotating body 4 so that the two arm portions 12g Thus, the transmission unit 12 is combined with the rotating body 4 in a state where the pair of protrusions 4c are sandwiched.
At this time, the transmission part 12 and the rotating body 4 are prevented from being detached from each other in the rotation axis direction G by the locking part 12f, and the rotating body 4 and the operation part 1 are combined and attached by the transmission part 12. At the same time, the end of the operation unit 1 can be brought into sliding contact with the mounting plate 3.
[0017]
When such an Oldham joint 11 rotates the operation unit 1, the transmission unit 12 provided between the operation unit 1 and the rotating body 4 rotates, and this rotation is transmitted to the rotating body 4, thereby rotating the rotating body. 4 rotates and the rotary electric component R is switched.
When the operation unit 1 is moved in a direction H perpendicular to the rotation axis direction G, between the guide portion 12e formed between the two sets of arm portions 12d and the projections 1g and 1h of the operation unit 1, and A sliding motion (sliding motion in the direction H perpendicular to the rotational axis direction G) is performed between the guide portion 12h formed between the two sets of arm portions 12g and the protrusion 4c of the rotational body 4, and the rotational body The operation unit 1 can be moved in a right angle direction without rotating 4.
In addition, the transmission part 12 is prevented from falling off by the outer wall around the outer wall 1b and the hole 4a.
Further, when the operation unit 1 is moved in the right-angle direction H, the projection 10a of the moving body 10 fitted in the recess 1j of the operation unit 1 is pushed by the bottom portion of the recess 1j and can move in the rotation axis direction G. It has become.
[0018]
Next, the assembly method of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described. First, the rotary electrical component R and the push switch P are assembled, and then the moving body 10 is inserted into the hole 4 a of the rotating body 4.
Next, when the two arm portions 12g of the transmission portion 12 are aligned with the protrusion 4c of the rotating body 4 and press-fitted into the protrusion 4c from the locking portion 12f side, the two arm portions 12g are press-fitted while expanding. When the protruding portion 4c is positioned at the guide portion 12h between the two arm portions 12g, the locking portion 12f is locked to the protruding portion 4c, and the protruding portion 4c is sandwiched between the two arm portions 12g to transmit the transmitting portion. 12 is attached to the rotating body 4.
Next, the operation part 1 is aligned with the transmission part 12, and the transmission part 12 and the rotating body 4 are inserted into the hollow part 1a.
[0019]
Then, when the respective locking portions 12c of the transmission portion 12 are press-fitted in accordance with the holes 1e and 1f of the operation portion 1, the two arm portions 12d are press-fitted by the protrusions 1g and 1h of the operation portion 1 while being expanded. When the locking part 12c passes through the holes 1e and 1f and the protrusions 1g and 1f are positioned at the guide part 12e between the two arm parts 12d, the locking part 12c is locked to the protrusions 1g and 1f. At the same time, the projecting portions 1g and 1f are sandwiched between the two arm portions 12d, and the operating portion 1 is attached to the transmitting portion 12, and the assembly is completed.
When assembled, the movable body 10 is urged with one end abutting against the movable body 14 of the push switch P, and the convex portion 10a at the other end is pressed against the concave portion 1j of the operation unit 1. The operation unit 1 is held in a neutral position.
[0020]
Next, the operation of the multi-directional input device of the present invention having such a configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, when the operation unit 1 is first rotated, transmission provided between the operation unit 1 and the rotating body 4 is performed. The part 12 rotates, and this rotation is transmitted to the rotating body 4 so that the rotating body 4 rotates.
Then, the rotating body 4 is rotated with moderation by the concavo-convex portion 4b and the spring 6, and the movable contact 5 is brought into and out of contact with a fixed contact (not shown), so that the rotary electric component R is switched. Will come to be.
Next, when the operation unit 1 is pressed and moved in the direction H perpendicular to the rotation axis direction G, as described above, the guide unit 12e formed between the two arm units 12d and the operation unit 1 Sliding motion between the protrusions 1g and 1h and between the guide part 12h formed between the two arm parts 12g and the protrusion 4c of the rotating body 4 (in the direction H perpendicular to the rotation axis direction G). As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 1 is moved in a right angle direction without rotating the rotating body 4.
[0021]
Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the operation unit 1 is moved in the right-angle direction H, the convex portion 10 a of the moving body 10 fitted in the concave portion 1 j of the operation unit 1 is pushed by the concave portion 1 j and the rotation axis direction G , The movable piece 14a of the movable body 14 is pressed, the movable contact 14 is pressed by the movable body 14, and the movable contact 9 performs a reverse motion.
When the movable contact 9 moves in the reverse direction, the movable contact 9 comes into contact with the fixed contact 7, and conduction between the lead-out terminal 8 and the fixed contact 7 is performed to switch the contact.
Next, when the pressing of the operation unit 1 in the right-angle direction H is released, the movable contact 9 is inverted by its spring property and returns to the original state. Then, the contact with the fixed contact 7 is separated, and the contact is made. Is switched.
In addition, the movable piece 14a of the movable body 14 and the movable body 10 are pushed back to the original state by the reversal movement of the movable contact 9, and the convex portion 10a of the movable body 10 presses the concave portion 1j of the operation unit 1. The operation unit 1 is in the original state of the neutral position, that is, the state shown in FIG.
[0022]
In this way, the multi-directional input device is operated. In FIG. 4, the pressing in the right-angle direction H is described as being pressed downward, but 360 ° in the right-angle direction H with respect to the rotation axis direction G. Range, moveable.
In this embodiment, the rotary electrical component R and the push switch P are separately made as a unit and combined with each other. However, both are configured in one insulating case, and the movable contact 9 It goes without saying that various things other than the embodiment, such as also serving as the movable body 14, can be applied.
[0023]
【The invention's effect】
Since the multidirectional input device of the present invention is provided with an Oldham joint between the operating portion and the rotating body of the rotating electrical component, when the operating portion is moved in the right angle direction, the entire rotating electrical component is Therefore, the space factor is good and the device is small.
In addition, since the entire rotating electrical component does not move, the sliding contact and the fixed contact during the movement as in the prior art are not required, the life can be extended, and an inexpensive device can be provided.
In addition, because the Oldham joint is provided between the operation unit and the rotating body, both can be connected by the Oldham joint, providing a small number of parts, good assembly, low cost, and a small device. it can.
Moreover, since the moving body is disposed in the hole of the rotating body, a small-sized apparatus having a good space factor can be provided.
In addition, since the moving body is moved in the direction of the rotation axis with the convex part and the concave part provided between the operation part and the moving body, the configuration is simple, the number of parts is low, and the assemblability is good. An inexpensive device can be provided.
In addition, since the movable body is urged by the movable body of the push switch, and the operation part is held in the neutral position, no separate parts are required, the configuration is simple, the assembly is good, and the cost is low. Equipment is obtained,
In addition, since the locking portion is provided on the Oldham joint, it is possible to prevent the operation portion from coming off in the direction of the rotation axis, and to provide a device with a reliable operation.
In addition, since the guide portion is formed between the two arm portions having the locking portion, it is possible to provide an Oldham joint that is small in size and uses a small amount of material. It is possible to provide an apparatus that can be assembled by press-fitting operation with a portion, has good assemblability, and high productivity.
In addition, since two sets of arm portions are provided on both surfaces of the transmission portion, two guide portions are formed on both surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction, and the Oldham joint is moved in the perpendicular direction. It can be done smoothly.
Furthermore, since the operating portion and the rotating body are combined with the arm portion provided in the transmission portion, no separate parts are required, the configuration is simple, the assemblability is good, and a small and inexpensive device can be provided. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main part for explaining an Oldham joint according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a main part for explaining an Oldham joint according to the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an insulating substrate according to a conventional multidirectional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
R Rotating electrical component P Push switch 1 Operation part 1a Hollow part 1b Outer wall 1c, 1d Depression part 1e, 1f Hole 1g, 1h Projection 1j Recess 2 Insulating case 3 Mounting plate 3a Hole 3b Leg 4 Rotating body 4a Hole 4b Uneven part 4c Projection 5 Movable contact 6 Spring 7 Fixed contact 8 Derived terminal 9 Movable contact 10 Moving body 10a Convex part 11 Oldham joint 12 Transmission part 12a Hole 12b Tube part 12c Locking part 12d Arm part 12e Guide part 12f Locking part 12g Arm portion 12h Guide portion 13 Insulating case 14 Movable body 14a Movable piece

Claims

An operation unit that is rotatable and movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction, a rotary electric component having a rotatable rotating body, a push switch, and a rotation of the operation unit and the rotary electric component. And an Oldham joint provided between the body and the rotation of the operation section to rotate the rotating body via the Oldham joint to operate the rotary electrical component, and the operation section A multidirectional input device comprising a moving body that moves in the direction of the rotation axis and operates the push switch when moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis .

A moving body is disposed in a hole provided in a central portion of the rotating body, and when the operation section is moved in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft direction, the moving body is moved in the rotating shaft direction and the push is performed. 2. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the switch is operated.

A convex portion is provided on one of the operating portion and the moving body, and a concave portion is provided on the other. When the operating portion is moved in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction, the movement is caused by the convex portion and the concave portion. 3. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the push switch is operated by moving a body in a rotation axis direction.

The multidirectional input device according to claim 2, wherein the movable body is biased to the operation unit by a movable body of the push switch.

The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein a locking portion is provided on the Oldham joint to prevent the rotation in the rotation axis direction.

The Oldham joint has a structure in which two arm portions having the locking portion are arranged at intervals, and a guide portion is formed between the two arm portions to slide a protrusion. The multidirectional input device according to claim 5.

The multi-directional input device according to claim 6, wherein two sets of two arm portions forming the guide portion are provided on both sides of the transmission portion of the Oldham joint.

A protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the operation part, a protrusion is provided on the rotating body, and the protrusion of the operation part and the protrusion of the rotating body are sandwiched between two arm parts formed on the transmission part. The multidirectional input device according to claim 7, wherein the multidirectional input device is provided.