JP3973343B2

JP3973343B2 - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP3973343B2
Application number: JP2000087095A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 新治石川
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-03-23
Filing date: 2000-03-23
Publication date: 2007-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-23
Also published as: JP2001273090A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、操作軸の操作により複数の電気部品を同時に操作することができる多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の多方向入力装置は、図１９に示すように、箱型のケース３１を有し、このケース３１の上板３１ａには、中央部に孔３１ｂが形成されている。また、ケース３１内には、第１、第２連動部材３２、３３が互いに直交する方向に支持されて回動可能になっている。
前記第１連動部材３２は、略コ字状に形成された連結部３２ａを有し、この連結部３２ａの長手方向に第１の長孔３２ｂが貫通形成されている。また、連結部３２ａの一方の端部の下部には、連結部３２ａの長手方向と平行方向に係止爪３２ｃが突出形成されている。また、連結部３２ａの両端部の下部には、係止爪３２ｃと直交する方向に突起３２ｄ、３２ｄが突出形成されいる。
【０００３】
前記第１連動部材３２の下部には、第１連動部材３２と直交する方向に第２連動部材３３が配設され、この第２連動部材３３は、棒状の連結部３３ａを有し、この連結部３３ａには、長手方向に第２の長孔３３ｂが貫通形成されている。
また、連結部３３ａの一方の端部には、連結部３３ａの長手方向と平行方向に係止爪３３ｃが突出形成されている。前記連結部３３ａの両端部で係止爪３３ｃと直交する方向には、突起３３ｄ、３３ｄが突出形成されている。前記第２の長孔３３ｂには、軸支孔３３ｅが貫通形成されている。
前記ケース３１の孔３１ａには、操作軸３４が挿通されており、この操作軸３４は、棒状の円柱部３４ａを有し、この円柱部３４ａの下部に平坦部３４ｂが形成され、この平坦部３４ｂから下方に突出する突起３４ｃが設けられている。また、平坦部３４ｂには支持孔３４ｄが貫通形成されている。
なお、図１９においては、側板３１ｄに取り付けられる可変抵抗器３５は、図示を省略している。
【０００４】
前記ケース３１の図示左側の一方の側板３１ｃ、及びこの一方の側板３１ｃと直交する側の他方の側板３１ｄには、回転形電気部品である例えば可変抵抗器３５が取付可能になっており、この可変抵抗器３５は基板３５ａと摺動子受け３５ｂとからなり、この摺動子受け３５ｂには第１、第２連動部材３２、３３の係止爪３２ｃ、３３ｃが係合可能な係合孔３５ｃが設けられている。
【０００５】
また、第１、第２連動部材３２、３３の下方には、略正方形の押し上げ部材３６が配設され、この押し上げ部材３６には、第１連動部材３２の突起３２ｄが当接可能な当接部３６ａと、第２連動部材３３の突起３３ｄが当接可能な当接部３３ｃが、それぞれ隅部寄りに突出形成されている。また、押し上げ部材３６の央部には孔３６ｃが貫通形成されている。
また、押し上げ部材３６の下部には、コイルバネ３７が配設され、このコイルバネ３７が下部の底板３８に弾性付勢されて取り付けられている。そのために、押し上げ部材３６は、常に上方の第１、第２連動部材３２、３３側に押し上げ可能になっている。
【０００６】
このような構成の従来の多方向入力装置の操作軸３４を、図２０Ａに示すように、矢印Ａ方向に傾動操作すると、軸支部分であるピン３９を支点として、平坦部３４ｂが第２の長孔３３ｂに沿って傾動し、図２０Ｂに示す第１連動部材３２が両端部の支持部３２ｅ、３２ｆを支点として回動して、係止爪３２ｃに係止している可変抵抗器３５を操作可能になっている。
また、図２０Ｂに示すように、操作軸３４を矢印Ｂ方向に傾動操作すると、操作軸３４は、円柱部３４ａが第１連動部材３２の第１の長孔３２ｂに沿って移動し、図２０Ａに示す第２連動部材３３が、支持部３３ｆ、３３ｇを支点として回動して、係止爪３３ｃに係止している可変抵抗器３５を操作可能になっている。
【０００７】
このような、操作軸３４の矢印Ａ、又はＢ方向に加えていた力を解除すると、コイルバネ３７の弾性力で、押し上げ部材３６が上方に押し上げられて、第１、第２連動部材３２、３３が回動して初期の姿勢に復帰すると共に、操作軸３４が垂直状の中立位置に自動復帰する。
【０００８】
このような従来の多方向入力装置は、操作軸３４の傾動操作で、ケース３１に取り付けた２個の可変抵抗器を同時に操作することができ、例えばパソコンのディスプレ−上のカーソル等の入力操作を容易に行うことができる。
【０００９】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前述したような従来の多方向入力装置は、第１連動部材３２の連結部３２ａが、第２連動部材３３の上方に第２連動部材３３を跨いで形成されているので、図２０Ａに示すように、ケース３１の上板３１ａと第２連動部材３３との間の隙間を、連結部３２ａが回動できるように大きくしなければならなかった。そのために、従来の多方向入力装置の薄型化が難しかった。
【００１０】
また、第１、または第２連動部材３２、３３のそれぞれの突起３２ｄ、３３ｄが、押し上げ部材３６に当接する位置が、センタからズレているために、操作軸３４を傾動させて第１、又は第２連動部材３２、３３の回動により、押し上げ部材３６を押し下げる時に、押し上げ部材３６が斜めになって、押し上げ部材３６をガイドする、中央の孔３６ｃと底板３８のガイド部３８ａとにキシミが発生する。
そのため、押し上げ部材３６をスムーズに押し下げることができず、操作軸３４を傾動操作する時の操作フィーリングが悪くなる問題があった。
本発明は前述したような問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、薄型化が可能であると共に、操作軸の操作フィーリングが良い高性能な多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するための第１の手段として本発明の多方向入力装置は、両端部に第１の支持部がそれぞれ設けられ、両端部に第１の支持部がそれぞれ設けられ、この第１の支持部を中心軸として回動可能で第１の長孔を有する第１連動部材と、両端部に第２の支持部がそれぞれ設けられ、この第２の支持部を中心軸として回動可能で、前記第２の支持部間に第２の長孔が形成された連結部を有し、この連結部の中央部に膨出部を設けると共に、前記膨出部の凹部内側に前記第１連動部材を位置させた状態で前記第１連動部材と直交して配設された第２連動部材と、解放された下部を蓋閉する底板を有し、前記膨出部が前記第１連動部材よりも前記底板側に配置されると共に、前記底板上の空洞内部に前記第１の支持部の中心軸と前記第２の支持部の中心軸が直交した状態で前記第１連動部材及び第２連動部材の前記第１の支持部及び第２の支持部を回動可能に支持する枠体と、前記第１の長孔及び第２の長孔に挿通され、前記第１の長孔内に位置して傾動可能及び第２の長孔内に位置して移動可能となるように、前記第１連動部材の軸支孔に抜け止めされて軸支される操作軸と、前記連結部の前記底板側へ突出した前記膨出部が螺旋状に巻回された巻回部内に位置するように配置され、前記第１連動部材及び第２連動部材を前記底板側から弾性付勢可能なコイルバネと、前記操作軸の傾動により前記第１連動部材及び第２連動部材を介して操作可能な複数の電気部品とを備え、前記操作軸には軸支孔が形成されており、前記操作軸の軸支孔と前記第１連動部材の軸支孔にピンを挿入して操作軸は軸支され、前記操作軸の軸支孔は、前記第１連動部材の両端部側の前記第１の支持部を結ぶ線と同一線上に形成され、前記枠体は前記底板と対向する上板を有し、前記第１連動部材及び第２連動部材のそれぞれの前記第１の支持部及び第２の支持部は、前記枠体の上板から四方に折り曲げられたそれぞれの側板の前記上板から同一高さ位置に支持されている構成とした。
【００１２】
また、前記課題を解決するための第２の手段として、前記連結部の膨出部が円弧状に形成され、この円弧状の中心が、前記第１連動部材の前記操作軸を軸支する前記軸支孔の中心線上に位置するようにした構成とした。
【００１４】
また、前記課題を解決するための第３の手段として、前記操作軸は、前記コイルバネが前記第１連動部材及び第２連動部材の前記第１の支持部及び第２の支持部に隣接する第１の腕部及び第２の腕部の前記底板側を弾性付勢することにより、前記第１連動部材及び第２連動部材の長手方向とは直交する方向に直立して保持可能となっている構成とした。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の多方向入力装置を図面に基づいて説明する。図１は本発明の多方向入力装置の要部断面図で、図２は本発明に係わる第１連動部材の動作を説明する図であり、図３は本発明に関する要部断面図で、図４は本発明に係わる第２連動部材の動作を説明する図であり、図５は本発明の多方向入力装置の上面図であり、図６は本発明に係わる操作軸の図であり、図７は本発明に係わる第１連動部材の上面図であり、図８は図７の断面図であり、図９は図８の下面図であり、図１０は図８の側面図であり、図１１は本発明に係わる第２連動部材の上面図であり、図１２は図１１の断面図であり、図１３は図１２の下面図であり、図１４は図１２の側面図であり、図１５は本発明に係わるバネ受け部材の図であり、図１６は本発明に係わる底板の上面図であり、図１７は図１６の断面図であり、図１８は図１６の側面図である。
【００１６】
まず、本発明の多方向入力装置は、図５に示すように、鉄板等からなる箱形の枠体１がプレス等で折り曲げ形成され、上部が上板１ａで覆われ、この上板１ａに円形の操作孔１ｂが設けられ、上板１ａの四方には、下方に折り曲げられた側板１ｃ、１ｄ、１ｅ、１ｆが設けられて、枠体１の内部が空洞になっている。
前記枠体１０の空洞内部には、第１、第２連動部材２、４が、互いに直交して十字状に組み合わされて配設されている。
【００１７】
前記第１連動部材２を図７〜図１０に基づいて説明すると、第１連動部材２は、合成樹脂、又は亜鉛ダイカストからなり、図８に示すように、中央部に半円状の基部２ａを有し、この基部２ａから図示右方向に突出する一方の腕部２ｂと、図示左方向に突出する他方の腕部２ｃとがそれぞれ形成されている。
前記一方と他方の腕部２ｂ、２ｃの両端部側には、第１連動部材２を枠体１内部に位置させた状態で、側板１ｃ、１ｅに支持するための円柱状の支持部２ｄ、２ｆがそれぞれ設けられている。
前記一方の腕部２ｂ側の支持部２ｄからは、棒状の係合部２ｅが突出形成され、この係合部２ｅは、後述する回転型電気部品１１に係合可能になっている。
【００１８】
また、図７に示す基部２ａの中央部には、一方と他方の腕部２ｂ、２ｃ側に延びる第１の長孔２ｇが貫通形成されている。
また、図８に示す基部２ａには、第１の長孔２ｇと直交する方向に、後述する丸ピン７が嵌合可能な軸支孔２ｈが貫通形成されている。この軸支孔２ｈは、図８に示す左右端部側の支持部２ｄ、２ｆを結ぶ線Ｃと同一線上に形成されている。
【００１９】
また、図７に示す一方と他方の腕部２ｂ、２ｃから、図示下方に一対の突部２ｊ、２ｊと、一方と他方の腕部２ｂ、２ｃから図示上方に一対の突部２ｋ、２ｋとが、それぞれ略三角形状に形成されて突出している。前記それぞれの突部２ｊ、２ｋは、後述するバネ受け部材８のリング状の基部８ｄに当接可能に形成されている。
また、図８に示すそれぞれの支持部２ｄ、２ｆ近傍で、一方と他方の腕部２ｂ、２ｃの図示下部には、後述するリング状のバネ受け部材８の動きをガイド可能な
ガイド部３が形成されている。
このガイド部３は、図９に示すように、それぞれの支持部２ｄ、２ｆ近傍で、且つ、それぞれの支持部２ｄ、２ｆと第１の長孔２ｇとの間に略円環状に形成されている。
また、図８に示すガイド部３を構成する左右のガイド面３ａは、テーパ状に形成されている。このような構成の第１連動部材２は、図５に示すように、一方と他方の支持部２ｄ、２ｆが、枠体１の側板１ｃ、１ｅに支持されて回動可能になっている。
【００２０】
前記第２連動部材４を図１１〜図１４に基づいて説明すると、第２連動部材４は、合成樹脂等からなり、枠体１内部で第１連動部材２と直交する方向に配設され、図１２に示すように、中央部には下向きの円弧状に形成された連結部４ａが設けられ、この連結部４ａから図示右方向に一方の腕部４ｂと、図示左方向に他方の腕部４ｃとがそれぞれ突出形成されている。
前記一方と他方の腕部４ｂ、４ｃの両端部側には、第２連動部材４を枠体１の側板１ｄ、１ｆに支持するための、円柱状の支持部４ｄ、４ｅがそれぞれ設けられている。
前記一方の腕部４ｂ側の支持部４ｄからは、棒状の係合部４ｆが突出形成され、この係合部４ｆは、後述する回転型電気部品１１に係合可能になっている。
【００２１】
また、第２連動部材４は、図１１に示すように、一方と他方の腕部４ｂ、４ｃから図示下方に一対の突部４ｈ、４ｈと、一方と他方の腕部４ｂ、４ｃから図示上方に一対の突部４ｋ、４ｋとが、それぞれ略三角形状に形成されて突出している。前記それぞれの突部４ｈ、４ｋは、後述するバネ受け部材８のリング状の基部８ｄに当接可能に形成されている。
また、図１２に示すそれぞれの支持部４ｄ、４ｅ近傍で、一方と他方の腕部４ｂ、４ｃの図示下面には、後述するリング状のバネ受け部材８の動きをガイド可能なガイド部５が形成されている。
このガイド部５は、図１３に示すように、略円環状に形成され、外周側にテーパ状の外面５ａが形成され、内周側が円弧状の連結部４ａで構成されている。
このような第２連動部材４は、図５に示すように、枠体１の側板１ｄ、１ｆに支持部４ｄ、４ｅが支持されて回動可能になっている。
また、第２連動部材４の連結部４ａは、第１連動部材２の下方に、この第１連動部材を跨いで配設されている。
即ち、連結部４ａは、第１連動部材２の下方に第１連動部材２を跨いで配設されている。
【００２２】
また、第１、第２連動部材２、４のそれぞれの支持部２ｄ、２ｆ、４ｄ、４ｅは、枠体１の四方の側板１ｃ、１ｄ、１ｅ、１ｄの同じ高さ位置に、それぞれ回動可能に支持されている。
即ち、第１、第２連動部材２、４のそれぞれの支持部２ｄ、２ｆ、４ｄ、４ｅは、図１、又は図３に示す基準線Ｄの同一面上に位置して取り付けられている。
また、枠体１に第１、第２連動部材２、４を直交させて組み込んだ時の第２連動部材４の円弧状の連結部４ａは、後述する操作軸６を第１連動部材２に軸支する軸支部分である軸支孔２ｈに円弧中心が位置するようになっている。
【００２３】
前記第１の連動部材２の軸支孔２ｈに軸支される操作軸６は、金属からなり、図６に示すように、平坦状の第１操作部６ａと、この第１操作部６ａから図示左側に突出する円柱状の第２操作部６ｂと、第１操作部６ａから図示右側に突出する円柱状の摘み部６ｃとで概略構成されている。
また、第１操作部６ａの略中央部には、操作軸６を第１連動部材２の軸支孔２ｈに軸支するための軸支孔６ｄが形成されている。
【００２４】
このような操作軸６は、第１操作部６ａが、第１連動部材２の第１の長孔２ｇ内に位置して傾動可能となっており、第２操作部６ｂが第２連動部材４の連結部４ａの第２の長孔４ｇ内に位置して移動可能となっている。
そして、操作軸６は、図１に示すように、第１操作部６ａが第１連動部材２の第１の長孔２ｇ内に挿入され、互いの軸支孔２ｈ、６ｄを位置合わせした状態で、このそれぞれの軸支孔２ｈ、６ｄに丸ピン７を一方側から挿入し、丸ピン７の先端部を他方側からカシメ付けると、第１連動部材２に操作軸６が抜け止めされて軸支され、軸支部分である丸ピン７を支点として傾動可能になっている。
【００２５】
前記枠体１に、互いに直交して組み込まれた第１、第２連動部材２、４の、円環状のガイド部３、５には、バネ受け部材８が配設されいる。このバネ受け部材８は、樹脂材料からなり、後述するコイルバネ９の上端部側を位置決め可能な、凹状溝からなる位置決め部８ａが、リング状の基部８ｄに形成されている。
またバネ受け部材８は、リング状の基部８ｄに外周部８ｂと内周部８ｃが形成されている。
前記第１、第２連動部材２、４のガイド部３、５にガイドされたバネ受け部材８は、位置決め部８ａが下向きになって配設されるようになっている。
【００２６】
このようなバネ受け部材８は、第１連動部材２のガイド部３に、外周部８ｂと内周部８ｃとがガイド面３ａにガイドされ、第２連動部材４のガイド部５に、外周部８ｂがガイド面５ａに、また、内周部８ｃが円弧状の連結部４ａにガイドされるようになっている。
そして、第１、第２連動部材２、４を回動させた時に動くバネ受け部材８の動きを、第１、第２連動部材２、４でガイドするようになっている。
【００２７】
また、バネ受け部材８は、外周部８ｂと内周部８ｃの両方がガイドされるように説明したが、外周部８ｂ、又は内周部８ｃだけをガイドするようにしても良い。
即ち、第１、第２連動部材２、４のガイド部３、５は、第１、第２連動部材２、４の支持部２ｄ、２ｆ、４ｄ、４ｅ近傍にバネ受け部材８の外周部８ｂ、又は／及び内周部８ｃをガイド可能に形成したものであれば良い。
このようなバネ受け部材８は、位置決め溝８ａを形成した基部８ｄの反対側の面に、第１、第２連動部材２、４のそれぞれの突部２ｊ、２ｋ、４ｈ、４ｋが当接可能になっている。
そして、バネ受け部材８は、操作軸６の傾動動作により、第１、第２連動部材２、４が回動すると、突部２ｊ、２ｋ、４ｈ、４ｋのいずれかに押圧されて、図２、図４に示すように、コイルバネ９の付勢力に抗して傾斜するようになっている。
【００２８】
前記バネ受け部材８は、図１に示すように、コイルバネ９で常に上方に弾性付勢されている。このコイルバネ９は、上端部側がバネ受け部材８の位置決め部８ａに位置決めされるようになっている。
前記位置決め部８ａの形状は、図１５Ｂにおいて、コイルバネ９の外周部と内周部とを位置決め可能な凹状に形成しているが、コイルバネ９の外周部だけ、又は、内周部だけを位置決め可能なＬ字状（図示せず）に形成しても良い。
【００２９】
また、枠体１は、下部が解放されており、この解放された下部を蓋閉する底板１０を有し、この底板１０にコイルバネ９の下端部側が弾性付勢するようになっている。このような底板１０を図１６〜図１８に基づいて説明すると、底板１０は、外形が略四角形に形成され、中央部には操作軸６を傾動操作時に、誤って押圧荷重が加わった時、操作軸６の下方への動きを規制する規制部１０ａが円弧状に彫り込み形成されている。
この規制部１０ａは、操作軸６が誤って下方に凹圧された時、操作軸６の第２操作部６ｂの下端部が当接して、操作軸６を軸支する第１連動部材２に無理な負荷が加わらないようになっている。
また、操作軸６を傾動させる角度αは、略２５°に設定されており、操作軸６を最大に傾動させても、操作軸６の第２操作部６ｂが、規制部１０ａから外れないようになっている。
前記規制部１０ａの外側には、コイルバネ９の下端部を位置決めするための位置決め溝１０ｂが、所定の深さで円環状に彫り込みされている。
【００３０】
また、略四角形の側面の略中央部には、角孔１０ｃがそれぞれ貫通形成されている。このそれぞれの角孔１０ｃには、図１に示すような、枠体１の側板１ｃ、１ｄ、１ｅ、１ｆから下方に延びる取付脚１ｇが挿通可能になっている。
また、図１６に示す略四角形の右側の側面と下部の側面とには、後述する回転型電気部品１１を取り付けるための取付壁１０ｄが形成されている。
このような本発明の多方向入力装置は、コイルバネ９がバネ受け部材８を介して、第１、第２連動部材２、４のそれぞれの支持部２ｄ、２ｆ、４ｄ、４ｆ近傍を、下方から上方に弾性付勢している。そのために、垂直状に中立位置に保持している操作軸６を、図２、図４のように傾動させても、コイルバネ９の付勢力で中立位置に自動復帰可能となっている。
【００３１】
このような本発明の多方向入力装置の動作を、図１〜図５に基づいて説明すると、まず、図１に示すように、垂直状態で中立位置にある操作軸６を、図２のように矢印Ｅ方向に傾動操作する。
すると、第１連動部材２が回動して傾斜し、突部２ｋがバネ受け部材８を押圧して、バネ受け部材８の図示右側が降下して傾斜すると共に、コイルバネ９の図示右側が圧縮されて撓む。
この時、図３に示す第１連動部材２の係合部４ｆに係合している回転型電気部品１１が回転操作されて、例えば回転型電気部品１１が可変抵抗器であれば、抵抗値が可変する。
【００３２】
また、図３に示すように、垂直状の中立位置にある操作軸６を、図４のように矢印Ｆ方向に傾動操作すると、第２連動部材４が回動して傾斜し、突部４ｋがバネ受け部材８を押圧して、バネ受け部材８の図示左側が第２連動部材４が傾斜して、突部４ｋがバネ受け部材８を押圧して、バネ受け部材８の図示左側が降下して傾斜すると共に、コイルバネ９の図示左側が圧縮されて撓む。
この時、図１に示す第２連動部材２の係合部２ｅに係合している回転型電気部品１１が回転操作されて、例えば回転型電気部品１１が可変抵抗器であれば、抵抗値が可変する。
また、上記以外の方向に操作軸６を傾動操作しても、上記のような動作の組み合わせで、両方の回転型電気部品１１を駆動させることができる。
なお、本発明の実施の形態の説明では、第１、第２連動部材２、４を、枠体１で直接保持しているが、例えば、支持部２ｄ、２ｆを省略し、回転型電気部品１１で間接的に枠体１に保持するようにしても良い。
【００３３】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、第２連動部材は、前記第１連動部材と直交して配設され、前記連結部の膨出部が前記第１連動部材よりも前記底板側に配置されると共に、前記連結部の膨出部の凹部内側に前記第１連動部材を位置させた状態で配設され、前記連結部の膨出部をコイルバネの螺旋状に巻回された巻回部内に位置させるようにしたので、第１、第２連動部材と枠体の上板との間の隙間を小さくすることができる。そのために枠体の高さ寸法を小さくすることができ、薄型の多方向入力装置を提供できる。
また、第２連動部材の連結部の膨出部をコイルバネの螺旋状に巻回された巻回部内に位置させているので、コイルバネの巻回部の空きスペースを有効に使うことができると共に、第１、第２連動部材を無理なく回動させることができる。
【００３４】
また、第２連動部材の連結部は、円弧状に形成され、この円弧状の中心が第１連動部材の操作軸を軸支する軸支部分に位置するようにしたので、前記操作軸を傾動させた時に、連結部の第２の長孔内を移動する操作軸の第２操作部は、常に同じ位置が第２の長孔内に位置して移動する。そのために、操作軸を傾動をスムーズに行うことができ、操作フィーリングの良い多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００３５】
また、前記第１、第２連動部材のそれぞれの前記支持部は、前記枠体の同一高さ位置に支持されているので、第１、第２連動部材を回動させるときの、操作軸の作動力を均一にでき、操作フィーリングを良くできる。
【００３６】
また、前記操作軸は、前記コイルバネが前記第１、第２連動部材の前記支持部近傍を弾性付勢することにより、垂直状の中立位置に保持可能となっているので、操作軸を傾動操作後、操作軸に加えていた作動力を解除すると、操作軸が中立位置に自動復帰する。そのために操作性の良い多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に関する多方向入力装置の要部断面図である。
【図２】本発明に係わる第１連動部材の動作を説明する要部断面図である。
【図３】本発明にに関する多方向入力装置の要部断面図である。
【図４】本発明に係わる第２連動部材の動作を説明する要部図である。
【図５】本発明に関する多方向入力装置の上面図である。
【図６】本発明に係わる操作軸の図である。
【図７】本発明に係わる第１連動部材の上面図である。
【図８】本発明に係わる第１連動部材の断面図である。
【図９】本発明に係わる第１連動部材の下面図である。
【図１０】本発明に係わる第１連動部材の側面図である。
【図１１】本発明に係わる第２連動部材の上面図である。
【図１２】本発明に係わる第２連動部材の断面図である。
【図１３】本発明に係わる第２連動部材の下面図である。
【図１４】本発明に係わる第２連動部材の側面図である。
【図１５】本発明に係わるバネ受け部材の図である。
【図１６】本発明に係わる底板の上面図である。
【図１７】本発明に係わる底板の断面図である。
【図１８】本発明に係わる底板の正面図である。
【図１９】従来の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である
【図２０】従来の多方向入力装置の動作を説明する図である。
【符号の説明】
１枠体
１ａ上板
２第１連動部材
２ａ基部
２ｂ一方の第１の腕部
２ｃ他方の第１の腕部
２ｄ、２ｆ第１の支持部
２ｇ第１の長孔
２ｈ軸支孔
３ガイド部
４第２連動部材
４ａ連結部（膨出部）
４ｂ一方の第２の腕部
４ｃ他方の第２の腕部
４ｄ、４ｅ第２の支持部
４ｇ第２の長孔
５ガイド部
６操作軸
６ａ第１操作部
６ｂ第２操作部
７丸ピン
８バネ受け部材
８ａ位置決め部
８ｂ外周部
８ｃ内周部
９コイルバネ
１０底板
１１回転型電気部品[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device capable of simultaneously operating a plurality of electrical components by operating an operation shaft.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 19, the conventional multidirectional input device has a box-shaped case 31, and the upper plate 31a of the case 31 is formed with a hole 31b at the center. In the case 31, the first and second interlocking members 32 and 33 are supported in directions orthogonal to each other and are rotatable.
The first interlocking member 32 has a connecting portion 32a formed in a substantially U shape, and a first long hole 32b is formed through the connecting portion 32a in the longitudinal direction. Further, a locking claw 32c is formed in a projecting manner in the lower part of one end of the connecting portion 32a in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 32a. In addition, protrusions 32d and 32d project from the lower portions of both ends of the connecting portion 32a in a direction orthogonal to the locking claws 32c.
[0003]
A second interlocking member 33 is disposed below the first interlocking member 32 in a direction perpendicular to the first interlocking member 32, and the second interlocking member 33 has a rod-like connecting portion 33a. A second long hole 33b is formed through the portion 33a in the longitudinal direction.
Further, a locking claw 33c is formed to project from one end of the connecting portion 33a in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 33a. Protrusions 33d and 33d are formed so as to protrude from both ends of the connecting portion 33a in a direction perpendicular to the locking claw 33c. A shaft support hole 33e is formed through the second elongated hole 33b.
An operation shaft 34 is inserted into the hole 31a of the case 31, and the operation shaft 34 has a rod-shaped column portion 34a. A flat portion 34b is formed below the column portion 34a. A protrusion 34c protruding downward from 34b is provided. Further, a support hole 34d is formed through the flat portion 34b.
In FIG. 19, the variable resistor 35 attached to the side plate 31d is not shown.
[0004]
For example, a variable resistor 35, which is a rotating electrical component, can be attached to one side plate 31c on the left side of the case 31 in the figure and the other side plate 31d on the side orthogonal to the one side plate 31c. The variable resistor 35 includes a substrate 35a and a slider receiver 35b. The slider receiver 35b can be engaged with the engagement holes 32c and 33c of the first and second interlocking members 32 and 33. 35c is provided.
[0005]
Further, a substantially square push-up member 36 is disposed below the first and second interlocking members 32 and 33, and the push-up member 36 is in contact with the protrusion 32d of the first interlocking member 32. A contact portion 33c with which the portion 36a and the protrusion 33d of the second interlocking member 33 can contact is formed to protrude toward the corner. A hole 36c is formed through the central portion of the push-up member 36.
A coil spring 37 is disposed below the push-up member 36, and the coil spring 37 is attached to the bottom plate 38 by being elastically biased. Therefore, the push-up member 36 can always be pushed upward toward the first and second interlocking members 32 and 33 above.
[0006]
When the operation shaft 34 of the conventional multidirectional input device having such a configuration is tilted in the direction of the arrow A as shown in FIG. 20A, the flat portion 34b becomes the second portion with the pin 39 that is the shaft support portion as a fulcrum. The first interlocking member 32 shown in FIG. 20B is rotated about the support portions 32e and 32f at both ends, and the variable resistor 35 locked to the locking claw 32c is tilted along the long hole 33b. It can be operated.
As shown in FIG. 20B, when the operation shaft 34 is tilted in the direction of arrow B, the cylindrical portion 34a of the operation shaft 34 moves along the first elongated hole 32b of the first interlocking member 32. The second interlocking member 33 shown in FIG. 3 is rotated about the support portions 33f and 33g as fulcrums, and the variable resistor 35 locked to the locking claw 33c can be operated.
[0007]
When the force applied in the arrow A or B direction of the operation shaft 34 is released, the push-up member 36 is pushed upward by the elastic force of the coil spring 37, and the first and second interlocking members 32, 33 are pushed up. Rotates to return to the initial posture, and the operating shaft 34 automatically returns to the vertical neutral position.
[0008]
Such a conventional multidirectional input device can simultaneously operate two variable resistors attached to the case 31 by tilting the operation shaft 34. For example, an input operation such as a cursor on a display of a personal computer. Can be easily performed.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional multidirectional input device as described above, since the connecting portion 32a of the first interlocking member 32 is formed above the second interlocking member 33 and straddling the second interlocking member 33, FIG. As shown, the gap between the upper plate 31a of the case 31 and the second interlocking member 33 has to be increased so that the connecting portion 32a can rotate. Therefore, it has been difficult to reduce the thickness of the conventional multidirectional input device.
[0010]
In addition, since the positions where the protrusions 32d and 33d of the first or second interlocking members 32 and 33 are in contact with the push-up member 36 are shifted from the center, the operation shaft 34 is tilted so that the first or second When the push-up member 36 is pushed down by the rotation of the second interlocking members 32, 33, the push-up member 36 is inclined and guides the push-up member 36. appear.
Therefore, the push-up member 36 cannot be pushed down smoothly, and there is a problem that the operation feeling when the operation shaft 34 is tilted is deteriorated.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a high-performance multidirectional input device that can be thinned and has a good operation feeling of the operation shaft. is there.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is provided with first support portions at both ends and first support portions at both ends, respectively . of the first interlocking member having a first long hole pivotable support portion as the center axis, the second support portions are provided at both ends, rotatably the second support part as a center axis And having a connecting portion in which a second elongated hole is formed between the second supporting portions, and providing a bulging portion at the center of the connecting portion, and also providing the first inside the concave portion of the bulging portion. A second interlocking member disposed perpendicular to the first interlocking member in a state where the interlocking member is positioned; a bottom plate that closes the released lower part; and the bulging portion is the first interlocking member while being disposed on the bottom plate side of the bottom of the first supporting portion inside the cavity of the plate the central axis and the second A frame that rotatably supports the first support portion and the second support portion of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member in a state in which the central axis of the holding portion is orthogonal, and the first elongated hole And a shaft support hole of the first interlocking member that is inserted into the second long hole, can be tilted and moved in the first long hole, and can be moved in the second long hole. An operation shaft that is pivotally supported while being prevented from coming off, and the bulging portion that protrudes toward the bottom plate of the connecting portion is disposed so as to be located in a spirally wound winding portion, and the first interlocking comprising a member and a second interlocking member from the bottom plate side and elastically biased capable coil spring, and a tilting by said first interlocking member and a second interlocking member a plurality of electrical components operable through the operation shaft, wherein A shaft support hole is formed in the operation shaft, and a pin is inserted into the shaft support hole of the operation shaft and the shaft support hole of the first interlocking member. The operation shaft is pivotally supported, and the shaft support hole of the operation shaft is formed on the same line as the line connecting the first support portions on both end sides of the first interlocking member, and the frame body is the bottom plate And the first support member and the second support member of each of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are bent in four directions from the upper plate of the frame body. It was set as the structure currently supported by the same height position from the said upper board of a side plate .
[0012]
As a second means for solving the above problem, the bulging portion of the front Symbol connecting portion is formed in an arc shape, the center of the arc shape, pivotally supports the operating shaft of the first interlocking member It was set as the structure which was located on the centerline of the said shaft support hole.
[0014]
Further, as a third means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the operation shaft is configured such that the coil spring is adjacent to the first support portion and the second support portion of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. By elastically urging the bottom plate side of the first arm portion and the second arm portion, the arm portion can be held upright in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. The configuration.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation of a first interlocking member according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the operation of the second interlocking member according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a top view of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a view of the operation shaft according to the present invention. 7 is a top view of the first interlocking member according to the present invention, FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a bottom view of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a side view of FIG. 11 is a top view of a second interlocking member according to the present invention, FIG. 12 is a sectional view of FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a bottom view of FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. 15 is a view of a spring receiving member according to the present invention, FIG. 16 is a top view of a bottom plate according to the present invention, FIG. 17 is a sectional view of FIG. Is a side view of FIG. 16.
[0016]
First, as shown in FIG. 5, in the multidirectional input device of the present invention, a box-shaped frame body 1 made of an iron plate or the like is formed by bending with a press or the like, and an upper portion is covered with an upper plate 1a. A circular operation hole 1b is provided, and side plates 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1f that are bent downward are provided on four sides of the upper plate 1a so that the inside of the frame 1 is hollow.
Inside the cavity of the frame body 10, the first and second interlocking members 2, 4 are arranged in a cross shape so as to be orthogonal to each other.
[0017]
The first interlocking member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. The first interlocking member 2 is made of synthetic resin or zinc die casting, and as shown in FIG. 8, a semicircular base 2a at the center. One arm 2b that protrudes rightward in the figure from the base 2a and the other arm 2c that protrudes leftward in the figure are formed.
Column-shaped support portions 2d for supporting the side plates 1c and 1e in a state where the first interlocking member 2 is positioned inside the frame body 1 on both ends of the one and other arm portions 2b and 2c. 2f are provided.
A rod-like engagement portion 2e is formed to protrude from the support portion 2d on the one arm portion 2b side, and this engagement portion 2e can be engaged with a rotary electric component 11 described later.
[0018]
In addition, a first elongated hole 2g extending toward one and the other arm portions 2b and 2c is formed through the central portion of the base portion 2a shown in FIG.
Further, a shaft support hole 2h into which a round pin 7 to be described later can be fitted is formed through the base 2a shown in FIG. 8 in a direction orthogonal to the first long hole 2g. The shaft support hole 2h is formed on the same line as the line C connecting the support portions 2d and 2f on the left and right end sides shown in FIG.
[0019]
Further, from one and the other arm portions 2b and 2c shown in FIG. 7, a pair of protrusions 2j and 2j are shown in the lower part of the figure, and from one and the other arm parts 2b and 2c are a pair of protrusions 2k and 2k. Are formed in a substantially triangular shape and project. Each of the protrusions 2j and 2k is formed so as to be able to contact a ring-shaped base portion 8d of a spring receiving member 8 described later.
Further, in the vicinity of the support portions 2d and 2f shown in FIG. 8, a guide portion 3 capable of guiding the movement of a ring-shaped spring receiving member 8 described later is provided at the lower portion of the one and the other arm portions 2b and 2c. Is formed.
As shown in FIG. 9, the guide portion 3 is formed in a substantially annular shape in the vicinity of the support portions 2d and 2f and between the support portions 2d and 2f and the first long hole 2g. Yes.
Further, the left and right guide surfaces 3a constituting the guide portion 3 shown in FIG. 8 are formed in a tapered shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the first interlocking member 2 having such a configuration is configured such that one and the other support portions 2 d and 2 f are supported by the side plates 1 c and 1 e of the frame body 1 and are rotatable.
[0020]
The second interlocking member 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. The second interlocking member 4 is made of synthetic resin or the like, and is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the first interlocking member 2 inside the frame body 1. As shown in FIG. 12, a connecting portion 4a formed in a downward arc shape is provided at the center portion, and one arm portion 4b is shown rightward from the connecting portion 4a and the other arm portion is shown leftward in the drawing. 4c is formed to protrude.
Cylindrical support portions 4d and 4e for supporting the second interlocking member 4 on the side plates 1d and 1f of the frame body 1 are provided on both ends of the one and the other arm portions 4b and 4c, respectively. Yes.
A rod-like engagement portion 4f is formed to protrude from the support portion 4d on the one arm portion 4b side, and this engagement portion 4f can be engaged with a rotary electric component 11 described later.
[0021]
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the second interlocking member 4 includes a pair of protrusions 4h and 4h on the lower side in the drawing from one and the other arm portions 4b and 4c, and an upper side in the drawing on the one and other arm portions 4b and 4c A pair of protrusions 4k, 4k are formed in a substantially triangular shape and protrude. Each of the protrusions 4h and 4k is formed so as to be able to contact a ring-shaped base portion 8d of a spring receiving member 8 described later.
Further, in the vicinity of the respective support portions 4d and 4e shown in FIG. 12, guide portions 5 capable of guiding the movement of the ring-shaped spring receiving member 8 described later are provided on the lower surfaces of the one and the other arm portions 4b and 4c. Is formed.
As shown in FIG. 13, the guide portion 5 is formed in a substantially annular shape, has a tapered outer surface 5a formed on the outer peripheral side, and has an arcuate connecting portion 4a on the inner peripheral side.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second interlocking member 4 is rotatable with the support portions 4 d and 4 e supported by the side plates 1 d and 1 f of the frame body 1.
Further, the connecting portion 4 a of the second interlocking member 4 is disposed below the first interlocking member 2 and straddling the first interlocking member.
In other words, the connecting portion 4 a is disposed below the first interlocking member 2 and straddling the first interlocking member 2.
[0022]
Further, the support portions 2d, 2f, 4d, and 4e of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 are respectively rotated at the same height position of the four side plates 1c, 1d, 1e, and 1d of the frame body 1 respectively. Supported as possible.
That is, the support portions 2d, 2f, 4d, and 4e of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 are mounted on the same plane of the reference line D shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.
Further, when the first and second interlocking members 2, 4 are incorporated in the frame body 1 so as to be orthogonal to each other, the arc-shaped connecting portion 4 a of the second interlocking member 4 has an operation shaft 6 described later as the first interlocking member 2. The center of the arc is positioned in the shaft support hole 2h which is a shaft support portion for shaft support.
[0023]
The operation shaft 6 pivotally supported in the shaft support hole 2h of the first interlocking member 2 is made of metal. As shown in FIG. 6, the flat first operation portion 6a and the first operation portion 6a A cylindrical second operation portion 6b that protrudes to the left in the drawing and a columnar knob portion 6c that protrudes from the first operation portion 6a to the right in the drawing are roughly configured.
Further, a shaft support hole 6 d for supporting the operation shaft 6 in the shaft support hole 2 h of the first interlocking member 2 is formed at a substantially central portion of the first operation portion 6 a.
[0024]
In such an operation shaft 6, the first operation portion 6 a can be tilted with the first operation portion 6 a positioned in the first long hole 2 g of the first interlocking member 2, and the second operation portion 6 b can be tilted. It is possible to move within the second long hole 4g of the connecting portion 4a.
As shown in FIG. 1, the operating shaft 6 is in a state in which the first operating portion 6a is inserted into the first long hole 2g of the first interlocking member 2 and the shaft supporting holes 2h and 6d are aligned. When the round pin 7 is inserted into each of the shaft support holes 2h, 6d from one side and the tip of the round pin 7 is caulked from the other side, the operation shaft 6 is prevented from coming off by the first interlocking member 2. It is pivotally supported and can be tilted with a round pin 7 serving as a pivotal support as a fulcrum.
[0025]
A spring receiving member 8 is disposed on the annular guide portions 3 and 5 of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 that are incorporated into the frame body 1 at right angles to each other. The spring receiving member 8 is made of a resin material, and a positioning portion 8a formed of a concave groove capable of positioning an upper end portion side of a coil spring 9 described later is formed on a ring-shaped base portion 8d.
The spring receiving member 8 has an outer peripheral portion 8b and an inner peripheral portion 8c formed on a ring-shaped base portion 8d.
The spring receiving member 8 guided by the guide portions 3 and 5 of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 is arranged with the positioning portion 8a facing downward.
[0026]
In such a spring receiving member 8, the outer peripheral portion 8 b and the outer peripheral portion 8 c are guided by the guide portion 3 of the first interlocking member 2 and the outer peripheral portion of the guide portion 5 of the second interlocking member 4. 8b is guided by the guide surface 5a, and the inner peripheral part 8c is guided by the arc-shaped connecting part 4a.
The movement of the spring receiving member 8 that moves when the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 are rotated is guided by the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4.
[0027]
Further, the spring receiving member 8 has been described so that both the outer peripheral portion 8b and the inner peripheral portion 8c are guided. However, only the outer peripheral portion 8b or the inner peripheral portion 8c may be guided.
That is, the guide portions 3 and 5 of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 are arranged in the vicinity of the support portions 2d, 2f, 4d and 4e of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4, and the outer peripheral portion 8b of the spring receiving member 8. Or / and the inner peripheral portion 8c may be formed so as to be capable of being guided.
In such a spring receiving member 8, the protrusions 2j, 2k, 4h, and 4k of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 can come into contact with the opposite surface of the base portion 8d in which the positioning groove 8a is formed. It has become.
Then, when the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 are rotated by the tilting operation of the operation shaft 6, the spring receiving member 8 is pressed against any one of the protrusions 2j, 2k, 4h and 4k, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the coil spring 9 is inclined against the urging force.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the spring receiving member 8 is always elastically biased upward by a coil spring 9. The upper end portion of the coil spring 9 is positioned at the positioning portion 8 a of the spring receiving member 8.
In FIG. 15B, the positioning portion 8a has a concave shape that can position the outer peripheral portion and inner peripheral portion of the coil spring 9, but only the outer peripheral portion or only the inner peripheral portion of the coil spring 9 can be positioned. It may be formed in an L shape (not shown).
[0029]
The frame body 1 is open at the bottom, and has a bottom plate 10 that closes the released bottom, and the bottom end of the coil spring 9 is elastically biased to the bottom plate 10. Such a bottom plate 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. When the bottom plate 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular outer shape and the operation shaft 6 is tilted at the center, a pressing load is applied by mistake. A restricting portion 10a that restricts the downward movement of the operation shaft 6 is formed in an arc shape.
When the operating shaft 6 is erroneously depressed downward, the restricting portion 10a is brought into contact with the lower end portion of the second operating portion 6b of the operating shaft 6 so that the first interlocking member 2 that supports the operating shaft 6 is supported. An unreasonable load is not applied.
Further, the angle α for tilting the operation shaft 6 is set to about 25 °, so that even if the operation shaft 6 is tilted to the maximum, the second operation portion 6b of the operation shaft 6 does not come off the regulating portion 10a. It has become.
A positioning groove 10b for positioning the lower end portion of the coil spring 9 is engraved in an annular shape with a predetermined depth on the outside of the restricting portion 10a.
[0030]
In addition, a square hole 10c is formed through the substantially central portion of the substantially rectangular side surface. As shown in FIG. 1, mounting legs 1g extending downward from the side plates 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f of the frame body 1 can be inserted into the respective square holes 10c.
Also, a mounting wall 10d for mounting a rotating electrical component 11 to be described later is formed on the right side surface and the lower side surface of the substantially rectangular shape shown in FIG.
In such a multi-directional input device of the present invention, the coil spring 9 is located around the support portions 2d, 2f, 4d, and 4f of the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 via the spring receiving member 8 from below. It is elastically biased upward. Therefore, even if the operating shaft 6 that is vertically held at the neutral position is tilted as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, it can be automatically returned to the neutral position by the biasing force of the coil spring 9.
[0031]
The operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. First, as shown in FIG. 1, the operating shaft 6 in the neutral position in the vertical state is shown in FIG. Tilt in the direction of arrow E.
Then, the 1st interlocking member 2 rotates and inclines, the protrusion 2k presses the spring receiving member 8, the illustration right side of the spring receiving member 8 falls and inclines, and the illustration right side of the coil spring 9 compresses. Bend.
At this time, if the rotary electrical component 11 engaged with the engaging portion 4f of the first interlocking member 2 shown in FIG. 3 is rotated, for example, if the rotary electrical component 11 is a variable resistor, the resistance value Is variable.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 3, when the operation shaft 6 in the vertical neutral position is tilted in the direction of arrow F as shown in FIG. 4, the second interlocking member 4 is rotated and tilted, and the protrusion 4k. Presses the spring receiving member 8, the second interlocking member 4 inclines on the left side of the spring receiving member 8, the protrusion 4 k presses the spring receiving member 8, and the left side of the spring receiving member 8 moves down. The left side of the coil spring 9 is compressed and bent.
At this time, if the rotary electrical component 11 engaged with the engaging portion 2e of the second interlocking member 2 shown in FIG. 1 is rotated, for example, if the rotary electrical component 11 is a variable resistor, the resistance value Is variable.
Even if the operation shaft 6 is tilted in a direction other than the above, both the rotary electrical components 11 can be driven by a combination of the above operations.
In the description of the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second interlocking members 2 and 4 are directly held by the frame 1. However, for example, the support portions 2 d and 2 f are omitted, and the rotary electric component is omitted. 11 may be indirectly held by the frame 1.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the second interlocking member is disposed orthogonal to the first interlocking member, and the bulging portion of the connecting portion is disposed closer to the bottom plate than the first interlocking member. together with the disposed in a state in which recesses inwardly to position the first interlocking member of the bulging portion of the connecting portion, positioned wound winding portion bulges to the coil spring of spiral of the connecting portion Since it was made to do, the clearance gap between a 1st, 2nd interlocking member and the upper board of a frame can be made small. Therefore, the height dimension of the frame can be reduced, and a thin multidirectional input device can be provided.
Further, the since the bulging portion of the connecting portion of the second interlocking member and is positioned wound winding portion in a spiral-shaped coil springs, Ru can be used to enable the free space of winding portion of the coil spring The first and second interlocking members can be rotated without difficulty.
[0034]
Further, the connecting portion of the second interlocking member is formed in an arc shape, and the center of the arc shape is positioned at a shaft support portion that supports the operation shaft of the first interlocking member, so that the operation shaft is tilted. When this is done, the second operating portion of the operating shaft that moves in the second elongated hole of the connecting portion always moves so that the same position is located in the second elongated hole. Therefore, the operation shaft can be smoothly tilted, and a multidirectional input device with good operation feeling can be provided.
[0035]
In addition, since the respective support portions of the first and second interlocking members are supported at the same height position of the frame body, the operation shaft when the first and second interlocking members are rotated is used. The operating force can be made uniform and the operation feeling can be improved.
[0036]
The operation shaft can be held in a vertical neutral position by the coil spring elastically energizing the vicinity of the support portion of the first and second interlocking members. Thereafter, when the operating force applied to the operation shaft is released, the operation shaft automatically returns to the neutral position. Therefore, a multidirectional input device with good operability can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining the operation of a first interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a main part diagram for explaining the operation of a second interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of an operation axis according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a top view of a first interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a first interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a first interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a top view of a second interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a second interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a second interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a side view of a second interlocking member according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a view of a spring receiving member according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a top view of a bottom plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a bottom plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a front view of a bottom plate according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional multidirectional input device. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the conventional multidirectional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Frame 1a Upper board 2 1st interlocking member 2a Base 2b One 1st arm part 2c The other 1st arm part 2d, 2f 1st support part 2g 1st long hole 2h Axial support hole 3 Guide part 4 Second interlocking member 4a Connecting part (bulging part)
4b One second arm portion 4c The other second arm portion 4d, 4e Second support portion 4g Second elongated hole 5 Guide portion 6 Operation shaft 6a First operation portion 6b Second operation portion 7 Round pin 8 Spring receiving member 8a Positioning portion 8b Outer peripheral portion 8c Inner peripheral portion 9 Coil spring 10 Bottom plate 11 Rotary electrical component

Claims

First support portions are provided at both ends, respectively , a first interlocking member having a first long hole that is rotatable about the first support portion as a central axis, and second support portions at both ends, respectively. provided, pivotable this second support part as a center axis, it has a second coupling part which elongated hole is formed between the second support portions, bulging at the center portion of the connecting portion A second interlocking member disposed perpendicular to the first interlocking member in a state where the first interlocking member is positioned inside the concave portion of the bulging part, and the opened lower part is closed. A bottom plate that is disposed on the bottom plate side of the first interlocking member, and a central axis of the first support portion and the second support portion inside the cavity on the bottom plate. The first support portion and the second support portion of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member can be rotated in a state where the central axes of the two interlocking members are orthogonal to each other The frame body to be supported is inserted into the first long hole and the second long hole, and can be tilted and moved in the first long hole and can be moved in the second long hole. As described above, in the winding portion in which the operation shaft that is supported by being supported by the shaft supporting hole of the first interlocking member and the bulging portion that protrudes toward the bottom plate of the connecting portion is spirally wound. is arranged to be positioned, said first interlocking member and a second interlocking member which capable elastically urged from the bottom plate side coil spring, through the first interlocking member and a second interlocking member by tilting of the operating shaft A plurality of operable electric components, and a shaft support hole is formed in the operation shaft, and a pin is inserted into the shaft support hole of the operation shaft and the shaft support hole of the first interlocking member to operate the operation shaft. Are supported, and the shaft support hole of the operation shaft is collinear with the line connecting the first support portions on both end sides of the first interlocking member. The frame body has an upper plate facing the bottom plate, and the first support portion and the second support portion of each of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are formed on the frame body. A multi-directional input device , wherein each side plate bent in four directions from the upper plate is supported at the same height position from the upper plate .

Is formed bulging portions of the front Symbol coupling portion in a circular arc shape, the center of the arc shape, and to be positioned on the center line of the shaft supporting hole for supporting the operating shaft of the first interlocking member The multi-directional input device according to claim 1.

The operation shaft includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that are adjacent to the first support portion and the second support portion of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. 3. The multi-direction according to claim 1, wherein the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member can be held upright in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member by elastic biasing. Input device.