JP2001109535A - Multidirectional input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of a conventional multidimensional input device that the resistance values of 1st and 2nd variable resistors 17 and 20 vary since an operation lever 13 easily shifts from a tilt position when the operation torque of a universal bearing 12 and the rotational torque of the 1st and 2nd variable resistors are made light for the slight operation of an operation lever 13. SOLUTION: Although the conventional multidirectional input device has the 1st and 2nd variable resistors 17 and 20 varying in resistance value by the slanting of the operation lever 13 to an arbitrary direction, but desirable resistance values which should be held as they are varied by the method for slanting the operation lever. For the purpose, the device is equipped with 1st and 2nd interlocking members 2 and 5, a frame body 1 in which the 1st and 2nd interlocking members are built rotatably, an operation shaft 4 supported pivotally on the 2nd interlocking member, an electric component 3 fitted to the frame body, an operation body 6 which is supported movably on the operation shaft positioned in the frame body, and a bottom plate 8 which has an internal bottom surface 8 opening and closing the frame body by bringing a spherical surface part 6d of the operation body into elastic contact with the elastic force of a return spring 7; and the center point of the spherical surface part is arranged almost at the intersection of the axial line of the operation shaft and the axial branch line of the operation shaft to the 2nd interlocking member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device, and more particularly, to a multi-directional input device capable of operating a plurality of electric components simultaneously by operating an operation axis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multidirectional input device has been used as a balance controller for four speakers arranged in front, rear, left and right, such as a four-channel home theater device and a car audio device. Here, a conventional multidirectional input device will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG.
Is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional multidirectional input device, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional multidirectional input device.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a supporting portion 13a of an operation lever 13 is supported on an upper wall 11a of a casing 11 via a free bearing 12, and the operation lever 13 can be moved in a predetermined direction in an arbitrary direction. Angle tilt is possible.

A substantially U-shaped first arm 14 and a second arm 15 are disposed in the casing 11 in a substantially cross shape. The first arm 14 is arranged in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 18). The second arm 15 is rotatable around the axis of the X-axis along the X-axis direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 18). That is, the first arm 14
One end is rotatably supported by a pin 16 penetrating the side wall 11b of the casing 11, and the other end is
The first side wall 11b of the casing 11 protrudes outward from the first variable resistor 17 attached to the outer side of the first side wall 11b.
Is fixed to an input shaft 18 which is rotatable by a predetermined angle.

The second arm 15 is provided on the casing 11
One end is rotatably supported by a pin 19 penetrating through the side wall 11b of the casing 11, and the other end is
Is fixed to an input shaft 21 that projects outward from a second variable resistor 20 attached to the outer surface side of the casing 11 and penetrates a side wall 11b of the casing 11 and is rotatable by a predetermined angle.

The first arm 14 and the second arm 15 are provided with long holes 22 and 23 extending in the longitudinal direction, respectively. The lower end of the operation lever 13 is provided with the long hole 22 and the long hole. 23. Therefore, the operation lever 1
3 can be tilted in any direction,
The input shaft 18 of the first variable resistor 17 rotates according to the tilt angle in the X-axis direction, and the input shaft 21 of the second variable resistor 20 according to the tilt angle of the operation lever 13 in the Y-axis direction. Rotates.

An amplifier board 25 is attached to the outer surface of the side wall 11b of the casing 11 via a plurality of brackets 24 made of an insulator.
An amplifier circuit (not shown) composed of an integrated circuit or the like is mounted on 5.

Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device will be described. First, when the operation lever 13 is tilted (tilted) in an arbitrary direction, the first arm 14 rotates about the pin 16 and the second arm 15 rotates about the pin 19. Here, the rotation angle of the first arm 14 corresponds to the tilt angle of the operation lever 13 in the X-axis direction, and the input shaft 18 of the first variable resistor 17 is connected to the first arm 1
4 and rotate together. Therefore, the resistance value of the first variable resistor 17 changes according to the tilt angle of the operation lever 13 in the X-axis direction.

Similarly, the rotation angle of the second arm 15 is Y
The second variable resistor 20 corresponds to the tilt angle in the axial direction.
Input shaft 21 rotates integrally with the second arm 15. Therefore, the resistance value of the second variable resistor 20 changes according to the tilt angle of the operation lever 13 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the X and Y components of the inclination of the operation lever 13 are detected by changes in the resistance values of the first variable resistor 17 and the second variable resistor 20, and a four-channel home theater device, car audio device, or the like is used. You can control the balance of four speakers arranged in front, back, left and right.

[0010]

However, in the conventional multi-directional input device, the first and second variable resistors 17 and 17 are moved by tilting the operation lever 13 in an arbitrary direction as described above.
Although the respective resistance values of the operation lever 20 change, it is possible to freely maintain the respective desired resistance values by tilting the operation lever 13 in that state, that is, hold the tilt position of the operation lever 13 at that position. The operating torque of the bearing 12 and the turning torque of the first and second variable resistors 17 and 20 are controlled by the operating lever 1.
In order to perform the light operation of No. 3, if each torque is formed lightly, the operating lever 13 easily shifts from a desired tilting position due to its own weight of the operating lever 13 and the like, and each resistance value changes. Problem.

Further, in order to reliably hold the tilt position of the operation lever 13, grease is applied between the universal bearing 12 and the support portion 13a to adjust the operating torque, or to control the first and second variable resistances. If the rotating torque is increased (increased) by storing a leaf spring for torque output in the containers 17 and 20, the above problem can be solved. And the like, the operating torque tends to vary, and the operating force changes depending on the temperature. Alternatively, there is a problem that an operating force of a stable magnitude cannot be obtained such that the operating torque changes depending on the service life. In the latter case, the variable resistors 17, 2
Due to the variation in the operating force of 0, the value of the operating force varies depending on the tilting direction, and thus there is a problem that the lightness of the tilting operation of the operation lever 13 is impaired.

Further, in the conventional multidirectional input device, first,
The center position (center resistance value) of each resistance value of the second variable resistors 17 and 20 is when the operation lever 13 is vertically protruding from the upper surface of the casing 11, but the operation lever 13 is surely vertically. That it is in a protruding state,
It is sometimes difficult to visually confirm, and thus there is a problem that it is difficult to determine the center position of each resistance value of the first and second variable resistors 17 and 20.

[0013]

A multidirectional input device according to the present invention has a first interlocking member having a slit in a longitudinal direction, and a long groove arranged in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member. A second interlocking member, a frame body inside which the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are rotatably installed, a bottom plate having an inner bottom surface for closing a lower portion of the frame body, a slit hole and a long groove. An operation shaft inserted and pivotally supported by the second interlocking member so as to be tiltable, and a plurality of electric shafts mounted on a frame operable via the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member by operating the operation shaft. Parts, and an operation body having a spherical portion supported by the distal end portion of the operation shaft located inside the frame body, the spherical portion being formed by the elastic force of a return spring inserted between the operation shaft and the operation body. Is in elastic contact with the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate, and the center point of the radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the operating body is almost Is that is disposed so as to be positioned in the center.

Further, the multidirectional input device of the present invention comprises a first interlocking member having a slit in a longitudinal direction, and a second interlocking member disposed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member and having a long groove. A frame body for rotatably mounting the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member inside, a bottom plate having an inner bottom surface for closing a lower part of the frame body, a slit hole and a long groove, (2) an operation shaft pivotally supported by the interlocking member, a plurality of electric components attached to a frame operable by operating the operation shaft via the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member, An operating body supported by the distal end of an operating shaft located inside the body and having a spherical portion, and a holding substrate abutted on the spherical portion of the operating body and disposed in the frame body, the holding substrate and the bottom plate The elastic force of the return spring interposed between the ball and the holding substrate makes elastic contact with the spherical body. Curvature radius of the center point of the section is that is disposed so as to be positioned to the tilt center of the substantially operating shaft.

Further, in the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, the return spring is housed in the operation shaft, and the spherical portion of the operation body is elastically contacted with the bottom plate.

Further, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is provided with a circular concave portion or a flat portion on a spherical portion of the operating body.

Further, the multidirectional input device of the present invention includes a circular concave portion on the spherical portion of the operating body, and a circular expansion portion at a position in contact with the concave portion of the spherical portion on the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate. That is, it has an outlet.

Further, the multidirectional input device of the present invention comprises a first interlocking member having a slit in the longitudinal direction, and a second interlocking member disposed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member and having a long groove. A member, a first interlocking member, and a second interlocking member are rotatably mounted inside, and are inserted through a frame having a lower wall, a slit hole and a long groove, and are pivotally supported by the second interlocking member so as to be tiltable. Operating shaft, a plurality of electric components attached to the frame that can be operated via the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member by operating the operation shaft, and opposing the lower wall of the frame. A first support member disposed between the first interlocking member and a return spring interposed between the holding substrate and the lower wall;
A semi-circular holding portion formed concentrically with the center of rotation of the interlocking member, and provided at both ends of the second interlocking member, and formed concentrically with the center of rotation of the second interlocking member. A semi-circular holding portion is formed, and the holding substrate is elastically contacted with both holding portions by the elastic force of the return spring.

Further, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is characterized in that a concave portion or a flat portion is provided in the holding portion of the first interlocking member and the outer peripheral portion of the holding portion of the second interlocking member.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 5 are first embodiments of a second interlocking member of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIG. 6
8 are diagrams illustrating a first embodiment of the operation axis of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. FIGS. 9 to 11 are diagrams illustrating a first embodiment of the operation body of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. Diagram explaining the form,
12 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the multidirectional input device according to the present invention is provided with a frame 1 made of an iron plate or the like, and the frame 1 is formed by pressing a side plate 1 bent downward in the drawing.
a, 1b, 1c, 1d, the inside is hollow, the lower part is open, and the outer shape is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The upper part of the frame 1 is closed by an upper plate 1e, and an operation hole 1f is formed in the center of the upper plate 1e.

Three side plates 1a, 1 other than the side plate 1b
A round hole 1g is formed in each of c and 1d, and a plurality of square holes (not shown) are provided in the side plate 1a and the side plate 1c adjacent to the side plate 1a. Also, the side plate 1
A substantially semicircular support portion 1h is formed in the side plate 1b on the side opposite to the side a at the position where the round hole 1g of the side plate 1a faces, and the support portion 1h is substantially perpendicularly outwardly from the side plate 1b to the left and right in the drawing. The legs 1j and 1j are formed to be bent. At this time, a line connecting the center of the round hole 1g of the side plate 1a and the center of the semicircle of the substantially semicircular supporting portion 1h of the side plate 1b, and the side plates 1c, 1c
The lines connecting the center of each round hole 1g of d are orthogonal to each other so as to have an intersection.

A plurality (for example, four) of mounting terminals for mounting the multidirectional input device of the present invention on a printed wiring board (not shown) is provided below each of the opposing side plates 1c and 1d. 1k is formed to extend downward. A plurality (for example, four) of tongue pieces 1m are formed below the side plates 1a and 1b.

The variable resistor 3 as an electric component is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a substrate 3b integrally formed by insert molding or the like is provided inside a case 3a, and a slider receiver 3d to which a slider piece 3c is attached is rotatably snap-fit to the substrate 3b. At the center of rotation of the slider holder 3d, an engagement groove 3e formed by combining a vertical groove and a horizontal groove is formed. The variable resistor 3 includes a side plate 1 a of the frame 1,
1c is attached to a plurality of square holes (not shown) by a snap connection or the like.

The first interlocking member 2 is made of, for example, a phosphor bronze plate or the like, and is punched, bent, and curved upward in an arch shape, and a slit hole 2a is formed in the longitudinal direction of the arch portion. Have been. In addition, the first
Both ends of the interlocking member 2 are bent downward, and the bent one end on the left side in the drawing has a pipe-shaped support portion 2b.
Are formed by drawing or the like, and the support portion 2b is inserted into the round hole 1g of the side plate 1d to be rotatably supported.

The other end of the first interlocking member 2 on the right side in the figure is bent into a substantially U-shape to form a U-shape 2c, and the U-shape 2c is formed on the side plate 1c of the frame 1. The variable resistor 3 is inserted into a round hole (not shown) formed in the variable resistor 3 and protrudes outward from the round hole so as to engage with a lateral groove of a slider receiver 3d of the variable resistor 3. The first interlocking member 2 is bridged by the respective round holes of the side plates 1 c and 1 d of the frame 1, and an arch-shaped portion is rotatably installed inside the frame 1.

The U-shaped portion 2c of the first interlocking member 2 protruding outward from a round hole (not shown) of the side plate 1c of the frame 1 has a variable resistor 3 attached to the side plate 1c.
When the first interlocking member 2 rotates, the slider receiver 3d of the variable resistor 3 rotates, and the resistance value of the variable resistor 3 changes. .

The operation shaft 4 is made of a synthetic resin material.
As shown in FIG. 8, a knob 4a formed in an oval shape
Is formed in a circular shape. A cylindrical portion 4c having a hollow inside is integrally formed with the circular root portion 4b. The cylindrical portion 4c is opened downward and the periphery thereof is covered with an outer wall, and a housing portion 4d is formed in a hollow shape inside, and flat portions 4e and 4e are formed facing the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 4c shown in FIG. The flat portions 4e, 4e are partially formed with oval-shaped support portions 4f, 4f having a predetermined diameter and height, and projecting in a convex shape.

Inside the housing 4d, a shaft 4g is formed integrally on the same axis as the knob 4a so as to extend downward in the drawing, and the tip 4h of the shaft 4g is located at a position from the housing 4d. It protrudes downward by the fixed amount. The knob 4 a of the operation shaft 4 is provided with the slit hole 2 of the first interlocking member 2.
a, and the knob 4a and the root 4b are movable along the slit hole 2a. This operation axis 4
Is the direction of the arrow AA, that is, the direction of rotating the first interlocking member 2, and the direction of the arrow BB (see FIG. 1), that is, the first direction.
The interlocking member 2 can be tilted in a direction parallel to the slit hole 2a. The tilt center of the operation shaft 4 is an intersection G2 where the rotation centers of the shaft supports 4f and 4f intersect with the rotation centers of the support portions 5h and 5k of the second interlocking member 5 described later.

The return spring 7 is composed of a coil spring having a predetermined elastic force and having upper and lower winding ends. The return spring 7 is inserted into the shaft portion 4g of the operation shaft 4 and disposed in the storage portion 4d. .

The second interlocking member 5 is made of a synthetic resin material, is formed by molding, and has a first
It is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the interlocking member 2. This second
As shown in FIG. 2, the interlocking member 5 has a support portion 5a having a substantially rectangular outer shape formed at a substantially central portion, and the support portion 5a is surrounded by a horizontally long and a vertically long side wall 5b. A substantially rectangular long groove 5c is formed to penetrate the enclosed inside.

At predetermined positions of the horizontally long side walls 5b, 5b of the support portion 5a, engaging portions 5d, 5d with which the shaft supporting portions 4f, 4f of the operating shaft 4 can engage penetrate or are concave at a predetermined depth. Is formed. Further, chamfered portions 5e and 5e having predetermined dimensions are formed at the inner corners of the horizontally long side walls 5b and 5b above the engaging portion 5d shown in FIG.
The chamfered portions 5e and 5e enable the shaft support 4f to be smoothly guided to the engagement portion 5d when the operation shaft 4 is supported by the second interlocking member 5 by snap engagement.

As shown in FIG. 3, first and second arm portions 5f, 5g are provided in the left and right horizontal directions from the support portion 5a.
Are respectively formed to extend. The first arm portion 5f extending to one side has a support portion 5h having a predetermined diameter.
Are formed, and a plate-shaped convex portion 5j having a predetermined width dimension is formed so as to protrude from the support portion 5h. Further, a supporting portion 5k having a predetermined diameter is formed on the second arm portion 5g extending to the other side, and an upper surface is formed flat from the supporting portion 5k,
A convex portion 5m whose lower surface is formed in a semicircular shape is formed to protrude.

The second interlocking member 5 has a first arm 5f.
Is rotatably supported by being inserted into the round hole 1g of the side plate 1a of the frame 1, and the supporting portion 5h of the second arm 5g.
k is located in the semicircular support portion 1h of the side plate 1b,
The second interlocking member 5 is configured to be rotatable, and the protrusion 5m, which is one end, is disposed inside the frame 1 so as to be vertically movable. The projection 5j of the first arm 5f is engaged with the vertical groove of the engagement groove 3e of the variable resistor 3 attached to the side plate 1a.

In this state, the axis of rotation of the first interlocking member 2 and the axis of rotation of the second interlocking member 5 are orthogonally installed inside the frame 1 such that they have intersections. Have been.
The intersection of the center point of the rotation when the first and second interlocking members 2 and 5 are respectively rotated is made to coincide with the tilt center G2 of the operation shaft 4 described above.

The operation body 6 is made of a synthetic resin material.
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, one end side (lower side) has a base 6 a formed in a spherical shape so that the outer shape is circular and the bottom surface has a predetermined radius R. A cylindrical boss 6b projecting outward is formed at the center of the base 6a, and a shaft hole 6c is formed through the center of the boss 6b.

The base 6a is a bottom surface and a spherical portion 6d formed in a spherical shape so as to have a predetermined radius R.
And a circular recess 6e in the center of the spherical portion 6d and around the penetrating shaft hole 6c. The center point G1 of the radius R of the spherical portion 6d formed at this radius R
Has a spherical portion 6d formed on the axis of the shaft hole 6c. The boss portion 6b has a first boss portion 6f having a smaller diameter on the tip end side, a second boss portion 6g having a larger diameter than the first boss portion 6f, and a third boss having a larger diameter than the second boss portion 6g. 6h. That is, the boss 6b is formed with two steps.

The operating body 6 has the distal end 4h of the operating shaft 4 inserted into the shaft hole 6c and the boss 6b movably inserted into the housing 4d of the cylindrical portion 4c. In this state, the axis of the operation shaft 4 coincides with the axis of the shaft hole 6c of the operation body 6, and therefore, the center point G1 of the radius R of the spherical portion 6d is It is on the axis. And
The center point G1 of the radius R of the spherical portion 6d is formed so as to coincide with the above-described center point G2 (see FIG. 12) of the tilt of the operation shaft 4. Since the rotation center of the second interlocking member 5 is formed on the axis of the operation shaft 4, the axis of the operation shaft 4 and the axis supporting line of the operation shaft 4 to the second interlocking member 5 are formed. Is located at the center point of tilting: G2.

The return spring 7 is inserted into the shaft portion 4g, and the upper and lower winding ends are formed on the ceiling surface of the storage portion 4d in the cylindrical portion 4c and on the upper surface of the third boss portion 6h of the operating body 6. (Step portion) and are arranged in elastic contact with each other. One end (upper winding end) of the knob 4a is guided by the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 4c, and the other end (lower winding end) is guided by the outer wall of the second boss 6g. , Front and rear and left and right movements are regulated.

The bottom plate 8 is made of a synthetic resin material, has a substantially rectangular outer shape, is partially formed with a side wall 8a around it, and is entirely flat inside the side wall 8a. An inner bottom surface 8b having a bulging portion 8e (see FIG. 12) slightly bulging outward in a circle is formed. The bottom plate 8 is disposed so as to close the lower part of the frame 1. At this time, the operating body 6 is elastically contacted with the inner bottom surface 8 b by the elastic force of the return spring 7.

From the side wall 8a on one side of the bottom plate 8,
A bottom surface 8f flush with the inner bottom surface 8b and a pair of flat plate-shaped protrusions 8c orthogonal to the bottom surface 8f are formed to project. On the side wall 8a adjacent to the side wall 8a on which the protruding portion 8c is formed, a plurality of L-shaped guide portions 8d for positioning the lower ends of the side plates 1c and 1d of the frame 1 are formed. Have been.

A push button switch 9 as an electric component attached to the projection 8c includes a stem 9a capable of turning on / off an internal switch circuit (not shown) and an internal switch. A case 9b for enclosing a circuit and a plurality of mounting terminals 9c extending downward from the side surface of the case 9b are formed. The push button switch 9 is mounted on the bottom surface 8f,
Are protruded outward from both ends of the convex portion 8c so as to sandwich and cross the bottom surface 8f. That is, as described above, the push button switch 9 is configured such that the mounting terminal 9c can be temporarily fixed to the projection 8c of the bottom plate 8 by snap engagement or the like.

The push button switch 9 is provided between the bottom surface 8f and the frame 1
Between the legs 1j, 1j. Also,
The projection 5m of the second arm 5g is located on the stem 9a of the push button switch 9.

Next, the assembly of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described. First, the arched first interlocking member 2 is inserted from the open lower side of the frame body 1, the U-shaped portion 2c is inserted into a round hole (not shown) of the side plate 1c, and the side plate 1d is inserted.
Then, the support 2b is inserted into the round hole 1g, and the first interlocking member 2 is installed and mounted inside the frame 1.

Next, the cylindrical portion 4c of the operating shaft 4 is inserted into the substantially rectangular supporting portion 5a of the second interlocking member 5, and the convex shaft supporting portion 4f is formed.
At the chamfered portion 5e of the side wall 5b. In this state,
When the operating shaft 4 is pressed against the lower long groove 5c with a jig or the like (not shown), the side wall 5b is elastically deformed and pushed outward, and the convex shaft support portion 4f is snapped to the concave engaging portion 5d of the side wall 5b. Engagement, and the cylindrical portion 4c of the operation shaft 4 is pivotally supported in the long groove 5c of the second interlocking member 5.

That is, the outer wall composed of the flat portion 4e of the cylindrical portion 4c of the operation shaft 4 is held in the support portion 5a of the second interlocking member 5, and the operation shaft 4 is pivotally supported by the second interlocking member 5. Next, the straight portions on both sides of the oval shape of the shaft support 4f and the circular engagement portion 5d
Grease (not shown) is injected into the space formed by the above operation so that troubles such as blemishes do not occur in the turning operation of the operation shaft 4 between the operation shaft 4 and the second interlocking member 5. I have.

Next, the knob 4a of the operation shaft 4 pivotally supported by the second interlocking member 5 is inserted through the slit hole 2a of the first interlocking member 2, and projects outward from the operation hole 1f of the frame 1. Then, the circular root portion 4b is positioned in the slit hole 2a. Then, the support portion 5h of the first arm portion 5f of the second interlocking member 5 is inserted into the round hole 1g of the side plate 1a of the frame 1, and the projection 5j at the tip portion projects outward from the side plate 1a,
The support 5k of the second arm 5g is positioned on the support 1h of the side plate 1b of the frame 1.

Next, the frame 1 on which the first and second interlocking members 2 and 5 are installed is turned upside down, and the opened lower part is turned upward.
Then, the return spring 7 is inserted into the tip 4h of the operation shaft 4 which is turned upside down, and the return spring 7 is stored in the storage portion 4d of the cylindrical portion 4c. Next, the shaft hole 6c of the operating body 6 is
h, the boss portion 6b of the operating body 6 is movably fitted into the cylindrical portion 4c of the operating shaft 4. Then, the step portion of the boss portion 6b of the operation body 6 elastically contacts the return spring 7.

A component mounting portion 8c is mounted on the inverted frame body 1.
The bottom plate 8 to which the push button switch 9 is temporarily fixed is mounted upside down. Then, the side plate 1 is attached to the L-shaped guide portions 8d, 8d.
c, the frame 1 is positioned on the bottom plate 8 and the side plate 1 is placed on the upper surface of the case 9b of the push button switch 9.
The pushbutton switch 9 is pinched and positioned by the leg portions 1j, 1j and the flat protrusion 8c, and the pushbutton switch 9 is fixed to the bottom plate 8.

When the plurality of tongue pieces 1m formed on the side plates 1a and 1b of the frame 1 are caulked to the back side of the bottom plate 8, the bottom plate 8 is integrated with the frame 1 and the operating body 6 is The operating shaft 4 is brought into an upright neutral state as shown in FIG. 12 by elastically contacting the bottom plate 8. Next, the second interlocking member 5 protruding from the side plate 1a
The operation portion 3e of the variable resistor 3 is aligned with the convex portion 5j, and the variable resistor 3 is snap-engaged with a plurality of square holes (not shown) formed in the side plate 1a.

The variable resistor 3 is aligned with the U-shaped portion 2c of the first interlocking member 2 projecting outward from the side plate 1c in the same manner as described above, and the variable resistor 3 is mounted on the side plate 1c. Is completed. By this assembly, the rotation axis of the first interlocking member 2 installed inside the frame 1 and the rotation axis of the second interlocking member 5 intersect with each other at an intersection G.
2 and a center point G1 of the spherical portion 6d of the operating body 6 and the intersection G2.
And are arranged so as to match. In the aforementioned assembly,
After the first and second interlocking members 2 and 5 are attached to the frame 1, the step of attaching the electric component including the variable resistor 3 to the frame 1 has been described. Before attaching to the frame 1, the variable resistor 3 may be attached to the frame 1.

Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described. First, when no operation force is applied to the knob 4a of the operation shaft 4 and no load is applied, the concave portion 6e of the spherical portion 6d of the operation body 6 is moved by the elastic force of the return spring 7 as shown in FIG. The concave portion 6 at the center of the substantially spherical spherical portion 6d of the base portion 6a is elastically contacted with the bulging portion 8e of the inner bottom surface 8b.
While e is in the horizontal state, the operating shaft 4 is in the upright neutral state. The knob 4a of the operating shaft 4 in the neutral state
When the operating shaft 4 is tilted by applying an operating force in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 12) parallel to the slit hole 2a of the first interlocking member 2, the second interlocking member 5 5f, 5
g, the operation shaft 4 rotates about the intersection G2, and the bottom surface of the base 6a of the operation body 6 is set in the bottom plate 8 as shown in FIG. The sliding body moves on the bottom surface 8b, and a part of the base portion 6a on the outer peripheral side of the spherical portion 6d is positioned on the bulging portion 8e of the inner bottom surface 8b of the bottom plate 8, and the operating body 6 is inclined.

In this state, the operating body 6 includes the return spring 7
Of the spherical portion 6d of the base 6a is resiliently pressed on the bulging portion 8e of the inner bottom surface 8b of the bottom plate 8 by the elastic force of the base portion 6a. 6d is a spherical surface having a radius R (a predetermined radius R from the rotation center point G2 = G1).
), The contraction rate of the return spring 7 is maintained substantially the same as the contraction rate of the return spring 7 when the operation shaft 4 is in the upright neutral state, and the elastic force of the return spring 7 is substantially constant and stable. I have.

By tilting the operation shaft 4, the second interlocking member 5
Is rotated, the slider receiver 3d of the variable resistor 3 with which the projection 5j of the first arm 5f is engaged rotates, and the resistance value of the variable resistor 3 changes. Then, the operation of the variable resistor 3 attached to the side plate 1a ends, and the operation shaft 4
Is released, the contraction rate of the return spring 7 in this state is substantially the same as the contraction rate of the return spring 7 when the operating shaft 4 is in the upright neutral state.
As a result, the operating body can be urged against the bottom plate with a substantially constant elastic force, so that an appropriate drag can be applied to the operating shaft, and the operating shaft does not return to the center position.
Is maintained in a state of being tilted in the direction of arrow B.

When an operating force in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 14) perpendicular to the slit 2a of the first interlocking member 2 is applied to the operating shaft 4 in the neutral state to tilt the operating shaft 4, the first
The interlocking member 2 rotates about the support portion 2b and the U-shaped portion 2c. When the first interlocking member 2 rotates, the variable resistor 3 attached to the side plate 1c and engaged with the U-shaped portion 2c
Is rotated, and the resistance value of the variable resistor 3 changes. When the operation of the variable resistor 3 attached to the side plate 1c is completed and the operation force applied to the operation shaft 4 is released, the contraction rate of the return spring 7 in this state becomes the operation shaft 4 is almost the same as the contraction rate of the return spring 7 in the upright neutral state.
Is maintained in a tilted state.

As described above, the arrows A,
By tilting in the B direction, each of the variable resistors 3 and 3 is operated to obtain each resistance value. However, the tilting direction of the operating shaft 4 is not limited to this, and may be tilting in any direction. Also, each of the variable resistors 3 is operated to operate so as to obtain each resistance value.

Next, the operation of the push button switch 9 presses the operation shaft 4 in the neutral state shown in FIG. Then, the operation shaft 4 is pressed and moved downward, and the movement of the operation shaft 4 causes the side plate 1 of the frame 1 to move.
The second arm portion disposed in the substantially semicircular support portion 1h of the side plate 1b with the support portion 5h of the first arm portion 5f of the second interlocking member 5 inserted in the round hole 1g of FIG. 5 g moves downward. Then, the convex portion 5m at one end protruding outward from the support portion 1h of the frame 1 presses the stem portion 9a of the push button switch 9 to perform the ON / OFF operation of the push button switch 9.

The pressing of the operating shaft 4 in the direction of arrow C is performed not only when the operating shaft 4 is in the neutral state, but also when the operating shaft 4 is tilted and the resistance value of the variable resistor 3 reaches a predetermined value. It can be pressed. By the ON / OFF operation of the push button switch 9, for example, a function is provided in which predetermined resistance values of the respective variable resistors 3, 3 can be stored or canceled.

In the embodiment of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, the shaft support 4f formed on a part of the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 4c of the operation shaft 4 is engaged with the engaging portion 5d in the long groove 5c of the second interlocking member 5. And the operation shaft 4 is pivotally supported on the second interlocking member 5 so as to be tiltable. However, the operation shaft 4 is connected to the second interlocking member 5 by, for example, a round pin (not shown). Support the operating shaft 4 to the second
An object supported by the interlocking member 5 may be used. That is, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is configured such that the cylindrical portion 4c of the operation shaft 4 is pivotally supported in the long groove 5c of the second interlocking member 5 irrespective of the shape of the shaft support 4f or the engagement portion 5d. Anything is acceptable.

In the above description, the shaft support 4f of the operation shaft 4 is formed in a convex shape, and the engaging portion 5d of the second interlocking member 5 is formed in a concave shape. 5d may be formed in a convex shape. In the above description, a circular concave portion 6e is formed in the center of the spherical portion 6d of the operation body 6, but the concave portion 6e may be formed in a flat flat portion. Also, a plurality of electric components are connected to the variable resistor 3
And the push-button switch 9, but any other rotary-operable electrical components such as digital switches and encoders or push-operable electrical components may be used.

Although the cylindrical portion 4c of the operation shaft 4 has been described as a cylindrical member whose periphery is surrounded, an open portion other than the portion where the shaft support portion 4f is formed may be used. In this case, at the time of assembling work in which the shaft support 4f is snap-engaged with the engagement portion 5d of the second interlocking member 5, the shaft support 4f is easily elastically deformed, and the workability of snap engagement is improved.

In the embodiment of the multi-directional input device of the present invention, the operating shaft 4 and the bottom plate 8 are formed of a synthetic resin material. However, due to problems such as strength and prevention of scraping due to life, metal materials such as die casting are used. May be formed.

Next, a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a main part showing the second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention. .

As shown in FIG. 15, the multidirectional input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a frame 3 made of an iron plate or the like.
The frame 31 has side plates 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d bent upward by a press or the like in the figure, the inside is hollow, the upper part is open, and the outer shape is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. ing. The lower part of the frame 31 is a lower plate 31e.
The lid is closed.

Three side plates 31a other than the side plate 31b,
A round hole 31f is formed in each of 31c and 31d,
Further, the side plates 31a and 31c are provided with a plurality of square holes (not shown) for mounting a variable resistor 33 which is an electric component described later. In the side plate 31b on the side where the side plate 31a faces, a substantially oval-shaped oval hole 31g is formed at a position where the round hole 31f of the side plate 31a faces, and from the side plate 31b below the oval hole 31g in the drawing. A leg 31h is formed outwardly and bent at a substantially right angle to hold the component.

A first interlocking member 32 made of, for example, a synthetic resin material is disposed inside the hollow of the frame 31. The first interlocking member 32 is curved upward in an arch shape by molding or the like, and a slit hole 32a is formed in the longitudinal direction of the arch portion.

At both ends of the first interlocking member 32, semi-circular disk portions serving as semi-circular holding portions each having a predetermined radius: R1 (see FIG. 15) extended downward. 32
c, 32c are formed, and the extended semi-disc portion 32
At the center (rotation center) of c, 32c, outwardly on both left and right sides in the figure, convex columns 32b, 32 serving as cylindrical support sections are provided.
b is formed in a protruding manner by a molding process.
b is inserted into each of the round holes 31f of the opposed side plates 31c and 31d and is rotatably supported.
For this reason, the semi-disc-shaped (radius: R1) semi-disc portions 32c, 32c are formed so as to rotate around the axis of the protruding column portions 32b, 32b. 32b
The slit hole 32a is formed so as to rotate together with the rotation of.

Further, at the tip of the convex column 32b on the right side in the figure, a convex 32d serving as a component operating portion extending from the convex column 32b is formed.
1 is inserted into a round hole (not shown) formed in the first side plate 31c, protrudes outward from this round hole, and is connected to a variable resistor 3 described later.
3 is engaged with a lateral groove (not shown) of a slider receiver (not shown). The first interlocking member 32 is bridged between the respective round holes of the side plates 31 c and 31 d of the frame 31, and an arch-shaped portion is rotatably installed inside the frame 31. Also, the side plate 31a of the frame 31
In addition, in a plurality of square holes (not shown) provided in the side plate 31c adjacent to the side plate 31a, for example, variable resistors 33, 33, which are electric components, are attached by snap connection or the like.

The variable resistor 33 has substantially the same configuration as that of the variable resistor 3 of the first embodiment, so that the description thereof will be omitted. The first projecting outwardly from a round hole (not shown) of the side plate 31c of the frame 31.
The convex portion 32d of the interlocking member 32 engages with an operation section (not shown) of the variable resistor 33 attached to the side plate 31c, and when the first interlocking member 32 rotates, the variable resistor 33 is turned on.
Of the variable resistor 33 (not shown) rotates.
Is changed.

The slit 32a of the first interlocking member 32
A substantially flat knob portion 34a of the operating shaft 34 is inserted through the knob, and the knob portion 34a is movable along the slit hole 32a. Such an operation shaft 34 is made of a synthetic resin material, is formed and processed, and is formed at one end (the lower side in the drawing) of the knob portion 34a with an arc portion 34 serving as a substantially semi-disk-shaped holding portion.
b, and a circular hole 34c is formed in the arc portion 34b.

The second interlocking member 35 is made of a synthetic resin material, is molded, and is disposed below the first interlocking member 32 in a direction perpendicular to the first interlocking member 32.
The second interlocking member 35 has a base 35a having a substantially semi-cylindrical outer shape formed at a substantially central portion thereof. The base 35a has a substantially rectangular long groove 35b and a circular hole 35 which is perpendicular to and penetrates the long groove 35b.
c is formed.

From the both ends of the base 35a, first and second columnar arms 35d and 35e projecting outward (left and right directions in the drawing) are formed coaxially. The side plate 3 where the arm portions 35d and 35e face each other.
The second interlocking member 35 is rotatably supported by being inserted into the round hole 31f of 1a and the elongated hole 31g of the side plate 31b.

The first and second arm portions 35 are connected to each other by connecting the base portion 35a to the first and second arm portions 35d and 35e.
A predetermined radius in the downward direction in the figure so as to be orthogonal to d and 35e:
R1 is a semi-disc portion 35f serving as a semi-disc-shaped holding portion;
5f is formed. The center of each of the semi-disc portions (radius: R1) of the semi-disc portions 35f, 35f is formed to be the same as the axis of the first and second arm portions 35d, 35e. A projection 35g serving as a component operation unit is formed to protrude from the tip of the first arm 35d, and a rectangular projection serving as a component operation unit is provided below the tip of the second arm 35e. The portion 35h is formed to protrude.

The locking pin 36 is made of, for example, a metal material or a synthetic resin material, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The locking pin 36 has the operation shaft 34 disposed in the long groove 35b of the second interlocking member 35, and the round hole 34c of the operation shaft 34 and the round hole 35c of the second interlocking member 35 face each other. Round hole 3
The operation shaft 34 is rotatably attached to the second interlocking member 35 by passing through the hole 4c and the round hole 35c.

The holding substrate 37 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material, is formed in a substantially rectangular shape by molding, and has a round hole 37a at the center. On the upper surface of the holding substrate 37, a semi-disc-shaped semi-disc portion 32 of the first interlocking member 32
The holding substrate 37 is accommodated in the frame 31 in a state where the outer peripheral walls of the c and 32c are in contact with the outer peripheral walls of the semi-circular disk portions 35f and 35f of the second interlocking member 35. Are located. Note that the round hole 37a formed in the central portion may not be provided as necessary.

The return spring 38 is made of, for example, a metal material and is formed in a spiral shape (coil shape).
Is housed and arranged in the frame 31, and the lower plate 31 of the frame 31
e. A holding substrate 37 is placed on the upper end of the return spring 38.
The first interlocking member 32 and the second interlocking member 35 are arranged in contact with each other on the upper surface, and press the holding substrate 37 by the elastic force of the return spring 38.

The push button switch 39 includes a stem portion 39a capable of turning on / off an internal switch circuit (not shown), a case 39b for sealing the internal switch circuit, and a case 39b. And a plurality of mounting terminals 39c extending downward from the side surfaces of the mounting terminals 39c.
Such a push button switch 39 is attached to the side plate 31b of the frame 31 by a leg 31h for holding down a component of the frame 31. In this state, the push button switch 3
The 9 stem portion 39a is arranged to face the component operating portion 35h of the second interlocking member 35.

Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device will be described. First, when no operation force is applied to the knob portion 34 a of the operation shaft 34 and no load is applied, the holding substrate 37 is moved by the elastic force of the return spring 38 to the semi-circular plate portions 32 c and 32 c of the first interlocking member 32. 2 Semi-disc portion 35 of interlocking member 35
It is assumed that the operating shaft 4 is held in an upright neutral state (see FIG. 16) by being elastically contacted with the respective outer peripheral walls of f and 35f. When the operating shaft 34 is tilted by applying an operating force in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 16) to the knob 34a of the operating shaft 34 in the neutral state, the first interlocking member 32 causes the columnar convex column 3 to move.
2b, 32b, the semicircle portions 32c, 32c having a predetermined radius R1 slide and move on the holding substrate 37,
The operation shaft 34 tilts.

In this state, the semi-disc portions 32c, 32c
Is resiliently pressed onto the holding substrate 37 by the elastic force of the return spring 38, but the contraction rate of the return spring 38 is
Since c and 32c are formed in a semicircle (radius R1) centering on the axis of each convex column 32b, the contraction rate of the return spring 38 when the above-described operation shaft 34 is in the upright neutral state. The contraction rate is maintained substantially the same as that described above, and a stable (moderate) elastic force is given to the holding substrate 37.

The operation shaft 34 is tilted so that the first interlocking member 32
Is rotated, the variable resistor 3 attached to the side plate 31c with which the projection 32d of the one projection 32b is engaged.
3 is rotated, and the variable resistor 3 is rotated.
The resistance value of No. 3 changes. Then, the operation of the variable resistor 33 attached to the side plate 31c is completed, and the operation shaft 3
4 is released, the contraction rate of the return spring 38 in this state is substantially the same as the contraction rate of the return spring 38 when the operation shaft 34 is in the neutral state, so that a moderate elasticity is obtained. A force is applied to the operation shaft 34, and thus the operation shaft 34 is maintained in a state of being tilted in the direction of arrow A.

When the operating shaft 34 is tilted by applying an operating force orthogonal to the direction of the arrow A to the operating shaft 34 in the neutral state, the second interlocking member 35 causes the first and second arm portions 35d, 35d,
5e and a semicircular portion 3 having a predetermined radius R1.
5f and 35f slide on the holding substrate 37, and
4 tilts. When the second interlocking member 35 rotates, a convex portion 35g which is a component operation unit attached to the side plate 31a.
Is engaged with the slider holder (not shown) of the variable resistor 33, and the resistance value of the variable resistor 33 changes.
The variable resistor 3 attached to the side plate 31a
When the operation force applied to the operation shaft 34 is released after the operation 3 is completed, the contraction rate of the return spring 38 in this state becomes the return spring when the operation shaft 34 is in the upright neutral state, as described above. 38 is almost the same as the contraction rate of the operating shaft 34.
Is maintained in a state of being tilted in a direction orthogonal to the arrow A direction.

Next, the operation of the push button switch 93 will be described with reference to FIG.
The operation shaft 34 in the neutral state shown in FIG. Then, the operation shaft 34 is pressed downward.
The frame 3 is moved by the movement of the operation shaft 34.
The second arm 35e moves downward with the first arm 35d of the second interlocking member 35 inserted into the round hole 31f of the first side plate 31a as a fulcrum. Then, the protrusion 35h at one end protruding outward from the substantially elliptical oval hole 31g of the side plate 31b of the frame body 31 presses the stem 39a of the push button switch 39 to turn on / off the push button switch 39. Can operate. The operation shaft 34 is pressed not only in the neutral state but also in the operation direction
4 can be tilted and pressed when the resistance value of the variable resistor 33 reaches a predetermined value.

In the second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the semi-circular portions 32 and 32c of the first interlocking member 32
The semi-circular portions 35f and 35f of the second interlocking member 35 are formed in a semi-circular shape having a predetermined radius R1, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the operating shaft 34 is in the neutral state, 32, 3
Positions where 2c, 35f, 35f abut on the holding substrate 37,
That is, a slight concave portion or a flat portion may be formed at a position that is the top of each of the semi-circular plate portions 32, 32c, 35f, and 35f.

In this state, the neutral state of the operation shaft 34 is determined by the slight recesses or flat portions formed in the semi-circular disk portions 32, 32c, 35f, 35f. , And the neutral state can be detected and can be reliably maintained.

In the above-described first embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the return spring 7 for elastically biasing the operating body 6 is provided in the cylindrical portion 4c of the operating shaft 4. For example, a flat holding substrate is provided on the side of the operating body 6 that comes into contact with the spherical portion 6d so as to be movable in the axial direction of the operating shaft 4 and is disposed in the frame. A return spring for elastically urging the holding substrate may be provided on the lower surface side of the substrate, and the operating body 6 may be elastically urged by the return spring via the holding substrate.

[0086]

As described above, in the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the spherical portion of the operating body elastically contacts the bottom plate by the elastic force of the return spring, and the center point of the radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the operating body is substantially Since it is arranged to be located at the tilt center of the operation shaft,
When the operation shaft is tilted, when the arbitrary position of the spherical spherical portion comes into contact with the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate, the return spring can urge the operation body to the bottom plate with almost constant elastic force. Even if the operation shaft is tilted in any direction, a stable and moderate drag can be given, and at the same time, the rotating torque of the variable resistor (electric component) is reduced by the rotating torque of the variable resistor of the conventional multi-directional input device. Even if the rotation torque is lighter, it does not return to the center position, so that the operation shaft can be held at an arbitrary predetermined position (tilt position).

Further, since the return spring is housed in the operation shaft, the height of the multidirectional input device can be reduced by the height of the return spring, so that the size of the multidirectional input device can be reduced. .

Further, by providing a circular concave portion or flat portion at the center of the spherical portion of the operating body,
When the concave portion or the flat portion of the spherical portion contacts the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate, the axis of the operating shaft is disposed at a predetermined position with respect to the upper plate of the frame body. A predetermined position of the operation shaft, for example, a neutral position can be easily detected.
Then, for example, if the resistance value at this position is measured (inspected) to be a predetermined value, the tilt angle of the operation shaft for each product and the output characteristics can be easily made uniform.

Further, by providing a circular concave portion on the spherical portion of the operating body, and by providing a circular convex portion at a position in contact with the concave portion of the spherical portion on the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate, By contacting the concave portion of the portion and the convex portion of the inner bottom surface, the axis of the operation shaft is more securely arranged perpendicularly to the upper plate of the frame body. A predetermined position, that is, a predetermined position (for example, a neutral position) of each resistance value of each variable resistor (electric component) can be easily confirmed. In addition, when the vertical operation axis is tilted, the concave portion of the spherical portion shifts on the convex portion of the inner bottom surface, so it is necessary to slightly flex the return spring, so the elastic pressure of the return spring slightly increases, Therefore, the tilt position of the operation shaft can be easily detected with the increased elastic pressure, and the position can be stably and easily determined.

Further, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is provided at both ends of the first interlocking member, and has a semi-disk-shaped holding portion formed concentrically with the rotation center of the first interlocking member. A second interlocking member that is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member, has a long groove, and is rotatable, and is disposed at both ends of the second interlocking member; The outer peripheral portions of the semi-disc-shaped holding portion formed concentrically with the center of rotation and the holding portion of the first interlocking member and the holding portion of the second interlocking member are respectively brought into contact with each other and housed in the frame. Since the respective holding portions are slidably contacted on the holding substrate concentrically with the center of rotation, the holding portions are attached to the holding substrate with a substantially constant elastic force by the return spring. Can provide an appropriate drag to the operating shaft, and the variable resistor (electric component) Even if the rotation torque is smaller than the rotation torque of the variable resistor of the conventional multidirectional input device, the operation shaft does not return to the center position, and thus the operation shaft is moved to an arbitrary predetermined position (tilting position). This has the effect that it can be held.

Further, since the holding portion of the first interlocking member and the outer peripheral portion of the holding portion of the second interlocking member are provided with a concave portion or a flat portion, the concave portion or the flat portion of the holding portion is connected to the holding substrate. When touching, the axis of the operation shaft is disposed at a predetermined position (for example, a vertical position) with respect to the lower plate of the frame, and the predetermined position of the operation shaft, that is, A predetermined value (for example, a value at the center position) of each resistance value of each variable resistor (electric component) can be easily confirmed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing a second interlocking member of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a second interlocking member of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a left side view showing a second interlocking member of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a right side view showing a second interlocking member of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing an operation axis of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing an operation axis of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view showing an operating body of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing an operation body of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing an embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a main part showing an embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a main part showing a second embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional multidirectional input device.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional multidirectional input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Frame 1a-1d Side plate 1f Operation hole 1g Round hole 1h Support part 1k Terminal 2 1st interlocking member 2a Slit hole 2b Support part 2c U-shaped part (part operation part) 3 Variable resistor (electric part) 4 Operation shaft 4a Knob 4c Tubular part 4f Shaft support 4h Tip 5 Second interlocking member 5a Support 5b Side wall 5c Long groove 5f First arm 5g Second arm 5j Convex 5m Convex 6 Operating body 6a Base 6b Boss 6c Shaft hole 6d Spherical part 7 Return spring 8 Bottom plate 8a Side plate 8b Inner bottom surface 8d Guide part 9 Push button switch (electric part) 9a Stem part 31 Frame 32 First interlocking member 32a Slit hole 32c Semi-disc part 33 Variable resistor (electric part) 34 operation shaft 35 second interlocking member 35b long groove 35f semicircular portion 37 holding substrate 38 return spring

Claims (7)

[Claims] A first interlocking member having a slit hole in a longitudinal direction; a first interlocking member disposed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member;
A second interlocking member having a long groove; a frame body rotatably extending inside the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member; a bottom plate having an inner bottom surface for closing a lower portion of the frame body; An operation shaft that is inserted into the slit hole and the long groove and is pivotally supported by the second interlocking member so as to be tiltable; and operated by operating the operation shaft via the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. A plurality of electric components attached to the frame body, and an operation body having a spherical portion supported by a distal end portion of the operation shaft located inside the frame body, the operation shaft; The spherical portion is elastically contacted with the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate by the elastic force of a return spring inserted between the operating body and the center point of the radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the operating body is substantially tilted of the operating shaft. A multidirectional input device, which is disposed so as to be located at the center. 2. A first interlocking member having a slit hole in a longitudinal direction, a first interlocking member disposed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member,
A second interlocking member having a long groove, a frame for rotatably mounting the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member inside, and a bottom plate having an inner bottom surface for closing a lower portion of the frame, An operation shaft that is inserted into the slit hole and the long groove and is pivotally supported by the second interlocking member so as to be tiltable; and operated by operating the operation shaft via the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member. A plurality of electrical components mounted on the frame, a plurality of electrical components mounted on the frame, an operation body supported by a distal end of the operation shaft positioned inside the frame, and having a spherical portion; and the spherical portion of the operation body. A holding substrate disposed in the frame body, and elastically contacts the spherical portion and the holding substrate with an elastic force of a return spring inserted between the holding substrate and the bottom plate; The center point of the radius of curvature of the spherical portion of the operating body is substantially the tilt center of the operating shaft. A multi-directional input device, wherein the multi-directional input device is disposed so as to be located at 3. The return spring is housed in the operation shaft,
The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the spherical portion of the operation body is in elastic contact with the bottom plate. 4. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation body has a circular concave portion or a flat portion on the spherical portion. 5. A circular projection formed on the spherical surface of the operating body, and a bulge formed in a circular shape on the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate at a position in contact with the concave of the spherical surface. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-directional input device is provided. 6. A first interlocking member having a slit hole in a longitudinal direction, a first interlocking member disposed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member,
A second interlocking member having a long groove, the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are rotatably installed inside the frame, a frame having a lower wall, and inserted into the slit hole and the long groove, An operation shaft pivotally supported by the second interlocking member; and a plurality of operation shafts mounted on the frame that can be operated via the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member by operating the operation shaft. An electric component, a holding substrate disposed opposite to a lower wall of the frame, and a return spring inserted between the holding substrate and the lower wall, both ends of the first interlocking member. And a semi-circular holding portion formed concentrically with the center of rotation of the first interlocking member, and provided at both ends of the second interlocking member. A center of rotation of the member and a semi-circular holding portion formed concentrically are formed, and the holding substrate is Multidirectional input apparatus characterized by being elastic contact with the elastic force of the return spring section. 7. The holding section of the first interlocking member and the second linking member.
The multidirectional input device according to claim 6, wherein a concave portion or a flat portion is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the holding portion of the interlocking member.