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JP2006286331A - Multiple direction input device - Google Patents

Multiple direction input device Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2006286331A
JP2006286331A JP2005103095A JP2005103095A JP2006286331A JP 2006286331 A JP2006286331 A JP 2006286331A JP 2005103095 A JP2005103095 A JP 2005103095A JP 2005103095 A JP2005103095 A JP 2005103095A JP 2006286331 A JP2006286331 A JP 2006286331A
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JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
protrusion
guide
opening
directions
input device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
JP2005103095A
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Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Takuya Maeda
卓矢 前田
Kenichi Tokiwa
賢一 常盤
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Alps Alpine Co Ltd
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Alps Electric Co Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by Alps Electric Co Ltd filed Critical Alps Electric Co Ltd
Priority to JP2005103095A priority Critical patent/JP2006286331A/en
Priority to EP20060004628 priority patent/EP1708219B1/en
Priority to DE200660002532 priority patent/DE602006002532D1/en
Publication of JP2006286331A publication Critical patent/JP2006286331A/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04774—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks with additional switches or sensors on the handle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04777—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks with additional push or pull action on the handle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04781—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks with additional rotation of the controlling member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
    • H01H2025/045—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls having a rotating dial around the operating member for additional switching functions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/06—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multiple direction input device in which a position regulation is certainly possible by a moving end position even if the operation amount of an operation element becomes short. <P>SOLUTION: The multiple direction input device includes an operation element 2 rockably operable in a first direction and a second direction approximately perpendicular with each other, a guide member 16 in which an aperture 18 is opened to which an engagement protrusion 11 provided in this operation element 2 can be inserted, and four photo interrupters 22 serving as detection means for detecting the movement in the first direction and the second direction of the operation element 2. The engagement protrusion 11 has four outer walls extending in the first and second directions on both sides of a protrusion part (guided part) 11b in the center. The aperture 18 has four internal wall surfaces to which the aperture 18 extends in the first direction and second direction on both sides of a notch (guide part) 18a in the center, and it is constituted so that the engagement protrusion 11 might be guided in the first and second directions by the recess-protrusion engagement of one set of the protrusion part 11b and the notch 18a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、操作体を互いに略直交する２方向へ選択的に移動することによって所定の入力が可能な多方向入力装置に係り、特に、操作体の移動を案内するガイド機構に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device capable of performing a predetermined input by selectively moving an operating body in two directions substantially orthogonal to each other, and more particularly to a guide mechanism for guiding the movement of the operating body.

従来より、操作体をガイド機構によって互いに直交する２方向へ移動可能に案内し、この操作体の移動を複数のプッシュスイッチやフォトインタラプタ等の検出素子を用いて検出するようにした多方向入力装置が知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。   Conventionally, a multi-directional input device in which an operating body is guided by a guide mechanism so as to be movable in two directions orthogonal to each other, and the movement of the operating body is detected using a plurality of detection elements such as a push switch and a photo interrupter. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

図１３はかかる従来の多方向入力装置に備えられるガイド機構を模式的に示す平面図であり、同図（ａ）は操作体の非操作状態を示し、同図（ｂ）は操作体の操作状態を示している。   FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing a guide mechanism provided in such a conventional multidirectional input device. FIG. 13 (a) shows a non-operating state of the operating body, and FIG. 13 (b) shows an operation of the operating body. Indicates the state.

図１３に示す従来のガイド機構は、開口１００を有するガイド部材１０１と、開口１００に挿通された係合突部１０２とを備えており、係合突部１０２は図示省略した操作体の下面に垂設されている。開口１００の中心を原点とするＸ−Ｙ直交座標を設定したとき、開口１００の内壁面にはＸ１−Ｘ２方向（第１の方向）へ延びる切欠き部１００ａ，１００ｂとＹ１−Ｙ２方向（第２の方向）へ延びる切欠き部１００ｃ，１００ｄとが形成されている。係合突部１０２は図示せぬ弾性復帰手段によって開口１００の中心位置（中立位置）に保持されており、この弾性復帰手段の付勢力に抗して開口１００内を移動可能となっている。この係合突部１０２は平面視四角形の外形形状を有しており、その４つの外壁面は開口１００の各切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄの入口に対向している。なお、図示省略されているが、係合突部１０２の周囲には４つの腕部を有する十字形状のスライダが配設されており、このスライダの各腕部の先端にはプッシュスイッチやフォトインタラプタ等の検出素子がそれぞれ対向配置されている。   The conventional guide mechanism shown in FIG. 13 includes a guide member 101 having an opening 100 and an engaging protrusion 102 inserted through the opening 100, and the engaging protrusion 102 is formed on the lower surface of an operating body (not shown). It is installed vertically. When XY orthogonal coordinates with the center of the opening 100 as the origin are set, notches 100a and 100b extending in the X1-X2 direction (first direction) and the Y1-Y2 direction (first) are set on the inner wall surface of the opening 100. Notch portions 100c and 100d extending in the direction (2) are formed. The engagement protrusion 102 is held at the center position (neutral position) of the opening 100 by an elastic return means (not shown), and can move within the opening 100 against the urging force of the elastic return means. The engaging protrusions 102 have a quadrangular outer shape in plan view, and the four outer wall surfaces thereof face the entrances of the notches 100 a to 100 d of the opening 100. Although not shown, a cross-shaped slider having four arms is disposed around the engaging protrusion 102, and a push switch or a photo interrupter is provided at the tip of each arm of the slider. And the like are arranged opposite to each other.

このように概略構成された多方向入力装置において、操作体が操作されずに非操作状態にあるとき、図１３（ａ）に示すように、係合突部１０２は開口１００の中心位置に保持されており、係合突部１０２の各外壁面は開口１００の各切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄの入口に対向している。この非操作状態から操作体を任意の方向、例えばＹ１方向へスライド操作すると、それに伴って係合突部１０２が開口１００内をＹ１方向へ移動し、図１３（ｂ）に示すように、係合突部１０２の１つの外壁面がＹ１方向に位置する切欠き部１００ｃの内壁面に当接した位置で、係合突部１０２のそれ以上のＹ１方向への移動が規制される。操作体をＹ２方向やＸ１−Ｘ２方向へスライド操作した場合も同様であり、いずれの場合も係合突部１０２の１つの外壁面が移動方向に位置する切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄの内壁面に当接した位置で、係合突部１０２のそれ以上の同方向への移動が規制される。   In the multidirectional input device schematically configured as described above, when the operating body is not operated and is not operated, the engaging protrusion 102 is held at the center position of the opening 100 as shown in FIG. In addition, each outer wall surface of the engaging protrusion 102 faces the entrance of each notch 100a to 100d of the opening 100. When the operating body is slid in any direction, for example, in the Y1 direction from this non-operating state, the engaging protrusion 102 moves in the Y1 direction in the opening 100 accordingly, and as shown in FIG. The further movement of the engaging protrusion 102 in the Y1 direction is restricted at a position where one outer wall surface of the mating protrusion 102 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the notch 100c positioned in the Y1 direction. The same applies to the case where the operating body is slid in the Y2 direction or the X1-X2 direction. In either case, one outer wall surface of the engaging protrusion 102 is formed on the inner wall surface of the notches 100a to 100d positioned in the moving direction. At the contacted position, the further movement of the engaging protrusion 102 in the same direction is restricted.

そして、このように操作体をＸ１−Ｘ２方向とＹ１−Ｙ２方向のいずれか一方向へ選択的にスライド操作すると、操作体に伴って移動する係合突部１０２と共に図示せぬスライダが同方向へ移動するため、４個の検出素子の１つが選択的にオン動作してそのオン信号に基づいて操作体の操作方向を認識することができる。なお、操作体に対する上記スライド操作力を除去すると、係合突部１０２は図示せぬ弾性復帰手段の付勢力によって中立位置へ自動復帰し、図１３（ａ）に示すように、係合突部１０２の各外壁面が開口１００の各切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄの入口に対向した状態となる。
特開平１１−１６２２９９号公報（第３−４頁、図１） When the operating body is selectively slid in any one of the X1-X2 direction and the Y1-Y2 direction in this way, the slider (not shown) moves in the same direction together with the engaging protrusion 102 that moves with the operating body. Therefore, one of the four detection elements is selectively turned on, and the operation direction of the operating body can be recognized based on the on signal. When the slide operation force on the operating body is removed, the engagement protrusion 102 automatically returns to the neutral position by the biasing force of the elastic return means (not shown), and as shown in FIG. Each outer wall surface of 102 is in a state of facing the entrances of the notches 100a to 100d of the opening 100.
JP 11-162299 A (page 3-4, FIG. 1)

前述したように、従来の多方向入力装置に備えられるガイド機構では、操作体の係合突部１０２が挿通する開口１００の内壁面に第１および第２の方向へ延びる切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄを形成し、中立位置で係合突部１０２の各外壁面を各切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄの入口に対向させる構成としたため、これら切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄによって係合突部１０２を移動方向へガイドして位置決めすることができる。しかしながら、操作体を操作して検出素子がオン動作するまでの操作量を短くしようとすると、それに伴って各切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄの深さ寸法を小さくする必要があるため、係合突部１０２を移動末端位置で確実に位置規制できなくなるという問題があった。   As described above, in the guide mechanism provided in the conventional multidirectional input device, the notches 100a to 100d extending in the first and second directions on the inner wall surface of the opening 100 through which the engaging protrusion 102 of the operating body is inserted. Are formed so that the outer wall surfaces of the engaging protrusions 102 face the inlets of the notches 100a to 100d in the neutral position, so that the engaging protrusions 102 are moved in the moving direction by the notches 100a to 100d. It can be guided and positioned. However, if it is attempted to shorten the operation amount until the detection element is turned on by operating the operating body, it is necessary to reduce the depth dimension of each of the notches 100a to 100d. There has been a problem that the position of 102 cannot be reliably regulated at the moving end position.

すなわち、非操作状態にある操作体を例えばＹ１方向へスライド操作すると、図１３（ｂ）に示すように、係合突部１０２の１つの外壁面がＹ１方向に位置する切欠き部１００ｃ内に侵入して位置規制されるが、このとき、開口１００に対する係合突部１０２の当接箇所は切欠き部１００ｃとの係合部分だけであり、それ以外の部位は開口１００に対してフリー状態となっている。このため、操作体の操作量の短縮化に伴って各切欠き部１００ａ〜１００ｄの深さ寸法が小さくなると、Ｙ１方向での移動末端位置で係合突部１０２が切欠き部１００ｃから外れやすくなり、操作体をＹ１方向へ操作したのにも拘わらず係合突部１０２が誤ってＸ１−Ｘ２方向へ移動してしまうことになる。   That is, when the operating body in the non-operating state is slid in the Y1 direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, one outer wall surface of the engaging protrusion 102 is in the notch 100c located in the Y1 direction. Although the position is regulated by intrusion, at this time, the contact portion of the engagement protrusion 102 with respect to the opening 100 is only the engagement portion with the notch 100c, and other portions are in a free state with respect to the opening 100. It has become. For this reason, if the depth dimension of each notch part 100a-100d becomes small with shortening of the operation amount of an operating body, the engagement protrusion 102 will be easy to remove | deviate from the notch part 100c in the movement end position in a Y1 direction. Thus, the engagement protrusion 102 is erroneously moved in the X1-X2 direction despite the operation body being operated in the Y1 direction.

本発明は、このような従来技術の実情に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的は、操作体の操作量が短くなっても移動末端位置で確実に位置規制可能な多方向入力装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of the actual situation of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional input device capable of reliably regulating the position at the moving end position even when the operation amount of the operating body is shortened. There is.

上記の目的を達成するために、本発明の多方向入力装置は、互いに略直交する第１の方向および第２の方向へ移動可能な操作体と、この操作体に設けられた係合突部を挿通させる開口が穿設されたガイド部材と、前記操作体の前記第１および第２の方向への移動を検出する検出手段とを備え、前記係合突部がそれぞれ中央に被ガイド部を挟んで前記第１および第２の方向へ延びる４つの外壁部を有すると共に、前記開口がそれぞれ中央にガイド部を挟んで前記第１および第２の方向へ延びる４つの内壁面を有し、前記被ガイド部と前記ガイド部との凹凸係合によって前記係合突部を前記第１および第２の方向へ案内するように構成した。   In order to achieve the above object, a multidirectional input device according to the present invention includes an operating body that is movable in a first direction and a second direction that are substantially orthogonal to each other, and an engaging protrusion provided on the operating body. A guide member having an opening through which the operation body is inserted, and detection means for detecting movement of the operating body in the first and second directions, wherein the engaging protrusions each have a guided portion at the center. The opening has four outer wall portions extending in the first and second directions, and the opening has four inner wall surfaces extending in the first and second directions with the guide portion interposed in the center, The engaging protrusion is guided in the first and second directions by the concave-convex engagement between the guided portion and the guide portion.

このように構成された多方向入力装置では、操作体の操作に伴って係合突部が第１の方向へ移動するとき、その移動方向に位置する被ガイド部が開口のガイド部と凹凸係合することにより、係合突部は第１の方向の移動末端位置で位置規制されるが、このとき、第２の方向に位置する他の被ガイド部が開口の内壁面と当接するため、係合突部は移動方向の後端側を除く３つの外壁部が開口に規制されることとなる。これとは逆に係合突部が第２の方向へ移動するとき、その移動方向に位置する被ガイド部が開口のガイド部と凹凸係合することにより、係合突部は第２の方向の移動末端位置で位置規制されるが、このとき、第１の方向に位置する他の被ガイド部が開口の内壁面と当接するため、係合突部は移動方向の後端側を除く３つの外壁部が開口に規制されることとなる。したがって、操作体を第１または第２の方向へ操作して係合突部が末端位置まで移動したとき、操作体や係合突部を移動末端位置に確実に位置規制することができると共に、係合突部を所望の方向へ安定的にガイドすることができる。   In the multidirectional input device configured as described above, when the engaging protrusion moves in the first direction in accordance with the operation of the operating body, the guided portion positioned in the moving direction is in contact with the guide portion of the opening. By combining, the position of the engaging protrusion is restricted at the moving end position in the first direction, but at this time, the other guided part positioned in the second direction comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the opening. In the engaging protrusion, the three outer wall portions excluding the rear end side in the moving direction are restricted by the opening. On the contrary, when the engaging protrusion moves in the second direction, the guided protrusion located in the moving direction engages with the guide portion of the opening so that the engaging protrusion is in the second direction. However, since the other guided portion positioned in the first direction is in contact with the inner wall surface of the opening, the engaging protrusion is excluded from the rear end side in the moving direction 3. One outer wall part will be controlled by opening. Therefore, when the operating body is operated in the first or second direction and the engaging protrusion moves to the end position, the operating body and the engaging protrusion can be reliably regulated at the moving end position, The engaging protrusion can be stably guided in a desired direction.

上記の構成において、被ガイド部と外壁部を含む係合突部の第１および第２の方向に沿う最大寸法が、ガイド部と内壁面を含む開口の第１および第２の方向に沿う最小寸法に対して僅かに小さめに設定されていると、係合突部を開口内の所望方向へより安定的にガイドすることができて好ましい。   In the above configuration, the maximum dimension along the first and second directions of the engaging protrusion including the guided portion and the outer wall portion is the minimum along the first and second directions of the opening including the guide portion and the inner wall surface. It is preferable that the engagement protrusion is more stably guided in a desired direction in the opening when the size is set slightly smaller than the size.

また、上記の構成において、被ガイド部とガイド部の凹凸関係は一方が凸部で他方が凹溝であれば良いが、各被ガイド部が係合突部の外壁部から第１および第２の方向へ延びる凸部からなると共に、各ガイド部が開口の内壁面から第１および第２の方向へ延びる凹溝からなり、第１および第２の方向で対向する両凸部間の長さが両内壁面の対向距離よりも僅かに小さめに設定されていることが好ましい。   In the above configuration, the concave and convex relationship between the guided portion and the guide portion may be such that one is a convex portion and the other is a concave groove, but each guided portion is first and second from the outer wall portion of the engaging protrusion. The length between the two convex portions facing each other in the first and second directions is formed by the convex portions extending in the first direction, and each guide portion is formed by a concave groove extending in the first and second directions from the inner wall surface of the opening. Is preferably set slightly smaller than the facing distance between both inner wall surfaces.

本発明の多方向入力装置では、操作体の操作に伴って係合突部が第１または第２の方向へ移動したとき、移動方向に位置する被ガイド部が開口のガイド部と凹凸係合することによって係合突部は移動末端位置に位置規制されるが、このとき、移動方向と直交する方向に位置する他の被ガイド部も開口の内壁面と当接するため、係合突部は移動方向の後端側を除く３つの外壁部が開口に支持されることとなり、操作体や係合突部を移動末端位置で確実に位置規制することができる。   In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, when the engaging protrusion moves in the first or second direction in accordance with the operation of the operating body, the guided portion positioned in the moving direction engages with the guide portion of the opening. By doing so, the position of the engaging protrusion is restricted to the moving end position.At this time, the other guided parts positioned in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction also come into contact with the inner wall surface of the opening. The three outer wall portions excluding the rear end side in the moving direction are supported by the opening, and the operation body and the engaging protrusion can be reliably regulated at the moving end position.

発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明すると、図１は実施形態例に係るコントロールユニットの斜視図、図２は該コントロールユニットの平面図、図３は図２のIII−III線に沿う断面図、図４は図２のIV−IV線に沿う断面図、図５は該コントロールユニットに備えられる複合操作型入力装置の分解斜視図、図６は該コントロールユニットに備えられる多方向入力装置の分解斜視図、図７は該多方向入力装置の断面図、図８は該多方向入力装置の要部を示す平面図、図９は該多方向入力装置の要部を示す斜視図、図１０は該多方向入力装置の要部を示す分解斜視図、図１１は該多方向入力装置に備えられるガイド部材と係合突部の配置関係を示す平面図、図１２は該係合突部の動作説明図である。   1 is a perspective view of a control unit according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the control unit, and FIG. 3 is taken along line III-III in FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a composite operation type input device provided in the control unit, and FIG. 6 is a multidirectional input device provided in the control unit. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the multidirectional input device, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the main part of the multidirectional input device, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the main part of the multidirectional input device. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the main part of the multidirectional input device, FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the guide members and the engaging protrusions provided in the multidirectional input device, and FIG. 12 is the engaging protrusions. FIG.

本実施形態例に係るコントロールユニットは空調装置や音響装置やナビゲーションシステム等の車載用電気機器を１台で集中的に制御するものであり、このコントロールユニットは、車内のセンターコンソール等に取り付けられる筐体１と、この筐体１から突出する操作体２とを備えている。筐体１は、上下を開口した中空構造のケース３と、ケース３の上部開口端を蓋閉する上カバー４と、ケース３の下部開口端を蓋閉する下カバー５等によって構成されており、これらは全て合成樹脂で成形されている。   The control unit according to this embodiment centrally controls in-vehicle electrical equipment such as an air conditioner, an acoustic device, a navigation system, etc., and this control unit is a housing attached to a center console or the like in the vehicle. A body 1 and an operation body 2 protruding from the housing 1 are provided. The housing 1 includes a hollow case 3 having an upper and lower opening, an upper cover 4 that closes the upper opening end of the case 3, a lower cover 5 that closes the lower opening end of the case 3, and the like. These are all made of synthetic resin.

ケース３の内部に環状のリング体６が配置されており、このリング体６には一対の支軸６ａと一対の透孔６ｂが９０度毎に交互に形成されている。両支軸６ａはケース３の相対向する上部内壁に形成された軸孔３ａに挿入されており、リング体６は両軸孔３ａを結ぶ直線を中心軸としてケース３に回転可能に支持されている。リング体６には円筒状のホルダ７が挿入されており、このホルダ７の外周面には一対の段付突部７ａが形成されている。また、ホルダ７にはその中心軸と両段付突部７ａを横切るように貫通孔７ｂが形成されており、この貫通孔７ｂとリング体６の両透孔６ｂにはピン８が挿通されている。ピン８は係止リング９によってリング体６からの抜け止めがなされており、ホルダ７は両透孔６ｂを結ぶ直線を中心軸としてリング体６に回転可能に支持されている。すなわち、ホルダ７はリング体６を介してケース３に互いに直交する方向へ揺動可能に支持されており、以下の説明ではリング体６の両支軸６ａを支点とするホルダ７の揺動方向（Ｘ１−Ｘ２方向）を第１の方向と呼び、ピン８を支点とするホルダ７の揺動方向（Ｙ１−Ｙ２方向）を第２の方向と呼ぶこととする。   An annular ring body 6 is disposed inside the case 3, and a pair of support shafts 6a and a pair of through holes 6b are alternately formed in the ring body 6 every 90 degrees. Both the support shafts 6a are inserted into shaft holes 3a formed in the opposing upper inner walls of the case 3, and the ring body 6 is rotatably supported by the case 3 with a straight line connecting both shaft holes 3a as a central axis. Yes. A cylindrical holder 7 is inserted into the ring body 6, and a pair of stepped protrusions 7 a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the holder 7. A through hole 7b is formed in the holder 7 so as to cross the central axis and both stepped protrusions 7a. Pins 8 are inserted into the through hole 7b and the through holes 6b of the ring body 6. Yes. The pin 8 is prevented from coming off from the ring body 6 by a locking ring 9, and the holder 7 is rotatably supported by the ring body 6 with a straight line connecting both the through holes 6b as a central axis. That is, the holder 7 is supported by the case 3 through the ring body 6 so as to be swingable in directions orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the swinging direction of the holder 7 using both the support shafts 6a of the ring body 6 as fulcrums. The (X1-X2 direction) is referred to as a first direction, and the swinging direction (Y1-Y2 direction) of the holder 7 with the pin 8 as a fulcrum is referred to as a second direction.

ホルダ７は操作体２の構成部品の一部をなすもので、このホルダ７の上面にはねじ孔７ｃを挟んで一対の突起７ｄが立設されており、ホルダ７の下端にはスナップ結合等の固定手段を用いて連結体１０が一体化されている。なお、本実施形態例では、ホルダ７の内部に駆動モータ等を収納可能とするために連結体１０を用いているが、このような収納空間を必要としない場合はホルダ７と連結体１０を一体成形品で構成しても良い。連結体１０の下面中央には筒状の係合突部１１が突設されており、この係合突部１１には上下方向へ延びる収納孔１１ａが形成されている（図１０参照）。係合突部１１の外壁部には被ガイド部としての４つの凸部１１ｂが突設されており、これら凸部１１ｂは四角形の各辺中央から第１および第２の方向へ延びている。図７に示すように、係合突部１１の収納孔１１ａの内部にはコイルばね１２と駆動棒１３が挿入されており、駆動棒１３の先端（下端）はコイルばね１２の弾発力を受けてカム溝１４の内底面に圧接している。このカム溝１４は合成樹脂製の支持体１５の上面に設けられたすり鉢状凹部であり、その最深部を中心とする同一円周上にクリック突起１４ａが形成されている。支持体１５は下カバー５の内底面中央に形成された凹所５ａ内に圧入・固定されており、支持体１５の上面四隅には突起１５ａとねじ孔１５ｂが形成されている。   The holder 7 constitutes a part of the components of the operating body 2, and a pair of protrusions 7 d are erected on the upper surface of the holder 7 with a screw hole 7 c interposed therebetween. The connecting body 10 is integrated using the fixing means. In this embodiment, the connecting body 10 is used so that the drive motor or the like can be stored inside the holder 7. However, when such a storage space is not required, the holder 7 and the connecting body 10 are connected. You may comprise with an integrally molded product. A cylindrical engagement projection 11 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the connecting body 10 and a storage hole 11a extending in the vertical direction is formed in the engagement projection 11 (see FIG. 10). Four convex portions 11b as guided portions protrude from the outer wall portion of the engaging projection 11, and these convex portions 11b extend in the first and second directions from the center of each side of the quadrangle. As shown in FIG. 7, the coil spring 12 and the drive rod 13 are inserted into the housing hole 11 a of the engagement protrusion 11, and the tip (lower end) of the drive rod 13 exerts the elastic force of the coil spring 12. Receiving and in pressure contact with the inner bottom surface of the cam groove 14. The cam groove 14 is a mortar-shaped recess provided on the upper surface of the support 15 made of synthetic resin, and a click projection 14a is formed on the same circumference centering on the deepest part. The support 15 is press-fitted and fixed in a recess 5 a formed at the center of the inner bottom surface of the lower cover 5, and projections 15 a and screw holes 15 b are formed at four corners of the upper surface of the support 15.

支持体１５上に合成樹脂製のガイド部材１６が載置されており、このガイド部材１６の四隅に円形孔１６ａが形成されている。各円形孔１６ａのうち２つは支持体１５の突起１５ａに嵌合する位置決め孔として機能し、残り２つの円形孔１６ａにねじ１７を挿入してねじ孔１５ｂに螺入することにより、ガイド部材１６は支持体１５上に固定されている。ガイド部材１６の中央部に開口１８が穿設されており、図１１に示すように、連結体１０の下面から突出する係合突部１１がこの開口１８の内部に位置すると共に、係合突部１１に保持された駆動棒１３の先端が開口１８の中心位置に露出するカム溝１４に圧接されている。開口１８の内壁面にはガイド部としての４つの切欠き部１８ａが形成されており、これら切欠き部１８ａは四角形の各辺中央から外側へ向かって第１および第２の方向へ延びている。係合突部１１の各凸部１１ｂは各切欠き部１８ａの入口に対向しており、開口１８の相対向する内壁面の対向間距離をＬ１、相対向する両凸部１１ｂの先端間距離をＬ２とすると、Ｌ２はＬ１よりも僅かに小さな寸法に設定されている。   A synthetic resin guide member 16 is placed on the support 15, and circular holes 16 a are formed at four corners of the guide member 16. Two of the circular holes 16a function as positioning holes that fit into the projections 15a of the support 15, and screws 17 are inserted into the remaining two circular holes 16a and screwed into the screw holes 15b. 16 is fixed on the support 15. An opening 18 is formed in the center of the guide member 16, and as shown in FIG. 11, the engaging protrusion 11 protruding from the lower surface of the connector 10 is located inside the opening 18, and the engaging protrusion The tip of the drive rod 13 held by the portion 11 is pressed against the cam groove 14 exposed at the center position of the opening 18. Four notches 18a as guide portions are formed on the inner wall surface of the opening 18, and these notches 18a extend in the first and second directions from the center of each side of the quadrilateral toward the outside. . Each protrusion 11b of the engagement protrusion 11 faces the entrance of each notch 18a. The distance between the opposing inner wall surfaces of the opening 18 is L1, and the distance between the tips of the opposite protrusions 11b. When L2 is L2, L2 is set to be slightly smaller than L1.

また、ガイド部材１６の外縁部には一対の第１ガイド突起１６ｂと一対の第２ガイド突起１６ｃが立設されており、各ガイド突起１６ｂ，１６ｃは切欠き部１８ａの延長線上に位置している。第１および第２ガイド突起１６ｂ，１６ｃは二股状に形成されており、第１ガイド突起１６ｂの高さ寸法は第２ガイド突起１６ｃに比べて短めに設定されている。両第１ガイド突起１６ｂには第１スライダ１９が第１の方向（Ｘ１−Ｘ２方向）へスライド可能に支持され、両第２ガイド突起１６ｃには第２スライダ２０が第２の方向（Ｙ１−Ｙ２方向）へスライド可能に支持されている。第１スライダ１９は、長方形の枠体部１９ａと、枠体部１９ａの相対向する長辺中央から外側へ延びる一対の腕部１９ｂと、両腕部１９ｂの先端部にその板面と直交する方向へ突出する遮光部１９ｃとを有し、枠体部１９ａには第２の方向へ延びる長孔１９ｄが形成されている。第２スライダ２０は、長方形の枠体部２０ａと、枠体部２０ａの相対向する長辺中央から外側へ延びる一対の腕部２０ｂと、両腕部２０ｂの先端部にその板面と直交する方向へ突出する遮光部２０ｃとを有し、枠体部２０ａには第１の方向へ延びる長孔２０ｄが形成されている。これら第１スライダ１９と第２スライダ２０は合成樹脂を用いて成形された同一形状の共通部品であるが、使用に際しては天地を逆にした状態でガイド部材１６に組み込まれ、第１スライダ１９の枠体部１９ａに第２スライダ２０の枠体部２０ａが平面的にオーバーラップするように積層配置されている。   In addition, a pair of first guide protrusions 16b and a pair of second guide protrusions 16c are erected on the outer edge of the guide member 16, and each guide protrusion 16b, 16c is positioned on an extension line of the notch 18a. Yes. The first and second guide protrusions 16b and 16c are formed in a bifurcated shape, and the height dimension of the first guide protrusion 16b is set shorter than that of the second guide protrusion 16c. The first slider 19 is supported by the first guide protrusions 16b to be slidable in the first direction (X1-X2 direction), and the second slider 20 is supported by the second guide protrusions 16c in the second direction (Y1- Y2 direction) is slidably supported. The first slider 19 has a rectangular frame body portion 19a, a pair of arm portions 19b extending outward from the center of opposite long sides of the frame body portion 19a, and the front end portions of both arm portions 19b perpendicular to the plate surface. The frame body 19a has a long hole 19d extending in the second direction. The second slider 20 has a rectangular frame body portion 20a, a pair of arm portions 20b extending outward from the center of opposite long sides of the frame body portion 20a, and the front end portions of both arm portions 20b perpendicular to the plate surface. The frame body portion 20a has a long hole 20d extending in the first direction. The first slider 19 and the second slider 20 are common parts of the same shape formed by using a synthetic resin. However, when used, the first slider 19 and the second slider 20 are incorporated in the guide member 16 with the top and bottom reversed. The frame body portion 20a of the second slider 20 is laminated and disposed so as to overlap the frame body portion 19a in a planar manner.

すなわち、図８と図９に示すように、第１スライダ１９は遮光部１９ｃが腕部１９ｂの板面から上方へ突出する向きに配置され、その腕部１９ｂを対応する第１ガイド突起１６ｂに挟持させることにより、第１スライダ１９はガイド部材１６の短寸側の両第１ガイド突起１６ｂにスライド可能に支持されている。一方、第２スライダ２０は遮光部２０ｃが腕部２０ｂの板面から下方へ突出する逆向きに配置され、その腕部２０ｂを対応する第２ガイド突起１６ｃに挟持させることにより、第２スライダ２０はガイド部材１６の長寸側の両第２ガイド突起１６ｃにスライド可能に支持されている。このように同一形状の第１スライダ１９と第２スライダ２０を天地逆にして積層配置することにより、第１スライダ１９の両遮光部１９ｃと第２スライダ２０の両遮光部２０ｃとが同一平面上に位置することになり、第１スライダ１９の枠体部１９ａに形成された長孔１９ｄと第２スライダ２０の枠体部２０ａに形成された長孔２０ｄとが互いに直交した状態でオーバーラップされる。前述した係合突部１１はこれら両長孔１９ｄ，２０ｄに挿通されており（図８参照）、第１スライダ１９が係合突部１１からの外力を受けて第１の方向（Ｘ１−Ｘ２方向）へ移動するとき、第２スライダ２０はその長孔２０ｄ内を係合突部１１が相対移動するだけで移動せず、第２スライダ２０が係合突部１１からの外力を受けて第２の方向（Ｙ１−Ｙ２方向）へ移動するとき、第１スライダ１９はその長孔１９ｄ内を係合突部１１が相対移動するだけで移動しないようになっている。   That is, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the first slider 19 is arranged in such a direction that the light shielding portion 19c protrudes upward from the plate surface of the arm portion 19b, and the arm portion 19b is formed on the corresponding first guide protrusion 16b. By sandwiching, the first slider 19 is slidably supported by the first guide protrusions 16b on the short side of the guide member 16. On the other hand, the second slider 20 is arranged in the reverse direction in which the light shielding portion 20c protrudes downward from the plate surface of the arm portion 20b, and the arm portion 20b is sandwiched between the corresponding second guide protrusions 16c, whereby the second slider 20 is disposed. Is slidably supported by the second guide protrusions 16c on the long side of the guide member 16. Thus, by arranging the first slider 19 and the second slider 20 having the same shape upside down, the light shielding portions 19c of the first slider 19 and the light shielding portions 20c of the second slider 20 are on the same plane. The long hole 19d formed in the frame body portion 19a of the first slider 19 and the long hole 20d formed in the frame body portion 20a of the second slider 20 are overlapped with each other in a state of being orthogonal to each other. The The engaging protrusion 11 described above is inserted into both the long holes 19d and 20d (see FIG. 8), and the first slider 19 receives an external force from the engaging protrusion 11 in the first direction (X1-X2). When the second slider 20 moves in the direction), the second slider 20 receives the external force from the engagement protrusion 11 and does not move. When moving in the direction 2 (Y1-Y2 direction), the first slider 19 is merely moved relative to the engagement protrusion 11 in the long hole 19d and does not move.

下カバー５上にはプリント基板２１が固定されており、ガイド部材１６はプリント基板２１の中央部に穿設された開口２１ａから露出している。プリント基板２１上には４個のフォトインタラプタ２２が実装されており、各フォトインタラプタ２２はＸ１−Ｘ２およびＹ１−Ｙ２上に配置されている。このフォトインタラプタ２２は凹部２２ａを介して発光素子２２ｂと受光素子２２ｃとを一体的に対向配置した光検出素子であり、図８に示すように、第１スライダ１９と第２スライダ２０が第１および第２の方向の中立位置にあるとき、各遮光部１９ｃ，２０ｃはそれぞれフォトインタラプタ２２の凹部２２ａ入口の不感帯内に侵入している。   A printed circuit board 21 is fixed on the lower cover 5, and the guide member 16 is exposed from an opening 21 a formed in the center of the printed circuit board 21. Four photo interrupters 22 are mounted on the printed circuit board 21, and each photo interrupter 22 is arranged on X1-X2 and Y1-Y2. The photo interrupter 22 is a light detection element in which a light emitting element 22b and a light receiving element 22c are integrally opposed to each other through a recess 22a. As shown in FIG. 8, the first slider 19 and the second slider 20 are the first slider 19 and the second slider 20, respectively. When in the neutral position in the second direction, each of the light shielding portions 19c and 20c enters the dead zone at the entrance of the recess 22a of the photo interrupter 22, respectively.

図１〜図５に示すように、上カバー４の中央には円形の開口４ａが穿設されており、この開口４ａの周囲には複数の操作キー２３が配置されている。上カバー４の内部には各操作キー２３に対応して複数のプッシュスイッチ（図示せず）が配設されており、これらプッシュスイッチは操作キー２３の押圧操作によって動作されるようになっている。また、上カバー４の開口４ａには環状の化粧リング２４がスナップ結合等の固定手段を用いて係止されており、この化粧リング２４から操作体２の構成部品である基台２５や下部ノブ２６、回転リング２７、上部ノブ２８、押圧ノブ２９等が突出している。   As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a circular opening 4 a is formed at the center of the upper cover 4, and a plurality of operation keys 23 are arranged around the opening 4 a. Inside the upper cover 4, a plurality of push switches (not shown) are provided corresponding to the respective operation keys 23, and these push switches are operated by pressing operation keys 23. . Further, an annular decorative ring 24 is locked to the opening 4a of the upper cover 4 using a fixing means such as a snap joint. From the decorative ring 24, a base 25 and a lower knob which are components of the operating body 2 are provided. 26, a rotating ring 27, an upper knob 28, a pressing knob 29, and the like protrude.

基台２５は前述したホルダ７上に載置されており、この基台２５には貫通孔２５ａと一対の位置決め孔２５ｂが形成され、これら位置決め孔２５ｂはホルダ７の両突起７ｄに挿入されている。下部ノブ２６は基台２５上に載置されており、この下部ノブ２６には円筒状の支軸２６ａと一対の収納孔２６ｂが形成されている。両収納孔２６ｂにはそれぞれコイルばね３０と駆動棒３１が挿入されており、これら駆動棒３１はコイルばね３０の弾発力を受けてクリック板３２の下面に圧接されている。このクリック板３２の下面には円周方向に沿って凹凸部３２ａが形成されており、クリック板３２の外周縁には４つの係合部３２ｂが９０度の間隔を存して突出形成されている。各係合部３２ｂは回転リング２７の内周面下端に形成された切欠部２７ａに係止されており、クリック板３２上にはコード板３３がねじ３４を用いて固定されている。このコード板３３の上面には複数の遮光板３３ａと切欠部３３ｂが円周方向に沿って交互に形成されており、コード板３３の上方に回路基板３５が配置されている。   The base 25 is placed on the holder 7 described above, and a through hole 25a and a pair of positioning holes 25b are formed in the base 25, and these positioning holes 25b are inserted into both protrusions 7d of the holder 7. Yes. The lower knob 26 is placed on the base 25, and the lower knob 26 is formed with a cylindrical support shaft 26a and a pair of storage holes 26b. Coil springs 30 and drive rods 31 are inserted into the storage holes 26 b, respectively, and these drive rods 31 are pressed against the lower surface of the click plate 32 by receiving the elastic force of the coil springs 30. Concave and convex portions 32a are formed on the lower surface of the click plate 32 along the circumferential direction, and four engaging portions 32b are formed on the outer peripheral edge of the click plate 32 so as to protrude at an interval of 90 degrees. Yes. Each engaging portion 32 b is locked to a notch portion 27 a formed at the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the rotating ring 27, and a code plate 33 is fixed on the click plate 32 using a screw 34. A plurality of light shielding plates 33 a and notches 33 b are alternately formed on the upper surface of the code plate 33 along the circumferential direction, and the circuit board 35 is disposed above the code plate 33.

回路基板３５の下面にはフォトインタラプタ３６が実装されており、回路基板３５の上面には一対のプッシュスイッチ３７が実装されている。このフォトインタラプタ３６も凹部を介して発光素子と受光素子（いずれも図示省略）とを一体的に対向配置した光検出素子であり、コード板３３の遮光板３３ａと切欠部３３ｂはフォトインタラプタ３６の凹部内を移動するようになっている。また、プッシュスイッチ３７はステム３７ａを有するタクトスイッチと呼ばれるもので、このステム３７ａは内蔵されたタクトばね（図示せず）の弾発力を受けて上方へ付勢されている。回路基板３５には係合孔３５ａを挟んで一対の透孔３５ｂが穿設されており、係合孔３５ａは下部ノブ２６の支軸２６ａの上端段部に挿入されている。   A photo interrupter 36 is mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board 35, and a pair of push switches 37 are mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 35. This photointerrupter 36 is also a photodetecting element in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element (both not shown) are integrally opposed to each other through a recess, and the light shielding plate 33a and the cutout portion 33b of the code plate 33 are formed by It moves in the recess. The push switch 37 is called a tact switch having a stem 37a, and the stem 37a is urged upward by receiving the elastic force of a built-in tact spring (not shown). A pair of through holes 35b are formed in the circuit board 35 with an engagement hole 35a interposed therebetween, and the engagement hole 35a is inserted into the upper end step portion of the support shaft 26a of the lower knob 26.

上部ノブ２８は回路基板３５の上方に配置されており、この上部ノブ２８の上面に窪み２８ａが形成されている。窪み２８ａの内底面中央には貫通孔２８ｂが形成されており、この貫通孔２８ｂに挿入された止めねじ３８が下部ノブ２６の支軸２６ａと基台２５の貫通孔２５ａを通ってホルダ７のねじ孔７ｃに螺入されている。これにより、ホルダ７上に基台２５を介して下部ノブ２６が固定されると共に、下部ノブ２６の支軸２６ａの上端に回路基板３５と上部ノブ２８が固定され、これら下部ノブ２６と上部ノブ２８との間に回転リング２７が回転可能に保持された状態となる。また、この回転リング２７の内周面にクリック板３２とコード板３３が係止されているため、クリック板３２とコード板３３を回転リング２７の回転操作に連動して一体的に回転させることができる。上部ノブ２８の窪み２８ａの内底面には貫通孔２８ｂを挟んで一対の逃げ孔２８ｃと一対のガイド孔２８ｄが形成されており、回路基板３５の上面に実装された両プッシュスイッチ３７がこれら逃げ孔２８ｃから窪み２８ａ内に突出している。また、上部ノブ２８には両ガイド孔２８ｄの外縁部から下方へ延びるガイド片２８ｅが形成されており、これらガイド片２８ｅは回路基板３５の透孔３５ｂを挿通して下部ノブ２６に達している。   The upper knob 28 is disposed above the circuit board 35, and a recess 28 a is formed on the upper surface of the upper knob 28. A through hole 28b is formed in the center of the inner bottom surface of the recess 28a, and a set screw 38 inserted into the through hole 28b passes through the support shaft 26a of the lower knob 26 and the through hole 25a of the base 25, and It is screwed into the screw hole 7c. As a result, the lower knob 26 is fixed on the holder 7 via the base 25, and the circuit board 35 and the upper knob 28 are fixed to the upper end of the support shaft 26a of the lower knob 26. The rotating ring 27 is held rotatably between the rotating ring 27 and the H.28. In addition, since the click plate 32 and the code plate 33 are locked to the inner peripheral surface of the rotating ring 27, the click plate 32 and the code plate 33 can be integrally rotated in conjunction with the rotation operation of the rotating ring 27. Can do. A pair of escape holes 28c and a pair of guide holes 28d are formed on the inner bottom surface of the recess 28a of the upper knob 28 with the through hole 28b interposed therebetween, and both push switches 37 mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 35 are escaped. It protrudes into the recess 28a from the hole 28c. The upper knob 28 is formed with guide pieces 28e extending downward from the outer edges of both guide holes 28d. These guide pieces 28e pass through the through holes 35b of the circuit board 35 and reach the lower knob 26. .

押圧ノブ２９は上部ノブ２８の窪み２８ａ内に昇降可能に配置されており、その下面に設けられた一対の突起２９ａがそれぞれプッシュスイッチ３７のステム３７ａに当接することにより、押圧ノブ２９は両プッシュスイッチ３７に内蔵されたタクトスイッチの弾発力を受けて上方へ付勢されている。なお、これら２つのプッシュスイッチ３７のうち接点の切換え動作に関与するのは一方だけであり、他方のプッシュスイッチ３７は押圧ノブ２９をバランス良く上方へ付勢する弾性付与手段として用いられている。押圧ノブ２９の下端周縁には複数のフック２９ａが形成されており、これらフック２９ａが窪み２８ａの外周縁に係止することにより、押圧ノブ２９は上部ノブ２８からの脱落が防止されている。また、押圧ノブ２９には一対のガイド棒２９ｂが垂設されており、これらガイド棒２９ｂは上部ノブ２８のガイド孔２８ｄを通ってガイド片２８ｅの内部に達している。   The pressing knob 29 is disposed in the recess 28a of the upper knob 28 so as to be movable up and down, and a pair of protrusions 29a provided on the lower surface thereof abut against the stem 37a of the push switch 37. In response to the resilient force of the tact switch built in the switch 37, the switch 37 is biased upward. Note that only one of the two push switches 37 is involved in the contact switching operation, and the other push switch 37 is used as elasticity applying means for biasing the pressing knob 29 upward in a balanced manner. A plurality of hooks 29a are formed on the peripheral edge of the lower end of the pressing knob 29, and the pressing knob 29 is prevented from falling off the upper knob 28 by locking the hooks 29a to the outer peripheral edge of the recess 28a. In addition, a pair of guide bars 29 b are suspended from the pressing knob 29, and these guide bars 29 b reach the inside of the guide piece 28 e through the guide holes 28 d of the upper knob 28.

次に、このように構成されたコントロールユニットに備えられる多方向入力装置と複合操作型入力装置の動作について説明する。   Next, operations of the multidirectional input device and the composite operation input device provided in the control unit configured as described above will be described.

まず、多方向入力装置の動作について説明すると、図１と図３および図４は操作体２に外力が作用していない非操作状態を示しており、操作体２の構成部品であるホルダ７や基台２５、下部ノブ２６、回転リング２７、上部ノブ２８等は鉛直方向（図１のＺ１−Ｚ２方向）を向いている。この非操作状態において、駆動棒１３の下端はコイルばね１２の弾発力を受けてカム溝１４の内底面中央（最深部）に圧接しており、図１１に示すように、駆動棒１３を保持する係合突部１１はガイド部材１６の開口１８の中心に位置している。また、図８に示すように、係合突部１１がそれぞれ両長孔１９ｄ，２０ｄの長手方向中央に位置することにより、第１スライダ１９と第２スライダ２０は第１および第２の方向の中立位置にあり、各遮光部１９ｃ，２０ｃはそれぞれフォトインタラプタ２２の凹部２２ａ入口の不感帯内に侵入している。したがって、フォトインタラプタ２２の発光素子２２ｂと受光素子２２ｃ間の光路は遮断されておらず、全てのフォトインタラプタ２２からハイレベルの信号が出力される。   First, the operation of the multidirectional input device will be described. FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 show a non-operation state in which an external force is not applied to the operation body 2. The base 25, the lower knob 26, the rotating ring 27, the upper knob 28, etc. are oriented in the vertical direction (Z1-Z2 direction in FIG. 1). In this non-operating state, the lower end of the drive rod 13 receives the elastic force of the coil spring 12 and is in pressure contact with the center of the inner bottom surface (the deepest portion) of the cam groove 14, and as shown in FIG. The engaging protrusion 11 to be held is located at the center of the opening 18 of the guide member 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the engagement protrusion 11 is positioned at the longitudinal center of both the long holes 19d and 20d, so that the first slider 19 and the second slider 20 are in the first and second directions. At the neutral position, each of the light shielding portions 19c and 20c enters the dead zone at the entrance of the recess 22a of the photo interrupter 22, respectively. Accordingly, the optical path between the light emitting element 22b and the light receiving element 22c of the photo interrupter 22 is not blocked, and a high level signal is output from all the photo interrupters 22.

かかる非操作状態から操作者が操作体２を第１の方向または第２の方向へ揺動操作すると、ホルダ７がリング体６の両支軸６ａまたはピン８を支点として同方向へ揺動するため、係合突部１１に保持された駆動棒１３の下端がカム溝１４の内底面を中央から外側へと摺動し、該駆動棒１３がクリック突起１４ａを乗り越えるときに生起されるクリック感が操作体２を介して操作者にフィードバックされる。その際、係合突部１１は開口１８の中心から第１または第２の方向に沿って外側へ移動し、移動方向に位置する１つの凸部１１ｂが対応する切欠き部１８ａ内に侵入して凹凸係合した時点で、係合突部１１のそれ以上の移動が規制される。   When the operator swings the operating body 2 in the first direction or the second direction from the non-operating state, the holder 7 swings in the same direction with both the support shafts 6a or the pins 8 of the ring body 6 as fulcrums. Therefore, the lower end of the drive rod 13 held by the engaging projection 11 slides from the center to the outside on the inner bottom surface of the cam groove 14, and the click feeling generated when the drive rod 13 gets over the click protrusion 14a. Is fed back to the operator via the operating body 2. At that time, the engaging protrusion 11 moves outward from the center of the opening 18 along the first or second direction, and one convex portion 11b located in the moving direction enters the corresponding notch 18a. When the projections and recesses are engaged, further movement of the engagement protrusion 11 is restricted.

すなわち、第１および第２の方向で対向している凸部１１ｂと切欠き部１８ａの対のうち、便宜上、Ｘ１方向の対を凸部１１ｂ−１，切欠き部１８ａ−１、Ｘ２の対を凸部１１ｂ−２，切欠き部１８ａ−２、Ｙ１方向の対を凸部１１ｂ−３，切欠き部１８ａ−３、Ｙ２方向の対を凸部１１ｂ−４，切欠き部１８ａ−４とすると、図１１に示すように、非操作状態において各凸部１１ｂ−１，２，３，４は各切欠き部１８ａ−１，２，３，４の入口に対向している。この中立位置から係合突部１１が例えばＸ１方向へ移動すると、図１２（ａ）に示すように、凸部１１ｂ−３と凸部１１ｂ−４の先端が開口１８の相対向する内壁面にガイドされながら凸部１１ｂ−１が切欠き部１８ａ−１内に侵入し、Ｘ１方向に位置する係合突部１１の外壁部が開口１８の内壁面に当接した位置で、係合突部１１のＸ１方向へのそれ以上の移動が規制される。したがって移動末端位置において、係合突部１１の４つの外壁部は開口１８に対して凸部１１ｂ−１，１１ｂ−３，１１ｂ−４の３箇所で、より具体的には凸部１１ｂ−１の両側面と凸部１１ｂ−３の先端面および凸部１１ｂ−４の先端面の計４つの面で規制されることになり、Ｘ１方向に移動した操作体２がＹ１方向やＹ２方向へ誤操作されることはない。同様に、係合突部１１が上記以外の例えばＹ１方向へ移動すると、図１２（ｂ）に示すように、凸部１１ｂ−１と凸部１１ｂ−２の先端が開口１８の相対向する内壁面に摺動しながら凸部１１ｂ−３が切欠き部１８ａ−３内に侵入し、Ｙ１方向に位置する係合突部１１の外壁部が開口１８の内壁面に当接した位置で、係合突部１１のＹ１方向へのそれ以上の移動が規制される。この場合、移動末端位置において係合突部１１の４つの外壁部は開口１８に対して凸部１１ｂ−１，１１ｂ−２，１１ｂ−３の３箇所で、より具体的には凸部１１ｂ−１の先端面と凸部１１ｂ−２の先端面および凸部１１ｂ−３の両側面の計４つの面で規制されることになり、Ｙ１方向に移動した操作体２がＸ１方向やＸ２方向へ誤操作されることはない。   That is, for the sake of convenience, the pair in the X1 direction is the pair of the protrusion 11b-1, the notch 18a-1, and the X2 among the pair of the protrusion 11b and the notch 18a facing each other in the first and second directions. A protrusion 11b-2, a notch 18a-2, a pair in the Y1 direction is a protrusion 11b-3, a notch 18a-3, a pair in the Y2 direction is a protrusion 11b-4, and a notch 18a-4. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in a non-operation state, each convex part 11b-1,2,3,4 is facing the entrance of each notch part 18a-1,2,3,4. When the engagement protrusion 11 moves from the neutral position in the X1 direction, for example, the tips of the protrusion 11b-3 and the protrusion 11b-4 are opposed to the opposing inner wall surfaces of the opening 18, as shown in FIG. While being guided, the protrusion 11 b-1 enters the notch 18 a-1, and the engagement protrusion is at a position where the outer wall of the engagement protrusion 11 located in the X 1 direction abuts against the inner wall of the opening 18. Further movement in the X1 direction of 11 is restricted. Accordingly, at the moving end position, the four outer wall portions of the engaging protrusion 11 are three portions of the protrusions 11b-1, 11b-3, and 11b-4 with respect to the opening 18, more specifically, the protrusion 11b-1. The operation body 2 moved in the X1 direction is erroneously operated in the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction. It will never be done. Similarly, when the engagement protrusion 11 moves in the Y1 direction other than the above, for example, the ends of the protrusions 11b-1 and 11b-2 are opposed to each other in the opening 18 as shown in FIG. The protrusion 11b-3 enters the notch 18a-3 while sliding on the wall, and the outer wall of the engagement protrusion 11 located in the Y1 direction is in contact with the inner wall of the opening 18. Further movement of the mating protrusion 11 in the Y1 direction is restricted. In this case, the four outer wall portions of the engaging protrusion 11 at the moving end position are three portions of the protrusions 11b-1, 11b-2, 11b-3 with respect to the opening 18, more specifically, the protrusion 11b-. Therefore, the operating body 2 moved in the Y1 direction is moved in the X1 direction and the X2 direction. There is no misoperation.

また、このように操作体２の揺動操作に連動して係合突部１１が開口１８内を第１または第２の方向へ移動すると、それに伴って第１スライダ１９または第２スライダ２０がガイド部材１６にガイドされながらスライド移動し、各フォトインタラプタ２２の１つが選択的にオン動作する。例えば図８に示す中立位置から係合突部１１がＸ１方向へ移動すると、係合突部１１は第１の方向（Ｘ１−Ｘ２方向）へ延びる長孔２０ｄを相対移動するだけであるため、第２スライダ２０は係合突部１１からの外力（移動方向の駆動力）を受けることなく停止したままであるが、第１スライダ１９は係合突部１１からの外力を受けてＸ１方向へ移動する。この場合、第１スライダ１９はその腕部１９ｂがガイド部材１６の第１ガイド突起１６ｂにガイドされながらＸ１方向へ移動し、それに伴って遮光部１９ｃがＸ１方向に位置するフォトインタラプタ２２の凹部２２ａ内を移動する。そして、係合突部１１がＸ１方向の末端位置まで移動した時点で、該フォトインタラプタ２２の発光素子２２ｂと受光素子２２ｃ間の光路が遮光部１９ｃによって遮断されるため、このフォトインタラプタ２２からローレベルの信号が出力される。このとき、第２スライダ２０は係合突部１１からの外力を受けることなく停止したままであるため、Ｙ１−Ｙ２方向とＸ２方向に位置する残り３個のフォトインタラプタ２２から出力される信号はハイレベルのままである。係合突部１１が中立位置からＸ２方向へ移動する場合も同様であり、この場合、第１スライダ１９が係合突部１１からの外力を受けてＸ２方向へ移動することにより、Ｘ２方向に位置するフォトインタラプタ２２からローレベルの信号が出力され、残り３個のフォトインタラプタ２２から出力される信号はハイレベルのままとなる。   When the engaging projection 11 moves in the first or second direction in the opening 18 in conjunction with the swinging operation of the operating body 2 in this way, the first slider 19 or the second slider 20 is moved accordingly. While sliding by being guided by the guide member 16, one of the photo interrupters 22 is selectively turned on. For example, when the engagement protrusion 11 moves in the X1 direction from the neutral position shown in FIG. 8, the engagement protrusion 11 only moves relative to the long hole 20d extending in the first direction (X1-X2 direction). The second slider 20 remains stopped without receiving an external force (driving force in the moving direction) from the engaging protrusion 11, but the first slider 19 receives the external force from the engaging protrusion 11 and moves in the X1 direction. Moving. In this case, the arm portion 19b of the first slider 19 moves in the X1 direction while being guided by the first guide projection 16b of the guide member 16, and accordingly, the light shielding portion 19c is a concave portion 22a of the photo interrupter 22 positioned in the X1 direction. Move in. When the engaging protrusion 11 moves to the end position in the X1 direction, the light path between the light emitting element 22b and the light receiving element 22c of the photo interrupter 22 is blocked by the light blocking portion 19c. A level signal is output. At this time, since the second slider 20 remains stopped without receiving an external force from the engaging projection 11, the signals output from the remaining three photo interrupters 22 located in the Y1-Y2 direction and the X2 direction are It remains high. The same applies to the case where the engaging protrusion 11 moves in the X2 direction from the neutral position. In this case, the first slider 19 receives the external force from the engaging protrusion 11 and moves in the X2 direction, thereby moving in the X2 direction. A low level signal is output from the photo interrupter 22 positioned, and the signals output from the remaining three photo interrupters 22 remain at a high level.

一方、図８に示す中立位置から係合突部１１がＹ１方向へ移動すると、係合突部１１は第２の方向（Ｙ１−Ｙ２方向）へ延びる長孔１９ｄを相対移動するだけであるため、第１スライダ１９は係合突部１１からの外力を受けることなく停止したままであるが、第２スライダ２０は係合突部１１からの外力を受けてＹ１方向へ移動する。この場合、第２スライダ２０はその腕部２０ｂがガイド部材１６の第２ガイド突起１６ｃにガイドされながらＹ１方向へ移動し、それに伴って遮光部２０ｃがＹ１方向に位置するフォトインタラプタ２２の凹部２２ａ内を移動する。そして、係合突部１１がＹ１方向の末端位置まで移動した時点で、該フォトインタラプタ２２の発光素子２２ｂと受光素子２２ｃ間の光路が遮光部２０ｃによって遮断されるため、このフォトインタラプタ２２からローレベルの信号が出力される。このとき、第１スライダ１９は係合突部１１からの外力を受けることなく停止したままであるため、Ｘ１−Ｘ２方向とＹ２方向に位置する残り３個のフォトインタラプタ２２から出力される信号はハイレベルのままである。係合突部１１が中立位置からＹ２方向へ移動する場合も同様であり、この場合、第２スライダ２０が係合突部１１からの外力を受けてＹ２方向へ移動することにより、Ｙ２方向に位置するフォトインタラプタ２２からローレベルの信号が出力され、残り３個のフォトインタラプタ２２から出力される信号はハイレベルのままとなる。   On the other hand, when the engagement protrusion 11 moves in the Y1 direction from the neutral position shown in FIG. 8, the engagement protrusion 11 only moves relative to the long hole 19d extending in the second direction (Y1-Y2 direction). The first slider 19 remains stopped without receiving the external force from the engaging protrusion 11, but the second slider 20 moves in the Y1 direction in response to the external force from the engaging protrusion 11. In this case, the arm portion 20b of the second slider 20 moves in the Y1 direction while being guided by the second guide protrusion 16c of the guide member 16, and accordingly, the light shielding portion 20c is a concave portion 22a of the photo interrupter 22 positioned in the Y1 direction. Move in. When the engaging protrusion 11 moves to the end position in the Y1 direction, the light path between the light emitting element 22b and the light receiving element 22c of the photo interrupter 22 is blocked by the light blocking portion 20c. A level signal is output. At this time, since the first slider 19 remains stopped without receiving external force from the engaging protrusion 11, the signals output from the remaining three photo interrupters 22 located in the X1-X2 direction and the Y2 direction are It remains high. The same applies to the case where the engaging protrusion 11 moves in the Y2 direction from the neutral position. In this case, the second slider 20 receives the external force from the engaging protrusion 11 and moves in the Y2 direction, thereby moving in the Y2 direction. A low level signal is output from the photo interrupter 22 positioned, and the signals output from the remaining three photo interrupters 22 remain at a high level.

このように操作体２を互いに直交する第１および第２の方向のいずれか一方向へ選択的に揺動操作すると、その操作方向に位置するフォトインタラプタ２２の出力信号のみがハイレベルからローレベルへと変化するため、４個のフォトインタラプタ２２から出力される信号に基づいて操作体２の操作方向を認識することができる。なお、操作体２に対する揺動操作力を除去すると、コイルばね１２の弾発力を受けて駆動棒１３の下端がカム溝１４の内底面中央へ戻るため、ホルダ７を含む操作体２全体は鉛直姿勢となり、係合突部１１や第１および第２スライダ１９，２０が中立位置に自動復帰する。   When the operating body 2 is selectively swung in one of the first and second directions orthogonal to each other in this way, only the output signal of the photo interrupter 22 positioned in the operating direction is changed from the high level to the low level. Therefore, the operation direction of the operating tool 2 can be recognized based on the signals output from the four photo interrupters 22. When the swinging operation force on the operation body 2 is removed, the lower end of the drive rod 13 returns to the center of the inner bottom surface of the cam groove 14 due to the elastic force of the coil spring 12, so that the entire operation body 2 including the holder 7 is It becomes a vertical posture, and the engagement protrusion 11 and the first and second sliders 19 and 20 are automatically returned to the neutral position.

次に、図３〜図５を参照しつつ複合操作型入力装置の動作について説明する。図３と図４に示すように、筐体１の上カバー４から操作体２の構成部品である基台２５や下部ノブ２６、回転リング２７、上部ノブ２８、押圧ノブ２９等が突出しており、操作者が回転リング２７を時計方向または反時計方向へ回転操作すると、回転リング２７に連動してクリック板３２とコード板３３が一体的に回転する。そして、クリック板３２の回転に伴ってコイルばね３０に弾性付勢された駆動棒３１の上端が凹凸部３２ａと係脱するため、その際に生起されるクリック感が操作体２を介して操作者にフィードバックされる。また、コード板３３の回転に伴って遮光板３３ａと切欠部３３ｂが回路基板３５の下面に実装されたフォトインタラプタ３６の凹部内を回動するため、フォトインタラプタ３６からコード板３３の回転に応じたパルス信号が出力される。このように回転リング２７を回転操作すると、その回転方向や回転量に応じた信号がフォトインタラプタ３６から出力されるため、この信号に基づいて回転リング２７の回転情報を認識することができる。   Next, the operation of the composite operation input device will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 25, the lower knob 26, the rotating ring 27, the upper knob 28, the pressing knob 29, and the like that are components of the operating body 2 protrude from the upper cover 4 of the housing 1. When the operator rotates the rotating ring 27 clockwise or counterclockwise, the click plate 32 and the code plate 33 are integrally rotated in conjunction with the rotating ring 27. And since the upper end of the drive rod 31 elastically urged by the coil spring 30 with the rotation of the click plate 32 is disengaged from the concavo-convex portion 32a, the click feeling generated at that time is operated via the operating body 2. Feedback. Further, as the code plate 33 rotates, the light shielding plate 33 a and the notch 33 b rotate in the recess of the photo interrupter 36 mounted on the lower surface of the circuit board 35, so that the code plate 33 responds to the rotation from the photo interrupter 36. Pulse signal is output. When the rotating ring 27 is rotated in this way, a signal corresponding to the rotating direction and amount of rotation is output from the photo interrupter 36, and therefore the rotation information of the rotating ring 27 can be recognized based on this signal.

一方、操作者が押圧ノブ２９を真下（図１のＺ２方向）へ押圧操作すると、回路基板３５の上面に実装された両プッシュスイッチ３７のステム３７ａが押圧ノブ２９の突起２９ａによって押し下げられるため、プッシュスイッチ３７の接点がオフからオンへと切換え動作される。また、かかる押圧操作力を除去すると、押圧ノブ２９は両プッシュスイッチ３７に内蔵されたタクトばねの弾発力によって元位置に上昇し、プッシュスイッチ３７の接点もオンからオフへと切換え動作される。その際、押圧ノブ２９の下面に垂設されたガイド棒２９ｂが上部ノブ２８のガイド片２８ｅにガイドされながら昇降するため、押圧ノブ２９をガタ付きなく滑らかに押圧操作することができる。   On the other hand, when the operator presses the pressing knob 29 right below (Z2 direction in FIG. 1), the stems 37a of the push switches 37 mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 35 are pushed down by the protrusions 29a of the pressing knob 29. The contact of the push switch 37 is switched from off to on. Further, when the pressing operation force is removed, the pressing knob 29 is raised to the original position by the resilient force of the tact springs built in the push switches 37, and the contact of the push switch 37 is also switched from on to off. . At that time, since the guide bar 29b suspended from the lower surface of the pressing knob 29 moves up and down while being guided by the guide piece 28e of the upper knob 28, the pressing knob 29 can be smoothly pressed without rattling.

このように本実施形態例に係る多方向入力装置は、互いに略直交する第１の方向および第２の方向へ揺動操作可能な操作体２と、この操作体２に設けられた係合突部１１を挿通させる開口１８が穿設されたガイド部材１６と、操作体２の第１および第２の方向への移動を検出する検出手段である４個のフォトインタラプタ２２とを備え、係合突部１１がそれぞれ中央に凸部（被ガイド部）１１ｂを挟んで第１および第２の方向へ延びる４つの外壁部を有すると共に、開口１８がそれぞれ中央に切欠き部（ガイド部）１８ａを挟んで第１および第２の方向へ延びる４つの内壁面を有し、一組の凸部１１ｂと切欠き部１８ａとの凹凸係合によって係合突部１１を第１および第２の方向へ案内するように構成したので、操作体２の揺動操作に伴って係合突部１１が第１の方向へ移動するとき、その移動方向に位置する１つの凸部１１ｂが開口１８の切欠き部１８ａと凹凸係合することにより、係合突部１１は第１の方向の移動末端位置で位置規制されるが、このとき、第２の方向に位置する他の２つの凸部１１ｂが開口１８の内壁面と当接するため、係合突部１１は移動方向の後端側を除く３つの外壁部が開口に支持されることとなる。これとは逆に係合突部１１が第２の方向へ移動するとき、その移動方向に位置する１つの凸部１１ｂが開口１８の切欠き部１８ａと凹凸係合することにより、係合突部１１は第２の方向の移動末端位置で位置規制されるが、このとき、第１の方向に位置する他の２つの凸部１１ｂが開口１８の内壁面と当接するため、係合突部１１は移動方向の後端側を除く３つの外壁部が開口に支持されることとなる。したがって、操作体２を第１または第２の方向へ操作して係合突部１１が末端位置まで移動したとき、操作体２や係合突部１１を移動末端位置に確実に位置規制することができると共に、移動方向と直交する方向に位置する他の２つの凸部１１ｂを開口１８の内壁面に摺接させることにより、係合突部１１を所望の方向へ安定的にガイドすることができる。   As described above, the multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment includes the operating body 2 that can be swung in the first direction and the second direction substantially orthogonal to each other, and the engagement protrusion provided on the operating body 2. A guide member 16 having an opening 18 through which the portion 11 is inserted, and four photointerrupters 22 serving as detection means for detecting movement of the operating body 2 in the first and second directions. Each of the protrusions 11 has four outer wall portions extending in the first and second directions with a convex portion (guided portion) 11b in the center, and the opening 18 has a notch portion (guide portion) 18a in the center. It has four inner wall surfaces that extend in the first and second directions with the sandwiched protrusions 11b and the notches 18a engaging the concave and convex portions 11a in the first and second directions. Since it is configured to guide, along with the swinging operation of the operating body 2 When the mating protrusion 11 moves in the first direction, the one protrusion 11b located in the moving direction engages with the notch 18a of the opening 18 so that the engaging protrusion 11 is in the first direction. However, at this time, the other two convex portions 11b located in the second direction come into contact with the inner wall surface of the opening 18, so that the engaging projection 11 is moved in the rear direction in the moving direction. The three outer wall portions excluding the end side are supported by the opening. On the other hand, when the engaging protrusion 11 moves in the second direction, one protrusion 11b located in the moving direction engages with the notch 18a of the opening 18 so that the engaging protrusion 11 The position of the portion 11 is restricted at the moving end position in the second direction. At this time, since the other two convex portions 11b located in the first direction abut against the inner wall surface of the opening 18, the engaging protrusion 11, the three outer wall portions excluding the rear end side in the moving direction are supported by the openings. Therefore, when the operating body 2 is operated in the first or second direction and the engagement protrusion 11 moves to the end position, the position of the operation body 2 and the engagement protrusion 11 is surely restricted to the movement end position. In addition, the other two protrusions 11b positioned in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction can be slidably contacted with the inner wall surface of the opening 18 to stably guide the engaging protrusion 11 in a desired direction. it can.

なお、上記実施形態例では、操作体２を互いに直交する第１の方向および第２の方向へ揺動操作可能とし、この操作体２の揺動操作に伴って係合突部１１を第１および第２の方向へ移動させる場合について説明したが、操作体２が第１の方向および第２の方向へスライド操作可能なものであっても良い。   In the above embodiment, the operating body 2 can be swung in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to each other, and the engaging protrusion 11 is moved to the first position along with the swinging operation of the operating body 2. Although the case of moving in the second direction has been described, the operating body 2 may be slidable in the first direction and the second direction.

また、上記実施形態例では、操作体２の第１および第２の方向への移動を検出する検出手段として、係合突部１１によって選択的に動作される第１スライダ１９と第２スライダ２０の移動を４個のフォトインタラプタ２２で検出する光検出方式を採用したが、プッシュスイッチや磁気検出素子等の他の検出手段を用いることも可能である。   In the above-described embodiment, the first slider 19 and the second slider 20 that are selectively operated by the engaging protrusion 11 are used as detection means for detecting movement of the operating body 2 in the first and second directions. Although the photodetection method is used to detect the movement of the four by the photo interrupter 22, other detection means such as a push switch or a magnetic detection element can also be used.

本発明の実施形態例に係るコントロールユニットの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a control unit concerning the example of an embodiment of the present invention. 該コントロールユニットの平面図である。It is a top view of this control unit. 図２のIII−III線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the III-III line of FIG. 図２のIV−IV線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the IV-IV line of FIG. 該コントロールユニットに備えられる複合操作型入力装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the composite operation type input device with which this control unit is equipped. 該コントロールユニットに備えられる多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the multidirectional input device with which this control unit is equipped. 該多方向入力装置の要部を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置の要部を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the principal part of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置の要部を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the principal part of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置の要部を示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the principal part of this multidirectional input device. 該多方向入力装置に備えられるガイド部材と係合突部の配置関係を示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of the guide member with which this multidirectional input device is equipped, and an engaging protrusion. 該係合突部の動作説明図である。It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of this engagement protrusion. 従来例に係る多方向入力装置に備えられるガイド機構を模式的に示す平面図である。It is a top view which shows typically the guide mechanism with which the multi-directional input device which concerns on a prior art example is equipped.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 筐体
２ 操作体
３ ケース
４ 上カバー
５ 下カバー
６ リング体
７ ホルダ
８ ピン
１０ 連結体
１１ 係合突部
１１ａ 収納孔
１１ｂ 凸部（被ガイド部）
１２ コイルばね
１３ 駆動棒
１４ カム溝
１５ 支持体
１６ ガイド部材
１８ 開口
１８ａ 切欠き部（ガイド部）
１９ 第１スライダ
２０ 第１スライダ
２１ プリント基板
２２ フォトインタラプタ
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Operation body 3 Case 4 Upper cover 5 Lower cover 6 Ring body 7 Holder 8 Pin 10 Connection body 11 Engagement protrusion 11a Storage hole 11b Convex part (guided part)
12 Coil Spring 13 Drive Rod 14 Cam Groove 15 Support 16 Guide Member 18 Opening 18a Notch (Guide)
19 First Slider 20 First Slider 21 Printed Circuit Board 22 Photointerrupter

Claims (3)

互いに略直交する第１の方向および第２の方向へ移動可能な操作体と、この操作体に設けられた係合突部を挿通させる開口が穿設されたガイド部材と、前記操作体の前記第１および第２の方向への移動を検出する検出手段とを備え、
前記係合突部がそれぞれ中央に被ガイド部を挟んで前記第１および第２の方向へ延びる４つの外壁部を有すると共に、前記開口がそれぞれ中央にガイド部を挟んで前記第１および第２の方向へ延びる４つの内壁面を有し、前記被ガイド部と前記ガイド部との凹凸係合によって前記係合突部を前記第１および第２の方向へ案内するように構成したことを特徴とする多方向入力装置。 An operating body that is movable in a first direction and a second direction that are substantially orthogonal to each other, a guide member that has an opening through which an engaging protrusion provided in the operating body is inserted, and the operating body Detecting means for detecting movement in the first and second directions,
The engaging projection has four outer wall portions extending in the first and second directions with the guided portion at the center, and the opening has the first and second portions with the guide portion at the center, respectively. And has four inner wall surfaces extending in the direction of the guide, and is configured to guide the engaging protrusion in the first and second directions by the concave and convex engagement between the guided portion and the guide portion. Multi-directional input device. 請求項１の記載において、前記被ガイド部と前記外壁部を含む前記係合突部の前記第１および第２の方向に沿う最大寸法が、前記ガイド部と前記内壁面を含む前記開口の前記第１および第２の方向に沿う最小寸法に対して僅かに小さめに設定されていることを特徴とする多方向入力装置。   The maximum dimension along the first and second directions of the engaging protrusion including the guided portion and the outer wall portion according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the opening including the guide portion and the inner wall surface is selected. A multidirectional input device, wherein the multidirectional input device is set slightly smaller than a minimum dimension along the first and second directions. 請求項１の記載において、前記各被ガイド部が前記外壁部から前記第１および第２の方向へ延びる凸部からなると共に、前記各ガイド部が前記内壁面から前記第１および第２の方向へ延びる凹溝からなり、前記第１および第２の方向で対向する前記両凸部間の長さが前記両内壁面の対向距離よりも僅かに小さめに設定されていることを特徴とする多方向入力装置。
2. The guide portion according to claim 1, wherein each of the guided portions includes a convex portion extending from the outer wall portion in the first and second directions, and each of the guide portions extends from the inner wall surface in the first and second directions. The length between the convex portions facing each other in the first and second directions is set slightly smaller than the facing distance between the inner wall surfaces. Direction input device.
JP2005103095A 2005-03-31 2005-03-31 Multiple direction input device Ceased JP2006286331A (en)

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JP2005103095A JP2006286331A (en) 2005-03-31 2005-03-31 Multiple direction input device
EP20060004628 EP1708219B1 (en) 2005-03-31 2006-03-07 Multidirectional input device
DE200660002532 DE602006002532D1 (en) 2005-03-31 2006-03-07 Multi-directional input device

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DE102007022526A1 (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-11-20 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft operating device
CN107658172B (en) * 2017-10-26 2020-09-15 惠州华阳通用电子有限公司 Horizontal-pushing type multi-directional switch structure
CN111668056B (en) 2020-06-29 2025-04-25 深圳市致尚科技股份有限公司 Multi-directional input device, handle and game console
WO2022223116A1 (en) 2021-04-22 2022-10-27 Merit Automotive Electronics Systems S.L.U. Joystick button assembly
DE102022126959B3 (en) 2022-10-14 2024-03-21 Brehmer Gmbh & Co. Kg Joystick with magnetic haptics

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DE19844336C1 (en) * 1998-09-28 1999-09-30 Kostal Leopold Gmbh & Co Kg Electric switch for adjustment of automobile passenger seat or rear view mirror
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