JP3889242B2

JP3889242B2 - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP3889242B2
Application number: JP2001151639A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 新治石川
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-05-21
Filing date: 2001-05-21
Publication date: 2007-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2021-05-21
Also published as: JP2002343194A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、携帯電話、ビデオカメラ等の移動体機器に使用され、各種入力に好適な多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の多方向入力装置の図面を説明すると、図５は従来の多方向入力装置の内部を示す平面図、図６は従来の多方向入力装置の要部断面図、図７は従来の多方向入力装置に係る第１の連動部材の斜視図である。
【０００３】
従来の多方向入力装置について図５〜図７に基づいて説明すると、筐体５１は、８角形状の底壁部５１ａと、該底壁部５１ａから垂直に立設された複数の壁部からなる側壁部５１ｂとを有し、第１の方向であるＸ１方向に対向する第１の側壁部５１ｃには凹部５１ｅが向き合って設けられ、第１の方向に直交する方向である第２の方向であるＹ１方向に対向する第２の側壁部５１ｄには凹部５１ｆが向き合って設けられている。底壁部５１ａは、中央部にＸ１方向に対向する第１のガイド壁５１ｇと、Ｙ１方向に対向する第２のガイド壁５１ｈとを有し、第１のガイド壁５１ｇの中間には切欠部５１ｋが設けられ、第２のガイド壁５１ｈの中間にも切欠部５１ｍが設けられている。また、底壁部５１ａの中央にはスイッチ接点５１ｎと、可動接点５１ｑとからなるスイッチ部Ｓ１が構成され、周辺部には複数の固定接点５１ｐが埋設されている。
【０００４】
第１の連動部材５２は、図７に示すように、略矩形状をなし、矩形状の基部５２ａと、該基部５２ａの中央に形成され、Ｘ１方向に延びる第１の溝部５２ｂとを有し、第１のガイド壁５１ｇ間に収納されている。この第１の連動部材５２は、第１のガイド壁５１ｇにガイドされてＹ１方向にスライド移動可能となっている。
【０００５】
第２の連動部材５３も、図７に示す第１の連動部材５２と同じ形状であり、略矩形状をなし、矩形状の基部５３ａと、該基部５３ａの中央に形成され、Ｙ１方向に延びる第２の溝部５３ｂとを有している。この第２の連動部材５３は、第１の連動部材５２に直交するように載置されて、第２のガイド壁５１ｈ間に収納され、第２のガイド壁５１ｈにガイドされてＸ１方向にスライド移動可能となっている。
【０００６】
付勢部材５４は、略Ｌ形状をしており、突起５４ｂを有する基体５４ａと、この基体５４ａから突起５４ｂと反対方向に延びる延出部５４ｃとを有し、基体５４ａの下面には、金属板からなり両端部に凸部を有する接片５４ｄが取り付いている。このような付勢部材５４は、Ｘ１方向において、第１のガイド壁５１ｇの切欠部５１ｋに延出部５４ｃが嵌合し、延出部５４ｃが第２の連動部材５３の側面に当接した状態で一対保持され、突起５４ｂには第１のコイルバネ５５の一端が挿入され、他端が凹部５１ｅに弾設している。また、Ｙ１方向において、第２のガイド壁５１ｈの切欠部５１ｍに延出部５４ｃが嵌合し、延出部５４ｃが第１の連動部材５４の側面に当接した状態で一対保持され、突起５４ｂには第２のコイルバネ５６の一端が挿入され、他端が凹部５１ｆに弾設している。また、接片５４ｄは、底壁部５１に埋設された固定接点５１ｐの一部に接触している。
【０００７】
操作部５７は、薄い円盤状からなる基部５７ａと、該基部５７ａから垂直に形成され、貫通孔５７ｃを有する筒部５７ｂとを有し、この操作部５７は、第１の溝部５２ｂと、第２の溝部５３ｂとが重なるところに筒部５７ｂが挿通されて、筐体５１の底壁部５１ａ上をスライド可能となっている。また、操作部５７の貫通孔５７ｃには金属製の操作軸５８が嵌入されている。
【０００８】
上板５９は、８角形状の薄板から構成され、中央に方形上の通孔５９ａを有している。この上板５９は図６に示すように、筐体５１の内部を覆うように、側壁部５１ｂの頂部に載置された状態で固定され、通孔５９ａから操作部５７，操作軸５８が突出して、通孔５９ａの範囲内で操作部５７，操作軸５８は移動可能となっている。
【０００９】
次に、従来の多方向入力装置の動作について説明すると、操作軸５８がＸ１方向に移動されると、第２の連動部材５３が移動し、付勢部材５４が押圧されて、第１のコイルバネ５５が撓む。このとき、付勢部材５４の接片５４ｄと固定接点５１ｐの一部が導通し、方位信号を出力する。その後、押圧力が解除されると、第１のコイルバネ５５の弾性力により、付勢部材５４が押し戻されて、付勢部材５４によって第２の連動部材５３が中立位置に復帰する。また、接片５４ｄも元の位置に戻るので、固定接点５１ｐと非導通となって、ＯＦＦとなる。
【００１０】
操作軸５８がＹ１方向に移動された時は、Ｘ１方向の移動と同様なので説明を省略する。また、操作軸５８が下方に押圧されると、可動接点５１ｑが押圧されてスイッチ部Ｓ１が操作されて、スイッチ信号を出力する。
【００１１】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の多方向入力装置は上記のような構成を有し、動作をなすが、従来の多方向入力装置では、第１、第２の連動部材５２、５３から第１、第２のコイルバネ５５、５６が、操作軸５８の中立位置を中心として放射状に突出した構成となっているので、大型化してしまうという問題がある。また、接片５４ｄも第１、第２の連動部材５２、５３の外方に位置しているので、製品が大型化してしまうという問題がある。さらに、第１、第２の連動部材５２、５３を介して付勢部材５４を付勢する構成をとっているため、部品点数が多くなって、組立性、量産性が悪化する他、高価になるという問題がある。
【００１２】
本発明はかかる課題に鑑みてなされたものであり、コイルバネの配置を工夫することで、小型で、部品点数が少なく組立性、量産性が良好で、且つ安価な多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するための第１の手段として、本発明の多方向入力装置は、一対対向して設けられた第１の側壁部と、この第１の側壁部が対向する第１の方向と直交する第２の方向に一対設けられた第２の側壁部とを有する筐体と、前記第１の方向で対向して一対設けられた第１の側縁部と、この第１の方向に延びる第１の溝部とを有し、前記第１の側縁部が前記第１の側壁部に当接することで、前記筐体によって前記第２の方向に移動可能にガイドされている第１の連動部材と、前記第２の方向で対向して一対設けられた第２の側縁部と、この第２の方向に延びる第２の溝部とを有し、前記第２の側縁部が前記第２の側壁部に当接することで、前記筐体によって前記第１の方向に移動可能にガイドされている第２の連動部材と、前記第１、第２の溝部内に挿通されて、前記各溝部にガイドされて、前記各溝部内で移動可能に配設され、前記第１、第２の連動部材を操作して電気信号を出力する操作部材とを備え、前記第１の連動部材の少なくとも一方の前記第１の側縁部には、この第１の側縁部に沿って第１のコイルバネが伸縮可能に取り付けられ、該第１のコイルバネは、前記筐体の前記第１の側壁部に形成された第１の収納部に収納されると共に、前記第１の連動部材の前記第２の方向の移動に対する復帰用となり、前記第２の連動部材の少なくとも一方の前記第２の側縁部には、この第２の側縁部に沿って第２のコイルバネが伸縮可能に取り付けられ、該第２のコイルバネは、前記筐体の前記第２の側壁部に形成された第２の収納部に収納されると共に、前記第２の連動部材の前記第１の方向の移動に対する復帰用となった構成とした。
【００１４】
また、第２の解決手段として、本発明の多方向入力装置の前記第１の連動部材の前記第１の側縁部には第１の切欠部が形成され、前記第１のコイルバネは、その端部が前記第１の切欠部の端縁部に弾接すると共に、前記第１の収納部の端壁に弾接して、前記第１の側縁部及び前記第１の収納部に沿って伸縮可能に配置され、前記第２の連動部材の前記第２の側縁部には第２の切欠部が形成され、前記第２のコイルバネは、その端部が前記第２の切欠部の端縁部に弾接すると共に、前記第２の収納部の端壁に弾接して、前記第２の側縁部及び前記第２の収納部に沿って伸縮可能に配置された構成とした。
【００１５】
また、第３の解決手段として、本発明の多方向入力装置の前記筐体は底壁部を有し、前記第１、第２の収納部は、前記底壁部から前記第１、第２の側壁部に跨るように凹んで形成されている構成とした。
【００１６】
また、第４の解決手段として、本発明の多方向入力装置の前記第１、第２の切欠部の少なくとも一方の前記各端縁部には、この切欠部の内側に突出し、前記第１、第２の側縁部に沿って形成された突起である把持部が設けられ、該把持部に前記第１、第２のコイルバネの少なくとも一方が保持されている構成とした。
【００１７】
また、第５の解決手段として、本発明の多方向入力装置の前記第１、第２の連動部材の少なくとも一方には、前記第１の切欠部と前記第１の溝部との間に第１の摺動子が形成され、前記第２の切欠部と前記第２の溝部との間に第２の摺動子が形成されている構成とした。
【００１８】
また、第６の解決手段として、本発明の多方向入力装置の前記第１、第２の連動部材の少なくとも一方は金属板からなり、前記第１、第２の摺動子は金属板からなる前記第１、第２の連動部材と一体に形成されている構成とした。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の多方向入力装置の図面について説明すると、図１は本発明の多方向入力装置の側面図であり、図２は本発明の多方向入力装置の要部断面図、図３は本発明の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図、図４は本発明の多方向入力装置の内部を示す平面図である。
【００２０】
本発明の多方向入力装置を図１〜図４に基づいて説明すると、筐体１は、合成樹脂の成型品からなり、底壁部１ａと、該底壁部１ａの縁部から立設する一対の第１の側縁部１ｂと、底壁部１ａの縁部から立設されると共に、第１の側縁部１ｂに隣接して形成された一対の第２の側壁部１ｃとを有する。また、一対の第１の側壁部１ｂは第１の方向Ｘで対向しており、一対の第２の側壁部１ｃはこの第１の方向Ｘと直交する第２の方向Ｙで対向した状態となっている。
【００２１】
底壁部１ａは、中央部にガイド凹部１ｄを有し、該ガイド凹部１ｄと第１の側壁部１ｂとの間には、第２の方向Ｙに延びる細長の矩形状をした第１の接点用凹部１ｅが第１の方向Ｘで一対形成され、また、ガイド凹部１ｃと第２の側壁部１ｃとの間には、第１の方向Ｘに延びる細長の矩形状をした第２の接点用凹部１ｆが第２の方向Ｙで一対形成されている。また、底壁部１ａから第１の側壁部１ｂにかけてＬ字状の凹部からなる第１の収納部１ｇが、第１の接点用凹部１ｅと平行に一対形成されると共に、底壁部１ａから第２の側壁部１ｃにかけてＬ字状の凹部からなる第２の収納部１ｈが、第２の接点用凹部１ｆと平行に一対形成されている。また、第１、第２の側壁部１ｂ、１ｃの外方面にはそれぞれ爪部１ｋが形成されている。
【００２２】
スイッチ部Ｓは、金属製からなる固定接点部２と、金属製のドーム状の板バネを２枚重ねたものからなる可動接点３とを有し、固定接点部２は筐体１の底壁部１ａのガイド凹部１ｄに露出するように埋設されており、可動接点３はガイド凹部１ｄにガイドされた状態で、固定接点部２上に載置されている。また、可動接点３上には、下面に接着剤が塗布された可撓性を有するシート４が上方から底壁部１ａにかかるように貼着されている。そして、可動接点３が押圧されると、この可動接点３が反転して固定接点部２と導通して、プッシュ信号が出力されるようになっている。なお、可動接点３が二枚重ねになっているのは、押圧時の作動力を大きくするためである。
【００２３】
第１の方位検出用接点５は、細長の金属板からなり、第１の接点用凹部１ｅで外部に露出するように埋設されており、また、第１の接点用凹部１ｅの端部近傍には底壁部１ａがそのまま露出した状態になって、露出部１ｍを構成している。また、この第１の方位検出用接点５は端子部５ａが一体に接続されており、この端子部５ａは筐体１に埋設されて外方に突出すると共に、第１の側壁部１ｂに沿って折り曲げられている。
【００２４】
第２の方位検出用接点６は、細長の金属板からなり、第２の接点用凹部１ｆで外部に露出するように埋設されており、また、第２の接点用凹部１ｆの端部近傍には底壁部１ａがそのまま露出した状態になって、露出部１ｎを構成している。また、この第２の方位検出用接点６は端子部６ａが一体に接続されており、この端子部６ａは筐体１に埋設されて外方に突出すると共に、第２の側壁部１ｃに沿って折り曲げられている。
【００２５】
押圧部材７は、合成樹脂の成型品からなり、４角状の薄板からなる基部７ａと、該基部７ａから上方に突出した円柱状の突部７ｂとを有する。この押圧部材７は、基部７ａの下面がシート４に当接した状態になっており、この押圧部材７が押圧されると、可動部材３が反転してスイッチ部Ｓが操作されるようになっている。
【００２６】
操作部材８は、４角状の薄板からなる基体８ａと、該基体８ａから上方に矩形状に膨出するように形成された突出部８ｂと、基部８ａから突出部８ｂにかけて貫通する中央孔８ｃとを有する。この操作部材８は、基体８ａの下面が底壁部１ａ上に載置され、この底壁部１ａ上をスライド移動可能となっており、中央孔８ｃには押圧部材７が上下動可能に保持されている。
【００２７】
第１の連動部材９は、一枚の金属板を打ち抜いて形成され、薄板状の板状部材９ａと、該板状部材９ａにおいて第１の方向Ｘに延びるように形成された第１の溝部９ｂと、この第１の方向Ｘで一対形成された第１の側縁部９ｃとを有し、第１の側縁部９ｃには凹部からなる第１の切欠部９ｄが形成されると共に、この第１の切欠部９ｄには、各端縁部９ｅから互いに向かい合うように突起である把持部９ｆが形成されている。また、第１の溝部９ｂと、各第１の切欠部９ｄとの間には、それぞれ第１の摺動子９ｇが下方に傾斜した状態で形成されており、第１の溝部９ｂの第１の方向Ｘに平行な側縁の近傍には隆起部９ｈが形成されている。この隆起部９ｈは板状部材９ａの強度を増すために設けられているものである。この第１の連動部材９は、一枚の金属板をプレス加工にて打ち抜いて、第１の溝部９ｂ、第１の側縁部９ｃ、第１の切欠部９ｄ、把持部９ｆ、第１の摺動子９ｇが形成され、非常に簡便に製造することができる。なお、第１の切欠部９ｄのＹ方向の長さは第１の収納部１ｇのＹ方向の長さと同等と見なされる程度に、第１の収納部１ｇより若干短めに形成されている。
【００２８】
第１のコイルバネ１０は、金属製からなり、端部１０ａに把持部９ｆが挿通された状態で、第１の連動部材９に取り付いている。この第１のコイルバネ１０は一対の第１の切欠部９ｄに取り付けられ、また、両側の端部１０ａがこの第１の切欠部９ｄの端縁部９ｅに弾接した状態になっている。
【００２９】
このような第１のコイルバネ１０が取り付いた第１の連動部材９は、第１の側壁部１ｂに第１の側縁部９ｃが当接してガイドされた状態で、筐体１の内部１ｐにスライド移動可能に収納される。この第１の連動部材９が収納されると、第１のコイルバネ１０は第１の収納部１ｇ内に収納され、第１の連動部材９の中立状態（初期状態）において、第１のコイルバネ１０の端部１０ａの一部が第１の切欠部９ｄの両端の端縁部９ｅに弾接し、端部１０ａの残りの部分の殆どがＬ字状になった端壁１ｑに弾接した状態になる。このように第１の側縁部９ｃの外方に第１のコイルバネ１０を取り付けているので、第１のコイルバネ１０が積層しないので、薄型化に資する。さらに、第１の切欠部９ｄに第１のコイルバネ１０を取り付けて、該第１のコイルバネ１０を第１の収納部１ｇにはめ合わせればよいので、組立が非常に簡便である。また、この中立状態において、一方の第１の摺動子９ｇが第１の接点用凹部１ｅ内で露出した露出部１ｍに摺接した状態となっている。
【００３０】
また、第１の溝部９ｂには操作部材８の基体８ａが填められており、この操作部材８に操作力が加わって、操作部材８が第２の方向Ｙにスライド移動すると、基体８ａが第１の溝部９ｂの内壁面を押圧し、第１の連動部材９が連動して、第１の側壁部１ｂにガイドされた状態でスライド移動する。この時、第１のコイルバネ１０の一方の端部１０ａが第１の切欠部９ｄにおける進行方向と反対側の端縁部９ｅによって押圧され、他方の端部１０ａは第１の収納部１ｇにおける進行方向側の端壁１ｑに弾接するので、第１のコイルバネ１０は収縮されるようになっている。また、第１の摺動子９ｇが露出部１ｍから進行方向寄りに形成された第１の方位検出用接点５にそれぞれ接する。そして、一対の第１の摺動子９ｇは板状部材９ａを介して導通しているので、対向する一対の端子部５ａ間が導通して電流が流れ、方位を検知するようになっている。また、反対方向にスライドした場合は、同様にして、異なる端子部５ａ間に電流が流れて、方位を検知するようになっている。
【００３１】
そして、操作部材８への操作力が解除されると、第１のコイルバネ１０が復帰して、第１の連動部材９の第１の切欠部９ｄの端縁部９ｅが第１のコイルバネ１０の端部１０ａに押圧されて、第１の連動部材９が復帰しようとする。そして、端部１０ａが第１の収納部１ｇの端壁１ｑに当接することで、第１のコイルバネ１０の復帰が規制されて、それと同時に第１の連動部材９の復帰も規制されて、第１の連動部材９が中立位置に復帰するようになっている。このとき、操作部材８も第１の溝部９ｂに押圧されて、中央部に復帰するようになっている。また、第１の連動部材９が復帰すると、第１の摺動子９ｇが露出部１ｍ上に摺接し、端子部５ａ間がＯＦＦになるようになっている。
【００３２】
第２の連動部材１１は、一枚の金属板を打ち抜いて形成され、薄板状の板状部材１１ａと、該板状部材１１ａにおいて第２の方向Ｙに延びるように形成された第２の溝部１１ｂと、この第２の方向Ｙで一対形成された第１の側縁部１１ｃとを有し、第２の側縁部１１ｃには凹部からなる第２の切欠部１１ｄが形成されると共に、この第２の切欠部１１ｄには、各端縁部１１ｅから互いに向かい合うように突起である把持部１１ｆが形成され、第２の側縁部１１ｃと把持部１１ｆは、板状部材１１ａから一段下方に下がって形成されておりいる。このようにしたのは、第１、第２の連動部材９、１１を組み込んだときに、第１の連動部材９の把持部９ｆと第２の連動部材１１の把持部１１ｆとの高さ方向の位置を同じとするためである。また、第２の溝部１１ｂと、各第２の切欠部１１ｄとの間には、それぞれ第１の摺動子１１ｇが下方に傾斜した状態で形成されている。この第２の連動部材１１は、一枚の金属板をプレス加工にて打ち抜いて、第２の溝部１１ｂ、第２の側縁部１１ｃ、第２の切欠部１１ｄ、把持部１１ｆ、第２の摺動子１１ｇが形成され、非常に簡便に製造することができる。なお、第２の切欠部１１ｄのＸ方向の長さは第２の収納部１ｈのＸ方向の長さと同等と見なされる程度に、第２の収納部１ｈより若干短めに形成されている。
【００３３】
第２のコイルバネ１２は、第１のコイルバネ１０と同様に、金属製からなり、端部１２ａに把持部１１ｆが挿通された状態で、第２の連動部材１１に取り付いている。この第２のコイルバネ１２は一対の第２の切欠部１１ｄに取り付けられ、また、両側の端部１２ａがこの第２の切欠部１１ｄの端縁部１１ｅに弾接した状態になっている。
【００３４】
このような第２のコイルバネ１２が取り付いた第２の連動部材１１は、第２の側壁部１ｃに第２の側縁部１１ｃが当接してガイドされた状態で、筐体１の内部１ｐにスライド移動可能に収納される。この第２の連動部材１１が収納されると、第２のコイルバネ１２は第２の収納部１ｈ内に収納され、第２の連動部材１１の中立状態（初期状態）において、第２のコイルバネ１２の端部１２ａの一部が第２の切欠部１１ｄの両端の端縁部１１ｅに弾接し、端部１２ａ残りの部分の殆どがＬ字状になった端壁１ｒに弾接した状態になる。このように第２の側縁部１１ｃの外方に第２のコイルバネ１２を取り付けているので、第２のコイルバネ１２が積層しないので、薄型化に資する。さらに、第２の切欠部１１ｄに第２のコイルバネ１２を取り付けて、第２の収納部１ｈにはめ合わせればよいので、組立が非常に簡便である。また、この中立状態において、一方の第２の摺動子１１ｇが一方の第２の接点用凹部１ｆ内で露出した露出部１ｎに摺接した状態となっている。
【００３５】
また、第２の溝部１１ｂには操作部材８の突出部８ｂが填められており、この操作部材８に操作力が加わって、操作部材８が第１の方向Ｘにスライド移動すると、突出部８ｂが第２の溝部１１ｂの内壁面を押圧し、第２の連動部材１１が連動して、第２の側壁部１ｃにガイドされた状態でスライド移動する。この時、第２のコイルバネ１２の一方の端部１２ａが第２の切欠部１１ｄにおける進行方向と反対側の端縁部１１ｅによって押圧され、他方の端部１２ａは第２の収納部１ｈにおける進行方向側の端壁１ｒに弾接するので、第２のコイルバネ１２は収縮されるようになっている。また、第２の摺動子１１ｈが露出部１ｎから進行方向寄りに形成された第２の方位検出用接点６にそれぞれ接する。そして、一対の第２の摺動子１１ｇは板状部材１１ａを介して導通しているので、対向する一対の端子部６ａ間が導通して電流が流れ、方位を検知するようになっている。また、反対方向にスライドした場合は、同様にして、異なる端子部６ａ間に電流が流れて、方位を検知するようになっている。
【００３６】
そして、操作部材８への操作力が解除されると、第２のコイルバネ１２が復帰して、第２の連動部材１１の第２の切欠部１１ｄの端縁部１１ｅが第２のコイルバネ１２の端部１２ａに押圧されて、第２の連動部材１１が復帰しようとする。そして、端部１２ａが第２の収納部１ｈの端壁１ｒに当接することで、第２のコイルバネ１２の復帰が規制されて、それと同時に第２の連動部材１１の復帰も規制されて、第２の連動部材１１が中立位置に復帰するようになっている。このとき、操作部材８も第２の溝部１１ｂに押圧されて、中央部に復帰するようになっている。また、第２の連動部材１１が復帰すると、第２の摺動子１１ｇが露出部１ｎ上に摺接し、端子部６ａ間がＯＦＦになるようになっている。
【００３７】
フィルム１３は可撓性のあるフィルム材からなり、四角状の基部１３ａ、中央に形成された矩形孔１３ｂとを有し、このフィルムは、第２の連動部材１１上に設けられている。
【００３８】
上板１４は、金属製の薄い箱形をなし、平板上の上壁１４ａと、該上壁１４ａの中央に設けられた矩形状の通孔１４ｂと、上壁１４ａから下方に延びて形成された側壁部１４ｃとを有し、側壁部１４ｃの中央部には細長の係合孔１４ｄが形成され、この係合孔１４ｄの両端近傍には切込部１４ｅが設けられている。
【００３９】
この上板１４は、筐体の一部として筐体１の上方から覆って、係合孔１４ｄに爪部１ｋが係合することで取り付けられ、内部１ｐに第１、第２の連動部材９、１１、スイッチ部Ｓ等の各部品が収納され、通孔１４ｂから操作部材８の突出部８ｂ及び押圧部材７の突部７ｂが上方に突出した状態となる。なお、切込部１４ｃ内には、端子部５ａ、６ａが位置するようになっている。
【００４０】
つまみ１５は、合成樹脂の成型品からなり、円盤状部１５ａと、円盤状部１５ａの上面の中央部に設けられた凹部１５ｂと、該凹部１５ｂから下面にかけて貫通して形成された貫通孔１５ｃとを有する。このつまみ１５は、筐体１の上板１４の外方から取り付けられ、貫通孔１５ｃに操作部材８の突出部８ｂが嵌合すると共に、円盤状部１５ａの上板１４側の面である下面と、上板１４の円盤状部１５ａ側の面である表面とが互いに面接触した状態になって、筐体１の内部１ｐを封鎖している。また、図２に示すように、つまみ１５の貫通孔１５ｃの下方には円筒部１５ｄが設けられており、この円筒部１５ｄは上板１４の通孔１４ｂ内に位置している。この円筒部１５ｄによって、突出部８ｂとの嵌合シロを大きくすることができると共に、この円筒部１５ｄが通孔１４ｂにぶつかることで、つまみ１５の水平方向のスライドのストッパーとなっている。なお、円盤状部１５ａの上方の外縁部には、丸穴を設けた携帯電話等のシャーシＺが位置し、任意の方向への移動を許容しつつ、つまみ１５の抜けを防止している。
【００４１】
このようにつまみ１５が取り付けられると、つまみ１５がスライド操作されることによって、操作部材８が追従して操作され、第１、第２の連動部材９、１１がスライド移動するようになっている。また、つまみ１５の初期状態、即ち操作部材８が中心にある位置及び移動時にも、つまみ１５の下面と、上板１４の上面とが常に面接触する状態となっており、つまみ１５が移動しても、筐体１の内部１ｐが常に封鎖される状態となる。
【００４２】
塞ぎ部１６は、薄円状の可撓性を有する合成樹脂等からなるシートで構成され、中央部１６ａが周辺部よりも薄肉となっている。この塞ぎ部１６の周辺部の下面は、つまみ１５の凹部１５ｂ内に貼着されて取り付いて、つまみ１５と一体になっている。このように塞ぎ部１６が取り付けられると、貫通孔１５ｃ及び操作部材８が塞ぎ部１６によって覆われ、貫通孔１５ｃが密閉されて、防塵性が高まる。また、押圧部材７と、操作部材８の中央孔８ｃとの間の僅かな隙間から、ゴミ、塵等の侵入を防止できる。なお、押圧部材７は可動接点３に付勢されて、突部７ｂの先端面が塞ぎ部１６の中央部１６ａの下面に弾接した状態になっている。
【００４３】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、上記のような構成を有し、次にその動作について説明すると、つまみ１５が操作されると、操作部材８が追従して操作される。そして、第１の方向Ｘに操作部材８がスライド移動されると、第２の連動部材１１がスライド移動して、第１の方向Ｘに操作されたことを表す方位検出信号が出力される。このとき、第１の溝部９ｂが逃げ部となっているので、第１の連動部材９が移動することなく、操作部材８は第１の方向Ｘに移動可能となっている。また、第２の方向Ｙに操作部材８がスライド移動されると、第１連動部材９がスライド移動して、第２の方向Ｙに操作されたことを表す方位検出信号が出力される。このときは、操作部材８は、第２の溝部１１ｂが逃げ部となって、この第２の連動部材１１が移動することなく、第２の方向Ｙに移動可能となっている。そして、つまみ１５への操作力が解除されると、収縮された第１、第２のコイルバネ１０、１２が復帰して、第１、第２の連動部材９、１１が復帰して、操作部材８も連動して中央部に復帰し、つまみ１５も操作部材８に追従して中立位置に復帰する。なお、斜め方向にもつまみ１５は移動可能であり、このときは第１、第２の連動部材９、１１がスライド移動して、両方から方検出信号が出力され、斜め方向に移動を検知することができる。
【００４４】
なお、本発明の多方向入力装置では、第１、第２のコイルバネ１０、１２の復帰を第１、第２の収納部１ｇ、１ｈで規制しているので、コイルバネのバネ力の釣り合いに頼ることがなく、確実に第１、第２の連動部材９、１１を中立位置に復帰させることができる。従って、コイルバネのバネ力に多少のバラツキがあっても、確実に第１、第２の連動部材９、１１を中立位置に復帰させることができ、信頼性が向上すると共に、歩留まりが向上する。
【００４５】
また、塞ぎ部１６が押圧されると押圧部材７が下方に押圧され、クリック感を伴って、スイッチ部ＳがＯＮとなり、プッシュ信号が出力される。また、塞ぎ部１６の中央部１６ａが薄肉となっているので、プッシュ操作が容易となり、操作感が良好となる。更に、押圧部材７の突部７ｂの先端面が、常時塞ぎ部１６の中央部１６ａの下面に弾接しているので、操作感が良好になる他、該先端面と中央部１６ａの下面とは常時接触しており、接離することが防止できるので、摩耗が抑制される。
【００４６】
本発明の多方向入力装置は上記説明した構成、動作をなすが、上記形態に限られないことはいうまでもなく、第１、第２の連動部材９、１１に切込部を設けずに、板状部材９ａ、１１ａの下方に直接把持部を形成してコイルバネを保持しても良い。このときは、コイルバネは板状部材板状部材９ａ、１１ａと積層した形になり、筐体１の側壁部の一部から一対の突起を突出させて収納部を形成し、該収納部でコイルバネを収納し、側壁部の壁面で第１、第２の連動部材９、１１をガイドすることになる。また、上記実施の形態において、第１、第２の収納部１ｇ、１ｈは、底壁部１ａに設ける必要はなく、第１、第２の側壁部１ｂ、１ｃにのみ設けても良い。また、コイルバネは側縁部の一方のみに取り付けられていても良い。
【００４７】
また、端縁部９ｅ、１１ｅの厚みを稼ぐために、合成樹脂を埋設して、端縁部を厚くして、第１、第２のコイルバネ１０、１２との接触面積を稼ぐようにしても良い。なお、把持部９ｆ、１１ｆは必ずしも必要ではなく、省略しても良い。
【００４８】
また、一対の第１、第２の側縁部９ｃ、１１ｃは必ずしも両方が平行である必要はなく、片側が直線状で、片側が円形状でも良く、要するに平行に動くようにガイドされている形状であれば良い。また、実施の形態では、第１、第２の連動部材９、１１の板状部材９ａ，１１ａの側面で第１、第２の側縁部９ｃ、１１ｃを形成したが、９０°折り曲げて板状部材９ａ、１１ａの表面で側縁部を形成しても良い。また、連動部材をガイドしない側壁部を筐体に設けて、筐体と多角形状としても良い。
【００４９】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力装置の第１の連動部材の少なくとも一方の第１の側縁部には、この第１の側縁部に沿って第１のコイルバネが伸縮可能に取り付けられ、該第１のコイルバネは、筐体の第１の側壁部に形成された第１の収納部に収納されると共に、第１の連動部材の第２の方向の移動に対する復帰用となり、第２の連動部材の少なくとも一方の第２の側縁部には、この第２の側縁部に沿って第２のコイルバネが伸縮可能に取り付けられ、該第２のコイルバネは、筐体の第２の側壁部に形成された第２の収納部に収納されると共に、第２の連動部材の第１の方向の移動に対する復帰用となった構成としたため、第１、第２の側縁部に沿って第１、第２のコイルバネを配置でき、筐体の側壁部に沿うことになり、側壁部から外方に突出することがないので、小型化に資する。また、第１、第２のコイルバネを直接第１、第２の連動部材に取り付けるので、部品点数が少なくなって、組立性、量産性の良好で、安価な多方向入力装置を提供することができる。
【００５０】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置の第１のコイルバネは、その端部が第１の切欠部の端縁部に弾接すると共に、第１の収納部の端壁に弾接して、第１の側縁部及び前記第１の収納部に沿って伸縮可能に配置され、第２のコイルバネは、その端部が第２の切欠部の端縁部に弾接すると共に、第２の収納部の端壁に弾接して、第２の側縁部及び前記第２の収納部に沿って伸縮可能に配置された構成としたため、第１、第２のコイルバネの復帰が第１、第２の収納部で規制されるので、第１、第２のコイルバネバネ力がばらついても、確実に中立位置に復帰する多方向入力装置を提供することができる。
【００５１】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置の筐体は底壁部を有し、第１、第２の収納部は、底壁部から第１、第２の側壁部に跨って凹んで形成されている構成としたため、コイルバネを確実に収納することができる。また、底壁部とオーバーラップしてコイルバネが配置されるので、薄型化にも資する。
【００５２】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置の第１、第２の切欠部の少なくとも一方の各端縁部には、この切欠部の内側に突出し、第１、第２の側縁部に沿って形成された突起である把持部が設けられ、該把持部に第１、第２のコイルバネの少なくとも一方が保持されている構成としたため、第１、第２のコイルバネを簡単に第１、第２の連動部材に取り付けることができるので、組立性、量産性の良好な多方向入力装置を提供することができる。
【００５３】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置の第１、第２の連動部材の少なくとも一方には、第１の切欠部と第１の溝部との間に第１の摺動子が形成され、第２の切欠部と第２の溝部との間に第２の摺動子が形成されている構成としたため、摺動子を連動部材の領域内部に形成することができるので、小型化に資する。
【００５４】
また、本発明の多方向入力装置の第１、第２の連動部材の少なくとも一方は金属板からなり、第１、第２の摺動子は金属板からなる第１、第２の連動部材と一体に形成されている構成としたため、プレス等の打ち抜き加工で簡単に第１、第２の摺動子及び、第１、第２の連動部材を形成することができるので、量産性の良好な多方向入力装置を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の多方向入力装置の側面図
【図２】本発明の多方向入力装置の要部断面図
【図３】本発明の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図
【図４】本発明の多方向入力装置の内部を示す平面図
【図５】従来の多方向入力装置の内部を示す平面図
【図６】従来の多方向入力装置の要部断面図
【図７】従来の多方向入力装置に係る第１の連動部材の斜視図
【符号の説明】
１筐体
１ａ底壁部
１ｂ第１の側壁部
１ｃ第２の側壁部
１ｄガイド凹部
１ｇ第１の収納部
１ｈ第２の収納部
１ｐ内部
１ｑ端壁
１ｒ端壁
２固定接点部
３可動接点
４シート
５第１の方位検出用接点
５ａ端子部
６第２の方位検出用接点
６ａ端子部
７押圧部材
７ａ基部
７ｂ突部
８操作部材
８ａ基体
８ｂ突出部
８ｃ中央孔
９第１の連動部材
９ａ板状部材
９ｂ第１の溝部
９ｃ第１の側縁部
９ｄ第１の切欠部
９ｅ端縁部
９ｆ把持部
９ｇ第１の摺動子
９ｈ隆起部
１０第１のコイルバネ
１０ａ端部
１１第２の連動部材
１１ａ板状部材
１１ｂ第２の溝部
１１ｃ第２の側縁部
１１ｄ第２の切欠部
１１ｅ端縁部
１１ｆ把持部
１１ｇ第２の摺動子
１２第２のコイルバネ
１２ａ端部
１３フィルム
１４上板
１４ａ上壁
１４ｂ通孔
１４ｃ側壁部
１４ｄ係合孔
１４ｅ切込部
１５つまみ
１５ａ円盤状部
１５ｂ凹部
１５ｃ貫通孔
１６塞ぎ部
１６ａ中央部
Ｓスイッチ部
Ｘ第１の方向
Ｙ第２の方向[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device that is used for mobile devices such as a mobile phone and a video camera and is suitable for various inputs.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of a conventional multidirectional input device, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the conventional multidirectional input device, and FIG. 7 is a conventional multidirectional input device. It is a perspective view of the 1st interlocking member which concerns on an input device.
[0003]
A conventional multidirectional input device will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. The casing 51 includes an octagonal bottom wall portion 51 a and a plurality of wall portions erected vertically from the bottom wall portion 51 a. A first side wall portion 51c facing the X1 direction, which is the first direction, is provided with recesses 51e facing each other, and a second direction that is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second side wall 51d facing the Y1 direction is provided with a recess 51f facing each other. The bottom wall 51a has a first guide wall 51g facing in the X1 direction at the center and a second guide wall 51h facing in the Y1 direction, and a notch is provided in the middle of the first guide wall 51g. 51k is provided, and a notch 51m is also provided in the middle of the second guide wall 51h. In addition, a switch portion S1 including a switch contact 51n and a movable contact 51q is formed in the center of the bottom wall portion 51a, and a plurality of fixed contacts 51p are embedded in the peripheral portion.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 7, the first interlocking member 52 has a substantially rectangular shape, and has a rectangular base portion 52a and a first groove portion 52b formed in the center of the base portion 52a and extending in the X1 direction. The first guide wall 51g is housed. The first interlocking member 52 is slidable in the Y1 direction while being guided by the first guide wall 51g.
[0005]
The second interlocking member 53 has the same shape as the first interlocking member 52 shown in FIG. 7 and has a substantially rectangular shape. The second interlocking member 53 is formed at the center of the rectangular base 53a and the base 53a and extends in the Y1 direction. And a second groove portion 53b. The second interlocking member 53 is placed so as to be orthogonal to the first interlocking member 52, accommodated between the second guide walls 51h, guided by the second guide wall 51h, and slid in the X1 direction. It is movable.
[0006]
The biasing member 54 has a substantially L shape, and includes a base 54a having a protrusion 54b and an extending portion 54c extending from the base 54a in the direction opposite to the protrusion 54b. A contact piece 54d made of a plate and having convex portions at both ends is attached. In such an urging member 54, in the X1 direction, the extending portion 54c is fitted into the cutout portion 51k of the first guide wall 51g, and the extending portion 54c is in contact with the side surface of the second interlocking member 53. One end of the first coil spring 55 is inserted into the protrusion 54b, and the other end is elastically provided in the recess 51e. Further, in the Y1 direction, the extended portion 54c is fitted into the cutout portion 51m of the second guide wall 51h, and a pair of the extended portions 54c is held in contact with the side surface of the first interlocking member 54, and the protrusion One end of the second coil spring 56 is inserted into 54b, and the other end is elastically provided in the recess 51f. Further, the contact piece 54 d is in contact with a part of the fixed contact 51 p embedded in the bottom wall portion 51.
[0007]
The operating portion 57 includes a base 57a having a thin disc shape, and a cylindrical portion 57b formed perpendicularly from the base 57a and having a through hole 57c. The operating portion 57 includes a first groove 52b, a first groove 52b, and a first groove 52b. The cylindrical portion 57 b is inserted in a place where the second groove portion 53 b overlaps, and can slide on the bottom wall portion 51 a of the housing 51. Further, a metal operation shaft 58 is fitted in the through hole 57 c of the operation portion 57.
[0008]
The upper plate 59 is formed of an octagonal thin plate and has a square through hole 59a in the center. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper plate 59 is fixed in a state of being placed on the top of the side wall 51b so as to cover the inside of the casing 51, and the operation portion 57 and the operation shaft 58 project from the through hole 59a. Thus, the operation portion 57 and the operation shaft 58 are movable within the range of the through hole 59a.
[0009]
Next, the operation of the conventional multidirectional input device will be described. When the operation shaft 58 is moved in the X1 direction, the second interlocking member 53 is moved, the urging member 54 is pressed, and the first coil spring is moved. 55 bends. At this time, the contact piece 54d of the urging member 54 and a part of the fixed contact 51p are brought into conduction, and an azimuth signal is output. Thereafter, when the pressing force is released, the biasing member 54 is pushed back by the elastic force of the first coil spring 55, and the second interlocking member 53 is returned to the neutral position by the biasing member 54. Further, since the contact piece 54d also returns to the original position, the contact piece 54d becomes non-conductive with the fixed contact 51p and is turned OFF.
[0010]
When the operation shaft 58 is moved in the Y1 direction, it is the same as the movement in the X1 direction, and the description thereof is omitted. When the operation shaft 58 is pressed downward, the movable contact 51q is pressed and the switch unit S1 is operated to output a switch signal.
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional multi-directional input device has the above-described configuration and operates. However, in the conventional multi-directional input device, the first and second coil springs 55, Since 56 is configured to project radially from the neutral position of the operation shaft 58, there is a problem in that the size increases. In addition, since the contact piece 54d is located outside the first and second interlocking members 52 and 53, there is a problem that the product becomes large. Further, since the urging member 54 is urged through the first and second interlocking members 52 and 53, the number of parts is increased, the assemblability and mass productivity are deteriorated, and the cost is increased. There is a problem of becoming.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a multi-directional input device that is small in size, has a small number of parts, is easy to assemble and is mass-productive, and is inexpensive by devising the arrangement of the coil spring. With the goal.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first means for solving the above problems, a multidirectional input device according to the present invention includes a pair of first side wall portions provided to face each other, and a first direction in which the first side wall portions face each other. A housing having a pair of second side wall portions provided in a second direction orthogonal to each other, a first side edge portion provided in a pair facing each other in the first direction, and in the first direction A first groove that extends, and the first side edge is in contact with the first side wall, and is guided by the housing so as to be movable in the second direction. An interlocking member; a second side edge provided in a pair facing the second direction; and a second groove extending in the second direction, wherein the second side edge is A second interlocking member guided by the housing so as to be movable in the first direction by contacting the second side wall, and the first, An operation member that is inserted into the two groove portions, is guided by the respective groove portions, is movably disposed within the respective groove portions, and operates the first and second interlocking members to output an electric signal; A first coil spring is attached to the first side edge of at least one of the first interlocking members so that the first coil spring can be expanded and contracted along the first side edge, and the first coil spring is The second interlocking member is housed in a first housing part formed on the first side wall part of the casing and is used for returning the second interlocking member from moving in the second direction. A second coil spring is attached to the second side edge of at least one of the members so as to extend and contract along the second side edge, and the second coil spring is attached to the second side edge of the casing. The second interlocking portion is housed in a second housing portion formed on the side wall portion of the second interlocking portion. Of a structure in which a for returning to the movement of the first direction.
[0014]
As a second solution, a first notch is formed in the first side edge of the first interlocking member of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and the first coil spring is The end portion elastically contacts the end edge portion of the first cutout portion and elastically contacts the end wall of the first storage portion, and expands and contracts along the first side edge portion and the first storage portion. A second notch is formed on the second side edge of the second interlocking member, and the second coil spring has an end at the edge of the second notch. And elastically arranged along the second side edge portion and the second storage portion while elastically contacting the portion and elastically contacting the end wall of the second storage portion.
[0015]
As a third solution, the housing of the multidirectional input device of the present invention has a bottom wall portion, and the first and second storage portions are connected to the first and second portions from the bottom wall portion. It was set as the structure dented so that it might straddle the side wall part.
[0016]
Further, as a fourth solution, at least one of the first and second cutout portions of the multidirectional input device of the present invention protrudes inside the cutout portion, and the first, A grip portion which is a protrusion formed along the second side edge portion is provided, and at least one of the first and second coil springs is held by the grip portion.
[0017]
As a fifth solution, at least one of the first and second interlocking members of the multidirectional input device of the present invention includes a first gap between the first notch and the first groove. The slider is formed, and the second slider is formed between the second notch and the second groove.
[0018]
As a sixth solution, at least one of the first and second interlocking members of the multidirectional input device of the present invention is made of a metal plate, and the first and second sliders are made of a metal plate. The first and second interlocking members are formed integrally with each other.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a side view of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the multidirectional input device of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the inside of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
[0020]
The multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The housing 1 is made of a synthetic resin molded product, and is erected from the bottom wall 1 a and the edge of the bottom wall 1 a. A pair of first side edge portions 1b and a pair of second side wall portions 1c which are provided upright from the edge portion of the bottom wall portion 1a and which are formed adjacent to the first side edge portion 1b. . In addition, the pair of first side wall portions 1b face each other in the first direction X, and the pair of second side wall portions 1c face each other in a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X. It has become.
[0021]
The bottom wall portion 1a has a guide recess 1d at the center, and a first contact having an elongated rectangular shape extending in the second direction Y between the guide recess 1d and the first side wall 1b. A pair of concave portions 1e are formed in the first direction X, and the second contact point has an elongated rectangular shape extending in the first direction X between the guide concave portion 1c and the second side wall portion 1c. A pair of recesses 1 f are formed in the second direction Y. A pair of first storage portions 1g each formed of an L-shaped recess from the bottom wall portion 1a to the first side wall portion 1b are formed in parallel with the first contact recess portion 1e, and from the bottom wall portion 1a. A pair of second storage portions 1h made of L-shaped recesses is formed in parallel with the second contact recess portion 1f over the second side wall portion 1c. Further, claw portions 1k are formed on the outer surfaces of the first and second side wall portions 1b and 1c, respectively.
[0022]
The switch part S has a fixed contact part 2 made of metal and a movable contact 3 made by stacking two metal dome-shaped leaf springs. The fixed contact part 2 is a bottom wall of the housing 1. The movable contact 3 is placed on the fixed contact portion 2 in a state of being guided by the guide recess 1d. On the movable contact 3, a flexible sheet 4 having an adhesive applied on the lower surface is stuck so as to be applied to the bottom wall portion 1a from above. When the movable contact 3 is pressed, the movable contact 3 is reversed and is electrically connected to the fixed contact portion 2 so that a push signal is output. The reason why the two movable contacts 3 are stacked is to increase the operating force at the time of pressing.
[0023]
The first azimuth detection contact 5 is made of an elongated metal plate, and is embedded so as to be exposed to the outside by the first contact recess 1e, and in the vicinity of the end of the first contact recess 1e. The bottom wall 1a is exposed as it is, and constitutes an exposed portion 1m. The first orientation detection contact 5 is integrally connected with a terminal portion 5a. The terminal portion 5a is embedded in the housing 1 and protrudes outward, and extends along the first side wall portion 1b. Is bent.
[0024]
The second azimuth detection contact 6 is made of an elongated metal plate and is embedded so as to be exposed to the outside by the second contact recess 1f, and in the vicinity of the end of the second contact recess 1f. The bottom wall 1a is exposed as it is, and constitutes the exposed portion 1n. The second orientation detection contact 6 is integrally connected to a terminal portion 6a. The terminal portion 6a is embedded in the housing 1 and protrudes outward, and extends along the second side wall portion 1c. Is bent.
[0025]
The pressing member 7 is made of a synthetic resin molded product, and has a base portion 7a made of a rectangular thin plate, and a columnar protruding portion 7b protruding upward from the base portion 7a. The pressing member 7 is in a state in which the lower surface of the base portion 7a is in contact with the sheet 4, and when the pressing member 7 is pressed, the movable member 3 is reversed and the switch portion S is operated. ing.
[0026]
The operation member 8 includes a base 8a made of a rectangular thin plate, a protrusion 8b formed so as to bulge upward from the base 8a in a rectangular shape, and a central hole 8c penetrating from the base 8a to the protrusion 8b. And have. The operation member 8 has a lower surface of the base body 8a placed on the bottom wall 1a and is slidable on the bottom wall 1a. The pressing member 7 is held in the center hole 8c so as to be movable up and down. Has been.
[0027]
The first interlocking member 9 is formed by punching a single metal plate, and is a thin plate-like plate-like member 9a and a first groove portion formed so as to extend in the first direction X in the plate-like member 9a. 9b and a first side edge portion 9c formed in a pair in the first direction X. The first side edge portion 9c is formed with a first notch portion 9d formed of a recess, The first cutout portion 9d is formed with a gripping portion 9f that is a protrusion so as to face each other from each end edge portion 9e. In addition, a first slider 9g is formed between the first groove 9b and each first notch 9d in a state in which the first slider 9g is inclined downward, and the first groove 9b first A raised portion 9h is formed in the vicinity of the side edge parallel to the direction X. The raised portion 9h is provided to increase the strength of the plate-like member 9a. The first interlocking member 9 is formed by punching out a single metal plate by press working to form a first groove 9b, a first side edge 9c, a first notch 9d, a grip 9f, a first A slider 9g is formed and can be manufactured very simply. The length of the first notch 9d in the Y direction is slightly shorter than the length of the first storage portion 1g to the extent that the length in the Y direction of the first storage portion 1g is considered to be equivalent.
[0028]
The first coil spring 10 is made of metal, and is attached to the first interlocking member 9 in a state where the grip portion 9f is inserted into the end portion 10a. The first coil spring 10 is attached to the pair of first cutout portions 9d, and both end portions 10a are in elastic contact with the end edge portion 9e of the first cutout portion 9d.
[0029]
The first interlocking member 9 to which such a first coil spring 10 is attached is placed in the interior 1p of the housing 1 in a state in which the first side edge 9c is in contact with and guided by the first side wall 1b. It is slidably stored. When the first interlocking member 9 is stored, the first coil spring 10 is stored in the first storage portion 1g, and the first coil spring 10 is in the neutral state (initial state) of the first interlocking member 9. Part of the end portion 10a is in elastic contact with the end edge portions 9e at both ends of the first cutout portion 9d, and most of the remaining portion of the end portion 10a is in elastic contact with the L-shaped end wall 1q. Become. Thus, since the 1st coil spring 10 is attached to the outside of the 1st side edge part 9c, since the 1st coil spring 10 does not laminate | stack, it contributes to thickness reduction. Further, since the first coil spring 10 is attached to the first cutout portion 9d and the first coil spring 10 is fitted to the first storage portion 1g, the assembly is very simple. In this neutral state, one of the first sliders 9g is in sliding contact with the exposed portion 1m exposed in the first contact recess 1e.
[0030]
The base 8a of the operating member 8 is fitted in the first groove 9b. When an operating force is applied to the operating member 8 and the operating member 8 slides in the second direction Y, the base 8a is moved to the first groove 9b. The inner wall surface of the first groove portion 9b is pressed, and the first interlocking member 9 is slid and moved while being guided by the first side wall portion 1b. At this time, one end portion 10a of the first coil spring 10 is pressed by the end edge portion 9e opposite to the traveling direction in the first notch portion 9d, and the other end portion 10a proceeds in the first storage portion 1g. Since it is elastically contacted with the direction-side end wall 1q, the first coil spring 10 is contracted. Further, the first slider 9g contacts the first azimuth detection contact 5 formed closer to the traveling direction from the exposed portion 1m. And since a pair of 1st slider 9g has conduct | electrically_connected through the plate-shaped member 9a, between a pair of opposing terminal parts 5a conduct | electrically_connect, an electric current flows and it detects an azimuth | direction. . Similarly, when sliding in the opposite direction, a current flows between the different terminal portions 5a to detect the direction.
[0031]
When the operating force on the operating member 8 is released, the first coil spring 10 is restored, and the end edge portion 9e of the first notch 9d of the first interlocking member 9 is The first interlocking member 9 is about to return by being pressed by the end 10a. Then, when the end portion 10a contacts the end wall 1q of the first storage portion 1g, the return of the first coil spring 10 is restricted, and at the same time, the return of the first interlocking member 9 is also restricted. 1 interlocking member 9 returns to the neutral position. At this time, the operation member 8 is also pressed by the first groove portion 9b and returned to the central portion. When the first interlocking member 9 returns, the first slider 9g comes into sliding contact with the exposed portion 1m, and the space between the terminal portions 5a is turned off.
[0032]
The second interlocking member 11 is formed by punching a single metal plate, and has a thin plate-like plate-like member 11a and a second groove portion formed so as to extend in the second direction Y in the plate-like member 11a. 11b and a pair of first side edge portions 11c formed in the second direction Y. The second side edge portion 11c has a second cutout portion 11d formed of a recess, The second cutout portion 11d is formed with a gripping portion 11f that is a projection so as to face each other from each end edge portion 11e, and the second side edge portion 11c and the gripping portion 11f are one step below the plate-like member 11a. Is formed. This is because when the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 are assembled, the height direction between the gripping portion 9f of the first interlocking member 9 and the gripping portion 11f of the second interlocking member 11 is increased. This is because the positions of are the same. In addition, a first slider 11g is formed between the second groove 11b and each second notch 11d in a state where the first slider 11g is inclined downward. The second interlocking member 11 is formed by stamping a single metal plate by press working, and thereby a second groove 11b, a second side edge 11c, a second notch 11d, a grip 11f, and a second The slider 11g is formed and can be manufactured very simply. The length of the second cutout portion 11d in the X direction is slightly shorter than that of the second storage portion 1h so that the length of the second cutout portion 11d is considered to be equivalent to the length of the second storage portion 1h in the X direction.
[0033]
Similar to the first coil spring 10, the second coil spring 12 is made of metal, and is attached to the second interlocking member 11 with the grip portion 11f inserted through the end portion 12a. The second coil spring 12 is attached to the pair of second cutout portions 11d, and both end portions 12a are in elastic contact with the end edge portion 11e of the second cutout portion 11d.
[0034]
The second interlocking member 11 to which such a second coil spring 12 is attached is placed in the interior 1p of the housing 1 in a state where the second side edge 11c is in contact with and guided by the second side wall 1c. It is slidably stored. When the second interlocking member 11 is stored, the second coil spring 12 is stored in the second storage portion 1h, and the second coil spring 12 is in a neutral state (initial state) of the second interlocking member 11. A part of the end portion 12a is in elastic contact with the end edge portions 11e at both ends of the second notch portion 11d, and most of the remaining portion of the end portion 12a is in elastic contact with the L-shaped end wall 1r. . Thus, since the 2nd coil spring 12 is attached to the outside of the 2nd side edge part 11c, since the 2nd coil spring 12 does not laminate, it contributes to thickness reduction. Furthermore, since the second coil spring 12 is attached to the second notch 11d and fitted to the second storage 1h, the assembly is very simple. Further, in this neutral state, one second slider 11g is in sliding contact with the exposed portion 1n exposed in one second contact recess 1f.
[0035]
Further, the protrusion 8b of the operation member 8 is fitted in the second groove 11b. When an operation force is applied to the operation member 8 and the operation member 8 slides in the first direction X, the protrusion 8b. Presses the inner wall surface of the second groove 11b, and the second interlocking member 11 interlocks and slides while being guided by the second side wall 1c. At this time, one end portion 12a of the second coil spring 12 is pressed by the end edge portion 11e opposite to the traveling direction in the second notch portion 11d, and the other end portion 12a proceeds in the second storage portion 1h. The second coil spring 12 is contracted because it elastically contacts the direction side end wall 1r. In addition, the second slider 11h is in contact with the second orientation detection contact 6 formed closer to the traveling direction from the exposed portion 1n. And since a pair of 2nd slider 11g has conduct | electrically_connected through the plate-shaped member 11a, between a pair of opposing terminal parts 6a conduct | electrically_connect, an electric current flows and it detects an azimuth | direction. . Similarly, when sliding in the opposite direction, a current flows between the different terminal portions 6a to detect the direction.
[0036]
When the operating force on the operating member 8 is released, the second coil spring 12 is restored, and the end edge portion 11e of the second notch portion 11d of the second interlocking member 11 is moved to the second coil spring 12. The second interlocking member 11 is about to return by being pressed by the end 12a. Then, the end 12a abuts against the end wall 1r of the second storage portion 1h, so that the return of the second coil spring 12 is restricted, and at the same time, the return of the second interlocking member 11 is also restricted. Two interlocking members 11 return to the neutral position. At this time, the operation member 8 is also pressed by the second groove portion 11b and returned to the center portion. Further, when the second interlocking member 11 returns, the second slider 11g comes into sliding contact with the exposed portion 1n, and the space between the terminal portions 6a is turned off.
[0037]
The film 13 is made of a flexible film material, and has a square base 13 a and a rectangular hole 13 b formed in the center. The film 13 is provided on the second interlocking member 11.
[0038]
The upper plate 14 has a thin metal box shape, and is formed to extend downward from the upper wall 14a, a rectangular through hole 14b provided at the center of the upper wall 14a, and a flat plate. The side wall portion 14c is formed with an elongated engagement hole 14d in the center portion of the side wall portion 14c, and cut portions 14e are provided in the vicinity of both ends of the engagement hole 14d.
[0039]
The upper plate 14 is covered as a part of the housing from above the housing 1, and is attached by engaging the claw portion 1k with the engagement hole 14d, and the first and second interlocking members 9 are attached to the inside 1p. 11 and the switch part S are housed, and the protruding part 8b of the operating member 8 and the protruding part 7b of the pressing member 7 protrude upward from the through hole 14b. In addition, the terminal parts 5a and 6a are located in the notch part 14c.
[0040]
The knob 15 is made of a synthetic resin molded product, and includes a disc-like portion 15a, a concave portion 15b provided at the center of the upper surface of the disc-like portion 15a, and a through-hole 15c formed so as to penetrate from the concave portion 15b to the lower surface. And have. The knob 15 is attached from the outside of the upper plate 14 of the housing 1, and the projecting portion 8b of the operating member 8 is fitted into the through hole 15c, and the lower surface which is the surface of the disk-shaped portion 15a on the upper plate 14 side. And the surface which is the surface by the side of the disk-shaped part 15a of the upper board 14 will be in the state of surface contact, and the inside 1p of the housing | casing 1 is sealed. As shown in FIG. 2, a cylindrical portion 15 d is provided below the through hole 15 c of the knob 15, and this cylindrical portion 15 d is located in the through hole 14 b of the upper plate 14. The cylindrical portion 15d can increase the fitting size with the protruding portion 8b, and the cylindrical portion 15d hits the through hole 14b, thereby serving as a horizontal slide stopper for the knob 15. Note that a chassis Z such as a mobile phone provided with a round hole is located on the outer edge portion above the disk-shaped portion 15a, and prevents the knob 15 from coming off while allowing movement in an arbitrary direction.
[0041]
When the knob 15 is attached in this way, the operation member 8 is operated following the slide operation of the knob 15 so that the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 slide. . Further, even when the knob 15 is in the initial state, that is, when the operation member 8 is in the center and moved, the lower surface of the knob 15 and the upper surface of the upper plate 14 are always in surface contact, and the knob 15 moves. However, the interior 1p of the housing 1 is always sealed.
[0042]
The closing part 16 is composed of a sheet made of a thin circular flexible synthetic resin or the like, and the central part 16a is thinner than the peripheral part. The lower surface of the peripheral portion of the closing portion 16 is attached to and attached to the recess 15 b of the knob 15 and is integrated with the knob 15. When the closing part 16 is attached in this way, the through hole 15c and the operation member 8 are covered with the closing part 16, and the through hole 15c is sealed, so that the dust resistance is improved. Further, entry of dust, dust, etc. can be prevented from a slight gap between the pressing member 7 and the central hole 8c of the operation member 8. The pressing member 7 is urged by the movable contact 3 so that the front end surface of the protruding portion 7 b is in elastic contact with the lower surface of the central portion 16 a of the closing portion 16.
[0043]
The multi-directional input device of the present invention has the above-described configuration. Next, the operation thereof will be described. When the knob 15 is operated, the operation member 8 is operated following the operation. When the operation member 8 is slid in the first direction X, the second interlocking member 11 is slid to output a bearing detection signal indicating that the operation is performed in the first direction X. At this time, since the first groove portion 9b serves as a relief portion, the operating member 8 can move in the first direction X without the first interlocking member 9 moving. When the operation member 8 is slid in the second direction Y, the first interlocking member 9 is slid to output a direction detection signal indicating that the operation is performed in the second direction Y. At this time, the operation member 8 is movable in the second direction Y without the second interlocking member 11 moving, with the second groove 11b serving as a relief. When the operating force on the knob 15 is released, the contracted first and second coil springs 10 and 12 are restored, and the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 are restored and the operating member is restored. 8 also moves back to the central portion, and the knob 15 also follows the operating member 8 to return to the neutral position. The knob 15 can also be moved in an oblique direction. At this time, the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 slide and both direction detection signals are output to detect the movement in the oblique direction. be able to.
[0044]
In the multidirectional input device according to the present invention, the return of the first and second coil springs 10 and 12 is regulated by the first and second storage portions 1g and 1h, so that it depends on the balance of the spring force of the coil springs. The first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 can be reliably returned to the neutral position without any problems. Therefore, even if there is some variation in the spring force of the coil spring, the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 can be reliably returned to the neutral position, improving the reliability and improving the yield.
[0045]
Further, when the closing portion 16 is pressed, the pressing member 7 is pressed downward, the switch portion S is turned on with a click feeling, and a push signal is output. Moreover, since the center part 16a of the closing part 16 is thin, push operation becomes easy and an operation feeling becomes favorable. Furthermore, since the front end surface of the protrusion 7b of the pressing member 7 is always in elastic contact with the lower surface of the central portion 16a of the closing portion 16, the operational feeling is good, and the front end surface and the lower surface of the central portion 16a are Since contact is always made and contact and separation can be prevented, wear is suppressed.
[0046]
The multi-directional input device of the present invention has the above-described configuration and operation, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 are not provided with a notch. Alternatively, the coil spring may be held by forming a grip portion directly below the plate-like members 9a and 11a. At this time, the coil spring is formed by laminating the plate-like members 9a and 11a, and a housing portion is formed by projecting a pair of protrusions from a part of the side wall portion of the housing 1, and the coil spring is formed by the housing portion. And the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11 are guided by the wall surface of the side wall. Moreover, in the said embodiment, the 1st, 2nd accommodating parts 1g and 1h do not need to be provided in the bottom wall part 1a, and may be provided only in the 1st and 2nd side wall parts 1b and 1c. The coil spring may be attached to only one of the side edges.
[0047]
Further, in order to increase the thickness of the edge portions 9e and 11e, synthetic resin is embedded to increase the thickness of the edge portion so as to increase the contact area with the first and second coil springs 10 and 12. good. Note that the grip portions 9f and 11f are not necessarily required and may be omitted.
[0048]
Further, the pair of first and second side edge portions 9c and 11c are not necessarily parallel to each other, and one side may be linear and one side may be circular, in other words, guided to move in parallel. Any shape is acceptable. In the embodiment, the first and second side edge portions 9c and 11c are formed on the side surfaces of the plate-like members 9a and 11a of the first and second interlocking members 9 and 11, but the plate is bent by 90 °. Side edges may be formed on the surfaces of the shaped members 9a and 11a. Further, a side wall portion that does not guide the interlocking member may be provided in the housing, and the housing and the polygonal shape may be formed.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
A first coil spring is attached to the first side edge of at least one of the first interlocking members of the multidirectional input device of the present invention so as to extend and contract along the first side edge. The coil spring is housed in a first housing portion formed on the first side wall portion of the housing, and is used for returning the first interlocking member from moving in the second direction. A second coil spring is attached to at least one second side edge portion so as to extend and contract along the second side edge portion, and the second coil spring is formed on the second side wall portion of the housing. Since the second interlocking member is housed in the second housing part and is configured to be returned to the movement of the second interlocking member in the first direction, the first and second side edges are provided along the first and second side edges. The second coil spring can be arranged, along the side wall of the housing, and projecting outward from the side wall Because it is not, it contributes to miniaturization. In addition, since the first and second coil springs are directly attached to the first and second interlocking members, the number of parts is reduced, and an inexpensive multi-directional input device with good assembling and mass productivity is provided. it can.
[0050]
In addition, the first coil spring of the multidirectional input device of the present invention has its end elastically contacted with the end edge of the first notch and elastically contacted with the end wall of the first storage portion. The second coil spring is disposed so as to be extendable and contractable along the side edge and the first storage portion, and the end of the second coil spring is in elastic contact with the end edge of the second notch, and the end of the second storage portion. The first and second storage portions are returned to the first and second coil springs because they are elastically arranged along the second side edge portion and the second storage portion so as to extend and contract along the wall. Therefore, even if the first and second coil spring spring forces vary, it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device that reliably returns to the neutral position.
[0051]
The housing of the multidirectional input device of the present invention has a bottom wall portion, and the first and second storage portions are formed to be recessed from the bottom wall portion to the first and second side wall portions. Because of the configuration, the coil spring can be securely stored. Further, since the coil spring is disposed so as to overlap the bottom wall portion, it contributes to a reduction in thickness.
[0052]
Further, at least one end edge of each of the first and second cutout portions of the multidirectional input device of the present invention protrudes inside the cutout portion and is formed along the first and second side edge portions. Since the gripping part which is the projected protrusion is provided and at least one of the first and second coil springs is held by the gripping part, the first and second coil springs can be easily connected to the first and second coil springs. Since it can be attached to the interlocking member, it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device with good assembly and mass productivity.
[0053]
Further, at least one of the first and second interlocking members of the multidirectional input device of the present invention has a first slider formed between the first notch and the first groove, and the second Since the second slider is formed between the notch and the second groove, the slider can be formed inside the region of the interlocking member, which contributes to downsizing.
[0054]
Further, at least one of the first and second interlocking members of the multidirectional input device of the present invention is made of a metal plate, and the first and second sliders are made of the first and second interlocking members made of a metal plate. Since the structure is formed integrally, the first and second sliders and the first and second interlocking members can be easily formed by punching such as a press, so that mass productivity is good. A multidirectional input device can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view of a multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the inside of the multidirectional input device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the inside of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input device.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first interlocking member according to a conventional multidirectional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 housing
1a Bottom wall
1b 1st side wall part
1c Second side wall
1d Guide recess
1g First storage part
1h Second storage section
1p inside
1q end wall
1r end wall
2 Fixed contact
3 movable contacts
4 sheets
5 First contact for detecting orientation
5a terminal
6 Second orientation detection contact
6a terminal
7 Pressing member
7a base
7b Projection
8 Operation members
8a substrate
8b Projection
8c center hole
9 First interlocking member
9a Plate member
9b First groove
9c first side edge
9d First notch
9e edge
9f gripping part
9g First slider
9h ridge
10 First coil spring
10a end
11 Second interlocking member
11a Plate member
11b Second groove
11c second side edge
11d Second notch
11e edge
11f gripping part
11g Second slider
12 Second coil spring
12a end
13 films
14 Upper plate
14a Upper wall
14b through hole
14c side wall
14d engagement hole
14e cutting part
15 knob
15a Disc-shaped part
15b recess
15c through hole
16 Blocking part
16a center
S Switch part
X first direction
Y second direction

Claims

A housing having a pair of first side walls provided opposite to each other and a second side wall provided in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in which the first side walls face each other; ,
A pair of first side edges provided opposite to each other in the first direction; and a first groove extending in the first direction, wherein the first side edges are the first side walls. A first interlocking member guided by the housing so as to be movable in the second direction by abutting on a portion;
A pair of second side edges provided opposite to each other in the second direction, and a second groove extending in the second direction, wherein the second side edges are the second side walls; A second interlocking member guided by the housing so as to be movable in the first direction by abutting on a portion;
It is inserted into the first and second groove portions, is guided by the respective groove portions, and is disposed so as to be movable in each of the groove portions. The electric signal is operated by operating the first and second interlocking members. An operation member for outputting,
A first coil spring is attached to at least one of the first side edges of the first interlocking member so as to be extendable and retractable along the first side edge, and the first coil spring is connected to the housing. Being housed in a first housing portion formed on the first side wall portion of the body, and for returning to the movement of the first interlocking member in the second direction,
A second coil spring is attached to the second side edge of at least one of the second interlocking members so as to extend and contract along the second side edge, and the second coil spring is connected to the housing. A multi-direction characterized in that the multi-direction is housed in a second housing portion formed on the second side wall portion of the body and is used for returning the movement of the second interlocking member in the first direction. Input device.

A first cutout portion is formed in the first side edge portion of the first interlocking member, and an end portion of the first coil spring is elastically contacted with an end edge portion of the first cutout portion. , Elastically arranged along the first side edge and the first storage part, elastically contacting the end wall of the first storage part,
A second notch is formed in the second side edge of the second interlocking member, and the end of the second coil spring is in elastic contact with the edge of the second notch. 2. The multi-direction according to claim 1, wherein the second storage portion is elastically arranged along the second side edge portion and the second storage portion so as to extend and contract in elastic contact with an end wall of the second storage portion. Input device.

The housing includes a bottom wall portion, and the first and second storage portions are formed to be recessed from the bottom wall portion so as to straddle the first and second side wall portions. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1 or 2.

At each of the end edge portions of at least one of the first and second cutout portions, a gripping portion that protrudes inside the cutout portion and is a protrusion formed along the first and second side edge portions. The multidirectional input device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second coil springs is held by the grip portion.

At least one of the first and second interlocking members is formed with a first slider between the first notch and the first groove, and the second notch and the first The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein a second slider is formed between the two groove portions.

At least one of the first and second interlocking members is made of a metal plate, and the first and second sliders are formed integrally with the first and second interlocking members made of a metal plate. The multidirectional input device according to claim 5.