JP2007207015A

JP2007207015A - Multi-directional input device

Info

Publication number: JP2007207015A
Application number: JP2006025780A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Yukio Kanzaki; 幸雄神崎; Kazuhiko Sasaki; 和彦佐々木
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-02
Filing date: 2006-02-02
Publication date: 2007-08-16
Also published as: CN100587648C; CN101013333A

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-directional input device having electric components outside a main body case, and allowing miniaturization as a whole. <P>SOLUTION: This multi-directional input device 100 has: a frame body 1; first and second drive members 2, 5 disposed in directions orthogonal to each other inside the frame body 1, and turnably supported to the frame body 1; an operation shaft 4 for turnably operating the drive members 2, 5; and turn detection mechanisms 3, 3' disposed outside the frame body 1, for detecting the turns of the drive members 2, 5. The turn detection mechanisms 3, 3' have: substrates 3a, 3a' formed with resistors or conductors; and a turn bodies 3b, 3b' turnable integrally with the drive members 2, 5. The substrates 3a, 3a' are directly installed to outer side faces of the frame body 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、多方向に移動可能な１つの操作軸により複数の電気部品を操作することができる多方向入力装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device capable of operating a plurality of electrical components with a single operation shaft that can move in multiple directions.

従来から、多方向に移動可能な１つの操作軸により複数の電気部品を操作することができる多方向入力装置が知られている。このような多方向入力装置は、例えば特許文献１に開示されているように、長手方向にスリット孔を有する回動可能な第１連動部材と、この第１連動部材の長手方向と直交する方向に配設されるとともに長溝を有する回動可能な第２連動部材と、前記第１及び第２連動部材を内部に架設して成る本体ケースと、前記スリット孔と前記長溝とに挿通され、前記第２連動部材に傾動可能に軸支される操作軸と、前記本体ケースの外側に取り付けられ、前記操作軸を前記スリット孔又は前記長溝に沿って移動させることにより前記第１及び第２連動部材を介して操作可能な複数の電気部品とを備えている。 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multi-directional input device that can operate a plurality of electrical components with a single operation shaft that can move in multiple directions is known. Such a multidirectional input device includes, for example, a rotatable first interlocking member having a slit hole in the longitudinal direction and a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first interlocking member as disclosed in Patent Document 1. A pivotable second interlocking member having a long groove, a main body case having the first and second interlocking members installed therein, the slit hole and the long groove, An operation shaft that is pivotally supported by the second interlocking member and attached to the outside of the main body case, and the first and second interlocking members are moved by moving the operation shaft along the slit hole or the long groove. And a plurality of electrical components operable via the.

また、前記電気部品は、抵抗体又は導体が形成された基板と、前記抵抗体又は導体と摺接してその抵抗値を変化させるための摺動接点と、前記第１又は第２連動部材と一体に回動可能な回動体とをハウジング内に収容して成る回転型可変抵抗器を含んでいる。
特開２０００−１１２５５２号公報 The electrical component is integrated with a substrate on which a resistor or a conductor is formed, a sliding contact for slidingly contacting the resistor or the conductor to change its resistance value, and the first or second interlocking member. And a rotating variable resistor that is housed in a housing.
JP 2000-112552 A

ところで、近年、前記多方向入力装置が組み込まれる製品の小型化に伴い、当該多方向入力装置の小型化が求められている。しかしながら、多方向入力装置の本体ケースの外側に取り付けられる前記回転型可変抵抗器は、基板などの構成部品以外にこれらを収容するためのハウジングを有しているため、このハウジングが本体ケースから大きく突出し、装置全体の小型化を妨げる結果となっている。 Incidentally, in recent years, with the miniaturization of products in which the multidirectional input device is incorporated, there is a demand for miniaturization of the multidirectional input device. However, the rotary variable resistor attached to the outer side of the main body case of the multidirectional input device has a housing for housing them in addition to the components such as the substrate. As a result, the entire device is prevented from being downsized.

本発明はかかる点に鑑みてなされたものであり、本体ケースの外側に電気部品を備える多方向入力装置であって、全体の小型化を図ることができる多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional input device including an electrical component on the outside of a main body case, and capable of reducing the overall size. And

本発明の多方向入力装置は、ケースと、前記ケース内に互いに略直交する方向に配置されるとともに、前記ケースに対して回動可能に支持される第１及び第２の駆動部材と、前記第１及び第２の駆動部材を回動操作するための操作部材と、前記ケースの外側に配設され、前記第１及び第２の駆動部材の回動を検出するための回動検出機構とを備え、前記回動検出機構は、抵抗体又は導体が形成された基板と、前記抵抗体又は導体と摺接してその抵抗値を変化させるための摺動接点部材と、前記第１又は第２の駆動部材と一体に回動可能な回動体とを備え、前記基板が前記ケースの外側面に対して直接に取り付けられていることを特徴とする。 The multidirectional input device of the present invention includes a case, first and second driving members that are disposed in the case in a direction substantially orthogonal to each other and are rotatably supported with respect to the case, An operation member for rotating the first and second drive members, and a rotation detection mechanism disposed outside the case for detecting the rotation of the first and second drive members; The rotation detection mechanism includes a substrate on which a resistor or a conductor is formed, a sliding contact member for slidingly contacting the resistor or the conductor to change its resistance value, and the first or second. The driving member and a rotating body that can rotate integrally are provided, and the substrate is directly attached to the outer surface of the case.

この構成によれば、前記基板を前記ケースの外側面に対して直接に取り付けて回動検出機構のハウジングを不要としているため、回動検出機構がケースから外側に大きく突出せず、装置全体の小型化を図ることができる。 According to this configuration, since the substrate is directly attached to the outer surface of the case and the housing of the rotation detection mechanism is not required, the rotation detection mechanism does not protrude greatly from the case to the outside, Miniaturization can be achieved.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記ケースが金属板を折り曲げることにより形成され、前記基板が前記ケースに対してカシメ固定されていることが好ましい。この構成によれば、前記ケースに対する前記基板の取り付けを簡単に、確実に行うことができる。 In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, it is preferable that the case is formed by bending a metal plate, and the substrate is caulked and fixed to the case. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily and reliably attach the substrate to the case.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記回動体は、前記第１又は第２の駆動部材に連結される連結部を有するとともに、前記ケースに対して回動可能に支持されていることが好ましい。この構成によれば、回動体を支持するための支持部材を別個に設ける必要がなくなるため、構造の簡略化及び製造コストの低減を図ることができる。 In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, it is preferable that the rotating body has a connecting portion connected to the first or second driving member and is supported rotatably with respect to the case. . According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to separately provide a support member for supporting the rotating body, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記回動体は、前記ケースの外側面に設けられた孔内に回動可能に嵌合支持される筒状の嵌合突出部と、この嵌合突出部に形成され、前記第１又は第２の駆動部材と係合する前記連結部を構成する溝とを有することが好ましい。この構成によれば、簡単な構成で、前記回動体を、確実に、効果的に前記第１又は第２の駆動部材に対して連結して前記ケースに回動可能に支持させることができる。 In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the rotating body includes a cylindrical fitting protrusion that is rotatably fitted and supported in a hole provided in the outer surface of the case, and the fitting protrusion. It is preferable to have a groove that forms the connecting portion that is formed in the first and second driving members and engages with the first or second driving member. According to this configuration, the rotating body can be reliably and effectively connected to the first or second driving member and supported by the case so as to be rotatable with a simple configuration.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記ケースに取り付けられる基台がさらに設けられ、この基台の一部が前記ケースの外方に張り出す張出部を形成し、当該張出部には、前記基板に設けられた外部接続端子を支持する支持部が設けられていることが好ましい。この構成によれば、外部接続端子を安定に、確実に支持することができる。 In the multi-directional input device of the present invention, a base attached to the case is further provided, a part of the base forms an overhanging portion that projects outward from the case, and the overhanging portion includes It is preferable that a support portion for supporting an external connection terminal provided on the substrate is provided. According to this configuration, the external connection terminal can be supported stably and reliably.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記支持部は、前記基板の下縁部と当接して当該基板の位置決めを行うことが好ましい。この構成によれば、支持部が外部接続端子と共に基板を位置決めして支持することができるため、すなわち、支持部が外部接続端子の支持と基板の支持とを兼用しているため、部品点数を少なくして外部接続端子及び基板を精度良く取り付けることができるようになる。 In the multidirectional input device according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the support portion contacts the lower edge portion of the substrate to position the substrate. According to this configuration, since the support portion can position and support the substrate together with the external connection terminals, that is, the support portion combines the support of the external connection terminals and the support of the substrate, the number of parts can be reduced. As a result, the external connection terminals and the substrate can be accurately attached.

本発明の多方向入力装置においては、前記回動体をその上側から覆うカバーが前記ケースに設けられていることが好ましい。この構成によれば、前記カバーによって回動検出機構（回動体）への不純物の付着を防止できるため、不純物に起因する電気部品の誤作動などを阻止することができる。 In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, it is preferable that a cover that covers the rotating body from above is provided on the case. According to this configuration, the cover can prevent the impurities from adhering to the rotation detection mechanism (rotating body), so that it is possible to prevent malfunction of the electrical components due to the impurities.

本発明の多方向入力装置によれば、基板をケースの外側面に対して直接に取り付けて回動検出機構のハウジングを不要としているため、回動検出機構がケースから外側に大きく突出せず、装置全体の小型化を図ることができる。 According to the multi-directional input device of the present invention, since the housing of the rotation detection mechanism is not required by directly attaching the substrate to the outer surface of the case, the rotation detection mechanism does not protrude greatly from the case, The entire apparatus can be reduced in size.

以下、本発明の実施の形態について、添付図面を参照して詳細に説明する。
図１及び図２は、本発明の一実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置１００の全体構成を示す図である。なお、この場合、図１は多方向入力装置１００の組立状態の斜視図あり、図２は多方向入力装置１００の分解斜視図である。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 and 2 are diagrams showing an overall configuration of a multidirectional input device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this case, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the multidirectional input device 100, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device 100.

図１及び図２に示すように、本実施の形態の多方向入力装置１００は、鉄板（金属板）などをプレスなどにより折り曲げて形成された枠体（ケース）１を備えている。この枠体１は、上板１ｅと４つの側板１ａ，１ｂ，１ｃ，１ｄとを有しており、内部が空洞で下側が開放された略直方体形状をなしている。上板１ｅの中央部には円形の操作孔１ｆが形成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multidirectional input device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a frame (case) 1 formed by bending an iron plate (metal plate) or the like with a press or the like. The frame 1 has an upper plate 1e and four side plates 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a hollow inside and a lower side opened. A circular operation hole 1f is formed at the center of the upper plate 1e.

図３に明確に示されるように、側板１ｂ以外の３つの側板１ａ，１ｃ，１ｄにはそれぞれ丸孔が形成されている。具体的には、側板１ｂと対向する側板１ａ及びこれらの側板１ａ，１ｂと隣り合う側板１ｃにはそれぞれボス付きの丸孔１ｇ’が形成され、一方、側板１ｃと対向する側板１ｄにはボス無しの丸穴１ｇが形成されている。 As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the three side plates 1a, 1c, and 1d other than the side plate 1b are each formed with a round hole. Specifically, the side plate 1a facing the side plate 1b and the side plates 1c adjacent to these side plates 1a and 1b are respectively formed with round holes 1g ′ with bosses, while the side plate 1d facing the side plate 1c is bossed. A round hole 1g is formed.

また、ボス付きの丸穴１ｇ’が形成された２つの側板１ｃ，１ａ（枠体１の外側）にはそれぞれ、回転型可変抵抗器を含む第１及び第２の回動検出機構３，３’が取り付けられている。具体的には、図１，２，４，７，８などに示されるように、各回動検出機構３（３’）は、表面上に抵抗体又は導体９０ａ，９０ｂ，９０ｃ（９０ａ’，９０ｂ’，９０ｃ’）が形成された基板３ａ（３ａ’）と、対応する側板１ｃ（１ａ）の丸穴１ｇ’に回転可能に嵌合されることにより枠体１に支持される回動体３ｂ（３ｂ’）と、例えば回動体３ｂ（３ｂ’）側に設けられ、回動体３ｂ（３ｂ’）の回動に伴って抵抗体又は導体９０ａ，９０ｂ，９０ｃ（９０ａ’、９０ｂ’、９０ｃ’）上を摺動することにより抵抗体又は導体９０ａ，９０ｂ，９０ｃ（９０ａ’、９０ｂ’、９０ｃ’）上におけるその接触位置を変化させる（可変抵抗器の抵抗値を変化させる）ブラシなどを含む摺動接点部材（図示せず）とを備えており、互いに連動するように枠体１内に配設される後述する第１及び第２の駆動部材２，５の回動を検出する。 The two side plates 1c, 1a (outside of the frame 1) in which the bossed round holes 1g ′ are formed are respectively provided with the first and second rotation detecting mechanisms 3, 3 including a rotary variable resistor. 'Is installed. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 and the like, each rotation detection mechanism 3 (3 ′) has resistors or conductors 90a, 90b, 90c (90a ′, 90b) on the surface. ', 90c') and a rotating body 3b (supported by the frame 1 by being rotatably fitted in a round hole 1g 'of the corresponding side plate 1c (1a). 3b ′), for example, on the rotating body 3b (3b ′) side, and resistors or conductors 90a, 90b, 90c (90a ′, 90b ′, 90c ′) as the rotating body 3b (3b ′) rotates. Slides including a brush or the like that changes its contact position on the resistor or conductor 90a, 90b, 90c (90a ′, 90b ′, 90c ′) by sliding on it (changes the resistance value of the variable resistor). Moving contact members (not shown) and connected to each other. Detecting the first and the rotation of the second drive member 2, 5 to be described later is disposed in the frame 1 so as to.

この場合、図４に明確に示されるように、基板３ａ（３ａ’）上に形成された第１の抵抗体又は導体９０ａ（９０ａ’）と、第３の抵抗体又は導体９０ｃ（９０ｃ’）は、丸孔１ｇ’に対して略対称に位置されており、丸孔１ｇ’の外周の一部に沿って延在している。また、第２の抵抗体又は導体９０ｂ（９０ｂ’）は、第１の抵抗体又は導体９０ａ（９０ａ’）と第３の抵抗体又は導体９０ｃ（９０ｃ’）との間に位置されるとともに、丸孔１ｇ’に対して第３の抵抗体又は導体９０ｃ（９０ｃ’）と同じ側で丸孔１ｇ’の外周に沿って反対側へと延在することにより第１の抵抗体又は導体９０ａ（９０ａ’）と接続している。 In this case, as clearly shown in FIG. 4, the first resistor or conductor 90a (90a ′) formed on the substrate 3a (3a ′) and the third resistor or conductor 90c (90c ′). Is positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the round hole 1g ′ and extends along a part of the outer periphery of the round hole 1g ′. The second resistor or conductor 90b (90b ′) is positioned between the first resistor or conductor 90a (90a ′) and the third resistor or conductor 90c (90c ′), and By extending to the opposite side along the outer periphery of the round hole 1g ′ on the same side as the third resistor or conductor 90c (90c ′) with respect to the round hole 1g ′, the first resistor or conductor 90a ( 90a ').

また、各基板３ａ（３ａ’）には、各抵抗体又は導体９０ａ，９０ｂ，９０ｃ（９０ａ’、９０ｂ’、９０ｃ’）の下端部にそれぞれ位置して、対応する外部接続端子７１（７１’）を取り付けるための取付穴９２が設けられている。そして、これらの取付穴９２には、対応する抵抗体又は導体９０ａ，９０ｂ，９０ｃ（９０ａ’、９０ｂ’、９０ｃ’）と電気的に導通するように外部接続端子７１（７１’）の上端部がカシメなどにより固定される。 Further, each substrate 3a (3a ′) is located at the lower end of each resistor or conductor 90a, 90b, 90c (90a ′, 90b ′, 90c ′), and a corresponding external connection terminal 71 (71 ′). ) Is provided. In these mounting holes 92, the upper ends of the external connection terminals 71 (71 ′) are electrically connected to the corresponding resistors or conductors 90a, 90b, 90c (90a ′, 90b ′, 90c ′). Is fixed by caulking or the like.

また、各基板３ａ（３ａ’）は、対応する側板１ｃ（１ａ）のほぼ四隅に位置して突設された支持体９５によって側板１ｃ（１ａ）上に直接に取り付けられている。これらの支持体９５は、各基板３ａ（３ａ’）の四隅に設けられた凹部５１と係合することにより基板３ａ（３ａ’）を４点支持するが、これに加えて、あるいはこれに代えて、圧着やカシメ固定などにより基板３ａ（３ａ’）が側板１ｃ（１ａ）に対して取り付け固定されても良い。そのようにすると、枠体１に対する基板３ａ，３ａ’の取り付けを簡単に、確実に行うことができる。 Further, each substrate 3a (3a ') is directly attached on the side plate 1c (1a) by support bodies 95 that are provided to project at substantially the four corners of the corresponding side plate 1c (1a). These supports 95 support the substrate 3a (3a ′) at four points by engaging with the recesses 51 provided at the four corners of each substrate 3a (3a ′), but in addition to or in place of this. The substrate 3a (3a ′) may be attached and fixed to the side plate 1c (1a) by crimping or caulking. If it does in that way, attachment of board | substrates 3a and 3a 'with respect to the frame 1 can be performed easily and reliably.

なお、丸孔１ｇ、１ｇ’を有さない側板１ｂには、側板１ａの丸孔１ｇ’と対向する位置に略半円形状の支持部１ｈが形成されている。また、枠体１には、側面１ａ，１ｂ，１ｃ，１ｄの下端の４つの角部に位置して、後述する底板８の取付孔８ａ（図５参照）に嵌合固定される突起１ｍが設けられている。 The side plate 1b that does not have the round holes 1g and 1g 'is provided with a substantially semicircular support portion 1h at a position facing the round hole 1g' of the side plate 1a. Further, the frame body 1 has projections 1m that are positioned at the four corners at the lower ends of the side surfaces 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d and are fitted and fixed to mounting holes 8a (see FIG. 5) of the bottom plate 8 described later. Is provided.

枠体１の空洞内部には、リン青銅板などで構成された第１の駆動部材２が配設されている。この第１の駆動部材２は、プレスなどにより上側に向かってアーチ状に湾曲形成されており、そのアーチ状部分の長手方向に沿ってスリット孔２ａが打ち抜き形成されている。また、図２に明確に示されるように、第１の駆動部材２の長手方向の両端部は下方側に折り曲げられており、その折り曲げられた図示左側の一端部にはパイプ状の支持部２ｂ（図７も参照）が絞り加工などにより突出形成されている。なお、この支持部２ｂは、側板１ｄの丸孔１ｇに嵌挿されて回動可能に支持されている。 A first drive member 2 made of a phosphor bronze plate or the like is disposed inside the cavity of the frame body 1. The first drive member 2 is formed in an upward arch shape by pressing or the like, and a slit hole 2a is formed by punching along the longitudinal direction of the arch portion. Further, as clearly shown in FIG. 2, both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the first drive member 2 are bent downward, and a pipe-shaped support portion 2b is provided at one end portion of the bent left side in the figure. (Refer also to FIG. 7) is formed to protrude by drawing or the like. In addition, this support part 2b is inserted in the round hole 1g of the side plate 1d, and is supported so that rotation is possible.

一方、第１の駆動部材２の他端部（図２において右側に示される端部）は、略Ｕ字状に折り曲げられて部品操作部２ｃを形成しており、この部品操作部２ｃは、枠体１の側板１ｃに取り付けられる第１の回動検出機構３の回動体３ｂと係合している。具体的には、回動体３ｂは、側板１ｃの丸穴１ｇ’に嵌挿される嵌合突出部８９（図７参照）を有しており、この嵌合突出部８９に形成された縦長の貫通溝（連結部）９１に第１の駆動部材２の部品操作部２ｃが回転不能に係合されている（図１及び図７参照）。 On the other hand, the other end portion (the end portion shown on the right side in FIG. 2) of the first drive member 2 is bent into a substantially U shape to form a component operation portion 2c. The rotating body 3b of the first rotation detecting mechanism 3 attached to the side plate 1c of the frame body 1 is engaged. Specifically, the rotating body 3b has a fitting protrusion 89 (see FIG. 7) to be inserted into the round hole 1g ′ of the side plate 1c, and the vertically long penetration formed in the fitting protrusion 89. The component operating portion 2c of the first drive member 2 is engaged with the groove (connecting portion) 91 in a non-rotatable manner (see FIGS. 1 and 7).

このように、本実施の形態において、第１の駆動部材２は、枠体１の側板１ｃ，１ｄのそれぞれの丸孔１ｇ’，１ｇに橋渡しされ、アーチ状に形成された部分が枠体１内部で回動可能に架設された状態となっており、後述する操作軸４によってそれ自体が回動することにより回動体３ｂを一体で回動させて前述したように可変抵抗器の抵抗値を変化させる。 Thus, in the present embodiment, the first drive member 2 is bridged to the respective round holes 1g ′, 1g of the side plates 1c, 1d of the frame 1, and the portion formed in an arch shape is the frame 1. It is in a state in which it can be rotated inside, and by itself rotating by an operation shaft 4 described later, the rotating body 3b is rotated integrally, and the resistance value of the variable resistor is set as described above. Change.

また、第１の駆動部材２のスリット孔２ａには、このスリット孔２ａに沿って移動可能な操作部材としての操作軸４の摘み部４ａが挿通される。このような操作軸４は、合成樹脂などで構成され、前記摘み部４ａと、この摘み部４ａの根元側に一体に形成された筒部４ｂとで構成されている。図６に明確に示されるように、筒部４ｂは、下側が開放された円筒壁として形成されており、後述する螺旋状の復帰バネ７を収納するための収納部４ｄを内部に形成している。また、筒部４ｂには、収納部４ｄ内で摘み部４ａと同軸に下方へと延びる軸部４ｅが一体に形成されている。この軸部４ｅは、その下端部４ｆが収納部４ｄの外側へと所定の長さだけ下方に突出している。 Further, a knob portion 4a of the operation shaft 4 as an operation member movable along the slit hole 2a is inserted into the slit hole 2a of the first drive member 2. Such an operation shaft 4 is made of a synthetic resin or the like, and includes the knob portion 4a and a cylindrical portion 4b integrally formed on the root side of the knob portion 4a. As clearly shown in FIG. 6, the cylindrical portion 4 b is formed as a cylindrical wall having an open lower side, and a storage portion 4 d for storing a helical return spring 7 described later is formed inside. Yes. Further, the cylindrical portion 4b is integrally formed with a shaft portion 4e that extends downward coaxially with the knob portion 4a in the storage portion 4d. The lower end portion 4f of the shaft portion 4e protrudes downward by a predetermined length to the outside of the storage portion 4d.

また、操作軸４は、筒部４ｂの両側に凸状に突出形成された軸支部４ｃ，４ｃを有しており、これらの軸支部４ｃ，４ｃが後述する第２の駆動部材５に軸支されることにより図２に矢印で示されるＡ−Ａ方向及びＢ−Ｂ方向に傾動（揺動）可能になっている。 Further, the operation shaft 4 has shaft support portions 4c and 4c which are formed so as to protrude on both sides of the cylindrical portion 4b, and these shaft support portions 4c and 4c support the second drive member 5 described later. As a result, tilting (swinging) is possible in the AA and BB directions indicated by arrows in FIG.

図２，７，８などに示すように、第１の駆動部材２の下側には、第１の駆動部材２に対して直交するように第２の駆動部材５が配設されている。この第２の駆動部材５は、合成樹脂材料で構成され、外形が略矩形の支持部５ａを略中央部に有している。支持部５ａは周囲が４つの側壁５ｂによって囲まれており、これらの側壁５ｂに囲まれた内側には、第１の駆動部材２のスリット孔２ａの長手方向と直交する方向に延びる略矩形状の長溝５ｃが貫通形成されている。長溝５ｃの延在方向に沿って延びる（スリット孔２ａの長手方向で対向する）一対の側壁５ｂには、操作軸４の軸支部４ｃ，４ｃが係合可能な係合部５ｄ，５ｄが貫通あるいは所定の深さで凹状に形成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 2, 7, and 8, the second drive member 5 is disposed below the first drive member 2 so as to be orthogonal to the first drive member 2. The second drive member 5 is made of a synthetic resin material and has a support portion 5a having a substantially rectangular outer shape at a substantially central portion. The support portion 5a is surrounded by four side walls 5b, and a substantially rectangular shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slit hole 2a of the first driving member 2 is surrounded by the side walls 5b. The long groove 5c is formed through. The pair of side walls 5b extending along the extending direction of the long groove 5c (opposite in the longitudinal direction of the slit hole 2a) have engaging portions 5d and 5d through which the shaft support portions 4c and 4c of the operation shaft 4 can be engaged. Alternatively, it is formed in a concave shape with a predetermined depth.

また、係合部５ｄ，５ｄを有さない残りの一対の側壁５ｂからは、外側に向けて水平に延びる左右一対の第１及び第２のアーム部５ｆ，５ｇが設けられている。この場合、第１のアーム部５ｆは、枠体１の側板１ａに回動可能に取り付けられる（支持される）第２の回動検出機構３’の回動体３ｂ’と係合するようになっている。具体的には、回動体３ｂ’は、側板１ａの丸穴１ｇ’に嵌挿される嵌合突出部８９’（図２及び図８参照）を有しており、この嵌合突出部８９’に形成された縦長の貫通溝（連結部）９１’に第２の駆動部材５の第１のアーム部５ｆが回転不能に係合されている。一方、第２のアーム部５ｇは、側板１ｂの半円状の支持部１ｈに位置して支持されるとともに、支持部１ｈから外部に突出するその突出端部が後述する底板８に取り付けられた電気部品、例えば押し釦スイッチ９などのステム部９ａ上に位置するようになっている（図１及び図８参照）。 A pair of left and right first and second arm portions 5f, 5g extending horizontally outward are provided from the remaining pair of side walls 5b that do not have the engaging portions 5d, 5d. In this case, the first arm portion 5f is engaged with the rotating body 3b ′ of the second rotation detecting mechanism 3 ′ that is rotatably attached to (supported by) the side plate 1a of the frame body 1. ing. Specifically, the rotating body 3b ′ has a fitting protrusion 89 ′ (see FIGS. 2 and 8) inserted into the round hole 1g ′ of the side plate 1a. The first arm portion 5f of the second drive member 5 is engaged with the formed vertically long through groove (connecting portion) 91 ′ so as not to rotate. On the other hand, the second arm portion 5g is positioned and supported by the semicircular support portion 1h of the side plate 1b, and its protruding end portion protruding outside from the support portion 1h is attached to the bottom plate 8 described later. It is located on a stem portion 9a such as an electrical component such as a push button switch 9 (see FIGS. 1 and 8).

すなわち、本実施の形態において、第２の駆動部材５は、その第１アーム部５ｆが第２の回動検出機構３’の回動体３ｂ’に係合されて回動体３ｂ’とともに枠体１に回動可能に支持され、第２アーム部５ｇが側板１ｂの半円状の支持部１ｈに位置して支持されることにより、枠体１内で回動可能に架設されるとともに、支持部１ｈから外部に突出する第２のアーム部５ｇの前記突出端部が上下動可能となる。 That is, in the present embodiment, the second driving member 5 has the first arm portion 5f engaged with the rotating body 3b ′ of the second rotation detecting mechanism 3 ′ and the frame body 1 together with the rotating body 3b ′. The second arm portion 5g is supported on the semicircular support portion 1h of the side plate 1b so that the second arm portion 5g is rotatably supported in the frame body 1 and the support portion. The protruding end portion of the second arm portion 5g protruding outside from 1h can move up and down.

枠体１の内部に位置する操作軸４の下端部４ｆには、操作軸４の軸心方向に移動可能な操作体６が装着されている。この操作体６は、樹脂材料で構成されるとともに、外形が円形で底面が略皿状に湾曲形成された基部６ａ（図６〜図８参照）を下側に有している。また、この基部６ａの中央部には枠体１の内方に向けて突出する筒状のボス部６ｂが形成され、このボス部６ｂの中央に軸孔６ｃが貫通形成されている。そして、操作体６は、その軸孔６ｃに操作軸４の下端部４ｆが挿入されることにより、そのボス部６ｂが操作軸４の筒部４ｂの収納部４ｄ内に移動可能に嵌合されるようになっている（図６参照）。 An operation body 6 that is movable in the axial direction of the operation shaft 4 is attached to a lower end portion 4 f of the operation shaft 4 located inside the frame body 1. The operation body 6 is made of a resin material, and has a base 6a (see FIGS. 6 to 8) having a circular outer shape and a bottom surface curved in a substantially dish shape on the lower side. In addition, a cylindrical boss 6b that protrudes inward of the frame 1 is formed at the center of the base 6a, and a shaft hole 6c is formed through the center of the boss 6b. The operating body 6 is movably fitted into the storage portion 4d of the cylindrical portion 4b of the operating shaft 4 by inserting the lower end portion 4f of the operating shaft 4 into the shaft hole 6c. (See FIG. 6).

図６に明確に示されるように、操作軸４の筒部４ｂの収納部４ｄ内には、所定の弾性力を有するコイルバネから成る復帰バネ７が配設されている。この復帰バネ７は、上下の巻端部が、収納部４ｄ内の天井面と操作体６のボス部６ｃ上面とにそれぞれ弾接するようになっている。また、このコイル状の復帰バネ７は、操作軸４の軸部４ｅに挿入されると共に、摘み部４ａ側の一端部（上端部）が筒部４ｂの内壁にガイドされ、他端部（下端部）がボス部６ｂの外壁にガイドされており、これにより、前後左右の動きが規制されるようになっている。 As clearly shown in FIG. 6, a return spring 7 made of a coil spring having a predetermined elastic force is disposed in the storage portion 4 d of the cylindrical portion 4 b of the operation shaft 4. The return spring 7 is configured so that the upper and lower winding ends are in elastic contact with the ceiling surface in the storage portion 4d and the upper surface of the boss portion 6c of the operation body 6, respectively. The coiled return spring 7 is inserted into the shaft portion 4e of the operation shaft 4, and one end portion (upper end portion) on the knob portion 4a side is guided by the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 4b, and the other end portion (lower end portion) Part) is guided by the outer wall of the boss part 6b, thereby restricting the front-rear and left-right movements.

操作体６の下側には、枠体１の下側開口を蓋閉する底板（基台）８が配置されている。この底板８は、樹脂材料で構成され、外形が略矩形に形成されている。また、底板８の周囲には側壁８ｂが部分的に形成され、これらの側壁８ｂの内側に平坦状の内底面８ｃが形成されている。そして、この内底面８ｃの中央部に形成された操作体載置部５９には、復帰バネ７の付勢力により操作体６が弾接されるようになっている。 A bottom plate (base) 8 that closes the lower opening of the frame 1 is disposed below the operation body 6. The bottom plate 8 is made of a resin material and has a substantially rectangular outer shape. A side wall 8b is partially formed around the bottom plate 8, and a flat inner bottom surface 8c is formed inside these side walls 8b. The operating body 6 is elastically brought into contact with the operating body mounting portion 59 formed at the center of the inner bottom surface 8 c by the urging force of the return spring 7.

また、底板８は、図５に明確に示されるように、枠体１の下端の４つの突起１ｍが嵌合固定される取付孔８ａを四隅に有するとともに、例えば押し釦スイッチ９などを含む電気部品を取り付けるための部品取付部８ｄを有している。部品取付部８ｄに取り付けられる電気部品を構成する押し釦スイッチ９は、内部のスイッチ回路（図示せず）をＯＮ／ＯＦＦすることができるステム部９ａと、底板８の下方へと延びる複数の取付端子９ｂとを有している。 Further, as clearly shown in FIG. 5, the bottom plate 8 has mounting holes 8 a into which the four protrusions 1 m at the lower end of the frame body 1 are fitted and fixed at four corners, and includes, for example, a push button switch 9. It has a component mounting portion 8d for mounting components. A push button switch 9 constituting an electrical component attached to the component attachment portion 8d includes a stem portion 9a capable of turning on / off an internal switch circuit (not shown) and a plurality of attachments extending downward from the bottom plate 8. Terminal 9b.

また、図５に示すように、底板８は、枠体１と組み付けられた際に枠体１の外側（側方）に張り出す（図１、図４など参照）ようになっている張出部７７，７７を、枠体１の側板１ａ，１ｃ（回動検出機構３，３’が装着される側板）が対応して位置される部位に有している。また、これらの張出部７７，７７には、これらの部位に位置される回動検出機構３，３’の基板３ａ，３ａ’と基板３ａ，３ａ’に取り付けられた外部接続端子７１，７１’とを支持して位置決めするための位置決め支持部６０が設けられている。具体的に、各位置決め支持部６０は、細長い凹陥溝として形成されており、対応する基板３ａ，３ａ’の下端面（下縁部）及び外部接続端子７１，７１’の側部張り出し部と当接してこれらを支持する支持面としての底面６０ａと、対応する３つの外部接続端子７１，７１，７１（７１’，７１’，７１’）が挿通される３つの貫通孔６２とを有している。３つの貫通孔６２は、底面６０ａに所定の間隔をもって並設されており、挿入される外部接続端子７１（７１’）を底板８の下方へと突出させる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the bottom plate 8 protrudes to the outside (side) of the frame body 1 when assembled with the frame body 1 (see FIGS. 1, 4, etc.). The portions 77 and 77 are provided at portions where the side plates 1a and 1c of the frame 1 (side plates to which the rotation detection mechanisms 3 and 3 ′ are attached) are correspondingly positioned. Further, these overhanging portions 77 and 77 have substrates 3a and 3a ′ of the rotation detection mechanisms 3 and 3 ′ located at these portions and external connection terminals 71 and 71 attached to the substrates 3a and 3a ′. A positioning support portion 60 for supporting and positioning 'is provided. Specifically, each positioning support portion 60 is formed as an elongated recessed groove, and contacts the lower end surface (lower edge portion) of the corresponding substrate 3a, 3a ′ and the side protruding portion of the external connection terminals 71, 71 ′. It has a bottom surface 60a as a support surface that contacts and supports them, and three through holes 62 through which the corresponding three external connection terminals 71, 71, 71 (71 ′, 71 ′, 71 ′) are inserted. Yes. The three through holes 62 are juxtaposed at a predetermined interval on the bottom surface 60 a and project the inserted external connection terminal 71 (71 ′) downward from the bottom plate 8.

次に、上記構成の多方向入力装置１００を組み立てる手順の一例について説明する。
まず、基板３ａ，３ａ’が取付固定された枠体１の開放された下部側からアーチ状の第１の駆動部材２を挿入し、その部品操作部２ｃを側壁１ｃの丸孔１ｇ’に挿入するとともに、同じく丸孔１ｇ’に挿入された回動体３ｂに部品操作部２ｃを係合させる。また、第１の駆動部材２の支持部２ｂも側板１ｄの丸孔１ｇに挿入する。これにより、第１の駆動部材２が枠体１内部に架設された状態となる。 Next, an example of a procedure for assembling the multidirectional input device 100 having the above configuration will be described.
First, the arch-shaped first drive member 2 is inserted from the opened lower side of the frame 1 to which the substrates 3a and 3a ′ are attached and fixed, and the component operation portion 2c is inserted into the round hole 1g ′ of the side wall 1c. At the same time, the component operating portion 2c is engaged with the rotating body 3b inserted into the circular hole 1g ′. The support portion 2b of the first drive member 2 is also inserted into the round hole 1g of the side plate 1d. As a result, the first drive member 2 is installed inside the frame 1.

次に、操作軸４の筒部４ｂを第２の駆動部材５の長溝５ｃ内に位置させる。この状態で、操作軸４を図示しない治具などで長溝５ｃに押圧すると、側壁５ｂが弾性変形して外方に押し広げられ、凸状の軸支部４ｃ，４ｃが側壁５ｂに形成されている凹状の係合部５ｄにスナップ係合され、操作軸４が第２の駆動部材５に軸支される。 Next, the cylindrical portion 4 b of the operation shaft 4 is positioned in the long groove 5 c of the second drive member 5. In this state, when the operating shaft 4 is pressed against the long groove 5c with a jig (not shown) or the like, the side wall 5b is elastically deformed and spread outward, and convex shaft support portions 4c and 4c are formed on the side wall 5b. The operation shaft 4 is pivotally supported by the second drive member 5 by being snap-engaged with the concave engagement portion 5 d.

次に、第２の駆動部材５に軸支した操作軸４の摘み部４ａを第１の駆動部材２のスリット孔２ａに挿通させると共に、摘み部４ａを枠体１の操作孔１ｆから外方に突出させる。そして、第２の駆動部材５の第１のアーム部５ｆを枠体１の側板１ａの丸孔１ｇ’に挿入するとともに、同じく丸孔１ｇ’に挿入された回動体３ｂ’に第１のアーム部５ｆを係合させる。また、第２のアーム部５ｇも枠体１の側板１ｂの支持部１ｈに位置させる。これにより、第２の駆動部材５が枠体１内部に架設された状態となる。 Next, the knob 4a of the operation shaft 4 that is pivotally supported by the second drive member 5 is inserted into the slit hole 2a of the first drive member 2, and the knob 4a is moved outward from the operation hole 1f of the frame 1. To protrude. And while inserting the 1st arm part 5f of the 2nd drive member 5 in the round hole 1g 'of the side plate 1a of the frame 1, the 1st arm is attached to the rotation body 3b' similarly inserted in the round hole 1g '. The part 5f is engaged. The second arm portion 5g is also positioned on the support portion 1h of the side plate 1b of the frame body 1. As a result, the second drive member 5 is installed inside the frame 1.

次に、このようにして第１及び第２の駆動部材２，５が内部に架設された枠体１を逆さにし、開放された枠体１の下部を上向きする。そして、逆さになった操作軸４の筒部４ｂの収納部４ｄ内に復帰バネ７を挿入して収納する。その後、操作軸４の下端部４ｆを操作体６の軸孔６ｃ内に挿入すると、操作体６のボス部６ｂが操作軸４の筒部４ｂ内に移動可能に嵌合して、操作体６のボス部６ｂが復帰バネ７に弾接する（図６参照）。 Next, the frame body 1 in which the first and second drive members 2 and 5 are thus installed is turned upside down, and the lower portion of the opened frame body 1 is directed upward. Then, the return spring 7 is inserted and stored in the storage portion 4d of the cylinder portion 4b of the operating shaft 4 which is inverted. Thereafter, when the lower end portion 4f of the operating shaft 4 is inserted into the shaft hole 6c of the operating body 6, the boss portion 6b of the operating body 6 is movably fitted into the cylindrical portion 4b of the operating shaft 4, and the operating body 6 The boss portion 6b is in elastic contact with the return spring 7 (see FIG. 6).

さらに、逆さにした枠体１に対して、開放された枠体１の下部が閉塞されるように、所定の位置決め基準にしたがって、部品取付部８ｄに押し釦スイッチ９が仮止めされた底板８を逆さにして取り付ける。このとき、押し釦スイッチ９のステム部９ａが、支持部１ｈから外部に突出する第２のアーム部５ｇの突出端部と対向して位置されるとともに、枠体１の側板によって押し釦スイッチ９が底板８に対して固定的に保持される。そして、最後に、枠体１の側板１ａ，１ｂなどに形成されている図示しない複数の舌片をカシメると、底板８が枠体１に一体化されて固定されるとともに、復帰バネ７の付勢力により底板８の内底面８ｃに対して操作体６が弾接され、図１及び図４に示されるように操作軸４が直立の中立状態になる。これにより、多方向入力装置１００の組み立てが終了する。 Further, the bottom plate 8 in which the push button switch 9 is temporarily fixed to the component mounting portion 8d according to a predetermined positioning standard so that the lower portion of the opened frame 1 is closed with respect to the inverted frame 1. Install with upside down. At this time, the stem portion 9a of the push button switch 9 is positioned to face the projecting end portion of the second arm portion 5g projecting outside from the support portion 1h, and the push button switch 9 is supported by the side plate of the frame body 1. Is fixed to the bottom plate 8. Finally, when a plurality of tongues (not shown) formed on the side plates 1a and 1b of the frame 1 are crimped, the bottom plate 8 is integrated and fixed to the frame 1 and the return spring 7 is fixed. The operating body 6 is elastically contacted with the inner bottom surface 8c of the bottom plate 8 by the urging force, and the operating shaft 4 is in an upright neutral state as shown in FIGS. Thereby, the assembly of the multidirectional input device 100 is completed.

次に、上記構成の多方向入力装置１００の動作について説明する。
まず、操作軸４の摘み部４ａに操作力が加わってない無負荷のときは、図１，４，７，８に示すように、復帰バネ７の弾性力により、操作体６が底板８の内底面８ｃに弾接されて、操作部６ａの皿状の底面が水平状態になると共に、操作軸４が直立の中立状態になっている。この中立状態の操作軸４を第１の駆動部材２のスリット孔２ａに沿って、図７に示す矢印Ｂ−Ｂ方向に傾動させると、第２の駆動部材５が第１及び第２のアーム部５ｆ，５ｇを支点として回動して、操作体６の基部６ｂの底面が底板８の内底面８ｃ上を摺接移動するとともに、基部６ｂの底面の外周部の一部のみが底板８の内底面８ｃ上に位置して、操作体６が傾斜する（操作体６は、載置部５９を中心に揺動して傾く）。この状態において、操作体６は、復帰バネ７の弾性力に抗してボス部６ｂが操作軸４の筒部４ｂの収納部４ｄ内に押し込まれる。また、このように第２の駆動部材５を回動させると、第１のアーム部５ｆと係合している回動検出機構３’の回動体３ｂ’が回動して可変抵抗器の抵抗値が変化する。なお、操作軸４に加えていた操作力を解除すると、復帰バネ７の弾性力によって、操作体６が自動的に水平状態に戻り、操作軸４が直立の中立状態に自動復帰する。 Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device 100 configured as described above will be described.
First, when no operating force is applied to the knob 4 a of the operating shaft 4, the operating body 6 is attached to the bottom plate 8 by the elastic force of the return spring 7 as shown in FIGS. It is elastically contacted with the inner bottom surface 8c, the dish-shaped bottom surface of the operation portion 6a is in a horizontal state, and the operation shaft 4 is in an upright neutral state. When the operation shaft 4 in the neutral state is tilted in the arrow BB direction shown in FIG. 7 along the slit hole 2a of the first drive member 2, the second drive member 5 is moved to the first and second arms. The bottom surface of the base 6b of the operating body 6 is slidably moved on the inner bottom surface 8c of the bottom plate 8 while only a part of the outer peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the base 6b is rotated by the portions 5f and 5g as fulcrums. Positioned on the inner bottom surface 8c, the operating body 6 tilts (the operating body 6 tilts by swinging around the mounting portion 59). In this state, in the operating body 6, the boss portion 6 b is pushed into the accommodating portion 4 d of the cylindrical portion 4 b of the operating shaft 4 against the elastic force of the return spring 7. Further, when the second drive member 5 is rotated in this way, the rotation body 3b ′ of the rotation detection mechanism 3 ′ engaged with the first arm portion 5f is rotated, and the resistance of the variable resistor is increased. The value changes. When the operating force applied to the operating shaft 4 is released, the operating body 6 automatically returns to the horizontal state due to the elastic force of the return spring 7, and the operating shaft 4 automatically returns to the upright neutral state.

一方、操作軸４を第２の駆動部材５の長溝５ｃに沿って、図８に示す矢印Ａ−Ａ方向に傾動させると、第１の駆動部材２が支持部２ｂと部品操作部２ｃとを支点として回動する。このように第１の駆動部材２が回動すると、側板１ｃに取り付けられて部品操作部２ｃが係合している回動検出機構３の回動体３ｂが回動して、可変抵抗器の抵抗値が変化する。なお、このときの操作体６の動作は、前述した操作軸４を矢印Ｂ−Ｂ方向に傾動させたときと同じであるので説明は省略する。 On the other hand, when the operating shaft 4 is tilted in the direction of the arrow AA shown in FIG. 8 along the long groove 5c of the second driving member 5, the first driving member 2 moves the support portion 2b and the component operating portion 2c. It rotates as a fulcrum. When the first drive member 2 rotates in this way, the rotation body 3b of the rotation detection mechanism 3 attached to the side plate 1c and engaged with the component operation unit 2c rotates, and the resistance of the variable resistor The value changes. The operation of the operating body 6 at this time is the same as that when the operating shaft 4 is tilted in the direction of the arrow BB, and the description thereof will be omitted.

次に、回動検出機構３，３’以外の電気部品である押し釦スイッチ９の操作を説明する。まず、操作軸４を下方側の矢印Ｃ方向に押圧する。すると、操作軸４と結合している第２の駆動部材５は、係合部５ｄに押圧加重が加わって、第１のアーム部５ｆを支点として、第２のアーム部５ｇが下方側に移動する。すると、側板１ｂの支持部１ｈから外方に突出している第２のアーム部５ｇの突出端部が上下動して、押し釦スイッチ９のステム部９ａを押圧し、押し釦スイッチ９のＯＮ／ＯＦＦ操作をすることができる。なお、操作軸４の矢印Ｃ方向への押圧は、操作軸４が中立状態のときだけでなく、操作軸４を傾動させて可変抵抗器の抵抗値を操作しているときでも可能である。 Next, the operation of the push button switch 9 which is an electrical component other than the rotation detection mechanisms 3 and 3 'will be described. First, the operation shaft 4 is pressed in the arrow C direction on the lower side. Then, in the second drive member 5 coupled to the operation shaft 4, a pressing load is applied to the engaging portion 5d, and the second arm portion 5g moves downward with the first arm portion 5f as a fulcrum. To do. Then, the protruding end portion of the second arm portion 5g protruding outward from the support portion 1h of the side plate 1b moves up and down to press the stem portion 9a of the push button switch 9, and the push button switch 9 is turned ON / OFF. An OFF operation can be performed. The operation shaft 4 can be pressed in the direction of arrow C not only when the operation shaft 4 is in a neutral state but also when the operation shaft 4 is tilted to operate the resistance value of the variable resistor.

以上説明したように、本実施の形態の多方向入力装置１００においては、基板３ａ，３ａ’を枠体１の外側面に対して直接に取り付けて回動検出機構３，３’のハウジングを不要としているため、回動検出機構３，３’が枠体１から外側に大きく突出せず、装置全体の小型化を図ることができる。また、本実施の形態の多方向入力装置１００において、回動体３ｂ，３ｂ’は、第１又は第２の駆動部材２，５に連結される連結部９１，９１’を有するとともに、枠体１に対して回動可能に支持されている。そのため、回動体３ｂ，３ｂ’を支持するための支持部材を別個に設ける必要がなくなり、構造の簡略化及び製造コストの低減を図ることができる。また、本実施の形態の多方向入力装置１００において、回動体３ｂ，３ｂ’は、枠体１の外側面に設けられた丸孔１ｇ’内に回動可能に嵌合支持される筒状の嵌合突出部８９，８９’と、この嵌合突出部８９，８９’に形成され、第１又は第２の駆動部材２，５と係合する貫通溝９１，９１’とを有しているため、回動体３ｂ，３ｂ’を確実に、効果的に第１又は第２の駆動部材２，５に対して連結して枠体１に回動可能に支持させることができる。 As described above, in the multidirectional input device 100 according to the present embodiment, the substrates 3a and 3a ′ are directly attached to the outer surface of the frame 1 and the housing for the rotation detection mechanisms 3 and 3 ′ is unnecessary. Therefore, the rotation detection mechanisms 3 and 3 ′ do not protrude greatly from the frame 1 to the outside, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size. Further, in the multidirectional input device 100 according to the present embodiment, the rotating bodies 3b and 3b ′ include the connecting portions 91 and 91 ′ connected to the first or second driving members 2 and 5, and the frame 1 It is supported so that it can rotate. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a support member for supporting the rotating bodies 3b and 3b ', and the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, in the multi-directional input device 100 of the present embodiment, the rotating bodies 3b and 3b ′ are cylindrically fitted and supported so as to be rotatable in a round hole 1g ′ provided on the outer surface of the frame body 1. It has fitting protrusions 89 and 89 ′, and through grooves 91 and 91 ′ that are formed in the fitting protrusions 89 and 89 ′ and engage with the first or second drive members 2 and 5. Therefore, the rotating bodies 3b and 3b ′ can be reliably and effectively connected to the first or second driving members 2 and 5 and supported by the frame body 1 so as to be rotatable.

また、本実施の形態の多方向入力装置１００においては、枠体１に取り付けられる底板８が設けられ、この底板８の一部が枠体１の外方に張り出す張出部７７を形成し、この張出部７７には、基板３ａ，３ａ’に設けられた外部接続端子７１，７１’を支持する位置決め支持部６０が設けられている。したがって、外部接続端子７１，７１’を安定に、確実に支持することができる。また、本実施の形態の多方向入力装置１００において、位置決め支持部６０は、基板３ａ，３ａ’の下縁部と当接して基板３ａ，３ａ’の位置決めを行うようになっている。すなわち、位置決め支持部６０が外部接続端子７１，７１’の支持と基板３ａ，３ａ’の支持とを兼用している。そのため、部品点数を少なくして外部接続端子及び基板を精度良く取り付けることができるようになる。 Further, in the multidirectional input device 100 according to the present embodiment, a bottom plate 8 attached to the frame body 1 is provided, and an overhanging portion 77 is formed in which a part of the bottom plate 8 projects outward from the frame body 1. The overhanging portion 77 is provided with a positioning support portion 60 for supporting the external connection terminals 71 and 71 ′ provided on the substrates 3a and 3a ′. Therefore, the external connection terminals 71 and 71 'can be supported stably and reliably. Further, in the multi-directional input device 100 of the present embodiment, the positioning support portion 60 contacts the lower edges of the substrates 3a and 3a 'to position the substrates 3a and 3a'. In other words, the positioning support portion 60 serves both as support for the external connection terminals 71 and 71 ′ and support for the substrates 3 a and 3 a ′. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the external connection terminals and the board can be attached with high accuracy.

図９は、前述した実施の形態の変形例を示す図である。この変形例では、回動体３ｂ，ｂ’をその上側から覆うカバー２００が枠体１に設けられている。特に本実施の形態において、カバー２００は、基板３ａ，３ａ’及び回動体３ｂ，３ｂ’を上側から完全に覆う長さにわたって、側板１ａ，１ｃの上端部から水平に延びている。この構成によれば、カバー２００によって回動検出機構３，３’（回動体３ｂ，３ｂ’）への不純物の付着を防止できるため、不純物に起因する電気部品の誤作動などを阻止することができる。 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the above-described embodiment. In this modification, the frame body 1 is provided with a cover 200 that covers the rotating bodies 3b and b 'from above. In particular, in the present embodiment, the cover 200 extends horizontally from the upper ends of the side plates 1a and 1c over a length that completely covers the substrates 3a and 3a 'and the rotating bodies 3b and 3b' from above. According to this configuration, the cover 200 can prevent impurities from adhering to the rotation detection mechanisms 3 and 3 ′ (rotating bodies 3b and 3b ′), thereby preventing malfunction of electrical components caused by the impurities. it can.

本発明は上記実施の形態に限定されず、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形して実施することができる。例えば、上記実施の形態では、操作軸４側の軸支部４ｃが凸状に形成され、第２の駆動部材５の係合部５ｄが凹状に形成されているが、軸支部４ｃを凹状に形成し、係合部５ｄを凸状に形成しても良い。また、前述した実施の形態では、枠体１の外側に配置される複数の電気部品として、回動検出機構（可変抵抗器）３，３及び押し釦スイッチ９を挙げたが、その他の回転操作が可能な電気部品、あるいは、プッシュ操作が可能な電気部品を枠体１の外側に配置しても良い。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shaft support portion 4c on the operation shaft 4 side is formed in a convex shape, and the engaging portion 5d of the second drive member 5 is formed in a concave shape, but the shaft support portion 4c is formed in a concave shape. Then, the engaging portion 5d may be formed in a convex shape. In the above-described embodiment, the rotation detection mechanisms (variable resistors) 3 and 3 and the push button switch 9 are given as the plurality of electrical components arranged outside the frame 1. An electric component that can be operated or an electric component that can be pushed may be disposed outside the frame 1.

本発明の一実施の形態に係る多方向入力装置の全体構成を示す斜視図である。1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a multidirectional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 図１の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device of FIG. 1. 図１の多方向入力装置の枠体の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the frame of the multidirectional input device of FIG. 図１の多方向入力装置から回動体を取り除いた状態を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the rotary body from the multidirectional input device of FIG. 図１の多方向入力装置の底板の斜視図である。FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bottom plate of the multidirectional input device of FIG. 1. 図１の多方向入力装置の操作軸及び操作体の組み立て状態の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the assembly state of the operating shaft and operating body of the multidirectional input device of FIG. 図１の多方向入力装置から枠体を取り除いた状態で多方向入力装置を図１のＰ方向から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view which looked at the multidirectional input device from the P direction of FIG. 1 in a state where the frame is removed from the multidirectional input device of FIG. 図１の多方向入力装置から枠体を取り除いた状態で多方向入力装置を図１のＱ方向から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view which looked at the multidirectional input device from the Q direction of FIG. 1 in a state where the frame body is removed from the multidirectional input device of FIG. 図１の多方向入力装置の変形例に係る斜視図である。It is a perspective view which concerns on the modification of the multidirectional input device of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

１枠体（ケース）
２，５駆動部材
３，３’ 回動検出機構
３ａ，３ａ’ 基板
３ｂ，３ｂ’ 回動体
４操作軸（操作部材）
８底板（基台）
９１貫通溝（連結部）
６０位置決め支持部（支持部）
７７張出部
８９嵌合突出部
２００カバー 1 frame (case)
2, 5 Drive member 3, 3 'Rotation detection mechanism 3a, 3a' Substrate 3b, 3b 'Rotating body 4 Operation shaft (operation member)
8 Bottom plate (base)
91 Through groove (connecting part)
60 Positioning support part (support part)
77 Overhang part 89 Fitting protrusion part 200 Cover

Claims

A case, a first drive member and a second drive member disposed in a direction substantially orthogonal to each other and supported rotatably with respect to the case; and the first drive member and the second drive member. An operation member for rotating, and a rotation detection mechanism disposed on the outside of the case for detecting the rotation of the first and second drive members, the rotation detection mechanism Is a substrate on which a resistor or a conductor is formed, a sliding contact member that is in sliding contact with the resistor or conductor to change its resistance value, and the first or second driving member that rotates together. A multi-directional input device, wherein the substrate is directly attached to the outer surface of the case.

The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the case is formed by bending a metal plate, and the substrate is fixed by crimping to the case.

The said rotating body has a connection part connected with the said 1st or 2nd drive member, and is supported so that rotation with respect to the said case is possible. Multi-directional input device.

The rotating body is formed in a cylindrical fitting protrusion that is rotatably supported in a hole provided in the outer surface of the case, and the fitting protrusion. The multidirectional input device according to claim 3, further comprising a groove that forms the connecting portion that engages with the driving member.

The base further includes a base attached to the case, and a part of the base forms an overhanging portion that protrudes outward from the case, and an external connection terminal provided on the substrate is formed on the overhanging portion. The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a support portion that supports the multidirectional input device.

The multi-directional input device according to claim 5, wherein the support portion contacts a lower edge portion of the substrate to position the substrate.

The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein a cover that covers the rotating body is provided on the case.