JP2001210191A - Electronic component for multidirectional input and multidirectional input device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A multidirectional input electronic component driven by tilting operation of an operation unit and a multidirectional input device using the same.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a small product having a high resolution in an input direction. SOLUTION: An intermediate portion between the center of the inner bottom surface of a box-shaped case 11 having an outer fixed contact 3 on which an outer periphery of a dome-shaped movable contact 12 made of an elastic metal plate is placed and the outer fixed contact 3 is provided.
A resistance element 14 having output terminals 15A to 15C is provided at three positions in a circular ring shape having a resistance layer on the surface, and a shaft portion 13A of the operating body 13 is formed by a cover 5 covering an upper surface of the box-shaped case 11. It projects upward from the center, and the outer periphery of the lower flange portion 13B is tiltably supported on the inner wall 11A of the box-shaped case 11, and the pressing step 1 on the lower surface thereof is provided.
3C is a multi-directional input device in which the dome-shaped movable contact 12 abuts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multidirectional input electronic component mainly used for input operation of various electronic devices such as audio equipment, game equipment, car navigation systems and the like, and driven by tilting an operation unit. The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device using.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional multi-directional input electronic component of this type, a multi-directional operation switch described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-125180 is known. Will be explained.

FIG. 23 is a front sectional view of a conventional multidirectional operation switch as a multidirectional input electronic component, FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the same, and FIG. 25 is a plan view of the same box-shaped case.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a box-shaped case made of molded resin accommodating a dome-shaped movable contact 2 made of an elastic metal thin plate at a center position.
The four outer fixed contacts 3 on the left, right, front and rear on which the outer peripheral lower end is mounted,
A plurality of inner fixed contacts 4 (4A to 4A) are located at equal distances and equiangular from the center of the dome-shaped movable contact 2 on the inner side.
D) are provided, and the opening on the upper surface of the box-shaped case 1 is covered with a cover 5.

[0005] Reference numeral 6 denotes an operating body comprising a shaft portion 6A and a flange portion 6B integrally formed at the lower end thereof. The shaft portion 6A protrudes from a through hole 5A at the center of the cover 5, and the flange portion 6B
Of the box-shaped case 1 is not rotatable but tiltably fitted but supported by the inner wall 1A of the box-shaped case 1 and has flange portions respectively corresponding to the plurality of inner fixed contacts 4 (4A to 4D) on the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 1. 6B, a plurality of pressing portions 7 (7A-
7D) comes into contact with the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact 2, whereby the upper surface of the flange portion 6B is pressed against the back surface of the cover 5, and the operating body 6 is maintained at the vertical neutral position.

In the multidirectional operation switch having the above-described structure, as shown by an arrow in the sectional view of FIG. 26, when the left upper surface of the knob 8 mounted on the shaft 6A of the operation body 6 is pressed downward, the operation is started. The body 6 is tilted from the vertical neutral position shown in FIG. 23 with the right side of the upper surface of the flange portion 6B as a fulcrum, and the pressing portion 7A on the lower surface pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 2 to partially elastically invert, and the inside corresponding to the pressing portion 7A When the fixed contacts 4A are brought into contact with each other and the outer fixed contacts 3 and the inner fixed contacts 4A are short-circuited and turned on, the electric signals are emitted to the outside through the output terminals 3A and 9 and the pressing force applied to the knob 8 is removed.
Due to the elastic restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact 2, the operating body 6 returns to the original vertical neutral position in FIG. 23, and the space between the outer fixed contact 3 and the inner fixed contact 4A also returns to the OFF state.

[0007]

However, in the above-described conventional multidirectional operation switch as a multidirectional input electronic component, the number of inputtable directions, that is, the resolution of the input direction, is determined when the operation body 6 as the operation unit is tilted. It is determined by the number of inner fixed contacts 4 with which the dome-shaped movable contact 2 makes partial elastic reversal and comes into contact. However, given the size of electronic components that can be used in recent miniaturized electronic devices, this multidirectional operation switch is In order to perform a stable operation, there is a problem that it is difficult to increase the number of the inner fixed contacts 4 to more than the four shown in FIG.

In the multi-directional input device using the multi-directional operation switch, the operation body 6 of the multi-directional operation switch is tilted in the middle direction between the adjacent inner fixed contacts 4,
If two adjacent inner fixed contacts 4 are both turned on within a specific time, a switching recognition means for certifying that they are simultaneously turned on is constituted by a microcomputer, and four individual inner fixed contacts 4 are turned on. It was considered that the limit would be to allow eight directions of operation by processing as another signal different from the time.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and can increase the number of input directions in the size of electronic components that can be used in recent miniaturized electronic equipment, that is, the number of input directions can be increased. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-directional input electronic component having a high resolution and a multi-directional input device using the same.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic component for multidirectional input according to the present invention comprises an outer fixed contact on which an outer peripheral lower end portion of a circular dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal sheet is placed. In the middle of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case and the outer fixed contact, a circular ring having a resistive layer on the surface, a resistor having output terminals derived from three or more positions at predetermined intervals. The element is disposed concentrically with the dome-shaped movable contact, and the shaft of the operating body is projected upward through a through hole in the center of the cover that covers the opening of the box-shaped case, and the outer periphery of a flange integrally formed at the lower end thereof Is supported on the inner wall of the box-shaped case so as to be tiltable, and a pressing step having a diameter corresponding to the resistance element is brought into contact with the circular dome-shaped movable contact.

[0011] This makes it possible to provide a multi-directional input electronic component which is a small product that can be used in recent miniaturized electronic equipment and that can increase the number of input directions, that is, has high resolution in the input direction. Obtainable.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is directed to a circular dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal sheet, an outer fixed contact on which the outer peripheral lower end of the dome-shaped movable contact is mounted, and an output thereof. A box-shaped case made of resin having a terminal at the end of the inner bottom surface, and the dome-shaped movable contact is disposed concentrically between the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case and the outer fixed contact, and has a resistance layer on the surface. In the shape of a circular ring, a resistance element whose output terminals are led out of three or more positions at predetermined intervals, a cover that covers an opening on the upper surface of the box-shaped case, has a through hole in the center, and a shaft portion The upper surface of the flange portion integrally formed at the lower end thereof projects upward from the through hole at the center of the cover, contacts the back surface of the cover, and its outer periphery is tiltably fitted and supported by the inner wall of the box-shaped case. Together with the bottom of this flange A circular pressing step having a diameter corresponding to the resistance element is formed of an operating body that is in contact with the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact, and the shaft of the operating body is tilted to operate the dome-shaped movable contact. It is a multi-directional input electronic component that is partially elastically inverted and comes into contact with one point on the upper surface of the resistive element. The output derived from the output terminal of the outer fixed contact and the three or more positions of the resistance element when the dome-shaped movable contact is partially elastically inverted with a click moderation due to the tilting operation and contacts one point on the upper surface of the resistance element The resistance value of the output signal from the terminal has the effect of realizing a self-returning multi-directional input electronic component capable of inputting in many directions with high resolution.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a central projecting portion slightly higher than the surface of the resistance element is provided at the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case. In addition to the operation according to the invention described in the above, even if the entire operation body moves downward during the tilting operation of the shaft portion of the operation body to elastically invert the entire central portion of the dome-shaped movable contact, the vertex thereof is formed in a box-shaped case. By contacting the central protruding portion of the inner bottom surface, the dome-shaped movable contact can be prevented from contacting the resistance element at a plurality of points, and an erroneous signal can be prevented from being generated.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a hole is provided at the center of the circular dome-shaped movable contact, and the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case or the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body is pressed. The center support portion protrudes from one of the center portions of the stepped portion through the hole in the center of the dome-shaped movable contact, and the center support portion is separated from the center by a distance that does not hinder the tilting operation of the operating body. A supporting concave portion corresponding to the portion is provided, and in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1, the dome-shaped movable member can be moved even when the entire operation body moves downward when the shaft portion of the operation body is tilted. It has an effect that it is possible to prevent the whole contact from being elastically inverted and contacting the upper surface of the resistance element at a plurality of points, thereby preventing generation of an erroneous signal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a circular dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal thin plate and having a hole in the center, an outer fixed contact on which the outer peripheral lower end of the dome-shaped movable contact is mounted, and an output terminal thereof. At the end of the inner bottom surface, a smaller diameter than the hole at the center of the dome-shaped movable contact, and a resin box-shaped case having a center fixed contact having an output terminal at the center of the inner bottom surface. The dome-shaped movable contact is disposed concentrically between the center of the bottom surface and the outer fixed contact, and is formed in a circular ring shape having a resistance layer on the surface, and output terminals are derived from three or more positions at predetermined intervals. And a cover that covers the opening on the upper surface of the box-shaped case, has a through hole in the center, and a shaft portion that projects upward from the through hole in the center of the cover and that is integrally formed at the lower end thereof. The top is the back of the cover And the outer periphery thereof is fitted and supported by the inner wall of the box-shaped case so as to be tiltable and vertically movable, and a circular pressing step having a diameter corresponding to the resistance element provided on the lower surface of the flange portion. The operating body that is in contact with the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact, and is held at the center of the pressing step on the lower surface of the flange portion of the operating body, is larger than the hole at the center of the dome-shaped movable contact, and A central movable contact made of a conductive material having the same height as or slightly protruding from the surface, and by tilting the shaft of the operating body, the dome-shaped movable contact is partially elastically inverted so that the upper surface of the resistance element And the central portion of the dome-shaped movable contact is elastically inverted by pressing down the shaft portion of the operating body, so that the central movable contact becomes the dome-shaped movable contact and the central fixed contact. Is obtained by a multi-directional input electronic component contacting conduction between, while being small articles can be used in recent miniaturized electronic device,
The outer fixed contact when the dome-shaped movable contact is partially elastically inverted with a click sensation due to the tilting operation of the shaft of the operating body, and does not contact the center fixed contact but contacts one point on the upper surface of the resistance element With the resistance value, which is the output signal from the output terminal and the output terminal derived from three or more positions of the resistance element, it is possible to input in many directions with high resolution, and to push down the shaft of the operating body Occasionally, a self-returning multi-directional input electronic component generates another output signal between the output terminal of the outer fixed contact and the output terminal of the center fixed contact, with a greater click feeling than when the shaft is tilted. Can be realized.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the central movable contact is formed of a conductive material having elasticity. Even if a strong impact is applied when the shaft portion of the operating body is pressed down, the elastic central movable contact can reduce the impact and protect the central fixed contact and the peripheral contact portion.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, at least the pressing step portion of the operating body is formed of a conductive material and also serves as a central movable contact. In addition to the operation according to the invention described above, since the height of the central movable contact can be made the same as that of the pressing step, malfunction occurs due to contact between the central movable contact and the central fixed contact when the shaft of the operating body is tilted. It has the effect of being difficult.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the lower surface of the circular dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal sheet is plated with a good conductive noble metal. Since the lower surface of the circular dome-shaped movable contact, which contacts the outer fixed contact and the upper surface of the resistance element, is plated with good conductive noble metal, the contact resistance of each contact portion is reduced. And a stable contact state can be obtained.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, an elastic body is disposed between the back surface of the cover and the upper surface of the flange portion of the operating body. When tilting the shaft portion of the operating body, the angle of tilting the shaft portion can be increased, and the contact portion is damaged by bending of the elastic body when a large force or impact is applied to the shaft portion. This has the effect that the variation in the dimensions of the operating body and the like can be absorbed and the backlash of the shaft can be reduced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the dome-shaped movable contact comprises an elastic metal thin plate having an outer peripheral portion having a truncated conical shape and a central portion inside thereof. Is a substantially spherical shape slightly bulging upward and is formed by drawing into a shape in which the boundary between the two is smoothly connected by a curved line. This makes it easy to manufacture a mold that forms a dome-shaped movable contact. , The reversing operation force and elastic restoring force of the dome-shaped movable contact can be easily controlled by the height and the inclination angle of the truncated cone part, which meets the demands for operation feeling such as the operation force of electronic components for multi-directional input. It has the effect of being easy to do.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the ninth aspect, the angle formed between the slope and the bottom surface of the truncated conical portion on the outer periphery of the dome-shaped movable contact is not less than 25 ° and not more than 35 °,
The height of the truncated conical portion relative to the height of the entire dome-shaped movable contact is 70% or more and 95% or less, and the ratio of the diameter of the pressing step of the operating body to the outer diameter of the dome-shaped movable contact is 40% or more; 60% or less, and in addition to the operation according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the shaft of the operating body is tilted or pushed down, the dome-shaped movable contact is turned over. Since the sense of moderation is particularly clear, there is an effect that a reliable and comfortable operation can be performed.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided
0, the leg of the operation knob is provided in a hole provided below the upper end surface of the shaft of the operating body and deeper than the length of the portion where the shaft protrudes from the cover. It is inserted and engaged, and the operation knob is attached,
The effective fitting length between the shaft of the operating body and the leg of the operating knob is longer than in a general configuration in which the cylindrical leg of the operating knob is covered on the outer periphery of the portion of the operating body shaft that protrudes from the cover. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the backlash of the fitting portion when the operation knob is tilted.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eleventh aspect, the outer diameter of the hole provided below the upper end surface of the shaft portion of the operating body and the leg of the operation knob inserted and mounted in the hole is determined. In any case, the upper portion has a large diameter and the lower portion has a small diameter. In addition to the operation according to the invention of claim 11, the thickness of the shaft portion of the operating body and the outer diameter of the leg portion of the operating knob are tilted. The part where a large bending moment is applied during operation is large,
The part to which only a small bending moment is applied can be made smaller, without increasing the outer diameter of the shaft of the operating body,
This has the effect of increasing the proof stress when the operation knob is tilted.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present invention, a concave portion or a convex portion is provided on the inner periphery of the hole of the shaft portion of the operating body, and the outer periphery of the leg portion of the operating knob is provided. Protrusions or recesses are provided, and these projections are engaged when the operation knob is attached.When the operation knob is tilted, the leg of the operation knob comes out of the hole in the shaft of the operation body. It has the effect that it can be prevented.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention according to claims 1-1.
3. The invention according to any one of 3, wherein the outer periphery of the flange portion of the operation body is fitted and supported by the inner wall of the case so as to be tiltable without rotating, and by preventing the operation knob from rotating, The operation knob can be made into a polygonal shape, and the display related to the tilting operation can be displayed on the surface of the operation knob, and the number of erroneous operations is reduced, which is advantageous in using the electronic component for multidirectional input. Having.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the operation body of the multi-directional input electronic component is tilted in a desired direction, the output terminals provided at the output terminal of the outer fixed contact and the resistance element at three or more positions. Recognizes the tilting operation direction of the operating body with a predetermined number of resolutions by performing predetermined arithmetic processing on a plurality of data acquired between each output terminal under a plurality of energization conditions set for the terminals A multi-directional input device using the multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 1, wherein the multi-directional input electronic component is connected to each output terminal in each direction in which the operating body of the multi-directional input electronic component is tilted. By performing predetermined arithmetic processing on the plurality of data obtained in step (1), an effect is obtained that a multidirectional input device that emits input signals in many directions with high resolution can be realized.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, when the operating body of the multi-directional input electronic component is tilted in a desired direction, the output terminal of the outer fixed contact, the output terminal of the center fixed contact, and the resistance element are provided. Under a plurality of energizing conditions set for the output terminals at the above positions, a predetermined arithmetic processing is performed on a plurality of data acquired between the respective output terminals to determine a tilting operation direction of the operating body. By recognizing with the resolution of a number and emitting the signal, and then pushing down the operating body, another signal different from the above-mentioned tilting operation is output between the output terminal of the outer fixed contact and the output terminal of the center fixed contact. A multi-directional input device using the multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of multi-directional input electronic components are obtained between output terminals in each direction in which the operating body of the multi-directional input electronic component is tilted. De By performing predetermined arithmetic processing on the input data, it is possible to realize a multidirectional input device that emits input signals in many directions with high resolution and that emits a signal different from a signal indicating the tilt direction of the operating body. It has the action of:

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, when the operating member of the multi-directional input electronic component is tilted in a desired direction, the output terminal of the outer fixed contact and the resistance are reduced. Under a plurality of energizing conditions set for output terminals provided at four positions at 90 ° angular intervals on the element, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed on a plurality of data acquired between the respective output terminals. By recognizing the tilting operation direction of the operating body with a predetermined number of resolutions and generating a signal, a plurality of signals obtained between each output terminal in each direction in which the operating body of the multi-directional input electronic component is tilted are recognized. By performing predetermined relatively simple arithmetic processing on the data, the multi-directional input device having high resolution and capable of outputting input signals in many directions can be realized.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, the same components as those described in the section of the prior art will be described.
The same reference numerals are given and the detailed description is omitted.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a multidirectional input electronic component according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of the same.

In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a box-shaped case made of resin, which accommodates a circular dome-shaped movable contact 12 and a flange portion 13B of the operating body 13 at the center thereof, and a central portion of a cover 5 which covers an opening on the upper surface. From the through hole 5A, the flange 13
The fact that the shaft portion 13A of the operating body 13 formed integrally with B protrudes is the same as in the case of the conventional technique.

However, as shown in the plan view of the box-shaped case in FIG. 3, on the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 11, together with the four left, right, front and rear outer fixed contacts 3 on which the outer peripheral lower end of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is mounted. A circular ring-shaped resistance element 1 is provided between the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 11 and the four outer fixed contacts 3.
4 are fixed by insert molding, and three output terminals 15A to 15C of the resistance element 14 are led out along with two output terminals 3A of the outer fixed contact 3 at the outer periphery of the bottom surface.

The resistance element 14 has a uniform specific resistance on the surface of a circular ring-shaped insulating substrate whose central portion of the width is about half the outer diameter of the dome-shaped movable contact 12. The three output terminals 15A to 15C are respectively derived from three lead points 14A to 14C provided at 120 ° angular intervals.

In the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 11,
A central protrusion 11B slightly higher than the surface of the resistance element 14 is provided.

Then, the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is
As shown in an external perspective view of (a) and a front sectional view of (b), the elastic metal sheet is drawn into a circular dome shape, the outer periphery 12A has a truncated cone shape, and the inner central portion 12B. Has a slightly bulged, substantially spherical shape, and the boundary between the two is connected by a smooth curve.

The lower surface is plated with silver, which is a noble metal plating of good conductivity.

The operating body 13 comprises a shaft portion 13A and a disc-shaped flange portion 13B integrally formed at the lower end thereof, and the shaft portion 13A projects from the through hole 5A at the center of the cover 5 as described above. The flange portion 13B is fitted and supported by the inner wall 11A of the box-shaped case 11 so as to be tiltable at the center position.

On the lower surface of the flange portion 13B of the operating body 13, as shown in the bottom perspective view of the operating body in FIG.
A pressing step 13C is formed so as to substantially match the center diameter of the width of the circular ring-shaped resistance element 14 on the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 11, and the pressing step 13C is dome-shaped movable. By being placed on the upper surface of the contact 12,
As shown in FIG. 1, the flange 13B is positioned in the up-down direction, and the upper surface thereof is pressed against the back surface of the cover 5, whereby the operating body 13 is maintained at the vertical neutral position.

A leg 13D is formed below the upper end surface of the shaft portion 13A of the operating body 13 and deeper than the length of the portion where the shaft portion 13A protrudes from the cover 5 and drilled up to the flange portion 13B. The operation knob 16 is mounted by inserting and engaging the portion 16A.

Next, the operation of the thus configured multi-directional input electronic component according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, the operating body 13 is in the vertical neutral position, and the pressing step 13C on the lower surface thereof is
1, the output terminal 3A of the outer fixed contact 3 (see FIG. 3) is in an open state, and is located between the three output terminals of the resistance element 14, that is, the output terminal 15A-1.
The resistance value is the same between 5B, 15B-15C, and 15C-15A.

Then, as indicated by an arrow in the sectional view of FIG. 5, the operation knob 1 mounted on the shaft portion 13A of the operation body 13
When the left upper surface of the cover 6 is pushed downward and tilted in the left direction, which is a desired operation direction, the operating body 13 tilts with the right apex portion 13E of the upper surface of the flange portion 13B abutting on the back surface of the cover 5 as a fulcrum, and The outer peripheral step on the left side of the pressing step 13C pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 12 downward to partially elastically invert with a sense of click, and comes into contact with one contact point 17A on the upper surface of the opposing resistive element 14 (see FIG. 3). .

As a result, the contact point 17A between the outer fixed contact 3 and the upper surface of the resistance element 14 is short-circuited through the dome-shaped movable contact 12, and the three output terminals 15A to 15A of the resistance element 14 are connected.
A resistance value corresponding to the angular position of the contact point 17A, that is, a desired operation direction is derived between each of the output terminals 3A and 5C and the output terminal 3A of the outer fixed contact 3. The resistance value between 15C and the output terminal 3A of the outer fixed contact 3 is used as an input signal to the circuit of the electronic device.

Since the lower surface of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is plated with silver as described above, the contact state at the contact point 17A is stable.

Further, the central portion of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is lowered, and as shown in the sectional view of FIG. , The central portion of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 remains in the box-shaped case 1.
The dome-shaped movable contact 12 does not come into contact with the resistance element 14 at a plurality of points because it comes into contact with the central protruding portion 11B provided slightly higher than the surface of the resistance element 12 at the center of the inner bottom surface of the element 1.

After that, when the pressing force applied to the operation knob 16 is removed, the dome-shaped movable contact 12 returns to the original dome shape by its own elastic restoring force, and the resistance element 1
4, the operating body 13 is separated from the contact point 17 </ b> A on the upper surface, and the pressing step 13 </ b> C on the lower surface of the flange 13 </ b> B is pushed up to the vertical neutral position, and returns to the original state of FIG. 1.

Similarly, by pushing the upper surface of the operation knob 16 in the desired operation direction downward, the output terminals 3A and 15A are pressed.
Between A to 15C, a resistance value corresponding to each operation direction can be derived.

In the above description, three lead-out points 14A to 14C for leading out the three output terminals 15A to 15C of the resistance element 14 are provided at equal intervals of 120 °. There is no need to set the interval, and it is sufficient if there is a certain angular interval between the three lead-out points 14A to 14C.

The number of output points and output terminals of the resistance element 14 may be four or more instead of three.

As described above, in the electronic component for multidirectional input according to the present embodiment, the tilting operation of the operating body 13 causes the dome-shaped movable contact 12 to partially elastically invert with a sense of moderation, thereby making one point on the upper surface of the resistance element 14. Is used for inputting to a circuit of an electronic device using resistance values as output signals from the output terminal 3A of the outer fixed contact 3 and three or more output terminals of the resistance element 14 when contacting the electronic device. However, it is possible to input in many directions with high resolution.

Here, when operating the electronic component for multidirectional input according to the present embodiment, the operation feeling accompanied by a click feeling when the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is partially elastically inverted is as shown in FIG. Can be graphically represented in a characteristic diagram showing a change in the operating force with respect to the operation stroke of pushing down the dome-shaped movable contact, and the ratio [Q / P] of the reversing operation force P and the repulsive return force Q of the dome-shaped movable contact in FIG. = 4
0 to 60%], it is generally considered to be a favorable operation feeling.

A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 8, of a study of the shape of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 in the electronic component for multidirectional input according to the present embodiment so as to satisfy the above conditions.

In the case of the electronic component for multidirectional input according to the present embodiment, the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is liable to be partially elastically inverted in consideration of the arrangement state of the outer fixed contacts 3 and the resistance elements 14 on the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 11. In addition, in order to easily manufacture the resistance element 14 having a predetermined resistance value, a portion of about の of the outer diameter of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is elastically inverted so that it is located at the center of the width of the resistance element 14. An abutting configuration may be desirable.

The pressing step is premised on the ratio [d / D = 50%] between the outer diameter D of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 and the diameter d of the pressing step 13C on the lower surface of the operating body 13 for pressing the same. In the case where the dome-shaped movable contact 12 is pushed down at the outer peripheral step of the portion 13C to be operated, the angle θ formed between the bottom surface of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 and the slope of the truncated cone portion of the outer periphery 12A, and the entire dome-shaped movable contact 12 The shape of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 that optimizes the operation feeling was examined while variously changing the ratio h / H between the height H of the dome-shaped movable contact 12 and the height h of the truncated cone-shaped portion (each part of the dome-shaped movable contact 12). (See the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 8B).

As can be seen from the distribution diagram showing the results of the study shown in FIG. 8A, the reversing operation force P and the repulsive return force Q are generally considered to favor the operation feeling of the dome-shaped movable contact 12.
Range of [Q / P = 40-60%] was θ = 25 ° -35 ° and h / H = 70-95%.

The above results are obtained when d / D is fixed at 50%. In addition, the value of d / D is set to 4
Although the case where the value was varied in the range of 0 to 60% was also examined, it should be noted that almost the same result was obtained.

Further, the upper surface of the operation knob 16 of the electronic component for multi-directional input according to the present embodiment is pushed downward to operate the operating body 1.
When the operation body 3 is tilted, a force for laterally prying acts on the joint between the hole 13D of the shaft 13A of the operation body 13 and the leg 16A of the operation knob 16, but the hole 13D and the leg 16A have long dimensions. Since they are connected by fitting, no rattling or the like is caused by a normal operation.

As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 9, a hole 18B provided below the upper end face of the shaft 18A of the operating body 18 is provided.
The inner diameter of the operating member 19 and the outer diameter of the leg 19A of the operation knob 19 are set such that the upper portions 18C and 19B have a larger diameter and the lower portions 18D and 19C have a smaller diameter. And leg 1 of operation knob 19
The portion where the large bending moment is applied during the tilting operation can be large while the portion where only a small bending moment is applied can be made small, and the outer diameter of 9A can be reduced.
Without increasing the outer diameter of 8A, it is possible to increase the proof stress when the operation knob 19 is tilted, and a concave portion 18E is provided on the inner periphery of the hole 18B of the shaft portion 18A of the operating body 18.
A convex portion 19D is provided on the outer periphery of the leg portion 19A of the operation knob 19, and when the operation knob 19 is mounted, the concave portion 18E and the convex portion 19D are engaged to operate the operation knob 19 in a tilting operation. The leg 19A of the knob 19 can be prevented from falling out of the hole 18B of the shaft 18A of the operating body 18.

In the above description, the concave portion 18E is provided in the hole 18B of the shaft portion 18A of the operating body 18 and the convex portion 19D is provided in the leg portion 19A of the operating knob 19.
In this case, a convex portion may be provided on the operation body side and a concave portion may be provided on the operation knob side.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of a multidirectional input electronic component according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. The electronic component for use is different from that according to the first embodiment,
A ring-shaped elastic body 21 made of a sheet-like rubber or the like is inserted between the upper surface of the flange portion 20B of the operation body 20 and the back surface of the cover 5.

Since the other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, a detailed description is omitted.
Is arranged between the flange portion 20B of the operating body 20 and the back surface of the cover 5, so that the box-shaped case 11, the cover 5, the operating body 20 and the dome-shaped movable contact 12 may be slightly dimensionally changed or machined during processing or combination. Even if a variation occurs, the operating body 20 can be maintained at the vertical neutral position without rattling as long as the elastic body 21 is within the bending range.

As shown by the arrow in the sectional view of FIG. 11, the left upper surface of the operation knob 16 mounted on the hole 20D of the shaft portion 20A of the operation body 20 is pushed downward, and the desired operation direction, ie, the left direction When the operating body 20 is tilted downward, the operating body 20 is tilted with the right apex 20E on the upper surface of the flange portion 20B as a fulcrum, and the pressing step 20C on the lower surface pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 12 downward to cause a partial elastic reversal together with a click feeling. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the resistance value corresponding to the operation direction is led out between the output terminals on the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the box-shaped case 11 by making contact with the contact point 17B on the upper surface of the opposing resistance element 14. However, at this time, the elastic body 21 is locally pressed by the apex portion 20E of the operating body 20 and is compressed and deformed, so that the inclination angle of the shaft section 20A of the operating body 20 can be increased, and the shaft section 20A
When an impact force or an abnormal force is applied at the time of tilting, the dome-shaped movable contact 12 and the resistance element 14 can be protected by further compressing and deforming to absorb the force.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of a multidirectional input electronic component according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of the same, and FIG. 13B is a bottom view of an operation body that is a main part of the same. As shown in FIG. In contrast to the first embodiment, a central support portion 22A protrudes from the center of the inner bottom surface of the resin box-shaped case 22 and penetrates the central circular hole 23A of the circular dome-shaped movable contact 23 to form an operating body 24. And a small distance from the support recess 24D provided at the center of the pressing step 24C on the lower surface of the flange portion 24B, and the rectangular flange portion 24 of the operating body 24.
Four corners 22B of the outer periphery of B are engaged and supported by four corners 22B of the inner wall of the box-shaped case 22 so that they do not rotate but can tilt.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description is omitted. However, by adopting such a structure, the entire operation body 24 is lowered when the operation body 24 is tilted. To prevent the dome-shaped movable contact 23 from contacting the resistance element 14 at two or more places, thereby preventing an erroneous signal from being generated. In addition, the operation knob 25 attached to the shaft portion 24A of the operation body 24 is arranged in the disposition direction. Is constant, a display related to the operation can be displayed on the surface.

As shown by the arrow in the sectional view of FIG. 14, when the upper surface of the operation knob 25 of the electronic component for multidirectional input according to the present embodiment is pushed downward to be tilted in a desired direction, the operation body 24 is moved. Is the vertex 24 on the upper surface of the flange 24B.
By tilting with E as a fulcrum, the pressing step portion 24C on the lower surface pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 23 downward, partially elastically inverts with a sense of click, and comes into contact with the upper surface of the resistance element 14,
The fact that the resistance value corresponding to the operation direction is derived between the output terminals on the outer periphery of the bottom of the box-shaped case 22 is the same as in the first embodiment, but at this time, the center support of the center of the bottom of the inside of the box-shaped case 22 is performed. Since the portion 22A abuts and engages with the supporting recess 24D on the lower surface of the flange portion 24B of the operating body 24, the operating body 24 can maintain an accurate position from the center of the box-shaped case 22 without any lateral displacement. As a result, reliable and stable operation can be performed.

In the above description, the central support portion 22A is provided on the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 22, and the support concave portion 24D is provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 24B of the operating body 24. The operating recess may be provided with a central supporting portion.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of a multidirectional input electronic component according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
16A is an exploded perspective view, FIG. 16B is a bottom view of the operation body, and FIG. 17 is a plan view of the box-shaped case. As shown in FIG. The electronic component for use is different from that according to the first embodiment in that a central fixed contact 27 is provided at the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case 26, and an output terminal 27A connected to the center fixed contact 27 is led out at the outer periphery of the bottom surface. In the center of the circular dome-shaped movable contact 23, a circular hole 23A similar to that of the third embodiment is provided.
Pressing step 28C on the lower surface of flange 28B of operation body 28
A central movable contact 29 made of a metal material and having a diameter larger than that of the circular hole 23A of the dome-shaped movable contact 23 slightly protrudes from the surface of the pressing step 28C and is held in the center of the dome-shaped movable contact 23.

The outer diameter of the central fixed contact 27 is smaller than the diameter of the circular hole 23A of the dome-shaped movable contact 23.
The outer periphery of the flange portion 28B of the operation body 28 is
6 is fitted and supported by the inner wall 26A so as to be tiltable and vertically movable.

The structure of the other parts is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, by adopting such a structure, the outer fixed contact 3 by tilting the operation body 28 is formed. In addition to the output signals from the output terminal 3A of the resistance element 14 and the output terminals 15A to 15C of the
An output signal can be derived between the output terminal 3A and the output terminal 27A of the center fixed contact 27.

The operation of the multi-directional input electronic component according to the present embodiment will be briefly described. First, as shown by the arrow in the sectional view of FIG. When tilted in the direction,
Is tilted with the vertex 28E of the flange 28B in contact with the back surface of the cover 5 as a fulcrum, and the outer peripheral step of the pressing step 28C pushes the dome-shaped movable contact 23 downward to partially elastically invert with a sense of click moderation. Contact point 17 on element 14
C, between the output terminal 3A of the outer fixed contact 3 and the three output terminals 15A to 15C of the resistance element 14, the resistance values corresponding to the contact points 17C are respectively derived.
This is the same as in the first embodiment.

Even if the central portion of the dome-shaped movable contact 23 is lowered when the dome-shaped movable contact 23 is partially elastically inverted, the lower central fixed contact 27 remains in the central circular hole 2 of the dome-shaped movable contact 23.
Since it is smaller than 3A, the dome-shaped movable contact 23 and the center fixed contact 27 do not come into contact with each other.

Next, as shown by an arrow in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 19, when the upper surface of the operation knob 16 is pressed and moved downward together with the operation body 28, the pressing step 28C on the lower surface of the flange 28B of the operation body 28 is pressed. Central movable contact 2 held at the center
9 presses the periphery of the circular hole 23A of the dome-shaped movable contact 23 downward to elastically invert the central portion thereof with a large click feeling, and the central movable contact 29 is formed in the circular hole 23A of the dome-shaped movable contact 23. Is the center fixed contact 2
7 and short-circuits between the dome-shaped movable contact 23 and the center fixed contact 27, that is, between the outer fixed contact 3 and the center fixed contact 27, and as described above, the output terminal of the outer fixed contact 3 An output signal is derived between 3A and the output terminal 27A of the center fixed contact 27.

Note that, even if the dome-shaped movable contact 23 comes into contact with the resistance element 14 and the resistance value as an output signal is derived between the output terminals 3A and 15A to 15C during the pressing operation of the operation body 28, In an electronic device using a multi-directional input electronic component, a circuit is set so as to cancel an output signal between the output terminals 3A and 15A to 15C if an output signal is derived between the output terminals 3A and 27A. It is good.

Then, as described above, the operating body 28 is tilted and pushed down via the operation knob 16 to elastically invert the dome-shaped movable contact 23, and then the operation knob 1
6 except for the pressing force applied to the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact 2
The operation body 28 is pushed up to the vertical position by returning to the original dome shape by its own elastic restoring force, and returns to the original state of FIG. 15 as in the case of the first embodiment.

In the above description, the central movable contact 29
Is described as being made of a metal material. However, if this is formed of a conductive material having elasticity such as conductive rubber,
Even if a strong shock is applied when the button is pressed down, the center movable contact having elasticity can reduce the shock and protect the center fixed contact 27 and the peripheral contact portion.

In the above description, the center movable contact 29 made of a metal material is described as being held at the center of the pressing step 28C on the lower surface of the flange 28B of the operating body 28. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 20, the pressing step 31 made of a metal material is
Although it is configured to be fixed to the lower surface of the main body and also used as the central movable contact, or the entire operation body may be formed of a metal material and configured to also serve as the central fixed contact. Center movable contact 2 at the height of the step 31
When the operation body 30 is tilted by pushing the upper surface of the end of the operation knob 16 as shown by an arrow in FIG. 20, the center portion of the pressing step 31 as the center movable contact and the center fixed contact 27, a more reliable insulation distance can be ensured, and malfunctions can be less likely to occur.

(Embodiment 5) The present embodiment relates to a multidirectional input device using a multidirectional input electronic component according to the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration thereof.

In the figure, reference numeral 32 denotes the first embodiment.
The electronic components for multidirectional input described in (1) to (3) (hereinafter, referred to as electronic components 32) and 33 indicate an electric circuit unit.

Reference numeral 34 denotes a resistance element having a circular ring-shaped resistance layer having a uniform specific resistance. The resistance element 34 has three lead points 34A, 34B, and 34C provided at 120 ° angular intervals.
The three output terminals of the RI terminal 35A, the RII terminal 35B, and the RIII terminal 35C are respectively led out and connected to the electric circuit section 33, and also connected to the circular dome-shaped movable contact 36 (the outer shape is indicated by a dotted line). M terminal 3 which is the output terminal
Similarly, 7 is connected to the electric circuit section 33.

Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device thus configured will be described.

When the operating body (not shown) of the electronic component 32 is tilted in a desired direction, and the dome-shaped movable contact 36 is partially elastically inverted and comes into contact with the contact point 38 on the upper surface of the resistance element 34, first, As the first energizing condition, the RI terminal 3
A voltage (for example, 5 volts) is applied to 5A and the RII terminal 3
5B to ground (0 volts), RIII terminal 35C
Is in an open state, the electric circuit section 33 reads the voltage (voltage ratio) output to the M terminal 37 and compares the voltage with the data stored in advance, so that the position of the contact point 38 can be determined between the derived points 34A and 34B. In between, the first data is obtained that is the P1 point on the opposite side to the derived point 34C or the P2 point on the derived point 34C side.

Next, as the second energizing condition, the RI terminal 3
A voltage (for example, 5 volts) is applied to 5A and the RII terminal 3
5B is open, the RIII terminal 35C is connected to ground (0 volt), and the M
By reading the voltage (voltage ratio) output to the terminal 37 and checking it against data stored in advance,
The second data is obtained that the position of the contact point 38 is the P1 point on the side of the derived point 34B between the derived points 34A and 34C or the P3 point on the opposite side to the derived point 34C.

Then, the electric circuit section 33 compares the first data with the second data, recognizes that the direction of the coincident point P1 is the direction in which the tilting operation has been performed, and emits the signal.

The acquisition of these data and the arithmetic processing are repeatedly performed at high speed.

As described above, in the multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment, the contact point on the upper surface of the resistance element 34, which is a plurality of data obtained under a plurality of energizing conditions, when the operation body of the electronic component 32 is tilted. Since the direction in which the operating body is tilted is recognized based on the voltage (voltage ratio) at 38, input signals in many directions can be generated by recognizing with high resolution.

In the above-described multi-directional input device, if the electronic component 32 is a multi-directional input electronic component having the central fixed contact 39 as described in the fourth embodiment, the operation body is pushed down. , Center fixed contact 3
A signal for executing a functional operation corresponding to the tilting direction of the operating body can also be issued via an output terminal (not shown) of No. 9.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment. In the description, the lead points provided on the circular ring-shaped resistance element 42 of the electronic component 40 will be referred to as 42A to 42A.
42D are provided at 90 ° angular intervals, and RI terminals 43A to RIV terminals 4
That the three 3D output terminals are led out and connected to the electric circuit portion 41, and that the circular dome-shaped movable contact 36
The M terminal 37 which is an output terminal connected to the
1 is the same as in the fifth embodiment.

The operation of the multi-directional operation device having such a configuration is such that the operation body of the electronic component 40 is tilted in a desired direction, the dome-shaped movable contact 36 is partially elastically inverted, and the upper surface of the resistance element 42 is In the state where the contact is made with the contact point 44, first, as the first energizing condition, the RI terminals 43A and RII
The I terminal 43C is opened, the RII terminal 43B is connected to ground (0 volt), a voltage (for example, 5 volts) is applied to the RIV terminal 43D, and the voltage is output to the M terminal 37 in the electric circuit section 41. By reading the voltage (voltage ratio), the X coordinate of the contact point 44 is obtained as the first data.

Next, as the second energizing condition, the RI terminal 4
A voltage (eg, 5 volts) is applied to 3A, the RIII terminal 43C is connected to ground (0 volt), and the RII terminal 43B
By setting the RIV terminal 43D to the open state and reading the voltage (voltage ratio) output to the M terminal 37 in the electric circuit section 41, the Y coordinate of the contact point 44 is obtained as the second data.

Then, in the electric circuit section 41, the contact point 4 obtained by combining the first data and the second data
The X and Y coordinates of No. 4 are recognized as the direction in which the tilt operation is performed, and the signal is issued.

It should be noted that these data acquisition and arithmetic processing are repeatedly performed at high speed,
When tilting the operating body 0, it is possible to recognize the direction in which the operating body is tilted by the voltage (voltage ratio) at the contact point 44 on the upper surface of the resistance element 42, which is a plurality of data obtained under a plurality of energizing conditions. Although the same as the case of the fifth embodiment, the multidirectional input device according to the present embodiment can recognize with high resolution and generate input signals in many directions by performing relatively simple arithmetic processing. Things.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the size of electronic components that can be used in recent miniaturized electronic devices, the number of input directions is large, that is, the multi-direction with high input direction resolution. An advantageous effect is obtained that an input electronic component and a multidirectional input device using the same can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional input electronic component according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2A is an exploded perspective view of the same, and FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the operation body.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the box-shaped case.

FIG. 4A is an external perspective view of the dome-shaped movable contact, and FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view when the operation body is pushed downward.

FIG. 7 is a general characteristic diagram showing a change in an operation force with respect to an operation stroke of the dome-shaped movable contact.

FIG. 8 (a) is a distribution diagram showing a study result on a shape satisfying a preferable operation feeling of the dome-shaped movable contact; and (b) a partial cross-sectional view of the dome-shaped movable contact and a pressing step.

FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view of the operation knob with the shape of the mounting / joining portion changed.

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional input electronic component according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional input electronic component according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

13A is an exploded perspective view of the same, and FIG. 13B is a bottom view of the operation body.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of a multi-directional input electronic component according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

16A is an exploded perspective view of the same, and FIG. 16B is a bottom view of the operation body.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the box-shaped case.

FIG. 18 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

FIG. 19 is a front sectional view when the operating body is pushed down.

FIG. 20 is a front sectional view of a modified configuration of the operating body and the central movable contact.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a multi-directional operation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a multi-directional operation device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a front sectional view of a conventional multidirectional operation switch.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of the box-shaped case.

FIG. 26 is a front sectional view when the operating body is tilted.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 3 outer fixed contact 3A, 15A to 15C, 27A output terminal 5 cover 5A through hole 11, 22, 26 box-shaped case 11A, 26A inner wall 11B central projecting part 12, 23, 36 dome-shaped movable contact 12A outer peripheral 12B central part 13, 18, 20, 24, 28, 30 Operating body 13A, 18A, 20A, 24A Shaft part 13B, 20B, 24B, 28B, 30A Flange part 13C, 20C, 24C, 28C, 31 Pressing step part 13D, 18B, 20D hole 13E, 20E, 24E, 28E Apex part 14, 42 Resistance element 14A-14C, 34A-34C, 42A-42D Derivation point 16, 19, 25 Operation knob 16A, 19A Leg 17A, 17B, 17C, 38, 44 Contact point 18C, 19B Upper part 18D, 19C Lower part 18E Concave part 19D Convex part 21 Elastic body 2 2A Central support part 22B Corner part 23A Circular hole 24D Support concave part 27,39 Central fixed contact 29 Central movable contact 32,40 Multidirectional input electronic component 33,41 Electric circuit part 35A, 43A RI terminal 35B, 43B RII terminal 35C , 43C RIII terminal 37M terminal 43D RIV terminal

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A resin box-shaped case having a circular dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal thin plate, an outer fixed contact on which an outer peripheral lower end of the dome-shaped movable contact is mounted, and an output terminal thereof at an inner bottom end. And a circular ring having a resistive layer on the surface, disposed at the center between the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case and the outer fixed contact and concentrically with the dome-shaped movable contact, and at least three places spaced at predetermined intervals. The output element is led out from the position of the resistor, the cover covers the opening on the top of the box-shaped case, has a through hole in the center, and the shaft protrudes upward from the through hole in the center of the cover. The upper surface of the integrally formed flange portion is in contact with the back surface of the cover, the outer periphery of the flange portion is tiltably fitted and supported by the inner wall of the box-shaped case, and the diameter of the lower surface of the flange portion corresponds to the resistance element. For circular pressing A stepped portion is made of an operating body that is in contact with the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact, and by tilting the shaft of the operating body, the dome-shaped movable contact is partially elastically inverted, and a point on the upper surface of the resistance element is formed. Electronic components for multi-directional input contacting 2. The multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 1, wherein a central projection slightly higher than the surface of the resistance element is provided at the center of the inner bottom surface of the box-shaped case. 3. A dome-shaped movable contact having a hole at the center of a circular dome-shaped movable contact, and the dome-shaped movable contact is provided from one of a center of an inner bottom surface of a box-shaped case and a center of a pressing step on a lower surface of a flange portion of an operation body. 2. A support recess corresponding to the central support portion is provided at a distance from the center support portion so as to protrude through the central hole, and to be spaced apart from the other so as not to hinder the tilting operation of the operating body. Electronic components for multi-directional input. 4. A circular dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal thin plate having a hole in the center, an outer fixed contact on which the outer peripheral lower end of the dome-shaped movable contact is mounted, and an output terminal thereof are provided at an inner bottom end. A resin box having a diameter smaller than the center hole of the dome-shaped movable contact and having a center fixed contact having an output terminal at the center of the inner bottom surface; a center of the inner bottom surface of the box shaped case and an outer fixed contact; A resistor element having a circular ring shape having a resistive layer on the surface and having output terminals led out from three or more positions at predetermined intervals, and A cover that covers the opening of the upper surface of the mold case and has a through hole in the center, and a shaft portion protrudes upward from the through hole in the center of the cover, and the upper surface of a flange portion integrally formed at the lower end thereof is on the back surface of the cover. In contact with the outer circumference The inner wall of the box-shaped case is fitted and supported so as to be tiltable and vertically movable, and a circular pressing step having a diameter corresponding to the resistance element provided on the lower surface of the flange portion is provided on the upper surface of the dome-shaped movable contact. The operating body in contact with the operating body is held at the center of the pressing step on the lower surface of the flange portion, is larger than the hole in the center of the dome-shaped movable contact, and has the same height or a slight height as the surface of the pressing step. A central movable contact made of a conductive material protruding into the operating body, by tilting the shaft of the operating body, the dome-shaped movable contact partially elastically inverts and contacts one point on the upper surface of the resistance element, By pressing down the shaft portion of the operating body, the entire central portion of the dome-shaped movable contact is elastically inverted, and the central movable contact makes contact between the dome-shaped movable contact and the central fixed contact, thereby making it multi-directional. Input for electronic components. 5. The multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 4, wherein the central movable contact is formed of a conductive material having elasticity. 6. The multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 4, wherein at least the pressing step portion of the operating body is formed of a conductive material and also serves as a central movable contact. 7. The multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 1, wherein a good conductive noble metal plating is applied to a lower surface of the circular dome-shaped movable contact made of an elastic metal thin plate. 8. The electronic component for multidirectional input according to claim 1, wherein an elastic body is disposed between the back surface of the cover and the upper surface of the flange portion of the operation body. 9. The dome-shaped movable contact is made of an elastic metal thin plate having a substantially truncated conical outer peripheral portion and a slightly spherical upwardly inner central portion having a shape in which the boundary between the two is smoothly connected by a curved line. Claim 1 which is formed by drawing.
8. The electronic component for multidirectional input according to any one of 8. 10. The angle between the inclined surface and the bottom surface of the truncated conical portion on the outer periphery of the dome-shaped movable contact is 25 ° or more and 35 ° or less, and the height of the truncated conical portion is 70% of the total height of the dome-shaped movable contact. The ratio of the diameter of the pressing step of the operating body to the outer diameter of the dome-shaped movable contact is 40% or more and 60% or less.
10% or less. 11. The operation knob leg is inserted and engaged with a hole provided below the upper end surface of the shaft portion of the operating body and deeper than the length of the portion where the shaft portion protrudes from the cover. The multi-directional input electronic component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a knob. 12. An outer diameter of a hole provided below an upper end surface of a shaft portion of an operation body and an outer diameter of a leg portion of an operation knob inserted and mounted in the hole, the upper portion having a large diameter and the lower portion having a small diameter. 1
Electronic component for multidirectional input according to 1. 13. A concave or convex portion is provided on an inner periphery of a hole of a shaft portion of an operation body, and a convex or concave portion is provided on an outer periphery of a leg portion of an operation knob, and the concave or convex portion is engaged when the operation knob is mounted. 13. The multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 11, wherein 14. The multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 1, wherein an outer periphery of a flange portion of the operation body is fitted and supported by an inner wall of the case so as to be tiltable without rotating. 15. An output terminal of an outer fixed contact and an output terminal provided at three or more positions of a resistance element when an operation body of a multidirectional input electronic component is tilted in a desired direction. Under a plurality of energization conditions, by performing a predetermined arithmetic processing on a plurality of data obtained between each output terminal, the tilting operation direction of the operating body is recognized with a predetermined number of resolutions, and a signal is generated. A multi-directional input device using the multi-directional input electronic component according to claim 1. 16. An output terminal of an outer fixed contact, an output terminal of a center fixed contact, and an output terminal at three or more positions of a resistance element when an operation body of a multidirectional input electronic component is tilted in a desired direction. By performing predetermined arithmetic processing on a plurality of data acquired between the output terminals under a plurality of energizing conditions set for the operation body, the tilting operation direction of the operating body is recognized with a predetermined number of resolutions. By emitting that signal and then pushing down the operating body,
5. The multidirectional input device according to claim 4, wherein a signal different from the tilting operation is generated between an output terminal of the outer fixed contact and an output terminal of the center fixed contact. 17. When the operating body of the multi-directional input electronic component is tilted in a desired direction, the output terminal of the outer fixed contact and the output terminals provided at four positions at 90 ° angular intervals on the resistance element. By performing predetermined arithmetic processing on a plurality of data acquired between the output terminals under a plurality of energizing conditions set for the operation body, the tilting operation direction of the operating body is recognized with a predetermined number of resolutions. 17. The multidirectional input device according to claim 15, which emits the signal.