Patent ID: 6078247
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: H01C

Abstract:
A multi-direction input device comprising a first interlocking member which is rotatable around a first axis and which has a strip elongated slot, a second interlocking member which is arranged beneath the first interlocking member so as to be perpendicular thereto, which is rotatable around a second axis, and which has a block portion at the center thereof having an elongated groove extending perpendicular to the elongated slot of the first interlocking member, a frame member, the interior of which is bridged by the first and second interlocking members, an operating shaft, a columnar knob of which is passed through the elongated slot of the first interlocking member movably supported in a longitudinal direction of the elongated slot of the first interlocking member, and a flat base portion thereof connected with the knob portion is passed through the elongated groove of the second interlocking member so as to be rotatable supported in the longitudinal direction of the elongated groove of the second interlocking member by a support hole formed in the block of the second interlocking member and a support pin passed through a support hole formed in the base portion and which can be tilted in a number of directions around a rotatably supported portion, and a plurality of rotary type electric parts which are provided on the frame member and which have rotors rotationally driven by engaging with end portions of the first and second interlocking members,wherein the operating shaft is formed from sheet metal, wherein when the knob portion of the operating shaft moves within the elongated slot of the first interlocking member in the direction of the elongated slot, the flat base portion allows the second interlocking member to be rotated around the first axis thereof while pressing the block portion of the second interlocking member in accordance with the movement of the knob portion, and when the flat base portion of the operating shaft moves within the elongated groove of the second interlocking member in the direction of the elongated groove, the knob portion allows the first interlocking member to be rotated around the second axis thereof while pressing the portion of the first interlocking member around the elongated slot of the first interlocking member in accordance with the movement of the base portion, whereby the operating shaft is tilted.