Patent ID: 6617957
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: G05G,H01C,Y10T

Abstract:
A multidirectional input device comprising:a frame body having an interior area; a first interlock member rotatably supported by the frame body and having a first elongated hole; a second interlock member arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first interlock member, said second interlock member being rotatably supported by the frame body and having a second elongated hole; an operating shaft for rotating the first and second interlock members, the operating shaft being disposed within the first elongated hole and rotatably supported by the first interlock member so as to be pivotal within the first elongated hole, said operating shaft having a lower end portion that engages the second elongated hole of the second interlock member, said lower end portion being movable along said second elongated hole; a coil spring for providing an elastic biasing force to the first and second interlock members; and a plurality of electric parts which can be operated by the rotation of the first and second interlock members, wherein support portions are provided at both ends of the first and second interlock members for supporting the first and second interlock members inside the frame body, wherein the second interlock member comprises a connecting portion between the support portions, the connecting portion having downwardly protruding U-shape, the second elongated hole being disposed within the connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion is arranged below the first interlock member so that the second interlock member is astride the first interlock member and the connecting portion is substantially below the first interlock member, the connecting portion being substantially disposed within an inner volume of the coil spring, wherein, when the operating shaft is tilted along the first elongate hole of the first interlock member, the operating shaft rotates about a second line of rotation that intersects the support portions at each end of the second interlock member and the lower end portion of the operating shaft engages a side of the second elongate hole of the second interlock member so as to rotate the second interlock member about the second line of rotation, and wherein, when the operating shaft is tilted along the second elongate hole of the second interlock member, the operating shaft rotates about a first line of rotation that intersects the support portions at each end of the first interlock member so as to rotate the first interlock member about the first line of rotation.