Abstract:
A switch device includes a base member, an operation member conducting a rotating operation in a first direction and a second direction, a pushing operation in a third direction, and a tilting operation in forward and backward directions, an urging member which urges the operation member constantly so that the operation member is restored to a reference position, a first and a second switches which are operated by the rotating operation of the operation member in the first and second directions, a third switch, which is operated by the pushing operation of the operation member; and a fourth and a fifth switches which are operated by the tilting operation in the forward and backward direction of the operation member. The first, second and third directions is parallel to a surface or the base member. The forward and back ward directions are perpendicular to the surface of the base member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a switch device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite operation type switch device capable of conducting five different operations with one operation member and also capable of outputting an electric signal for each operation.  
         [0002]     Concerning the composite operation type switch device which is used as a part for inputting signals into an electronic apparatus such as a video camera, digital camera, audio CD player or cellular phone, a plurality of switches must be smoothly, continuously operated so as to conduct a predetermined processing.  
         [0003]     In order to meet the above demand, JP-A-9-63420 discloses a switch device in which two different switching operations can be conducted by the rotary operation of one operation switch in such a manner that the first switch is operated when a single operation member is rotated to the left and the second switch is operated when the single operation member is rotated to the right. Further, JP-A-2001-143577 discloses a switch device in which three different switching operations can be conducted by the rotary operation of a single operation switch in such a manner that the first switch is operated when the single operation member is rotated to the right and the second switch is operated when the single operation member is rotated to the left and the third switch is operated when the single operation member is pushed.  
         [0004]     As described above, according to the switch device described in JP-A-9-63420, contact points of two different switches can be changed by the operation of the single operation member. According to the switch device described in JP-A-2001-143577, contact points or three different switches can be changed by the operation of the single operation member. However, in order to use the switch devices as parts for inputting data into multi-functional information apparatus recently developed, the switching number of two or three is not sufficiently large for the multi-functional switch use. In the case where a composite operation type switch device, the contact point switching number of which is small, is used as a part for inputting data, it is impossible to conduct various types of operation by the composite operation type switch device. Therefore, a plurality of switch devices are needed to conduct various types of operation. However, when a plurality of switch devices are used for a mobile information apparatus, the size or the apparatus is increased.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     It is therefore an object or the present invention to provide a switch device in which the contact point switching number of one operation member to be more than three is increased so that various types of operation can be conducted by one operation member.  
         [0006]     In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a switch device, comprising: 
        a base member;     an operation member, which is provided on the base member, and which conducts a rotating operation in a first direction and a second direction opposed to the first direction, a pushing operation in a third direction, and a tilting operation in forward and backward directions;     an urging member, which urges the operation member constantly so that the operation member is restored to a reference position;     a first and a second switches, which are operated by the rotating operation of the operation member in the first and second directions;     a third switch, which is operated by the pushing operation of the operation member, and     a fourth and a fifth switches, which are operated by the tilting operation in the forward and backward direction of the operation member,     wherein the first, second and third directions is parallel to a surface of the base member; and     wherein the forward and back ward directions are perpendicular to the surface of the base member.        
 
         [0015]     According to this constitution, when the operation member is rotated to the first or second direction, the first or the second switch is operated. When the operation member is pushed in, the third operation switch is operated. When the operation member is operated being tilted in the forward or the backward direction, the fourth or the fifth switch is operated. In the related switch device, the switching number of the contact points capable or being operated by one operation member is three. However, according to the switch device of the present invention, the switching number of the contact points capable of being operated by one operation member is five.  
         [0016]     Preferably, the switch device further includes a slide member which is slideably provided on the base member, and a rotary member which is rotatably attached to the slide member. The slide member slides on the base member with the rotary member when the pushing operation is conducted to change the third switch. The rotary member rotates with the operation member in the first and second directions when the rotary operation is conducted to change the first and second switches according to the rotating direction.  
         [0017]     According to this constitution, when the operation member is operated being pushed in, the slide member is slid integrally with the operation member, and the third switch is changed via the slide member. When the slide operation member is rotated to the first or second direction, the rotary member is rotated to the first or second direction in the same manner as the operation member, so that the first or the second switch can be changed according to the rotating direction of the rotary member.  
         [0018]     Preferably, the operation member has an intermediate portion which is rotatably and tiltably attached to the rotary member, the intermediate portion serving as a fulcrum when the operation member is tilted in the forward and backward direction. The intermediate portion has a first end portion and a second end portion which are located at both side of the intermediate portion. When the operation member is tilted in the forward direction, the first end portion pushes the fourth switch so that the fourth switch is changed. When the operation member is tilted in the backward direction, the second end portion pushes the fifth switch so that the fifth switch is changed.  
         [0019]     According to this constitution, the operation member can be tilted in the forward and the backward direction round the fulcrum of the intermediate portion. When the operation member is tilted in the forward direction, the end portion of the operation member is pushed by the fourth switch. Due to this pushing motion, the fourth switch is changed. On the contrary, when the operation member is tilted in the backward direction, the second end portion of the operation member is pushed by the fifth switch. Due to this pushing motion, the fifth switch in changed.  
         [0020]     Preferably, the base member has a support shaft which is protruded upward. The slide member has a hole which extends in a sliding direction of the slide member. The support shaft is inserted into the hole.  
         [0021]     According to this constitution, a movement of the elide member sliding on the base member can be guided by the engagement of the support shaft of the base member with the hole of the slide member.  
         [0022]     Preferably, the urging member is provided as a torsion coil spring which has a winding portion and a pair of arm portions extending outside from the winding portion. The winding portion is attached to the rotary member from the above of the operation member. The pair of arm portions are fixed to the base member.  
         [0023]     According to this constitution, the operation member can be pushed being returned to the reference position by the torsion coil spring at all times.  
         [0024]     Preferably, an electrode pattern for the first and the second switches is provided on the rotary member. A sliding piece coming into contact with the electrode pattern is provided on the slide member. When the operation member is rotated to either the first direction or second direction, a changing operation is conducted between a first electric circuit formed at the time of starting rotation and a second electric circuit formed in a case that the operation member is further rotated in the same direction. The first electric circuit has the slide piece and the electric pattern. The second electric circuit has the slide piece, another slide piece and the electrode pattern.  
         [0025]     According to this constitution, when the operation member is rotated to either the first or second direction, a switching operation is conducted between a first electric circuit, in which the slide piece and the electric pattern are closed at the time of starting rotation, and a second electric circuit which is composed of the slide piece, another slide piece and the electrode pattern when the rotation is further conducted in the same direction. Therefore, for example, the rotating speed of an audio CD player can be set at two steps. In other words, when an electric signal generated in the first electric circuit is defined as the first rotating speed signal and an electric signal generated in the second electric circuit is defined as the second rotating speed signal which is twice as fast as the first rotating speed, a strong and weak signal of the rotating speed can be generated by one rotating operation.  
         [0026]     Preferably, the base member has a containing portion in which a bottom face and side faces are closed and an upper race is open; 
        wherein the slide member, the rotary member, the operation member and urging member are contained in the containing portion;     wherein the upper face of the base member is closed so as to cover by a cover member except an operating portion of the operation member for conducting the rotating operation, the pushing operation and the tilting operation.        
 
         [0029]     According to this constitution, the containing portion, the bottom face and the side face of which are closed, is formed on the base member, the upper race or which is covered with a cover member, and the slide member, the rotary member, the operation member and the pushing member are arranged in the containing portion. Accordingly, the bottom face and the side face of the containing portion are closed, and further no gaps are formed on the bottom face and the side face so that flux can not intrude into the containing portion. Therefore, even when reflow solder comes into contact with a lower face of the base member in the case of conducting reflow soldering on the composite operation type switch device, no reflow flux intrudes into the containing portion.  
         [0030]     Preferably, the base member has a first engaging portion provided on a side face thereof; 
        wherein the cover member has a second engaging portion provided on a side edge thereof; and     wherein the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion when the cover member is attached to the base member.        
 
         [0033]     According to this constitution, when the second engaging portion provided on the cover member is slid along side face of the base member, the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion. Due to this engagement, the cover can be simply attached to the base member while the cover is being prevented from coming out.  
         [0034]     In the above configurations, five contact points can be changed by the operation of one operation member. Accordingly, it is possible to conduct various operations by one operation member. Therefore, the composite operation type switch device of the present invention is advantageous in that the number of switches is decreased and the size of the device can be reduced.  
         [0035]     Further, in the above configurations, When the operation member is pushed in, the slide member is slid integrally with the operation member, so that the third switch can be changed. When the operation member is operated being rotated to the right or left, the rotary member is rotated to the right or left in the same manner as the operation member, so that the first or the second switch can be changed according to the rotating direction.  
         [0036]     Accordingly, the rotating and the pushing operation of the operation member can be positively transmitted to the first, the second and the third switch via the slide member or the rotary member.  
         [0037]     Further, in the above configurations, when the operation member is tilted in the forward direction, the first end portion of the operation member pushes the fourth switch, so that the fourth switch can be changed. When the operation member is tilted in the backward direction, the second end portion pushes the fifth switch, so that the fifth switch can be changed. Therefore, the fourth and the fifth switch can be smoothly operated being changed.  
         [0038]     In the above configurations, when the slide member moves on the base member, it can be guided by the engagement of the support shaft of the base member with the hole of the slide member. Therefore, the slide member can be smoothly slid on the base member in a predetermined sliding direction.  
         [0039]     In the above configurations, the torsion coil spring, the structure of which is simple, the manufacturing cost of which is low, is used as the pushing member capable of returning the operation member to the reference position at all times. Therefore, the cost can be reduced, that is, the price can be lowered.  
         [0040]     In the above configurations, two step signal (strong and weak signal) of the rotating speed can be generated by one rotary operation.  
         [0041]     In the above configurations, no gaps are formed on the bottom face and the side face, which compose the containing portion of the base member, so that flux can not intrude into the containing portion. Therefore, even when mounting is conducted by the reflow soldering method in which reflow solder is used, no flux of the reflow solder intrudes inside. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a composite operation type switch device to which the reflow soldering method can be suitably applied.  
         [0042]     In the above configurations, when the second engaging portion provided on the cover is slid along the side face of the base member, the second engaging portion is engaged with the first engaging portion of the base member. Due to this engagement, the cover member can be simply attached to the base member while the cover member is being prevented from coming out. Therefore, the assembling work can be simplified. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0043]     The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0044]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view showing a primary portion of the compound operation type switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the device or the embodiment;  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  is a plan view showing an inner structure of the embodiment;  
         [0047]      FIG. 4  is a rear view showing a device of the embodiment;  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing a device of the embodiment;  
         [0049]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken on line VI-VI in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken on line VII-VII in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0051]      FIG. 8  is a lower face view of the rotary plate of the device of the embodiment; and  
         [0052]      FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration for explaining a contacting action conducted between the electrode pattern on the rotary plate and the sliding piece in the device or the embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0053]     In order to accomplish an object of obtaining the structure in which the contact point switching number, which can be changed by one operation member, is increased to be more than three, the composite operation type switch device is composed as follows. The first and the second switch, which are operated by the rotation to the right and left of one operation member, the third switch, which is operated by the pushing operation of the operation member and the fourth and the fifth switch, which are operated by the forward and backward tilting operation of the operation member, are provided. When one operation member is rotated to the right or left, the first or the second switch is operated. When the pushing operation is conducted, the third switch is operated. When the tilting operation is conducted in the forward or the backward direction, the fourth of the fifth switch is operated. In this way, five contact points can be changed by one operation member.  
         [0054]     FIGS.  1  to  7  are views showing the composite operation type switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view showing a primary portion of the composite operation type switch device,  FIG. 2  is a front view of the composite operation type switch device,  FIG. 3  is a plan view showing an inner structure of the composite operation type switch device from which the cover is removed,  FIG. 4  is a rear view of the composite operation type switch device,  FIG. 5  is a side view of the composite operation type switch device,  FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken on line VI-VI in  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken on line VII-VII in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0055]     As shown in FIGS.  1  to  7 , the composite operation type switch device  10  includes a base  11 , a cover  12 , a slide member  13 , a rotary plate  14  and an operation member  15 .  
         [0056]     The composite operation type switch device  10  is operated by one operation member  15  so that five operations, which will be described in the following items (1) to (5), can be conducted.  
         [0057]     (1) When the operation member  15  is operated so as to rotate to the left, the contact point of the first switch SW 1 , which is provided between the rotary plate  14  and the slide member  13 , is changed between an opened state and a closed state.  
         [0058]     (2) When the operation member  15  is operated so as to rotate to the right, the contact point of the second switch SW 2 , which is provided between the rotary plate  14  and the slide member  13 , is changed between an opened state and a closed state.  
         [0059]     (3) When the operation member  15  is operated so as to be pushed in, the slide member  13  is slid together with the rotary plate  14 , and the contact point of the third switch SW 3 , which is provided between the slide member  13  and the base  11 , is changed between an opened state and a closed state  
         [0060]     (4) when the operation member  15  is tilted in the forward direction, the contact point of the fourth switch SW 4  is operated so as to be changed.  
         [0061]     (5) When the operation member  15  is tilted in the backward direction, the contact point or the fifth switch SW 5  is operated so as to be changed.  
         [0062]     That is, the composite operation type switch device of the present invention is composed in such a manner that the contact points of the rive switches SW 1  to SW 5  can be changed between an opened state and closed state by the operation of one operation member  15 .  
         [0063]     The structure will be explained in detail as follows.  
         [0064]     The base  11  is made of, for example, resin. The base  11  includes a bottom wall  11   a  and a side wall  11   b  substantially perpendicularly protruding upward from the bottom wall  11   a.  Therefore the containing portion  16  in which the upper face is open, is provided inside the bottom wall  11   a  and the side wall  11   b.  In this connection, the side wall  11   b  is continuously, circularly formed. Due to the above structure, the bottom face and the side face are completely closed by the bottom wall  11   a  and the side wall  11   b.  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent flux from intruding into the containing portion  16  from the lower face side.  
         [0065]     On the outer face of the side wall  11   b  of the base  11 , four engaging pawls  17 , which substantially perpendicularly protrude outside from the aide wall  11   b,  are provided. The shape of each pawl  17  is substantially rectangular. In this case, two of the engaging pawls  17  are provided on the right, and the other two or the engaging pawls  17  are provided on the left. The slope  17   a,  which gradually comes to the side wall  11   b  side when it proceeds upward, is formed on the upper face of each engaging pawl  17 .  
         [0066]     Further, the electrode pattern, on which the stationary contact point elements  18   a ,  18   b ,  18   c ,  18   d ,  18   e ,  18   f  are provided being slenderly extended in the sliding direction (the direction shown by arrow D-U in  FIGS. 3 and 7 ), is formed on the inner face of the bottom wall  11   a  of the base  11 . In this connection, the stationary contact point element  18   a  is an element connected to the contact point used for switch SW 5 . The stationary contact point element  18   b  is an element connected to the contact point used for switch SW 1 . The stationary contact point element  18   c  is an element connected to the contact point used for switch SW 3 . The stationary contact point element  18   d  is an element connected to the common contact point (COM). The stationary contact point element  18   e  is an element connected to the contact point used for switch SW 2 . The stationary contact point element  18   f  is an element connected to the contact point used for switch SW 4 .  
         [0067]     A pin shaped support shaft  19  is protrudingly provided at the substantially central position of the bottom wall  11   a  in the containing portion  16  of the base  11 . Further, in the containing portion  16  of the base  11 , the fourth switch SW 4  is attached on the front side with respect to the support shaft  19  in the sliding direction of the sliding member  13 , and the fifth switch SW 5  is attached on the rear side with respect to the support shaft  19  in the sliding direction of the sliding member  13 . The fourth switch SW 4  and the fifth switch SW 5  are respectively composed of, for example, a dome-shaped conductive member and a predetermined electrode pattern, wherein the conductive member is arranged on the upper side, that is, the conductive member is arranged on the side corresponding to the operation member  15 . When the dome-shaped conductive member is not pushed by the operation member  15 , the conductive member is formed into a complete dome-shape and separate from the predetermined electrode pattern, so that the circuit can be maintained being opened. When the dome-shaped conductive member is pushed by the operation member  15  and a ceiling portion of the dome-shape is dented, the dome-shaped conductive member comes into contact with the electrode pattern, so that the circuit can be closed. Signals in these circuit states can be taken out via the stationary contact point elements  18   a  and  18   d.  Further, signals in these circuit states can be taken out via the stationary contact point elements  18   f  and  18   d.    
         [0068]     The cover  12  is composed of a metallic sheet, for example, the cover  12  composed of a metallic sheet made of copper alloy by means of press forming. The cover includes a main body portion  12   a,  the size of which is capable of covering an upper face of the base  11 . At positions corresponding to the engaging pawls  17  provided on the base  11 , the engaging pieces  12   b  respectively having engaging holes  22  are formed in such a manner that each engaging piece  12   b  is bent at a substantially right angle from the main body portion  12   a  toward the lower side. In this connection, the engaging pieces  12   b  can be elastically deformed.  
         [0069]     The slide member  13  includes an annular portion  13   a  and a connecting portion  13   b  crossing the annular portion  13   a . The annular portion  13   a  is made of resin, and has a substantially annular shape. At the center of the slide member  13 , the support shaft  37 , in which the elliptical hole  36  slenderly extending in the sliding direction and penetrating in the vertical direction is formed, is protrudingly provided upward. The width of the elliptical hole  36  is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the support shaft  19  of the base  11 . The slide member  13  is arranged in the containing portion  16  while the support shaft  19  is being inserted into the elliptical hole  36 . Therefore, the slide member  13  is arranged so that it can be slid in the direction of arrow D-U shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  being guided by the support shaft  19  and the elliptical hole  36 . The first sliding pieces  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c ,  32   d , which are respectively composed of an elastic metallic sheet supported by the cantilever system, are protruded downward from the connecting portion  13   b  to the front in the sliding direction (in the direction of arrow D in  FIG. 3 ). The second sliding pieces  34   a ,  34   b ,  34   c ,  34   d , which are respectively composed of an elastic metallic sheet supported by the cantilever system, are protruded upward from the connecting portion  13   a  to the rear in the sliding direction (in the direction of arrow U in  FIGS. 3 and 7 ).  
         [0070]     In this connection, the first sliding piece  32   a  and the second sliding piece  34   a  are sliding pieces for the first switch SW 1 . The first sliding piece  32   b  and the second sliding piece  34   b  are sliding pieces for the third switch SW 3 . The third sliding piece  32   c  and the second sliding piece  34   c  are sliding pieces for the common terminal (COM). The first sliding piece  32   d  and the second sliding piece  34   d  are sliding pieces for the second switch SW 2 .  
         [0071]     The rotary plate  14  is a disk-shaped member made of resin.  FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the rotary plate  14 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the electrode pattern  41 , which is changed while coming into contact with the second sliding pieces  34   a  to  34   d  on the slide member  13 , is formed on the lower face of the rotary plate  14 . On the other hand, on the upper race of the rotary plate  14 , the through-hole  38  capable of accepting the support shaft  37  of the slide member  13  is provided at the center of the rotary plate  14 . Further, the bearing groove portions  40  extending in a direction meeting at right angles with the sliding direction of the slide member  13  are formed continuously to the through-hole  38 . Furthermore, on the rotary plate  14 , the cutout portions  39 ,  39  are respectively provided in the sliding direction of the slide member  13  at the front and the rear position with respect to the through-hole  38 .  
         [0072]     The operation member  15  is integrally made of resin and formed into a symmetrical shape in the lateral direction. The operation member  15  includes a base portion  15   a  arranged in the containing portion  16  and an operating portion  15   b  arranged so as to be protruded outside from the base  11 . In the intermediate portion  15   c  of the base portion  15   a,  the through-hole  42  capable of accepting the support shaft  37  is provided. Further, in the intermediate portion  15   c  of the base portion  15   a , the shaft portions  15 ,  15   d  pivotally attached to the bearing groove portions  40  of the rotary plate  14  are integrally formed. In the front and the rear portion of the operation member  15  with respect to the intermediate portion  15   c , the thin portions  44  are formed which are groove laterally crossing the base portion  15   a  in the lateral direction.  
         [0073]     The pushing operating portions  15   e ,  15   f , which are portions corresponding to the cutout portions  39  of the rotary plate  14 , are protruded downward from the lower face. At positions on the lower face side of the pushing operating portions  15   e ,  15   f  and respectively corresponding to the fourth switch SW 4  and the fifth switch SW 5 , the protruding portion  43 , which protrudes straight downward from the lower race, is formed. In this connection, the thin portions  44  are formed on the upper faces of the pushing operating portions  15   e ,  15   f , that is, on the faces not opposing to the base  11  and at positions between the protruding portion  43  and the intermediate portion  15   c.    
         [0074]     The torsion coil spring  21  is a torsion coil spring composed of a long slender metallic rod member having a spring property. The torsion coil spring  21  includes a winding portion  21   a  and a pair of arm portions  21   b  extending outside from both end portions of the winding portion  21   a  in parallel with the bottom face of the base  11 . The torsion coil spring  21  is arranged when it is set into the thin portions  44  of the operation member  15 .  
         [0075]     Next, assembling of the composite operation type switch device  10  composed as described above will be explained as follows. First of all, the slide member  13  is arranged in the containing portion  16  of the base  11  so that the annular portion  13   a  of the slide member  13  can be set on the rear side (in the direction of arrow U in  FIG. 3 ) in the sliding direction and the connecting portion  13   b  can be set on the front side (in the direction of arrow D in  FIG. 3 ) in the sliding direction. Next, the rotary plate  14  is arranged on the slide member  13  while directing the electrode pattern  41  of the rotary plate  14  downward, and the support shaft  37  is inserted into the through-hole  39 . Next, the grooves forming the thin portions  44  are set upward, and the operation member  15  is made to face the upper face of the rotary plate  14 . Then, the support shaft  37  is inserted into the through-hole  42 , and the pushing operating portions  15   e ,  15   f  are made to correspond to the cutout portions  39 , and the operation member  15  is arranged on the rotary plate  14 . In the above state, the base portion  15   a  of the operation member  15  is arranged inside the base  11 , and the operating portion  15   b  is arranged outside the base  11 .  
         [0076]     Next, from the above of the sliding member  13 , the winding portions  21   a  of the torsion coil spring  21  are made to race the operation member  15 , and the winding portions  21   a  are arranged in the grooves composing the thin portions  44 . While engaging both arm portions  21   b ,  21   b  to the step portion  45  of the rotary plate  14 , they are attached to the inner faces on both sides of the base  11 . When the torsion coil spring  21  is attached as described above, the slide member  13  is given a spring forces by which the slide member  13  is moved to the rear side (in the direction of arrow U in  FIG. 3 ) in the sliding direction, via the rotary plate  14  at all times. Due to the foregoing, the slide member  13  and the rotary plate  14  are usually arranged at the rear in the sliding direction, that is, at the reference position. At the same time, the rotary plate  14  and the operation member  15 , which are integrally rotated to the right and left, arc held at the neutral position being balanced by the engagement of the step portion  45  of the rotary plate  14  with the arm portions  21   b  of the coil spring  21 . Therefore, the operation member  15  is held while extending in the sliding direction. When the sliding member  13  is arranged at the reference position, the first sliding pieces  32   a ,  32   c ,  32   d  of the slide member  13  come into contact with the stationary contact point elements  18   b ,  18   d ,  18   e  on the base  11  side, and the first sliding piece  32   b  is separate from the stationary contact point element  18   c  on the base  11  side.  
         [0077]     Next, from the above of the rotary plate  14 , the cover  12  is attached to the base  11 . When the cover  12  is attached to the base  11 , the engaging pawls  17  of the base  11  are made to correspond to the engaging pieces  12   b  of the cover  12 , and the cover  12  is pushed toward the base  11 . When the cover  12  is pushed in this way, the engaging pieces  12   b  are moved along the outside of the side wall  11   b . In the middle of the movement, end portions of the engaging pieces  12   b  collide with the engaging pawls  17 . However, in each engaging pawl  17 , the race colliding with the end of the engaging piece  12   b  is formed into the inclined face  17   a . Therefore, when the engaging pieces  12   b , collide with the engaging pawls  17 , the engaging pieces  12   b  follow the inclined faces  17   a  by the elastic deforming characteristic of themselves so that the engaging pieces  12   b  are bent outside and relieved. When the engaging holes  22  have passed through the engaging pawls  17 , the engaging pieces  12   b  are elastically returned, so that the engaging holes  22  are engaged with the engaging pawls  17 . Due to this engagement of the engaging holes  22  with the engaging pawls  17 , the cover  12  can be prevented from coming out from the base  11 . In this way, the assembling work is completed.  
         [0078]     In the composite operation type switch device  10  assembled in this way, the slide member  13  is moved to the rear in the sliding direction together with the operation member  15  and the rotary plate  14 , that is, the slide member  13  is moved to the reference position described before. When a user picks up the operation portion  15   b  of the operation member  15  with the fingers and rotates the operation portion  15   b  to the right or left, by the engagement of the operation member  15  with the rotary plate  14 , the rotary plate  14  is rotated at the position together with the operation member  15  round the fulcrum of the support shaft  37 . When the rotary plate  14  is rotated, the step portion  45  of the rotary plate  14  comes into contact with the arm portion  21   b  or  21   c  of the torsion coil spring  21 . Therefore, the rotary plate  14  is rotated while the arm portion  21   b  or  21   c  is being elastically deformed and bent. Due to this rotation, positions of the electrode pattern  41  on the reverse side of the rotary plate  14  composing the first switch SW 1  or the second switch SW 2  and the second sliding pieces  34   a  to  34   d  are changed. Signals generated at this time can be taken out via the first sliding pieces  32   a  to  32   d  and the stationary contact point elements  18   b  to  18   e . After the operation of the first switch SW 1  or the second switch SW 2  has been completed, the external force, by which the operation member  15  is rotated, is released. Then, the operation member  15  and the rotary plate  14  are returned to the neutral position by the spring returning force of the torsion coil spring  21  which has been deflected until then.  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , explanations will be made into an action in which the operation member  15  is rotated together with the rotary plate  14  and the second sliding pieces  34   a ,  34   b ,  34   c ,  34   d  are contacted with the electrode pattern  41  on the rotary plate  14 . First, when the operation member  15  is rotated to the left (in the direction or arrow L in  FIG. 9 ), at the start of rotation, the second sliding piece  34   d  comes into contact with the electrode portion  41   a  of the electrode pattern  41  and forms a closed circuit of the first step together with the common sliding piece  34   c . When the operation member  15  is further rotated in the same direction, the second sliding piece  34   a  comes into contact with the electrode portion  41   b  of the electrode pattern  41 , and the second step circuit, which is composed of the sliding piece  34   d , the sliding piece  34   a  and the common sliding piece  34   c , is formed and the closed circuit of the first switch SW 1  is composed. On the contrary, when the operation member  15  is rotated to the right (in the direction of arrow R in  FIG. 9 ), at the start of rotation, the second sliding piece  34   a  comes into contact with the electrode portion  41   c  or the electrode pattern  41 , and the closed circuit of the first step is composed together with the common sliding piece  34   c . When the operation member  15  is further rotated, the second sliding piece  34   d  comes into contact with the electrode portion  41   d  of the electrode pattern  41 , and the circuit of the second step, which is composed of the sliding piece  34   a , the sliding piece  34   d  and the common sliding piece  34   c , is formed and the closed circuit of the second switch SW 2  can be composed. Therefore, according to the structure of this embodiment, for example, the rotating speed or an audio CD player can be set at two stages. When an electric signal generated in the first electric circuit is made to be the first rotating speed signal and an electric signal generated in the second electric circuit is made to be the second rotating speed signal which is twice as high as the first rotating speed, a strong and weak signal of the rotating speed can be generated by one rotating operation.  
         [0080]     After the operation of the first switch SW 1  or the second switch SW 2  conducted by the rotation has been completed, the user pushes forward the operation member  15  in the sliding direction with the finger. When the operation member  15  is pushed, the operation member  15 , the rotary plate  14  and the sliding member  13  elastically deform the arm portions  21   b  of the torsion coil spring  21  so that the arm portions  21   b  can be deflected, and the operation member  15 , the rotary plate  14  and the sliding member  13  are integrally slid forward in the sliding direction guided by the engagement of the elliptical hole  36  with the support shaft  19 . Due to this sliding movement, the second sliding piece  32   b  composing the switch SW 3  comes into contact with the stationary contact point element  18   c . The thus generated signal can be taken out as an operation signal of the switch SW 3  via the stationary contact point element  18   c  and the stationary contact point element  18   d . When the pushing conducted on the operation member  15  is released, the operation member  15 , the rotary plate  14  and the slide member  13  are integrally, automatically returned to the rear in the sliding direction, that is, to the reference position. Further, the contact of the second eliding piece  32   a  with the stationary contact point element  18   d  can be released. Therefore, the third switch SW 3  is opened.  
         [0081]     Next, when the user pushes the operation portion  15   b  of the operating member  15  in the forward direction with the finger in a state in which the operation member  15  is located at the neutral position, the operating member  15  is tilted in the forward direction round the fulcrum of the engaging portion of the shaft portion  15   d  with the bearing groove portion  40 . When the operating member  15  is tilted forward, the protruding portion  43  of the pushing operation portion  15   f  pushes down the fourth switch SW 4 , so that the circuit can be closed. After the operation of the fourth switch SW 4  has been completed, a pushing force given to the operation portion  15   b  is released, and then the operation member  15  is returned to the neutral position by an elastic returning force of the torsion coil spring  21 .  
         [0082]     On the contrary, when the user pushes the operating portion  15   b  of the operation member  15  with the finger in the backward direction, the operation member  15  is tilted backward round the fulcrum of the engaging portion of the haft portion  15   d  with the bearing groove portion  40 . When the operation member  15  is tilted backward, the protruding portion  43  or the pushing operation portion  15   c  pushes down the fifth switch SW 5 , so that the circuit can be closed. After the operation of the fifth switch SW 5  has been completed, the pushing force given to the operation portion  15   b  is released. Then, the operation member is returned to the neutral position by an elastic returning force of the torsion coil spring  21 .  
         [0083]     As described above, according to the composite operation type switch device  10  of the present embodiment, when the operation member  15  is rotated to the right or left, the first or the second switch SW 1 , SWZ is operated, when the operation member  15  is pushed in, the third switch SW 3  is operated, and when the operation member  15  is tilted forward or backward, the fourth or the fifth switch SW 4 , SW 5  is operated. In this way, one operation member  15  has five switching numbers.  
         [0084]     Accordingly, in the compound operation type switch device composed as described above, one operation member  15  can switch five contact points. Therefore, when one operation member  15  is operated, various operations can be conducted. Accordingly, the compound operation type switch device of the present embodiment is advantageous in that the number of switches to be used is reduced so that the device can be downsized.  
         [0085]     The compound operation type switch device of the present embodiment can provide the following advantages. When the operation member  15  is pushed in, the slide member  13  is slid integrally with the operation member  15 , and the third switch SW 3  is changed. When the operation member  15  is rotated to the right or left, the rotary plate  14  is rotated to the right or left in the sane manner as the operation member  15 , and the first or the second switch SW 1 , SW 2  is changed. Therefore, the composite operation type switch device or this embodiment is advantageous in that the rotating and pushing operation of the operation member  15  can be positively transmitted to the first, the second and the third switch SW 1 , SW 2 , SW 3  via the slide member  13  or the rotary plate  14 .  
         [0086]     Further, the compound operation type switch device of the present embodiment can provide the following advantages. When the operation member  15  is tilted in the forward direction, one end side of the operation member  15  is pushed by the fourth switch SW 4 , so that the fourth switch SW 4  can be changed. When the operation member  15  is tilted in the backward direction, the other end side of the operation member  15  is pushed by the fifth switch SW 5 , so that the fifth switch SW 5  can be changed. Therefore, the fourth and the fifth switch SW 4 , SW 5  can be smoothly changed.  
         [0087]     Further, the compound operation type switch device of the present embodiment can provide the following advantages. When the slide member  13  is moved on the base  11 , it is guided by the engagement of the support shaft  19  of the base  11  with the elliptical hole  36  of the slide member  13 . Therefore, the slide member  13  can be smoothly moved on the base  11  in a predetermined sliding direction.  
         [0088]     Further, the compound operation type switch device of the present embodiment can provide the following advantages. The pushing member capable of returning the operation member to the reference position at all times in composed of the torsion coil spring  21 , the structure of which is simple and the manufacturing cost of which is low. Therefore, the compound operation type switch device of the present embodiment can be provided at a low price by reducing the manufacturing cost.  
         [0089]     In the rotating operation to the right or left or the operation member  15 , switching can be conducted to the first electric circuit which is formed by closing the sliding piece and the electrode pattern at the time of starting the rotation, and switching can be conducted to the second electric circuits which is composed of the sliding piece, another eliding piece and the electrode pattern, when the rotation is further conducted in the same direction. Therefore, the two step (strong and weak) signal of the rotating speed can be generated by one rotating operation.  
         [0090]     On the bottom face and the side of the containing portion  16  of the base  11 , no gaps are provided so that flux can not intrude into the containing portion  16 . Therefore, even when mounting is conducted with solder by the reflow soldering method, flux of the reflow solder can not intrude inside the containing portion  16 . Accordingly, it is possible to provide a composite operation type switch device to which the reflow soldering method can be applied.  
         [0091]     When the engaging pieces  12   b  provided on the cover  12  are slid along both sides of the base  11 , the engaging holes  11  of the engaging pieces  12   b  are engaged with the engaging pawls  17  of the base  11 . Due to this engagement, the cover  12  can be simply attached to the base  11  while the cover  12  is being prevented from coming out. Therefore, the assembling work can be simplified.  
         [0092]     It should be noted that variations may be made by those skilled in that art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.