Patent Publication Number: US-7915549-B2

Title: Multidirectional operation switch apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Application Number 2007-306770, filed on Nov. 28, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a multidirectional operation switch apparatus which is used, e.g., in a car navigation system in performing a scroll operation of the displays on a screen thereof. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, a multidirectional operation switch apparatus is used in a car navigation system in order to perform scroll operation and the like of the displays on a screen (as a related art, see, e.g., JP-A-2008-41531). In this related art, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  16  is supported on an upper surface of a base member  19  through slide plates  22 ,  23  in a manner to be slidable in X and Y directions. 
     On the other hand, a first substrate  17  is provided with push switches  18 , which are arranged to be switched on by a push movement of a pad member  24 . There is fixed to the pad member  24  a second substrate  27 , which is provided with a rotary switch  33  so as to be rotatable clockwise or counter-clockwise. This rotary switch  33  is arranged to be switched on as a result of rotary operation of a dial operation part  32 . 
     In the conventional multidirectional operation switch apparatus  16 , the pad member  24  is simply supported on the base member  19  through slide plates  22 ,  23  and are, thus, not firmly fixed. As a result, when the rotary switch  33  is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by the dial operation member  32 , there occurs clattering in the direction of rotation. Therefore, the rotation cannot be started smoothly, thereby resulting in a poor feeling of touching or operability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the problems associated with the prior art, the invention has an object of providing a multidirectional operation switch apparatus which is superior in the feeling of touching at the time of rotary operation thereof. 
     According to this invention, there is provided a multidirectional operation switch apparatus comprising: a first substrate having disposed thereon a plurality of push switches; and an operation unit supported on an upper surface of the first substrate through a mechanism unit so as to be slidable in X, Y direction, the push switches being so arranged as to be switched on by a push movement of the operation unit. The mechanism unit comprises: a second substrate having disposed thereon a rotary switch which is rotatable by the operation unit clockwise or counterclockwise; a pad for fixedly supporting the second substrate; and a base fixed to the first substrate. The base supports the pad through a sliding section. The sliding section is formed of a single member and comprises: an upper rail part disposed on an upper surface of the sliding section; and a lower rail part disposed on a lower surface of the sliding section. The upper rail part slidably movies the pad in one of the X, Y directions, and the lower rail part slidably moves the pad on an upper surface of the base in the other of the X,Y directions. 
     In the multidirectional operation switch apparatus according to the invention, the sliding section is formed of a single member. Therefore, the sliding section according to this invention does not have an overlapping construction contrary to the construction in the prior art. In this manner, the pad is stably supported on the base. As a result, when a passenger on a vehicle tries to rotate the rotary switch, there occurs no clattering in the direction of rotation of the rotary switch, whereby the rotary switch can be started smoothly. The apparatus of this invention is thus superior in the feeling of touching at the time of rotary operation thereof. 
     In addition, according to the multidirectional operation switch apparatus of this invention, the sliding section is formed of a single member as described above. Therefore, as compared with the conventional one, the number of constituent elements can be reduced, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing costs. 
     Furthermore, since the sliding section is formed of a single member in the apparatus of the invention, the assembling work becomes easier as compared with the conventional one, resulting in an improved manufacturing efficiency. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an outside perspective view of a multidirectional operation switch apparatus according to an embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a multidirectional operation switch apparatus according to an embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a multidirectional operation switch apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an essential portion in a state in which the pad is in a neutral position in the multidirectional operation switch apparatus according to the embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in an upper direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in a lower direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in a left direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in a right direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in a diagonally right upper direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in a diagonally left upper direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in a diagonally right lower direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view in which the pad has moved by sliding in a diagonally left lower direction from the position in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A description will now be made about the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is an external perspective view of a multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  showing an embodiment of the invention. The multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is used in inputting operation in a navigation system for a vehicle. Specifically, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is arranged to be capable of performing rotational operation, pushing operation, and sliding operation in multiple directions. Multiple directions are, as shown in  FIG. 2 , eight directions in all, i.e., an upper direction “a”, a lower direction b, a left direction c, a right direction d, a diagonally right upper direction e, a diagonally left upper direction f, a diagonally right lower direction g, and a diagonally left lower direction h. Further, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is provided with a first substrate  2 , a mechanism unit  3 , and an operation unit  4 . 
     First, a description will be made about the first substrate  2 . The first substrate  2  has, in its central portion, a supporting hole  21  and is provided on its upper surface with four push switches  2   a - 2   d , which are disposed around the supporting hole  21 . Specifically, the four push switches  2   a - 2   d  are disposed, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in the diagonally right upper position e, the diagonally left lower position h, the diagonally left upper position f and the diagonally right lower position g. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the mechanism unit  3  is provided with a base  31 , a sliding section  32 , a spring  33 , a supporting pin  34 , a pad  35 , a damper  36 , a base cover  37 , and a second substrate  38 . 
     The base  31  is fixed to the upper surface of the first substrate  2  by means of a plurality of screws  22 , and is formed into the shape of a circular cap so as to cover the four push switches  2   a - 2   d . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the base  31  has in its central portion a fitting part  311  which is formed into a cylindrical shape with its upper surface left open. In addition, the fitting part  311  is formed in a manner to project downward from the base  31  and is fitted into the supporting hole  21  in the first substrate  2 . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the base  31  is provided on its upper surface with four slots  312  and two rail parts  313 . Each of the slots  312  is disposed to correspond to each of the push switches  2   a - 2   d . Further, each of the slots  312  is elongated in a circumferential direction such that a tip part of each of the push switches is exposed (see  FIG. 4 ). Two rail parts  313 , on the other hand, are formed in a projected manner and are disposed so as to extend in the Y direction (the direction of an arrow “a-b”). 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the sliding section  32  is made up of a single member. More specifically, the sliding section  32  is in the form of a thin plate of a cross shape and is provided, in the central portion thereof, with a through hole  321 . The sliding section  32  has on its upper surface two upper rail parts  322 , which are formed into grooves and are disposed so as to extend in the X direction (direction of arrow “c-d”) with the through hole  321  positioned in the center thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the sliding section  32  has on its lower surface two lower rail parts  323 , which are so disposed as to extend in the Y direction (direction of arrow “a-b”) with the through hole  321  positioned in the center thereof. The two lower rail parts  323  are formed into grooves and are externally fitted into (i.e., fitted onto the outside of) the two rail parts  313  which are in projected shape. According to this arrangement, the sliding section  32  is supported on the base  31  in a manner to be slidable in the Y direction (direction of arrow “a-b”). 
     A description will now be made about the spring  33  and the supporting pin  34 . The spring  33  is arranged to be extendible in the vertical direction. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the supporting pin  34  is internally fitted into (i.e., fitted into the inside of) the spring  33 . In this state, the supporting pin  34  is inserted into the through hole  321  as shown in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower part of the supporting pin  34  is inserted into the fitting part  311  of the base  31 . 
     Now, the pad  35  is formed into a circular shape and is provided in its central portion with a pin receiving part  351 , which is formed in a manner to project upward from the upper surface of the pad  35 . The pin receiving part  351  is provided, as shown in  FIG. 5 , with a recessed part  351   a  on the lower surface thereof. The recessed part  351   a  is formed into a funnel shape so that an upper end of the supporting pin  34  comes into contact with the central portion of the recessed part  351   a . In this manner, the pad  35  is so arranged as to be slidably movable (to be movable by sliding) in diagonal directions as a result of shifting the contact position of the supporting pin  34 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the pad  35  is provided in its periphery with a plurality of screw fixing parts  352  (parts to be fixed by means of screws). Each of the screw fixing parts  352  is formed into a cylindrical shape with its upper end left open. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the pad  35  is further provided in its lower surface with two rail parts  353  and four switch pushing parts  354   a - 354   d.    
     The two rail parts  353  are disposed to correspond to the upper rail part  322  of the sliding section  32 . More specifically, the two rail parts  353  are disposed so as to extend in the X direction (direction of arrow “c-d”) with the pin receiving part  351  positioned therebetween. The two rail parts  353  are formed in projected shape and are internally fitted into (or are fitted into the inside of) the two upper rail parts  322 , which are in grooved shape, in the sliding section  32 . According to this arrangement, the pad  35  is supported on the base  31  so as to be slidably movable in the X direction (direction of arrow “c-d”) through the sliding section  32  (see  FIG. 3 ). Further, because the sliding section  32  is supported by the base  31  in a manner to be slidable in the Y direction (direction of arrow “a-b”), the pad  35  is supported by the base  31  through the sliding section  32  so as to be slidable in the Y direction (direction of arrow “a-b”). 
     The four switch pushing parts  354   a - 354   d  are oppositely positioned along the line between the diagonally right upper point e and the diagonally left lower point h, as well as along the line between the diagonally left upper point f and the diagonally right lower point g, with the pin receiving part  351  being positioned therebetween (see  FIG. 3 ). Each of the switch pushing parts  354   a - 354   d  is formed into a projection so as to be inserted through each of the slots  312  (see FIG.  3 ) to the neighborhood of the tip end  2   p  of each of the push switches  2   a - 2   d.    
     The damper  36  is formed into a ring and is fitted onto the outside of the pin receiving part  351  of the pad  35 . According to this arrangement, the damper  36  prevents the vibrations from the upper side, from being transmitted to the pin receiving part  351 . 
     Now, the base cover  37  is formed into a circular cup shape and is supported by the pad  35  in a manner to cover the pad  35 . More specifically, the base cover  37  is provided in the central portion thereof with a supporting hole  371 , which receives the damper  36  by fitting it into the supporting hole  371 . The base cover  37  is provided in its periphery with a plurality of through holes  372 . Each of the through holes  372  receives the screw fixing part  352  therethrough. 
     The second substrate  38  is provided with a substrate main body  381 , a rotary switch  382 , and a push switch  383  (shown in dotted lines in  FIG. 5 ). The substrate main body  381  is supported on the pad  35  through the base cover  37  and is fixed, in this state, to the pad  35  by means of a plurality of screws  380 . The substrate main body  381  is connected, as shown in  FIG. 1 , to the circuit portion of the first substrate  2  through cables  384 . The rotary switch  382  is formed into a cylindrical shape and is connected to the substrate main body  381  in a state of being rotatable. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the push switch  383  is disposed inside the rotary switch  382  and is connected to the substrate main body  381 . 
     A description will now be made about the operation unit  4 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the operation unit  4  is provided with a push operation section  41  and a rotary operation section  42 . 
     The push operation section  41  is provided with a push button  411  and a button guide part  412 . The button guide part  412  is formed into a cylindrical shape and is supported in a manner to be movable up and down inside the rotary switch  382 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the button guide part  412  is provided inside thereof with a switch pushing part  412   a , which is in abutment with the upper surface of the push switch  383 . The push button  411  is fitted into the upper end of the button guide part  412  in a manner to close the opening on the upper surface of the button guide part  412 . 
     As shown in detail in  FIG. 3 , the rotary operation section  42  is provided with a dial  421  and a dial guide part  422 . The dial guide part  422  is formed into a cylindrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the dial guide part  422  is fitted onto the outside of the rotary switch  382 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the dial  421  is formed into a ring. Further, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the dial  421  is fitted onto the dial guide part  422  in a state in which the push button  411  is disposed inside. 
     A description will now be made about an example in which the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is used for inputting operation in a car navigation apparatus. In selecting an arbitrary menu out of a plurality of menus displayed on the operation screen, the passenger operates the rotary switch  382  by rotating the dial  421  clockwise or counterclockwise as shown in  FIG. 1 . As a result, the rotary switch  382  is switched on and a switching signal is outputted. Based on this switching signal, the cursor on the screen will be moved so that an arbitrary menu can be selected. 
     Then, the push button  411  is pushed for operation as shown in  FIG. 1 . As a result, the button guide part  412  is depressed so that the push switch  383  is switched on by means of the switch pushing part  412   a , thereby confirming the selected menu. Thereafter, when the passenger releases the push button  411 , the push button  411  returns to the original position. 
     Here, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is so arranged that the sliding section  32  is formed of a single member. Since the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  has consequently no construction in which the sliding section is overlapped as is the case with the conventional multidirectional operation switch apparatus, the pad  35  is stably supported on the base  31 . As a result, when the passenger rotates the rotary switch  382 , there will occur no clattering in the direction of rotation, thereby assuring a smooth starting of rotation. In this manner, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  improves the feeling of touching the rotary switch  382  at the time of rotational operation. 
     In addition, since the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is so arranged that the sliding section  32  is formed of a single member, the number of constituent parts decreases as compared with the conventional multidirectional operation switch apparatus, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing cost. Furthermore, by forming the sliding section  32  in a single piece, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is easier in assembling, resulting in an improved manufacturing efficiency. 
     Still furthermore, since the sliding section  32  is made of a thin plate member, the overall height of the apparatus  1  can be reduced. As a result, there can be constituted a multidirectional operation switch apparatus having a mechanism unit  3  which is multifunctional and larger in size within a limited housing space. As a result, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  can contribute to improved functionality and space saving. 
     In addition, since the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  is so arranged that the upper rail part  322  and the lower rail part  323  of the sliding section  32  are formed into grooves, the apparatus  1  can be kept to a still smaller overall height, resulting in a small size of the apparatus  1 . 
     In trying to scroll the screen which displays a map, the passenger moves the dial  421  by sliding it in one of the eight directions (directions of arrows “a-h”) as shown in  FIG. 2 . A description will now be made about the operation of the dial  421  by sliding it in each of the directions. 
     First, when the dial  421  is in a position not operated by sliding (i.e., in a neutral position), the sliding section  32  is positioned in the central portion of the base  31 . Each of the switch pushing parts  354   a - 354   d  of the pad  35  is away from each of the push switches  2   a - 2   d  and consequently the push switches  2   a - 2   d  remain switched off. 
     In a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the upper direction “a,” the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , to the upper side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , once the pad  35  moves to the upper side, each of the two lower switch pushing parts  354   b ,  354   c  pushes respective tips  2   p  of the two push switches  2   b ,  2   c  on the lower side of the first substrate  2 , whereby these push switches  2   b ,  2   c  are switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the lower direction b, the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , to the lower side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , once the pad  35  moves to the lower side, each of the two upper switch pushing parts  354   a ,  354   d  of the pad  35  respectively pushes the tip of two push switches  2   a ,  2   d  on the upper side of the first substrate  2 , whereby these push switches  2   a ,  2   d  are switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the left direction c, the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 8 , to the left side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     When the pad  35  moves to the left side as shown in  FIG. 8 , each of the two upper switch pushing parts  354   a ,  354   b  of the pad  35  pushes the tip of the two push switches  2   a ,  2   b  on the right side of the first substrate  2 , whereby these push switches  2   a ,  2   b  are switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the right direction d, the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 , to the right side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     When the pad  35  moves to the right side as shown in  FIG. 9 , each of the two switch pushing parts  354   c ,  354   d  on the left side of the first substrate  2  pushes each of the tips  2   p  of the two push switches  2   c ,  2   d  on the left side of the first substrate  2 , whereby these push switches  2   c ,  2   d  are switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the diagonally right upper direction e, the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 10 , to the diagonally right upper side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     When the pad  35  moves to the diagonally right upper side as shown in  FIG. 10 , the switch pushing part  354   c  on the left lower side of the first substrate  2  pushes the tip  2   p  of the push switch  2   c  on the left lower side of the first substrate  2 , whereby this push switch  2   c  is switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the diagonally left upper direction f, the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 11 , to the diagonally left upper side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     When the pad  35  moves to the diagonally left upper side as shown in  FIG. 11 , the switch pushing part  354   b  on the right lower side of the pad  35  pushes the tip  2   p  of the push switch  2   b  on the right lower side of the first substrate  2 , whereby this push switch  2   b  is switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the diagonally right lower direction g, the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 12 , to the diagonally right lower side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     When the pad  35  moves to the diagonally right lower side as shown in  FIG. 12 , the switch pushing part  354   d  on the left upper side of the first substrate  2  pushes the tip  2   p  of the push switch  2   d  on the left upper side of the first substrate  2 , whereby this push switch  2   d  is switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     Finally, in a case where the dial  421  is operated to slide it from the position as shown in  FIG. 2  in the diagonally left lower direction h, the pad  35  moves, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 13 , to the diagonally lower side in a state in which, while pushing the supporting pin  34 , the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are guided by the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 . 
     When the pad  35  moves to the diagonally left lower side as shown in  FIG. 13 , the switch pushing part  354   a  on the right upper side of the pad  35  pushes the tip  2   p  of the push switch  2   a  on the right upper side of the first substrate  2 , whereby this push switch  2   a  is switched on. When the state in which the supporting pin  34  is pushed by the pad  35  is released, the spring  33  returns to the original state, and the pad  35  returns to the neutral position as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     As described hereinabove, according to the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  of this embodiment, as many as eight different kinds of switch-on operations are possible by sliding the pad  35  in eight directions. In addition, in this apparatus  1 , the pad  35  constituting the mechanism unit  3  is provided with switch pushing parts  354   a - 354   d  which are related to the sliding operation. Therefore, as compared with a multidirectional operation switch apparatus in which the sliding section  32  is provided with switch pushing parts, the switch-on operation of each of the switch pushing parts can be effected directly. Therefore, there is no possibility of delay in the timing of switching on each of the push switches  2   a - 2   d . As a result, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  of this invention can improve the operator&#39;s satisfaction with the switch-on operability of each of the switch pushing parts. 
     Although not illustrated, as a modified example of the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  of this embodiment, the mechanism unit  3  may be provided with two metallic plates. More specifically, each of the metallic plates is disposed, with reference to  FIG. 3 , between the damper  36  and the base cover  37  as well as between the sliding section  32  and the base  31 . The multidirectional operation switch apparatus thus provided with the two metallic plates can reduce the sliding resistance at the time of sliding operation, resulting in an improved feeling of operating the apparatus. 
     In the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of this invention, the upper and lower rail parts  322 ,  323  of the sliding section  32  are formed into grooves. They may, however, be formed into projections. In order to cope with this modification, the two rail parts  313  of the base  31 , as well as the two rail parts  353  of the pad  35 , both corresponding to these upper and lower rail parts  322 ,  323 , may be formed into grooves. Further, although the two rail parts  313  of the base  31  and the two lower rail parts  323  of the sliding section  32  are disposed so as to be elongated in the Y direction, they may be disposed so as to be elongated in the X direction. In order to comply with this modification, the two rail parts  353  of the pad  35  as well as the two upper rail parts  322  of the sliding section  32  may be disposed so as to be elongated in the Y direction. 
     In the multidirectional operation switch apparatus  1  according to the embodiment of this invention, descriptions were made about an example capable of operation by sliding in eight directions. It is to be noted, however, that an embodiment which is capable of operation by sliding in at least X and Y directions (four directions) will also be able to improve the feeling of operating the apparatus in the same manner as in this embodiment. 
     According to this invention, the sliding section is made in a thin plate. According to this arrangement, the overall height of the apparatus can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to constitute a larger and multifunctional operation unit within a limited housing space. In this manner, the apparatus of this invention can attain a dual purpose of space saving and increased functionality. 
     Furthermore, the upper rail part and the lower rail part of the sliding section of the apparatus of this invention are formed into grooves. Therefore, the overall height of the apparatus can be kept smaller, attaining the downsizing of the apparatus. 
     Still furthermore, the pad of the apparatus of this invention comprises a plurality of switch pushing parts for switching on the push switches by a sliding movement of the pad. In this manner, the switch-on of the push switches is directly performed, as compared with the conventional multidirectional operation switch apparatus in which the switch pushing parts are disposed on the sliding section. Therefore, there is no possibility in that the timing of switching on the push switches delays. The apparatus of this invention can improve the feeling of switch-on operation of the switches. 
     As described so far, the operability can be improved with the multidirectional operation switch apparatus according to this invention. Therefore, this apparatus can well be utilized in the technical field of multidirectional operation switch apparatuses. 
     Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of the constituent elements, lie within the scope of this invention.