Patent Publication Number: US-6906269-B2

Title: Multi-directional slide switch

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a multi-directional slide switch for input operation of various kinds of electronic equipment in which the sliding operation of a control lever scrolls a display on a screen. 
   2. Background Art 
   A conventional slide switch disclosed in the Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2001-307599 is described with reference to  FIGS. 10 through 16 . 
     FIG. 10  is an elevational view in section of the conventional multi-directional slide switch.  FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view thereof.  FIG. 12  is a plan view of a case thereof.  FIG. 13  is a plan view of a section thereof, illustrating how a first slide member is assembled.  FIG. 14  is a plan view of another section thereof, illustrating how a second slide member is assembled. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , in box-shaped case  1  made of a resin, four fixed contacts (hereinafter referred to as “contacts”)  2 A through  2 D and four ground patterns  2 E are disposed on the quadrangular inner bottom surface of case  1  along corresponding sidewalls thereof. As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , first slide member (hereinafter referred to as a “slide member”)  3  and second slide member (hereinafter referred to as a “slide member”)  4  are stacked and housed in case  1 . While slide member  3  is guided to slide in an X-axis direction parallel to the opposed sidewalls, slide member  4  is guided to slide in a Y-axis direction parallel to the other opposed sidewalls. The top opening of case  1  is covered with cover  5 . On the top surface of slide member  3 , control lever  6  (hereinafter referred to as a “lever”) is provided to project upwardly from penetration-hole  5 A through cover  5 . Attached to the bottom surface of slide member  3 , movable contact (hereinafter referred to as a “contact”)  7  is formed of a resilient thin metal plate. Provided in the center of slide member  4  is through-hole  4 A into which lever  6  is fitted with play. 
   As shown  FIGS. 11 and 13 , a pair of first engaging parts (hereinafter referred to as “engaging parts”)  3 A on the top surface of slide member  3  are engaged with a pair of first guide parts (hereinafter referred to as “guide parts”)  4 B that are provided on the bottom surface of slide member  4  to have a length equal to that of engaging parts  3 A. Similarly, as shown  FIGS. 11 and 14 , a pair of second engaging parts (hereinafter referred to as “engaging parts”)  4 C on the top surface of slide member  4  are engaged with a pair of second guide parts (hereinafter referred to as “guide parts”)  5 B that are provided on the bottom surface of cover  5  to have a length equal to that of engaging parts  4 C. These structures allow slide member  3  and slide member  4  to be guided so that they slide in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, respectively. 
   In the vicinity of both ends of guide parts  4 B, a pair of first return springs (hereinafter referred to as “springs”)  8  are disposed. Similarly, in the vicinity of both ends of guide parts  5 B, a pair of second return springs (hereinafter referred to as “springs”)  9  are disposed. The pair of springs  8  are opposed so that respective coil portions  8 A are positioned by a pair of opposed projections  4 D. Similarly, the pair of springs  9  are opposed so that respective coil portions  9 A are positioned by a pair of opposed projections  5 C. In an inoperative state, arm portions  8 B of springs  8  are adopted to make contact with guide parts  4 B and ends of engaging parts  3 A. On the other hand, arm portions  9 B of springs  9  are adopted to make contact with guide parts  5 B and ends of engaging parts  4 C. This structure keeps engaging parts  3 A and  4 C, i.e., slide members  3  and  4 , at rest in a neutral position. 
   Contact  7  is attached to the bottom surface of slide member  3 . In an inoperative state, the tips of four resilient legs  7 A through  7 D are adopted to make contact with the inner bottom surface of case  1  between corresponding contacts  2 A through  2 D and corresponding four ground patterns  2 E, as shown by the two-dot chain lines in FIG.  12 . 
   As for press switch section  10  disposed in the center of the inner bottom surface of case  1 , depressing press rod  11  disposed through the center portion of lever  6  resiliently deforms dome-shaped movable contact  12  for actuation. 
   First, in the conventional multi-directional slide switch structured as above, a description is provided of a case where lever  6  is pushed rightward from the inoperative state shown in  FIG. 13  for a sliding operation in the X-axis direction. 
   As shown in  FIG. 15 , the ends on one side of engaging parts  3  push arm portions  8 B of corresponding spring  8  on the right side. This resiliently deforms coil portion  8 A while slide member  3  moves in the X-axis direction. Accordingly, the tip of resilient leg  7 A of contact  7  shown  FIG. 12  is brought into contact with contact  2 A, and the tip of resilient leg  7 B is brought into contact with ground pattern  2 E. A signal is transferred to the outside from the terminals on the outer periphery of case  1 . Thereafter, when the pushing force applied to lever  6  is removed, the resilient restoring force of spring  8  pushes engaging parts  3 A, i.e., slide member  3 , back to the original state shown in FIG.  13 . 
   Next, a description is provided of a case where lever  6  is pushed backward from the inoperative state shown in  FIG. 14  for a sliding operation in the Y-axis direction. As shown in  FIG. 16 , while engaging parts  4 C resiliently deform corresponding spring  9  on the backward side, slide member  4  moves in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, the tip of resilient leg  7 C is brought into contact with contact  2 C and the tip of resilient leg  7 D is brought into contact with ground pattern  2 E. 
   However, having a large number of components and taking much assembling time, this conventional multi-directional slide switch is expensive. Additionally, because slide members  3  and  4  are stacked, the switch has a high profile. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A multi-directional switch of the present invention includes a case, movable contacts, and a driver. The case has fixed contacts on the inner surfaces of sidewalls standing erect from the outer periphery of the bottom surface thereof or on the bottom surface in the vicinity of the sidewalls. The movable contacts are disposed in the case. The movement of the movable contacts toward the center of the case is restricted. The movable contacts are disposed so that one end thereof is in contact with one of the fixed contacts. The driver is movably housed in the case. In an inoperative state, the movable contacts urge and place the driver in the center of the case. Sliding the driver causes the driver to push and bring one of the movable contacts into contact with one of the fixed contacts. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of a multi-directional slide switch in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a cover thereof removed. 
       FIG. 2  is an elevational view in section of the multi-directional slide switch of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional slide switch of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of a case of the multi-directional slide switch of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of the multi-directional slide switch of  FIG. 1  in sliding operation, with the cover removed. 
       FIG. 6  is an elevational view in section of the multi-directional slide switch of  FIG. 1  in depressing operation. 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of the multi-directional slide switch of  FIG. 5 , with the cover and a driver thereof removed. 
       FIG. 8  is an elevational view in section of a multi-directional slide switch in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is an elevational view in section of a multi-directional slide switch in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is an elevational view in section of a conventional multi-directional slide switch. 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional slide switch of FIG.  10 . 
       FIG. 12  is a plan view of a case, an essential part of the multi-directional slide switch of FIG.  10 . 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of a section of the multi-directional slide switch of  FIG. 10 , illustrating how a first slide member thereof is assembled. 
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of another section of the multi-directional slide switch of  FIG. 10 , illustrating how a second slide member thereof is assembled. 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view of the multi-directional slide switch of  FIG. 10 , illustrating how a control lever thereof is slid in an X-axis direction. 
       FIG. 16  is a plan view of the multi-directional slide switch of  FIG. 10 , illustrating how the control lever thereof is slid in a Y-axis direction. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, like constituent components are denoted with the same reference marks and detailed description of these components are omitted. 
   First Exemplary Embodiment 
     FIG. 1  is a plan view of a multi-directional slide switch in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a cover thereof removed.  FIG. 2  is an elevational view in section thereof.  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view thereof.  FIG. 4  is a plan view of a case thereof. 
   Box-shaped case  21  has four sidewalls  22 A through  22 D standing erect from the outer peripheral four sides of quadrangular bottom surface  21 A, as shown in  FIG. 3 and 4 . Case  21  is made of an insulating material. An insulating ceramic material can be used. However, in order to form the complicated interior shape at low cost, resin is preferable. On the inner surfaces of sidewalls  22 A through  22 D, corresponding fixed contacts (hereinafter referred to as “contacts”)  23 A through  23 D each shaped like a flat plate are disposed so as to be exposed in positions symmetrical with respect to the center of bottom surface  21 A. Terminals  24 A through  24 D electrically connected with corresponding contacts  23 A through  23 D project from the outer peripheries of corresponding sidewalls  22 A through  22 D. 
   Supports  25  and  26 , each having a trapezoidal shape as seen from the top, project from bottom surface  21 A, in positions on one of diagonal lines passing between contact  23 A and contact  23 B. This diagonal line also passes between contact  23 C and contact  23 D. On the side faces of supports  25  and  26  opposed to corners  21 B and  21 C, respectively, connection contacts (hereinafter referred to as “contacts”)  27  and  28  are provided. Terminals  27 A and  28 A electrically connected with corresponding contacts  27  and  28  project form the outer peripheries of corresponding sidewalls  22 A and  22 C. 
   These contacts  23 A through  23 D,  27  and  28 , terminals  24 A through  24 D,  27 A and  28 A, and movable contacts  34  and  35 , which will be described later, constitute a slide switch section. 
   On the other hand, provided inside of circular wall  21 D surrounding the center of bottom surface  21 A are fixed contacts for a press switch section, made of center contact  29  and a pair of side contacts  30  sandwiching center contact  29 . Terminals  29 A and  30 A electrically connected with corresponding contacts  29  and  30  project from the outer peripheries of corresponding sidewalls  22 B and  22 D. As shown in  FIG. 2 , disposed on fixed contacts  29  and  30  for this press switch section is dome-shaped movable contact (hereinafter referred to as a “contact”)  31  made by drawing a resilient metal thin plate into a bowl shape. The bottom end of the outer periphery of contact  31  is mounted on side contacts  30 . The bottom surface of the top portion of contact  31  is opposed to center contact  29  with a predetermined space provided therebetween. Thus, the press switch section is constructed. 
   Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 4 , guide parts  32  and  33  are provided at the other corners of case bottom surface  21 A. Each of guide parts  32  and  33  has a cross-shaped recess extending in directions parallel to opposed sidewalls  22 A and  22 C, and opposed sidewalls  22 B and  22 D. The structure of guide parts  32  and  33  is not limited to the above-mentioned cross-shaped recess formed in bottom surface  21 A of case  21 . The cross-shaped outline can at least be formed by providing projections on sidewalls  22 A,  22 B,  22 C, and  22 D. 
   Movable contacts (hereinafter referred as “contacts”)  34  and  35  are made by forming a resilient thin metal plate having a predetermined width into substantially an M shape, as shown in FIG.  3 . It is easy to form contacts  34  and  35  by bending. However, another method can be used. As shown in  FIG. 1 , connection leg  34 A in center portion  34 H of the M shape is fitted between contact  27  on support  25  and corner  21 B, fixed thereto, and electrically connected with contact  27 . Similarly, connection leg  35 A is fitted between contact  28  on support  26  and corner  21 C, fixed thereto, and electrically connected with contact  28 . In other words, center portions  34 H and  35 H function as the portions for fixing contacts  34  and  35 , respectively. Because of this structure, supports  25  and  26  inhibit corresponding contacts  34  and  35  from moving toward the center of case  21 . 
   Tips  34 D and  34 E of resilient legs  34 B and  34 C at both ends of M-shaped contact  34  are adopted to make contact with the vicinities of contacts  23 A and  23 B on sidewalls  22 A and  22 B of case  21 , respectively, so that a predetermined space is provided between the vicinity and each fixed contact. Similarly, tips  35 D and  35 E of resilient legs  35 B and  35 C at both ends of M-shaped contact  35  are adopted to make contact with the vicinities of contacts  23 C and  23 D on sidewalls  22 C and  22 D of case  21 , respectively, so that a predetermined space is provided between the vicinity and each fixed contact. 
   Additionally, two resilient arms  34 F and  34 G for connecting center portion  34 H and the roots of corresponding resilient legs  34 B and  34 C of contact  34  are adopted to make contact with corresponding symmetrical corners  25 A and  25 B of support  25 , in the middle portions of the resilient arms. Resilient arms  34 F and  34 G are supported and restricted in positions symmetrical with respect to the diagonal line connecting corners  21 B and  21 C of case  21 . Similarly, two resilient arms  35 F and  35 G for connecting center portion  35 H and the roots of corresponding resilient legs  35 B and  35 C of contact  35  are adopted to make contact with corresponding symmetrical corners  26 A and  26 B of support  26 , in the middle portions of the resilient arms. Resilient arms  35 F and  35 G are supported and restricted in positions symmetrical with respect to the center of case bottom surface  21 . Because of this structure, one movable contact  34  forms two switches. 
   As shown by the dotted lines in  FIG. 1 , driver  36  has columns  37 A and  37 B on the bottom surfaces of protrusions symmetrical with respect to the center of driver  36 , at both ends of body portion  36 A shaped like a long plate. Like case  21 , driver  36  is also formed of ceramic material or resin. Columns  37 A and  37 B are respectively positioned at the center of cross-shaped guide parts  32  and  33  on bottom surface  21 A. This structure allows columns  37 A and  37 B to make a predetermined amount of linear movement in the direction parallel to opposed sidewalls  22 A and  22 C and in the direction parallel to opposed sidewalls  22 B and  22 D. Columns  37 A and  37 B provided on driver  36  serve as portions for restricting driver  36 . 
   Square portion  38  protruding downwardly from body portion  36 A has four side-face contact portions (hereinafter referred to as “contact portions”)  38 A through  38 D. Contact portions  38 A through  38 D are in contact with the corresponding vicinities of portions for connecting resilient legs and arms, i.e., the tips of resilient arms  34 F,  34 G,  35 F, and  35 G of contacts  34  and  35 . This structure keeps square portion  38  in the neutral position in case  21 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , control lever (hereinafter referred to as a “lever”)  39  is integrally formed with body portion  36 A in the center of the top surface thereof. Lever  39  projects outwardly from hole  40 A in the center of cover  40  that is joined to case  21  to cover the upper opening of case  21 . This structure facilitates the operation of driver  36 . 
   Further, press rod  41  for driving the press switch section is disposed through through-hole  39 A in the center of lever  39  so as to be movable vertically. Bottom end projection  41 A of press rod  41  is in contact with the top surface of the top portion of contact  31  in the press switch section. At the bottom end of press rod  41 , large-diameter flange  41 B is provided. Bottom end projection  41 A is provided on the bottom surface of flange  41 B. 
   The multi-directional slide switch of this embodiment is structured as above. Next, the operation thereof is described. 
   First, the operation of the slide switch section is described. In an inoperative state as shown in  FIG. 1 , tips  34 D,  34 E,  35 D, and  35 E of corresponding resilient legs  34 B,  34 C,  35 B and  35 C are out of contact with corresponding contacts  23 A through  23 D. In other words, the switch is in the off-state. 
   When force is applied to slide lever  39  in the rightward direction in this state, as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 5 , entire driver  36  moves rightward. At this time, columns  37 A and  37 B of driver  36  are guided to the right sides of the recesses in guide parts  32  and  33 , respectively. Contact portion  38 C of driver  36  leaves resilient arm  35 F of contact  35 . Contact portion  38 B moves rightward while it is in contact with the vicinity of the portion connecting resilient arm  34 G and resilient leg  34 C of contact  34 . Similarly, contact portion  38 D moves rightward while it is in contact with the vicinity of the portion connecting resilient arm  35 G and resilient leg  35 C of contact  35 . 
   Then, contact portion  38 A pushes the tip of resilient arm  34 F of contact  34  in contact with contact portion  38 A, in the rightward direction. Pushed resilient arm  34 F pivots around the fulcrum at connection leg  34 A, i.e., a fixation portion at the root of resilient arm  34 F. The middle portion of resilient arm  34 F leaves corner  25 A of support  25  on case  21 . Additionally, because the root of resilient leg  34 B approaches sidewall  22 A of case  21 , tip  34 D is slid on the inner surface of sidewall  22 A and adopted to make contact therewith, and brought into contact with contact  23 A. This action establishes electrical connection between contacts  27  and  23 A, i.e., terminals  27 A and  24 A, via contact  34 . This signal is transferred to the outside. In this manner, this switch is structured so that contact  34  has center portion  34 H, resilient legs  34 B and  34 C, and resilient arms  34 F and  34 G, and center portion  34 H is fixed to a position on one of diagonal lines of the case inner bottom surface. This structure makes such an action possible. 
   At this time, resilient arm  34 G of contact  34  is adopted to make contact with corner  25 B of support  25  on case  21  and does not move. Similarly, resilient arms  35 F and  35 G are adopted to make contact with corresponding corners  26 A and  26 B of support  26  on case  21  and do not move. Providing supports  25  and  26  of this structure prevents the malfunction of the contacts. 
   Thereafter, when the force applied to lever  39  is removed, resilient restoring force of contact  34  causes resilient arm  34 F to push driver  36  toward the center of case  21  along contact portion  38 A. Thus, while columns  37 A and  37 B are guided by guide parts  32  and  33 , the switch returns to the original inoperative state as shown in FIG.  1 . In other words, the switch returns to a stable neutral state in which driver  36  is urged toward the center from outer peripheral four directions by contacts  34  and  35 . At this time, tip  34 D of resilient leg  34 B of contact  34  leaves contact  23 A. This action is realized by providing resilient arm  34 F in movable contact  34  and providing contact portion  38 A in driver  36 . 
   In a similar manner, pushing lever  39  leftward from the inoperative state shown in  FIG. 1  establishes electrical contact between contacts  28  and  23 C. Likewise, pushing lever  39  backward establishes electrical contact between contacts  27  and  23 B and pushing lever  39  forward establishes electrical contact between contacts  28  and  23 D. In other words, lever  39  is pushed in a direction parallel to bottom surface  21 A of case  21  so as to be slid in one of four directions parallel to sidewalls  22 A through  22 D. Then, entire driver  36  translates along guide parts, and one of the contact portions of driver  36  corresponding to the sliding direction pushes the vicinity of the connecting portion of the resilient arm of the movable contact in contact with the contact portion. This causes the tip of the resilient leg to slide on the inner surface of the sidewall of the case in contact with the tip and to make contact with a corresponding fixed contact. Thus, a given signal is obtained. 
   As described above, in this embodiment, the movement of columns  37 A and  37 B, i.e., simply structured restricting portions for driver  36 , is restricted by guide parts  32  and  33 . This structure restricts the sliding operation to four directions, i.e., right left, front and back, only. In other words, the restricting portions restrict the directions of movement of driver  36  in operation using a simple structure. Thus, driver  36  is operated in the sliding directions preset by the restricting portions only. Additionally, in this embodiment, forming guide parts  32  and  33  as recesses also restrict unnecessary movement of driver  36 . Further, in this multi-directional slide switch, contacts are disposed so as to provide a given signal when the switch is operated in one of these directions. 
   The multi-directional slide switch of this embodiment has a small number of components. Thus, the switch is easily assembled and has a low profile. Especially, each movable contact is structured as substantially an M shape. Each movable contact is supported from the inside so that a pair of resilient arms are placed symmetrically with respect to the diagonal line of bottom surface  21 A, and forms two switches. This structure reduces the number of components. Further, because two of such a substantially M-shaped movable contact are disposed in positions symmetrical with respect to the center of bottom surface  21 A, a four-directional switch of a simple structure is realized. 
   In the above description, each of movable contacts  34  and  35  is formed by bending a resilient thin metal plate to substantially an M shape. Resilient arms  34 F and  34 G are integrally formed with resilient legs  34 B and  34 C, respectively, so that they are symmetrical with respect to the centerline going through the center portions  34 H of the M shapes, i.e., fixation portions. Similarly, resilient arms  35 F and  35 G are integrally formed with resilient legs  35 B and  35 C, so that they are symmetrical with respect to the centerline going through the center portions  35 H. This structure allows each of contacts  23 A through  23 D to form an electrically independent switch. Instead of this structure, each of the movable contacts can be divided into two pieces in the center portion of the M shape, and the divided pieces can be fixed to corners  21 B and  21 C of case  21 . 
   In the description of this embodiment, guide parts each having a cross-shaped recess are provided in a case having a quadrangular bottom surface, and a driver is movable in four directions parallel to the sides of the case, i.e., front, back, right, and left. However, the shape of the case bottom surface and directions of movement of the driver are not limited to the above description. The shape can be pentagonal, hexagonal, or circular. For example, the case bottom can be shaped hexagonal so that a driver is movable in six directions parallel to the respective sides. In this case, the shape of the movable contact includes the above-mentioned substantially M shape divided into two pieces, and mixture of substantially the M shape and divided pieces. 
   As the shape of the case bottom surface, regular polygons are preferable. In this case, movable contacts can be formed into the same size and thus components can be shared. When a case bottom surface is shaped like a polygon, the center portion of each movable contact is fixed to a position on a line connecting a given point on the case bottom surface and a corresponding corner. When a case bottom surface is shaped like a regular polygon, the center portion of each movable contact is fixed to a position on a line connecting the center of the polygon and a corresponding corner. This makes the spaces between disposed movable contacts equal and thus the movable contacts of the same shape can easily be installed. 
   In the above description, when lateral pushing force is applied to slide lever  39 , tips  34 D and  34 E of contact  34  are adopted to make contact with and slid on the inner surfaces of sidewalls  22 A and  22 B, respectively, in the direction as to approach the center portion  34 H. Similarly, tips  35 D and  35 E of contact  35  are adopted to make contact with and slid on the inner surfaces of sidewalls  22 C and  22 D, respectively, in the direction as to approach the center portion  35 H. However, the direction of each of resilient legs  34 B,  34 C,  35 B, and  35 C can be changed so that the resilient leg leaves the center portion of the M shape. 
   In the above description, the slide switch section is in the off-state in its inoperative state and electrical connection is established between given terminals by a sliding operation. However, it is also possible that the switch is in the on-state in its inoperative state and electrical connection between given terminals is broken off by the sliding operation. 
   In the above description, contacts  23 A through  23 D are disposed on the inner surfaces of sidewalls  22 A through  22 D, respectively, which stand erect from the outer peripheral four sides of bottom surface  21 A of case  21 . However, contacts  23 A through  23 D can be provided on bottom surface  21 A in the vicinity of sidewalls  22 A through  22 D, respectively, so that the tips of resilient legs  34 B,  34 C,  35 B, and  35 C of contacts  34  and  35  are brought into contact with corresponding contacts  23 A through  23 D. 
   Next, the operation of the press switch section is described. In an inoperative state shown in  FIG. 2 , the press switch section is in the off-state. In other words, electrical connection is not established between terminals  29 A and  30 A shown in FIG.  4 . 
   In this state, as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 6 , downward force is applied to press rod  41  disposed in the center of lever  39 , for a depressing operation. Then, bottom end projection  41 A on press rod  41  depresses and resiliently deforms the top portion of contact  31 , thereby bringing the bottom surface of the top portion into contact with center contact  29 . This establishes electrical contact between center contact  29  and side contacts  30 , i.e., terminal  29 A and terminal  30 A in  FIG. 4  are electrically connected via contact  31 . The signal is transferred to the outside. Thereafter, when the force applied to press rod  41  is removed, resilient restoring force of contact  31  pushes back press rod  41  upwardly, thereby restoring the switch to its original state shown in FIG.  2 . In other words, the bottom surface of the top portion of contact  31  leaves center contact  29 . 
   As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to a signal obtained by sliding operation of lever  39 , another signal can be obtained by depressing operation of press rod  41 . However, the press switch section is not necessarily required and a multi-directional slide switch can be structured of a slide switch section only. In this embodiment, guide parts  32  and  33  are provided at the corners of case bottom surface  21 A. When the press switch section is not incorporated, the guide parts can be provided in the center of case bottom surface  21 A. In this case, the restricting portions are provided in the center of the bottom surface of body portion  36 A. 
   This press switch section is structured to be operable only when driver  36  is in an inoperative position. Next, this structure is described. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , large-diameter flange  41 B is provided at the bottom end of press rod  41 , and bottom end projection  41 A is formed to project at the center of flange  41 B. As shown in  FIG. 2 , flange  41 B is positioned above the top end of circular wall  21 D that is provided on bottom surface  21 A of case  21  to surround the press switch section. Specifically, flange  41 B is positioned above circular wall  21 D by a dimension smaller than the operative stroke of the press switch section. Additionally, the clearance between the outer diameter of flange  41 B and the inner diameter of circular wall  21 D is set smaller than the amount of movement of lever  39 , i.e., press rod  41 , in sliding operation. 
   When lever  39  is slid, press rod  41  moves laterally with lever  39 . Therefore, when lever  39  is slid, a part of flange  41 B overlaps the top end of circular wall  21 D, as shown by the two-dot chain lines in FIG.  7 . In this state, press rod  41  can move downwardly by the difference between the bottom end of flange  41 B and the top end of circular wall  21 D only. In other words, while lever  39  is slid, the press switch section is inoperable. This structure prevents malfunction of the press switch section during the sliding operation. Flange  41 B also serves to prevent press rod  41  from falling out of through-hole  39 A through lever  39 . 
   Second Exemplary Embodiment 
     FIG. 8  is an elevational view in section of a multi-directional slide switch in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, knob  42  is attached to the structure of the first exemplary embodiment. The structure of the other components is the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment. 
   Over the tip of control lever  39 , control knob  42  is fitted. In through-hole  42 A in the center of knob  42 , push button  43  is inserted to be independently and vertically movable. The bottom end of knob  42  forms large-diameter portion  42 B. The outer peripheral bottom end of large-diameter portion  42 B is in contact with the outer peripheral plane around hole  40 A through cover  40  for covering the top opening of case  21 . 
   Structuring knob  42  in this manner prevents jerky movements of driver  36  caused by the tilt thereof and provides smooth operation when lateral pushing force is applied to slide knob  42 . Additionally, covering hole  40 A through cover  40  provides good appearance and improves dust resistance. Further, depressing push button  43  can actuate a press switch section. 
   Third Exemplary Embodiment 
     FIG. 9  is an elevational view in section of a multi-directional slide switch in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the structure of a driver is different from that of the first exemplary embodiment. The structure of the other components is the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment. 
   Control lever (hereinafter referred to as a “lever”)  45  is engaged with center hole  44 A through driver  44  to be independently and vertically movable. Bottom end projection  45 A of lever  45  is in contact with the top surface of the top portion of dome-like movable contact  31  of the press switch section. Knob  46  covers the tip of lever  45 . Between the bottom surface of knob  46  and cover  40 , a clearance larger than the operative stroke of the press switch section is provided. In other words, lever  45  engages the body of driver  44  to be independently and vertically movable and also serves as a press rod. 
   Because of this structure, applying lateral force to slide knob  46  can actuates the slide switch section. Applying downward force to depress knob  46  can actuate the press switch section. Lever  45  and knob  46  have simple shapes as described above and the number of components can be reduced. 
   As described above, in the present invention, when a control lever is slid to move a driver housed in a case in a given direction, the movement of the driver causes the driver to push a given movable contact and slide and bring the movable contact into resilient contact with a corresponding fixed contact. This structure can provide a multi-directional slide switch of low profile that has a small number of constituent members and is easily assembled.