Patent Description:
As shown in <CIT>, a conventional multi-directional input device includes a case, a pair of upper and lower arms, an operation shaft, an actuating member, a compression coil spring, and a plurality of electric components. The case has a bottom plate. The pair of upper and lower arms are movably supported in two directions orthogonal to each other in the case, and each has an elongated hole extending in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction. The operation shaft is rotatable in a state of passing through each elongated hole. The actuating member is movably supported in an axial direction of the operation shaft at a lower end of the operation shaft projecting downward of the lower arm, and is provided with a downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion whose diameter decreases downward. The compression coil spring presses the spherical trapezoidal portion of the actuating member against the bottom plate to return the operation shaft to a neutral state. The plurality of electric components are operated through each of the arms by rotation of the operation shaft.

<CIT> relates to a multidirectional input device wherein, by tilting an operating shaft, a variable condenser is operated and an operational direction of the operating shaft can be inputted.

Here, the operation shaft is rotatably supported by the lower arm in a direction where the elongated hole extends, in order to prevent the operation shaft from coming off. In addition, in consideration of assemblability, the operation shaft is rotatably supported by the lower arm in the direction where the elongated hole extends, by snap-engaging a projecting shaft support portion provided on an outer surface of the operation shaft with a recessed engaging portion provided in the elongated hole of the lower arm.

However, in the conventional multi-directional input device as described above, since the snap-engaging portion between the operation shaft and the lower arm serves as a rotation center of the operation shaft, it becomes difficult to reduce the entire height of the device when the rotation radius of the operation shaft is increased. Further, in order to ensure the assemblability, it is difficult to provide sufficient strength to the snap-engaging portion between the operation shaft and the lower arm.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional input device, in which the entire height of the device can be reduced even when the rotation radius of an operation shaft is increased and the device can be downsized without lowering the strength of the operation shaft and a lower arm.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-directional input device, including: a case having a bottom plate; a pair of upper and lower arms supported to be movable in two orthogonal directions in the case, the pair of upper and lower arms each having an elongated hole extending in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction; an operation shaft that is rotatable in a state of penetrating each elongated hole, an actuating member that is supported to be movable in an axial direction of the operation shaft at a lower end of the operation shaft projecting downward of the lower arm, and is provided with a downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion whose diameter decreases downward; a compression coil spring that is provided between the operation shaft and the actuating member, and presses the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion against the bottom plate to return the operation shaft to a neutral state; and a plurality of electric components operated via each arm by rotation of the operation shaft. An upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion whose diameter decreases upward is provided at a lower end of the operation shaft projecting downward of the lower arm. A receiving portion for the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is provided in the case. The receiving portion has a receiving surface that is configured with a spherical surface having a radius of curvature identical to a radius of curvature of a spherical zone of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion, the receiving surface against which a spherical zone of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is pressed from downward by the compression coil spring. The operation shaft is supported to be rotatable about a center of curvature of the receiving surface.

According to the present invention, an upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion whose diameter decreases upward is provided at the lower end of the operation shaft projecting downward of the lower arm, and the receiving portion for the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is provided in the case. The receiving portion has a receiving surface that is configured with a spherical surface having the same radius of curvature as the radius of curvature of the spherical zone of the upwardly convex spherical trapezoidal portion, the receiving surface against which a spherical zone of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is pressed from downward by the compression coil spring. The operation shaft is supported to be rotatable about the curvature center of the receiving surface. In this manner, since the operation shaft is supported to be rotatable about the curvature center of the receiving surface of the receiving portion while being prevented from coming off by the receiving portion positioned downward of the lower arm, the entire height of the device is reduced even if the rotation radius of the operation shaft is increased, and the device can be downsized without lowering the strength of the operation shaft and the lower arm.

Further, the actuating member is supported by the lower end of the operation shaft in a state in which the rotation around an axis of the operation shaft is regulated, and is provided with a protrusion projecting radially outward from an upper end of the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion. The protrusion is inserted so as to be movable vertically in a guide groove that extends in a vertical direction on an inner wall of the case, so that rotation around an axis of the operation shaft of the actuating member is regulated. In this manner, rotation around an axis of the operation shaft is regulated via the actuating member. Therefore, degree of freedom in a shape of the lower arm is increased, the lower arm can be downsized, and the device can be downsized.

Further, an upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion whose diameter decreases upward is provided at the lower end portion of the operation shaft projecting downward of the lower arm, and a receiving portion for the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is provided in the case. The receiving portion has a receiving surface that is configured with a spherical surface having the same radius of curvature as radius of curvature of a spherical zone of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion, the receiving surface against which a spherical zone of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is pressed from downward by the compression coil spring. The operation shaft is supported to be rotatable about the center of curvature of the receiving surface. The lower arm has a curved upper surface provided along a cylindrical surface arranged coaxially on one horizontal axis that passes through the center of curvature of the receiving surface and extends in a moving direction of the lower arm. The operation shaft is provided with an engaging portion with the lower arm. The engaging portion has a downward engaging surface that is curved along the curved upper surface of the lower arm and is movable on the curved upper surface of the lower arm when the operation shaft rotates. In this manner, the operation shaft in a state of being inserted through an elongated hole of the lower arm from downward is rotated by <NUM>° so that a downward engaging surface of the engaging portion of the operation shaft is arranged to face the curved upper surface of the lower arm for assembly. Accordingly, the operation shaft and the lower arm can be provided with enough strength, and the device can be downsized without lowering of the strength of the operation shaft and the lower arm.

Further, the pusher supported movably in the vertical direction and the pressing switch for detecting the pressing movement of the operation shaft are further included in the case, the lower arm moving downward with the pressing movement of the operation shaft moves downward the pusher, and the pressing switch is operated via the pusher. In this manner, before the pusher is incorporated, the lower arm has degree of freedom in a downward direction, and there is no possibility of interference between the downward engaging surfaces of the engaging portions of the operation shaft and the curved upper surface of the lower arm even if the operation shaft is rotated by <NUM>° and assembled. For this reason, a gap (clearance) between the downward engaging surface of the engaging portion of the operation shaft and the curved upper surface of the lower arm can sufficiently be reduced, and the pressing switch can be operated with a short stroke.

Hereinafter, a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

As shown in <FIG>, the multi-directional input device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a case <NUM>, a pair of upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM>, an operation shaft <NUM>, an actuating member <NUM>, a compression coil spring <NUM>, first and second sliders <NUM> and <NUM>, a pusher <NUM>, first and second variable resistors <NUM> and <NUM> which are first and second electric components, a pressing switch <NUM> which is a third electric component, and a substrate <NUM>.

In coordinate axes shown in <FIG>, a Y1-Y2 direction is a front-rear direction (depth direction) of the multi-directional input device, an X1-X2 direction is a lateral direction (width direction) of the multi-directional input device, and a Z1-Z2 direction is a vertical direction (height direction) of the multi-directional input device. The Y1-Y2 direction intersects the X1-X2 direction at right angles, and the Z1-Z2 direction intersects the Y1-Y2 direction and the X1-X2 direction at right angles. The Y1-Y2 direction and the X1-X2 direction correspond to the "two orthogonal directions" in the claims. The Z1-Z2 direction corresponds to the "vertical direction" in the claims.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> to <FIG>, the case <NUM> is provided with a cuboid shaped body <NUM> made of insulating synthetic resin, a cover <NUM> that is made of insulating synthetic resin, has a dome-like shape which is convex upward and a diameter decreasing upward, is provided with a circular opening <NUM> for inserting the operation shaft <NUM> at the top, and is placed on a top surface of the body <NUM>, and a frame <NUM> that is made of sheet metal and has a rectangular bottom plate <NUM> covering a lower surface of the body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are positioned and connected to and assembled with the body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the body <NUM> has an operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> for rotatably accommodating a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM>, a receiving portion <NUM> for rotatably supporting the lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> while also serving to prevent the operation shaft <NUM> from coming off, a guide groove <NUM> for regulating rotation of the operation shaft <NUM> about the axis via the actuating member <NUM>, a first slider accommodation portion <NUM> for accommodating the first slider <NUM> movably in the front-rear direction, a second slider accommodation portion <NUM> for accommodating the second slider <NUM> movably in the lateral direction, a pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM> for accommodating the pressing switch <NUM>, a pusher accommodation portion <NUM> for movably accommodating the pusher <NUM> in the vertical direction, a pair of left and right guide plates 118a and 118b for moving the upper arm <NUM> in an arc shape in the front-rear direction, and a pair of front and rear guide plates 119a and 119b for moving the lower arm <NUM> in an arc shape in the lateral direction.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> is a cylindrical hole penetrating a central portion of the body <NUM> in the vertical direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the receiving portion <NUM> is a receiving portion of an upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> provided at a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> projecting downward of the lower arm <NUM> and having a diameter decreasing upward. The receiving portion <NUM> is formed into an upward concave spherical shape whose diameter decreases upward in a state of being projecting inward from an upper end opening edge of the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> has a receiving surface 112a, which is a receiving portion configured with a surface of a spherical zone shape having the radius of curvature same as the radius of curvature of a spherical zone <NUM> of a side surface portion of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM>, and against which the spherical zone <NUM> of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is pressed downward by the compression coil spring <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> supports the operation shaft <NUM> so as to be rotatable around the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a, while also serving to prevent the operation shaft <NUM> from coming off.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide groove <NUM> is a groove having a U-shaped cross section, which is provided on a peripheral wall of the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> to extend in the vertical direction. A plurality of the guide grooves <NUM> are provided at equal intervals in a circumferential direction on the peripheral wall of the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM>. One of the guide grooves <NUM> is provided in each of four directions which are diagonal directions of the body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first slider accommodation portion <NUM> is provided between the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and a left side surface of the body <NUM>, and has a first lower movement path 114a, a first fixing surface 114b, a first upper movement path 114c, and a first concave portion 114d. The first lower movement path 114a is provided on a lower surface of the body <NUM> between the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the left side surface of the body <NUM>. The first lower movement path 114a is a rectangular bottomed hole whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction, and a rectangular flat bottom surface of the hole, that is, a flat top surface of the first lower movement path 114a is the first fixing surface 114b. The first upper movement path 114c is provided at the center of the first fixing surface 114b. The first upper movement path 114c is a rectangular hole whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction and penetrates an upper surface of the body <NUM> to connect the first lower movement path 114a and the inside of the cover <NUM>.

The first concave portion 114d is a fitting portion to be fitted with a first convex portion <NUM> provided on the first slider <NUM> when the first slider <NUM> is at a neutral position, and is provided on each of the first fixing surface 114b located closer to a front side relative to the first upper movement path 114c and the first fixing surface 114b located closer to a rear side relative to the first upper movement path 114c. A fitting shape of the first concave portion 114d with the first convex portion <NUM> is a cylindrical surface formed in a cylindrical surface extending in the lateral direction orthogonal to a moving direction (front-rear direction) of the first slider <NUM> and has an upward convex arc-like cross-sectional shape.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second slider accommodation portion <NUM> is provided between the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and a rear side surface of the body <NUM>, and has a second lower movement path 115a, a second fixing surface 115b, a second upper movement path 115c, and a second concave portion 115d. The second lower movement path 115a is provided on a lower surface of the body <NUM> between the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the rear side surface of the body <NUM>. The second lower movement path 115a is a rectangular bottomed hole whose longitudinal direction is the lateral direction, and a rectangular flat bottom surface of the hole, that is, a flat top surface of the second lower movement path 115a is the second fixing surface 115b. The second upper movement path 115c is provided at the center of the second fixing surface 115b. The second upper movement path 115c is a rectangular hole whose longitudinal direction is the lateral direction, and penetrates the upper surface of the body <NUM> to connect the second lower movement path 115a and the inside of the cover <NUM>.

The second concave portion 115d is a fitting portion to be fitted with a second convex portion <NUM> provided on the second slider <NUM> when the second slider <NUM> is at a neutral position, and is provided on each of the first fixing surface 114b located closer to a left side relative to the second upper movement path 115c and the second fixing surface 115b located closer to a right side relative to the second upper movement path 115c. A fitting shape of the second concave portion 115d with the second convex portion <NUM> is a cylindrical surface formed in a cylindrical surface extending in the front-rear direction orthogonal to a moving direction (lateral direction) of the second slider <NUM>, and has an upward convex arc-like cross-sectional shape.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM> is provided on the lower surface of the body <NUM> between the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the front side surface of the body <NUM>. The pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM> is a rectangular bottomed shallow hole whose longitudinal direction is the lateral direction.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the pusher accommodation portion <NUM> is provided between the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the front side surface of the body <NUM>. The pusher accommodation portion <NUM> is provided on a rectangular bottom surface of the hole which is the pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM>, that is, on a top surface of the pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM>. The pusher accommodation portion <NUM> is a rectangular hole whose longitudinal direction is the lateral direction and penetrates the upper surface of the body <NUM> to connect the pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM> and the inside of the cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the left and right guide plates 118a and 118b are upward convex, bow-shaped plates which are raised from both left and right ends of the upper surface of the body <NUM> and opposed in the lateral direction. Arc-shaped left and right arm hooks 118c and 118d, which are arc-shaped step surfaces one step lower, are provided inside arc-shaped upper end surfaces of the left and right guide plates 118a and 118b. The arc-shaped upper end surfaces of the left and right guide plates 118a and 118b and the arc-shaped left and right arm hooks 118c and 118d are provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on one horizontal axis (hereinafter referred to as "X axis") that passes through the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a and extends in the lateral direction. On the upper surface of the body <NUM>, the first upper movement path 114c is opened along an inner surface of the left guide plate 118a.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the front and rear guide plates 119a and 119b are upward convex, bow-shaped plates which are raised from both front and rear ends of the upper surface of the body <NUM> and opposed in the front-rear direction. An arc-shaped rear arm hook 119c, which is an arc-shaped step surface lower by one step, is provided only inside the arc-shaped upper end of the rear guide plate 119b between the arc-shaped upper ends of the front and rear guide plates 119a and 119b. The arc-shaped upper ends of the front and rear guide plates 119a and 119b and the arc-shaped rear arm hook 119c of the rear guide plate 119b are provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on one horizontal axis (hereinafter referred to as "Y axis") that passes through the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a and extends in the front-rear direction. On the upper surface of the body <NUM>, the second upper movement path 115c is opened along an inner surface of the rear guide plate 119b, and the pusher accommodation portion <NUM> is opened along an inner surface of the front guide plate 119a.

The cover <NUM> is provided with a pair of left and right guide holes 121a and 121b for moving the upper arm <NUM> in an arc shape in the front and rear direction, and a pair of front and rear guide holes 122a and 122b for moving the lower arm <NUM> in an arc shape in the lateral direction.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the left and right guide holes 121a and 121b are upward convex, bow-shaped notches which are opposed in the lateral direction in which the left and right guide plates 118a and 118b are fitted when the cover <NUM> is placed on the upper surface of the body <NUM>. In the case <NUM>, a pair of left and right arc-shaped guide grooves 101a and 101b for moving the upper arm <NUM> in an arc shape in the front-rear direction are formed between end surfaces of the left and right guide plates 118a and 118b and end surfaces of the left and right guide holes 121a and 121b with the left and right arm hooks 118c and 118d interposed between them. The left and right guide grooves 101a and 101b have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape and are opened in the case <NUM>. The left and right guide grooves 101a and 101b are provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the X axis.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the front and rear guide holes 122a and 122b are upward convex, bow-shaped notches which are opposed in the front-rear direction in which the front and rear guide plates 119a and 119b are fitted when the cover <NUM> is placed on the upper surface of the body <NUM>. In the case <NUM>, an arc-shaped rear guide groove <NUM> for moving the lower arm <NUM> in an arc shape in the lateral direction is formed between an end surface of the rear guide plates 119b and an end surface of the rear guide holes 122b with the rear arm hook 119c interposed between them. The rear guide groove <NUM> has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape and is opened in the case <NUM>. The rear guide groove <NUM> is provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the Y-axis.

In the inside of the case <NUM> configured as described above, a pair of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM>, a lower portion of the operation shaft <NUM>, the actuating member <NUM>, the compression coil spring <NUM>, the first and second sliders <NUM> and <NUM>, the pusher <NUM>, the first and second variable resistors <NUM> and <NUM>, the pressing switch <NUM>, and the substrate <NUM> are accommodated. At the same time, an upper portion of the operation shaft <NUM> projects from the inside of the case <NUM> to the outside of the case <NUM> through the opening <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the substrate <NUM> is a rectangular flexible printed circuit (FPC), sandwiched between the lower surface of the body <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>, and is arranged in a state of being positioned with respect to the body <NUM>. A circular opening <NUM> for exposing the central portion of the bottom plate <NUM> to the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> is provided at the central portion of the substrate <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> is provided with a tail portion <NUM> for external connection. The tail portion <NUM> extends in a band shape from the central portion of a left edge of the substrate <NUM> to the left and is pulled out to the left of the case <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the upper arm <NUM> has an upward convex arch shape (an arc-like shape as viewed from the front-rear direction) made of insulating synthetic resin. The upper arm <NUM> has an elongated hole <NUM>, a pair of left and right legs 220a and 220b, a pair of left and right slide parts 230a and 230b, and an engagement protrusion <NUM>.

The elongated hole <NUM> has a width as wide as a diameter of the operation shaft <NUM> and is provided in a longitudinal direction (lateral direction) of an arched portion of the upper arm <NUM>. The arched portion of the upper arm <NUM> is provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the Y-axis. The left and right legs 220a and 220b are portions extending downward from both left and right ends of the arched portion of the upper arm <NUM>. The left and right slide parts 230a and 230b protrude outward from lower ends of the left and right legs 220a and 220b to the left and right, and are arc-shaped protruding parts when viewed from the lateral direction. The left and right slide parts 230a and 230b are provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the X axis. As shown in <FIG>, the engagement protrusion <NUM> is a protrusion having an Ω shape in cross section projecting downward from a central portion in the front-rear direction on a lower surface of the left leg 220a.

The upper arm <NUM> is bridged in the lateral direction at the top of the case <NUM> by slidably fitting the left and right slide parts 230a and 230b to the left and right guide grooves 101a and 101b, and in this state, is supported movably in an arc shape in the front-rear direction along the left and right guide grooves 101a and 101b. The upper arm <NUM> moves along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the X-axis.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the lower arm <NUM> has an upward convex bow shape (a bow shape as viewed from the lateral direction) made of insulating synthetic resin. The lower arm <NUM> has an elongated hole <NUM>, a pair of front and rear slide parts 320a and 320b, and an engagement protrusion <NUM>.

The elongated hole <NUM> has a width as wide as a diameter of the operation shaft <NUM> and is provided in a longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of a bow-shaped portion of the lower arm <NUM>. An upper surface of the bow-shaped portion of the lower arm <NUM> is provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the X-axis. The lower arm <NUM> has a curved upper surface 300a that is formed of the upper surface of the bow-shaped portion, and is provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on one horizontal axis that passes through the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a and extends in a moving direction (lateral direction) of the lower arm <NUM>, that is, the X axis. The front and rear slide parts 320a and 320b project from both front and rear ends of the bow-shaped part of the lower arm <NUM> to outer sides in the front-rear direction, and are arc-shaped projecting parts as viewed from the front-rear direction. The front and rear slide parts 320a and 320b are provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the Y axis. The front slide part 320a is formed thicker than the rear slide part 320b. As shown in <FIG>, the engagement protrusion <NUM> is a protrusion having an Ω shape in cross section projecting downward from a central portion in the lateral direction on a lower surface of the rear slide part 320b.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the rear slide part 320b is fitted slidably in the rear guide groove <NUM>, while the front slide part 320a is slidably placed on a front arm hook <NUM> formed of an upper end surface provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the Y axis of the pusher <NUM> in a state where its front end face slidably abuts on an inner surface of the front guide plate 119a, so that the lower arm <NUM> is bridged in the front-rear direction in a state of being orthogonal to the upper arm <NUM> right below the upper arm <NUM> in the case <NUM>, and in that state, the lower arm <NUM> is supported movably in an arc shape in the lateral direction along the rear guide groove <NUM>. The lower arm <NUM> moves along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the Y axis.

In the lower arm <NUM>, a front slide part 310a on a front end side of the lower arm <NUM> can be pressed and moved downward with a rear slide part 320b on a rear end side of the lower arm <NUM> as a fulcrum, by a slight gap (clearance) between the rear slide part 320b and the rear guide groove <NUM>.

As described above, a pair of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM> are supported movably in two directions orthogonal to each other in the case <NUM> having the bottom plate <NUM>, and each has the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM> extending in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the operation shaft <NUM> is a round rod-shaped member made of insulating synthetic resin having a diameter that is the same as a width of the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM>. The operation shaft <NUM> is arranged in the case <NUM> in a state where, as a middle portion in an axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> penetrates the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM>, an upper end portion of the operation shaft <NUM> protruding above the upper arm <NUM> is inserted through the opening <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and protrudes to the outside of the case <NUM>, and a lower end portion of the operation shaft <NUM> protruding downward of the lower arm <NUM> is inserted through an inner diameter of the receiving portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and inserted into the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The operation shaft <NUM> has the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> for rotatably supporting the lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> while also serving to prevent the operation shaft <NUM> from coming off, a stepped shaft hole <NUM> for supporting the actuating member <NUM> in the lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> so as to be movable in the axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> in a state in which rotation around the axis of the operation shaft <NUM> is restricted, and also for providing the compression coil spring <NUM> between the operation shaft <NUM> and the actuating member <NUM>, a pair of left and right engaging portions 430a and 430b for pressing and moving the lower arm <NUM> at the time of pressing and moving the operation shaft <NUM>, an attaching hole <NUM> for screwing, for example, a disk-like key top, at the upper end of the operation shaft <NUM>, and a two-sided cut portion <NUM> for locking the key top.

The spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is arranged in the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>. The spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is formed in an upward convex spherical trapezoidal shape, in which the diameter decreases upward, in the lower end portion of the operation shaft <NUM>, a radius of an upper surface of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is equal to a radius of the operation shaft <NUM>, and the spherical zone <NUM> of a side surface portion of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> can be fitted to the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> from below.

The stepped shaft hole <NUM> is provided coaxially with the operation shaft <NUM> in an axial center portion of the operation shaft <NUM>, and has a ceiled hole opened on a lower end surface (lower end surface of the operation shaft <NUM>) of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM>. The stepped shaft hole <NUM> has, from bottom to top, a shaft hole <NUM> having a rectangular cross section, a shaft hole <NUM> having a rectangular cross section smaller (having a smaller diameter) and longer than the shaft hole <NUM>, a shaft hole <NUM> having a circular cross section that has the same diameter as the shaft hole <NUM>, the same length as the shaft hole <NUM>, and is capable of accommodating the compression coil spring <NUM>, and a shaft hole <NUM> having a circular cross section that has a diameter smaller than the shaft hole <NUM> and is shorter than the shaft hole <NUM>. Downward step surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are provided between the shaft hole <NUM> and the shaft hole <NUM>, between the shaft hole <NUM> and the shaft hole <NUM>, and between the shaft hole <NUM> and the shaft hole <NUM>, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the left and right engaging portions 430a and 430b are protrusions having a right-angled triangular cross-section projecting toward the left and right sides from an outer surface of the middle portion in the axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> in the elongated hole <NUM> of the upper arm <NUM>, and have engaging surfaces 431a and 431b facing each other with a slight gap (clearance) from above on left and right side edge portions of the elongated hole <NUM> in the curved upper surface 300a of the lower arm <NUM> in a bottom portion of the left and right engaging portions 430a and 430b. The engaging surfaces 431a and 431b are provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the X axis, and are engaging surfaces facing downward that are curved along the curved upper surface 300a of the lower arm <NUM>, are movable on a curved upper surface of the lower arm <NUM> when the operation shaft <NUM> rotates, and move the lower arm <NUM> along with the pressing movement of the operation shaft <NUM>.

The attaching hole <NUM> is a bottomed hole provided coaxially with the operation shaft <NUM> in the axial center portion of the operation shaft <NUM> and opened on the upper end surface of the operation shaft <NUM>. The two-sided cut portion <NUM> is provided at the upper end of the operation shaft <NUM>, and the upper end of the operation shaft <NUM> is formed in a shaft portion having an oblong cross section and a two-surface width.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the actuating member <NUM> is made of insulating synthetic resin, and has a spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM>, a stepped shaft portion <NUM>, and a protrusion <NUM>.

The spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is provided at the lower end of the actuating member <NUM>, and is placed in the central portion of the bottom plate <NUM> exposed in the operation shaft accommodation portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>. The spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is formed in a downward convex spherical shape whose diameter decreases downward. When the operation shaft <NUM> is rotated about the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> from a neutral state shown in <FIG> in which the shaft direction is perpendicular to the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM>, that is, tilted in an optional direction around the operation shaft <NUM> from the neutral state, a spherical zone <NUM> of a side surface portion of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> abuts against the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and, when the operation shaft <NUM> is returned to the neutral state, a flat lower surface <NUM> of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> abuts against the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The stepped shaft portion <NUM> is vertically provided at the center of the upper surface of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM>, and is inserted in the shaft hole <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> so as to be movable in the axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> includes, from bottom to top, a square shaft portion <NUM> having a square cross section fitted in the shaft hole <NUM>, a square shaft portion <NUM> having a square cross section fitted in the shaft hole <NUM>, and a round shaft portion <NUM> having a circular cross section that is inserted into the shaft hole <NUM> together with the compression coil spring <NUM> in a state of being inserted into an inner diameter of the compression coil spring <NUM> and has an upper end portion as a spring guide fitted in the shaft hole <NUM>. Upward step surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are provided between the square shaft portion <NUM> and the square shaft portion <NUM> and between the square shaft portion <NUM> and the round shaft portion <NUM>, respectively.

The actuating member <NUM> is provided with the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> whose diameter decreases downward at the lower end of the shaft portion <NUM>, and the shaft portion <NUM> is movably inserted and arranged in the shaft hole <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> in the axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM>, so that the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is movably supported in the axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> directly below the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> provided at the lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> with the shaft portion <NUM> interposed between them.

The compression coil spring <NUM> is made of a metal wire, and, as shown in <FIG>, is inserted into the shaft hole <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> together with the shaft portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> in a state of being fitted to the outer periphery of the round shaft portion <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> to be accommodated in the shaft hole <NUM>. Upper and lower wound ends are respectively brought into contact with the downward step surface <NUM> of the shaft hole <NUM> and the upward step surface <NUM> of the shaft portion <NUM>, so as to bias the actuating member <NUM> downward along the axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> in such a manner as pressing the spherical zone <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM> of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> against the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM> from above, and to bias the operation shaft <NUM> upward along the axial direction in such a manner as pressing the spherical zone <NUM> of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> from below against the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> from below.

As described above, as shown in <FIG>, the operation shaft <NUM> is rotatable in a state of penetrating the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM>. By the compression coil spring <NUM>, the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> is pressed against the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM> from above, and the spherical zone <NUM> of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> is pressed against the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> from below. In this manner, while being in a state of being prevented from coming off by the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>, the operation shaft <NUM> is supported so as to be rotatable about the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> together with the actuating member <NUM>, and so as to be able to be pressed and movable in the axial direction.

The first slider <NUM> is made of insulating synthetic resin. The first slider <NUM> has, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first slider main body <NUM>, a first engagement piece <NUM>, a first engagement groove <NUM>, a first engagement protrusion <NUM>, a first movable surface <NUM>, and a first convex portion <NUM>. The first slider main body <NUM> is a cuboid shaped block. The first engagement piece <NUM> is provided upright at the center of a flat upper surface of the first slider main body <NUM>. The first engagement groove <NUM> is provided at the upper end of the first engagement piece <NUM>. The first engagement protrusion <NUM> is a cylinder that projects downward from the central portion of the flat lower surface of the first slider main body <NUM>.

The first slider <NUM> is arranged in the first slider accommodation portion <NUM> so as to be movable in the front-rear direction in a state where the first slider main body <NUM> is accommodated in the first lower movement path 114a, the first engagement piece <NUM> is inserted through the first upper movement path 114c, and the upper end of the first engagement piece <NUM> projects to the inside of the cover <NUM>. Further, when the engagement protrusion <NUM> of the upper arm <NUM> is engaged with the first engagement groove <NUM> and the upper arm <NUM> moves in an arc shape in the front-rear direction, the first engagement piece <NUM> is pressed against the engagement protrusion <NUM> of the upper arm <NUM>, so that the first slider <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction.

The first movable surface <NUM> is a flat upper surface of the first slider main body <NUM>. The first movable surface <NUM> faces the first fixing surface 114b of the first slider accommodation portion <NUM>, and is slidable in the front-rear direction along the first fixing surface 114b in a state of being elastically pressed against the first fixing surface 114b by an elastic force of a first contact described later. The first convex portion <NUM> is fitted to the first concave portion 114d provided in the first slider accommodation portion <NUM> when the first slider <NUM> is positioned at the neutral position. One of the first convex portion <NUM> is provided on each of the first movable surface <NUM> located closer to the front side relative to the first engagement piece <NUM> and the first movable surface <NUM> located closer to the rear side relative to the first engagement piece <NUM>. A fitting shape of the first convex portion <NUM> with the first concave portion 114d is a cylindrical surface formed in a cylindrical surface extending in the lateral direction orthogonal to a moving direction (front-rear direction) of the first slider <NUM>, and has an upward convex arc-like cross-sectional shape.

The second slider <NUM> is made of insulating synthetic resin. The second slider <NUM> has, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a second slider main body <NUM>, a second engagement piece <NUM>, a second engagement groove <NUM>, a second engagement protrusion <NUM>, a second movable surface <NUM>, and a second convex portion <NUM>. The second slider main body <NUM> is a cuboid block. The second engagement piece <NUM> is provided upright at the center of the flat upper surface of the second slider main body <NUM>. The second engagement groove <NUM> is provided at the upper end of the second engagement piece <NUM>. The second engagement protrusion <NUM> is a cylinder that projects downward from the central portion of the flat lower surface of the second slider main body <NUM>.

The second slider <NUM> is arranged in the second slider accommodation portion <NUM> so as to be movable in the lateral direction in a state where the second slider main body <NUM> is accommodated in the second lower movement path 115a, the second engagement piece <NUM> is inserted through the second upper movement path 115c, and the upper end of the second engagement piece <NUM> projects to the inside of the cover <NUM>. Further, when the engagement protrusion <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM> is engaged with the second engagement groove <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> moves in an arc shape in the lateral direction, the second engagement piece <NUM> is pressed against the engagement protrusion <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM>, so that the second slider <NUM> is movable in the lateral direction.

The second movable surface <NUM> is a flat upper surface of the second slider main body <NUM>. The second movable surface <NUM> faces the second fixing surface 115b of the second slider accommodation portion <NUM>, and is slidable in the lateral direction along the second fixing surface 115b in a state of being elastically pressed against the second fixing surface 115b by an elastic force of a second contact described later. The second convex portion <NUM> is fitted to the second concave portion 115d provided in the second slider accommodation portion <NUM> when the second slider <NUM> is positioned at the neutral position, and is provided on each of the second movable surface <NUM> located closer to the front side relative to the second engagement piece <NUM> and the second movable surface <NUM> located closer to the rear side relative to the second engagement piece <NUM>. A fitting shape of the second convex portion <NUM> with the second concave portion 115d is a cylindrical surface formed in a cylindrical surface extending in the front-rear direction orthogonal to a moving direction (front-rear direction) of the second slider <NUM>, and has an upward convex arc-like cross-sectional shape.

The first variable resistor <NUM> can detect a moving direction and a movement amount of the upper arm <NUM> by detecting a moving direction and a movement amount of the first slider <NUM> as a change in a resistance value. The first variable resistor <NUM> has a first contact <NUM> and a first resistance circuit <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The first resistance circuit <NUM> is formed on the substrate <NUM>. The first contact <NUM> is a metal plate spring piece. The first contact <NUM> is fixed to the lower surface of the first slider main body <NUM> with the first engagement protrusion <NUM> interposed between them. The first contact <NUM> is in contact with the first resistance circuit <NUM> and makes the first resistance circuit <NUM> conductive. The first contact <NUM> is slidable on the first resistance circuit <NUM> according to the movement of the first slider <NUM> in the front-rear direction. As the first contact <NUM> slides on the first resistance circuit <NUM> in this manner, a resistance value of the first variable resistor <NUM> changes.

The second variable resistor <NUM> can detect a moving direction and a movement amount of the lower arm <NUM> by detecting a moving direction and a movement amount of the second slider <NUM> as a change in a resistance value. The second variable resistor <NUM> has a second contact <NUM> and a second resistance circuit <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The second resistance circuit <NUM> is formed on the substrate <NUM>. The second contact <NUM> is a metal plate spring piece. The second contact <NUM> is fixed to the lower surface of the second slider main body <NUM> with the second engagement protrusion <NUM> interposed between them. The second contact <NUM> is in contact with the second resistance circuit <NUM> and makes the second resistance circuit <NUM> conductive. The second contact <NUM> is slidable on the second resistance circuit <NUM> according to the movement of the second slider <NUM> in the lateral direction. As the second contact <NUM> slides on the second resistance circuit <NUM> in this manner, a resistance value of the second variable resistor <NUM> changes.

The pressing switch <NUM> detects a pressing movement of the operation shaft <NUM>. The pressing switch <NUM> has a metal dome sheet <NUM> and a switch circuit <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The metal dome sheet <NUM> has a cover sheet <NUM> and a metal dome <NUM>. The cover sheet <NUM> is a single-sided adhesive sheet. The metal dome <NUM> is a movable contact made of an upward convex dome-shaped metal plate, and, as shown in <FIG>, biases the pusher <NUM> upward. The upper surface of the metal dome <NUM> is adhered to the lower surface of the cover sheet <NUM> to form the metal dome sheet <NUM>. The switch circuit <NUM> has a central fixed contact <NUM> and an outer fixed contact <NUM>. The central fixed contact <NUM> has a circular shape and is formed on the upper surface of the substrate <NUM> which is the lower surface of the pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM>. The central fixed contact <NUM> is arranged immediately below the pusher accommodation portion <NUM>. The outer fixed contact <NUM> is formed in the shape of a horseshoe to surround the central fixed contact <NUM> with space and is formed on the upper surface of the substrate <NUM>.

In the pressing switch <NUM>, the metal dome sheet <NUM> is adhered to the upper surface of the substrate <NUM>, which is the lower surface of the pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM>, the metal dome <NUM> is fixed on the outer fixed contact <NUM> across the central fixed contact <NUM>, both ends in the lateral direction of the metal dome <NUM> are in contact with the outer fixed contact <NUM>, and the top of the metal dome <NUM> is separated from and faces the central fixed contact <NUM> immediately below with a gap between them.

The pusher <NUM> is a drive member for transmitting a pressing movement of the operation shaft <NUM> to the top of the metal dome <NUM> together with the lower arm <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> is formed of insulating synthetic resin in a rectangular plate shape, and has a front arm hook <NUM> on which the front slide part 320a of the lower arm <NUM> is placed slidably and a pressing portion <NUM> for pressing the pressing switch <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> is vertically movably supported in the case <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> is vertically movably fitted and held in the pusher accommodation portion <NUM>, and while the upper end of the pusher <NUM> projects to the inner surface side of the front guide plate 119a to face the rear guide plate 119b, the lower end surface of the pusher <NUM> is exposed to the inside of the pressing switch accommodation portion <NUM> to face the metal dome sheet <NUM>. The front arm hook <NUM> is provided along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the Y-axis, and is formed of an upper end surface of the upward convex arc-shaped curved pusher <NUM>. The pressing portion <NUM> is a conical boss provided at the center of the lower end surface of the pusher <NUM> and having a diameter decreasing downward, and the lower end surface abuts on the top of the metal dome sheet <NUM> corresponding to the top of the metal dome <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> is interposed between the front slide part 320a of the lower arm <NUM> and the pressing switch <NUM>.

Next, the operation of the multi-directional input device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, when no operating force is applied to the upper end of the operation shaft <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flat lower surface <NUM> of the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> is pressed against the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM> by a biasing force (elastic force) of the compression coil spring <NUM> so as to be in a horizontal state with respect to the bottom plate <NUM>, and the operation shaft <NUM> is held in a neutral state where the axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> is perpendicular to the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM>.

When the upper end of the operation shaft <NUM> in the neutral state is pressed in the left direction along the elongated hole <NUM> of the upper arm <NUM>, the operation shaft <NUM> rotates around the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> together with the actuating member <NUM> and tilts left along the elongated hole <NUM> of the upper arm <NUM> in a state where the operation shaft <NUM> is prevented from coming off by the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Then, an arched portion of the lower arm <NUM> is pressed in the left direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole <NUM> by the operation shaft <NUM>, and the lower arm <NUM> is guided by the rear guide groove <NUM> of the case <NUM> to move leftward in an arc shape. At this time, since the operation shaft <NUM> moves leftward in the elongated hole <NUM> of the upper arm <NUM>, the upper arm <NUM> and the first slider <NUM> are held at their neutral positions (initial positions).

On the other hand, with the movement of the lower arm <NUM>, the second engagement piece <NUM> of the second slider <NUM> is pressed against the engagement protrusion <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM>, and the second slider <NUM> is guided to the second slider accommodation portion <NUM> to move in the inside of the second slider accommodation portion <NUM> to the left.

At this time, the second convex portion <NUM> provided on the second slider <NUM> comes off the second concave portion 115d provided on the second slider accommodation portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> against the elastic force of the second contact <NUM> of the second variable resistor <NUM>, and moves under the flat second fixing surface 115b located on the left side of the second concave portion 115d.

Then, when the second contact <NUM> of the second variable resistor <NUM> slides on the second resistance circuit <NUM> as the second slider <NUM> moves, a resistance value of the second variable resistor <NUM> changes. In this manner, the second variable resistor <NUM> detects a moving direction and a movement amount of the second slider <NUM> as a moving direction and a movement amount of the lower arm <NUM>. These are input from the tail portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> to a control unit of an electronic device via a connector and detected as a rotating direction and a rotation amount of the operation shaft <NUM> by the control unit.

When the pressing of the operation shaft <NUM> is released, the operation shaft <NUM> returns to the neutral state together with the actuating member <NUM> while the flat lower surface <NUM> of the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> is returned to the horizontal state by the biasing force of the compression coil spring <NUM>.

When the operation shaft <NUM> returns to the neutral state, the lower arm <NUM> returns to the neutral position, and when the lower arm <NUM> returns to the neutral position, the second slider <NUM> returns to the neutral position.

At this time, the second slider <NUM> is moved so as to be guided to the neutral position immediately before its movement to the neutral position while the second concave portion 115d and the second convex portion <NUM> are fitted by the elastic force of the second contact <NUM> of the second variable resistor <NUM>, and the second slider <NUM> is accurately returned to its neutral position without error while parts manufacturing tolerance and the like are absorbed.

Further, when the upper end of the operation shaft <NUM> in the neutral state is pressed in the front direction along the elongated hole <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM>, the operation shaft <NUM> rotates around the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> together with the actuating member <NUM> and tilts front along the elongated hole <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM> in a state where the operation shaft <NUM> is prevented from coming off by the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>.

Then, the arched portion of the upper arm <NUM> is pressed forward by the operation shaft <NUM>, and the upper arm <NUM> is guided by the left and right guide grooves 101a and 101b of the case <NUM> to move in an arc shape in the front direction. At this time, since the operation shaft <NUM> moves in the front direction in the elongated hole <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM>, the lower arm <NUM> and the second slider <NUM> are held at their neutral positions (initial positions).

On the other hand, with the movement of the upper arm <NUM>, the first engagement piece <NUM> of the first slider <NUM> is pressed against the engagement protrusion <NUM> of the upper arm <NUM>, and the first slider <NUM> is guided to the first slider accommodation portion <NUM> to move in the inside of the first slider accommodation portion <NUM> in the front direction.

At this time, the first convex portion <NUM> provided on the first slider <NUM> comes off the first concave portion 114d provided on the first slider accommodation portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> against the elastic force of the first contact <NUM> of the first variable resistor <NUM>, and moves under the flat first fixing surface 114b located on the front side of the first concave portion 114d.

Then, when the first contact <NUM> of the first variable resistor <NUM> slides on the first resistance circuit <NUM> as the first slider <NUM> moves, a resistance value of the first variable resistor <NUM> changes. In this manner, the first variable resistor <NUM> detects a moving direction and a movement amount of the first slider <NUM> as a moving direction and a movement amount of the upper arm <NUM>. These are input from the tail portion <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> to a control unit of an electronic device via a connector and detected as a rotating direction and a rotation amount of the operation shaft <NUM> by the control unit.

When the operation shaft <NUM> returns to the neutral state, the upper arm <NUM> returns to the neutral position, and when the upper arm <NUM> returns to the neutral position, the first slider <NUM> returns to the neutral position.

At this time, the first slider <NUM> is moved so as to be guided to the neutral position immediately before its movement to the neutral position while the first concave portion 114d and the first convex portion <NUM> are fitted by the elastic force of the first contact <NUM> of the first variable resistor <NUM>, and the first slider <NUM> is accurately returned to its neutral position without error while parts manufacturing tolerance and the like are absorbed.

Furthermore, in a state of being prevented from coming off by the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>, the operation shaft <NUM> can rotate (tilt) around the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> together with the actuating member <NUM> in all directions <NUM> ° around the operation shaft <NUM>, and, in a tilting state, the operation shaft <NUM> can rotate by changing a tilt position in a direction along the opening <NUM> of the cover <NUM>.

At this time, an end of each of the protrusions <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> moves in the vertical direction in the guide groove <NUM> of the case <NUM>, and the spherical zone <NUM> of the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> comes into rolling contact with the bottom plate <NUM> of the case <NUM> without slipping.

Further, when the upper end of the operation shaft <NUM> is pressed downward, the operation shaft <NUM> is pressed down to separate the spherical zone <NUM> of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> from the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> while pressing the shaft portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> into the shaft hole <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> against the compression coil spring <NUM>. The left and right sided edge portions of the elongated hole <NUM> on the curved upper surface 300a of the lower arm <NUM> are pressed downward by the left and right engaging surfaces 431a and 431b of the left and right engaging portions 430a and 430b of the operation shaft <NUM>.

In this manner, the front slide part 310a on the front end side of the lower arm <NUM> slidably mounted on the upper end surface (front arm hook <NUM>) of the pusher <NUM> is pressed and moved with the rear slide part 320b on the rear end side of the lower arm <NUM> slidably fitted in the rear guide groove <NUM> of the case <NUM> as a fulcrum. Along with the above, the pusher <NUM> moves downward.

Then, with the downward movement of the pusher <NUM>, the top of the metal dome <NUM> of the pressing switch <NUM> is pressed down by the pressing portion <NUM> of the pusher <NUM>, the top of the metal dome <NUM> is elastically deformed in a downward convex shape with a click feeling and comes into contact with the central fixed contact <NUM> of the switch circuit <NUM> of the pressing switch <NUM>, and a switch-on state in which the central fixed contact <NUM> and the outer fixed contact <NUM> are electrically connected via the metal dome <NUM> is established, so that the pressing movement of the operation shaft <NUM> is detected.

At this time, the lower arm <NUM> functions as a "lever", and a fulcrum (the rear slide part 320b of the lower arm <NUM>) is placed in a location that is on an outer side of a force application point (the left and right engaging portions 430a and 430b of the operation shaft <NUM>) and an action point (the front slide part 310a of the lower arm <NUM>) and close to the force application point, so that a small movement applied to the force application point becomes a large movement at the action point and a smaller force than the applied force is transmitted. In this manner, a pressing movement amount of the operation shaft <NUM> for operating the pressing switch <NUM> can be reduced, and an excellent click feeling can be obtained.

When the pressing of the operation shaft <NUM> is released, the operation shaft <NUM> is pressed up and moved so as to press the spherical zone <NUM> of the spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> against the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> of the case <NUM> while the shaft portion <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> is pulled out from the shaft hole <NUM> of the operation shaft <NUM> by the biasing force of the compression coil spring <NUM>, and returns to the state before the pressing movement.

On the other hand, the top of the metal dome <NUM> returns to the original upward convex shape. Along with the above, the top of the metal dome <NUM> is separated from the central fixed contact <NUM> of the switch circuit <NUM>, and a switch-off state in which the central fixed contact <NUM> and the outer fixed contact <NUM> are electrically disconnected is established. The biasing force of the metal dome <NUM> causes the pusher <NUM> to move upward and return to the original position, and the lower arm <NUM> returns to the original horizontal state accordingly.

As described above, the multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the case <NUM> having the bottom plate <NUM>, a pair of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM> supported to be movable in two orthogonal directions in the inside of the case <NUM>, the arms having the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM> extending in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction, the operation shaft <NUM> that is rotatable in a state of penetrating the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM>, the actuating member <NUM> that is supported so as to be movable in an axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> at a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> projecting downward of the lower arm <NUM>, and is provided with the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> whose diameter decreases downward, the compression coil spring <NUM> that is provided between the operation shaft <NUM> and the actuating member <NUM>, and presses the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> against the bottom plate <NUM> to return the operation shaft <NUM> to a neutral state, and a plurality of the electric components <NUM> and <NUM> operated via the arms <NUM> and <NUM> by rotation of the operation shaft <NUM>. An upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> whose diameter decreases upward is provided at a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> projecting downward of the lower arm <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> for the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is provided in the case <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> has the receiving surface 112a that is configured with a spherical surface having the same radius of curvature as radius of curvature of the spherical zone <NUM> of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM>, the receiving surface 112a against which the spherical zone <NUM> of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is pressed from downward by the compression coil spring <NUM>. The operation shaft <NUM> is supported to be rotatable about the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a. In this manner, since the operation shaft <NUM> is supported so as to be rotatable about the curvature center of the receiving surface 112a of the receiving portion <NUM> while being prevented from coming off by the receiving portion <NUM> positioned downward of the lower arm <NUM>, the entire height of the device is reduced even if the rotation radius of the operation shaft <NUM> is increased, and the device can be downsized without lowering the strength of the operation shaft <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM>.

Further, the case <NUM> having the bottom plate <NUM>, a pair of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM> supported so as to be movable in two orthogonal directions in the inside of the case <NUM>, the arms having the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM> extending in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction, the operation shaft <NUM> that is rotatable in a state of penetrating the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM>, the actuating member <NUM> that is supported so as to be movable in an axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> at a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> projecting downward of the lower arm <NUM>, and is provided with the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> whose diameter decreases downward, the compression coil spring <NUM> that is provided between the operation shaft <NUM> and the actuating member <NUM>, and presses the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> against the bottom plate <NUM> to return the operation shaft <NUM> to a neutral state, and a plurality of the electric components <NUM> and <NUM> operated via the arms <NUM> and <NUM> by rotation of the operation shaft <NUM> are included. The actuating member <NUM> is supported at a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> in a state of reducing rotation around an axis of the operation shaft <NUM> and is provided with the protrusion <NUM> projecting radially outward from an upper end of the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is inserted to be movable vertically in the guide groove <NUM> that extends in the vertical direction on an inner wall of the case <NUM>, so that rotation around an axis of the operation shaft <NUM> of the actuating member <NUM> is reduced. In this manner, rotation around an axis of the operation shaft <NUM> is reduced via the actuating member <NUM>. Therefore, degree of freedom in a shape of the lower arm <NUM> is increased, the lower arm <NUM> can be downsized, and the device can be downsized.

Further, the case <NUM> having the bottom plate <NUM>, a pair of the upper and lower arms <NUM> and <NUM> supported so as to be movable in two orthogonal directions in the inside of the case <NUM>, the arms having the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM> extending in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction, the operation shaft <NUM> that is rotatable in a state of penetrating the elongated holes <NUM> and <NUM>, the actuating member <NUM> that is supported so as to be movable in an axial direction of the operation shaft <NUM> at a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> projecting downward of the lower arm <NUM>, and is provided with the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> whose diameter decreases downward, the compression coil spring <NUM> that is provided between the operation shaft <NUM> and the actuating member <NUM>, and presses the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> against the bottom plate <NUM> to return the operation shaft <NUM> to a neutral state, and a plurality of the electric components <NUM> and <NUM> operated via the arms <NUM> and <NUM> by rotation of the operation shaft <NUM> are included. The upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> whose diameter decreases upward is provided at a lower end of the operation shaft <NUM> projecting downward of the lower arm <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> for the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is provided in the case <NUM>. The receiving portion <NUM> has the receiving surface 112a that is configured with a spherical surface having the same radius of curvature as radius of curvature of the spherical zone <NUM> of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM>, the receiving surface against which the spherical zone <NUM> of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion <NUM> is pressed from downward by the compression coil spring <NUM>. The operation shaft <NUM> is supported so as to be rotatable about the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a. The lower arm <NUM> has the curved upper surface 300a provided along a cylindrical surface arranged coaxially on one horizontal axis (X axis) that passes through the center of curvature of the receiving surface 112a and extends in a moving direction of the lower arm <NUM>. The operation shaft <NUM> is provided with the engaging portions 430a and 430b with the lower arm <NUM>. The engaging portions 430a and 430b have the downward engaging surfaces 431a and 431b that are curved along the curved upper surface 300a of the lower arm <NUM> and are movable on the curved upper surface 300a of the lower arm <NUM> when the operation shaft <NUM> rotates. In this manner, the operation shaft <NUM> in a state of being inserted through the elongated hole <NUM> of the lower arm <NUM> from downward is rotated by <NUM>° so that the downward engaging surfaces 431a and 431b of the engaging portions 430a and 430b of the operation shaft <NUM> are arranged to face the curved upper surface 300a of the lower arm <NUM> for assembly. Accordingly, the operation shaft <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> can be provided with enough strength, and the device can be downsized without lowering of the strength of the operation shaft <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM>.

Note that, in a case where the pressing switch <NUM> is not included, the lower arm <NUM> does not have to be moved downward, and the pusher <NUM> does not have to be included. Therefore, in the lower arm <NUM>, while the rear slide part 320b is slidably fitted into the rear guide groove <NUM>, the front slide part 320a is slidably fitted to a front guide groove that is formed between an end surface of the front guide plate 119a provided with a front arm hook, which is provided in the front guide plate 119a in place of the front arm hook <NUM> formed of the upper end surface of the pusher <NUM>, and an end surface of the front guide hole 122a of the cover <NUM>. In this manner, the lower arm <NUM> is bridged in the front-rear direction at a right angle to the upper arm <NUM> directly below the upper arm <NUM> in the case <NUM>, and, in this state, is supported to be movable in an arc shape in the lateral direction along the front and rear guide grooves <NUM>, and can move along a cylindrical surface coaxially arranged on the Y axis. Then, in a case where the pressing switch <NUM> is not included, the engaging portions (the engaging portions 430a and 430b and the curved upper surface 300a) of the operation shaft <NUM> and the lower arm <NUM> prevent the operation shaft <NUM> from moving downward needlessly.

Further, the pusher <NUM> supported movably in the vertical direction and the pressing switch <NUM> for detecting the pressing movement of the operation shaft <NUM> are further included in the case <NUM>, the lower arm <NUM> moving downward with the pressing movement of the operation shaft <NUM> moves downward the pusher <NUM>, and the pressing switch <NUM> is operated via the pusher <NUM>. In this manner, before the pusher <NUM> is incorporated, the lower arm <NUM> has degree of freedom in a downward direction, and there is no possibility of interference between the downward engaging surfaces 431a and 431b of the engaging portions 430a and 430b of the operation shaft <NUM> and the curved upper surface 300a of the lower arm <NUM> even if the operation shaft is rotated by <NUM>° and assembled. For this reason, a gap (clearance) between them is sufficiently reduced, and the pressing switch <NUM> can be operated with a short stroke.

Claim 1:
A multi-directional input device, comprising:
a case (<NUM>) having a bottom plate (<NUM>);
a pair of upper and lower arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) supported to be movable in two orthogonal directions in the case (<NUM>), the pair of upper and lower arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) each having an elongated hole (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending in a direction orthogonal to a moving direction;
an operation shaft (<NUM>) that is rotatable in a state of penetrating each elongated hole (<NUM>, <NUM>);
an actuating member (<NUM>) that is supported to be movable in an axial direction of the operation shaft (<NUM>) at a lower end of the operation shaft (<NUM>) projecting downward of the lower arm (<NUM>), and is provided with a downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion (<NUM>) whose diameter decreases downward;
a compression coil spring (<NUM>) that is provided between the operation shaft (<NUM>) and the actuating member (<NUM>), and presses the downward convex spherical trapezoidal portion (<NUM>) against the bottom plate (<NUM>) to return the operation shaft (<NUM>) to a neutral state; and
a plurality of electric components (<NUM>, <NUM>) operated via each arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) by rotation of the operation shaft (<NUM>), wherein
an upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion (<NUM>) whose diameter decreases upward is provided at a lower end of the operation shaft (<NUM>) projecting downward of the lower arm (<NUM>),
a receiving portion (<NUM>) for the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion (<NUM>) is provided in the case (<NUM>),
the receiving portion (<NUM>) has a receiving surface (112a) that is configured with a spherical surface having a radius of curvature identical to a radius of curvature of a spherical zone (<NUM>) of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion (<NUM>), the receiving surface (112a) against which a spherical zone (<NUM>) of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion (<NUM>) is pressed from downward by the compression coil spring (<NUM>), and
the operation shaft (<NUM>) is supported to be rotatable about a center of curvature of the receiving surface (112a).