JP2007066636A - Composite operation type switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-directional operation type switch having the center switch and the peripheral switch arranged on the circumference surrounding the center switch, and also to provide a down-sized composite operation type switch in which a rotary encoder is integrated. <P>SOLUTION: The composite operation type switch is the multi-directional operation type switch integrally composed of: the center switch and a plurality of the peripheral switches arranged on the circumference surrounding the switch; and the rotary encoder in which the encoder switch is arranged and installed on the circumference surrounding the switch. A shuttle 8 is installed which is rotatably arranged on the circumference surrounding the key top 6 and the encoder jog 7 in an independent state from the key top 6 and the encoder job 7 and which carries out switching operation of the encoder switch by rotating the rotary encoder 5 together when rotated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite operation type switch, and in particular, a multi-directional operation type that is used in an input unit of a device such as an information terminal, and includes a central switch and a peripheral switch arranged on a circumference surrounding the central switch. The present invention relates to a composite operation type switch formed by integrating a switch and a rotary encoder.

  Conventionally, there has been known a multi-operation type switch composed of a combination of a multi-directional operation type switch composed of a central switch and a peripheral switch arranged on a circumference surrounding the central switch and a rotary switch element (for example, a patent Reference 1).

The composite operation type switch described in Patent Document 1 includes four peripheral switches that operate according to the tilt direction when the tilt push-in operation member is tilted in any one of the four directions of up, down, left, and right, It has a structure including a central switch that operates when the tilt push-in operation member is pushed in, and a rotation switch that outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation when the tilt push-in operation member is rotated. The rotary switch uses a lever type switching mechanism and is separated from the peripheral switch and the central switch.
JP 2001-243854 A.

  The rotary switch of the composite operation type switch described in Patent Document 1 is not integrated with the peripheral switch and the central switch. That is, the peripheral switch and the central switch are manufactured separately, and have a structure in which the peripheral switch and the central switch are incorporated into a device or the like so as to be linked to each other at the stage of assembly. Therefore, since the switch parts are divided into two parts, there is a problem that handling and assembling work is troublesome.

  Further, in the composite operation type switch described in Patent Document 1, the rotary operation of the rotary encoder has a structure in which an operator directly touches a rotary operation member disposed in a concave portion of the case with a finger or the like. Therefore, it is difficult to operate if the portion operated by the rotation operation member is small. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the height dimension of the rotary operation member or to secure a large holding area to be operated by touching with a finger or the like, and there is a problem that the entire switch device is increased in size.

  Accordingly, to provide a miniaturized composite operation type switch that is formed by integrating a multi-directional operation type switch having a central switch and a peripheral switch arranged on the circumference surrounding the central switch and a rotary encoder. Therefore, a technical problem to be solved arises, and the present invention aims to solve this problem.

  The present invention has been proposed to achieve the above object, and the invention according to claim 1 is a multi-directional operation type comprising a central switch and a plurality of peripheral switches arranged on a circumference surrounding the switch. A composite operation type switch in which a switch and a rotary encoder formed by arranging an encoder switch on a circumference surrounding the switch are integrated, and is disposed on the base and forms the central switch. A flexible printed wiring board comprising a central switch element, a plurality of peripheral switch elements forming the peripheral switch provided around the outer periphery of the central switch element, and an encoder switch element forming the encoder switch; Corresponding to the central switch element, provided on the flexible printed wiring board so as not to rotate and to be movable in the vertical direction A key top that presses down the central switch element by the vertical movement and switches the central switch, and is disposed so as to be tiltable on a circumference surrounding the key top, facing the peripheral switch, An encoder jog for switching the peripheral switch on the tilt side when tilted, and a rotary arrangement on the circumference surrounding the key top, and rotating the rotary encoder together when rotated, the encoder switch Provided is a composite operation type switch having a shuttle for switching between the two.

  According to this configuration, since the shuttle for operating the rotary encoder is provided outside the key top and the rotary encoder for operating the central switch and the peripheral switch, the shape in the shuttle is provided. The degree of freedom increases. The degree of freedom in shape of the shuttle makes it possible to reduce the size of a composite operation type switch in which a multidirectional operation type switch and a rotary encoder are integrated without increasing the overall height of the switch device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the shuttle and the rotary encoder are brought to a neutral position when the rotational force to the shuttle from the outside is removed between the shuttle and the base side in the first aspect. Provided is a compound operation type switch provided with a return spring.

  According to this configuration, when the hand or the like that rotates the shuttle is released, the shuttle and the rotary encoder are automatically returned to the neutral position by the force of the return spring.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the shuttle shape has a degree of freedom, the multi-directional operation type switch and the rotary encoder are integrated without increasing the overall height of the switch device. A mold switch is obtained.

  Since the shuttle and the encoder are automatically returned to the neutral position by the force of the return spring when the hand or the like operating the shuttle is released, the invention according to claim 2 is effective for the effect of the invention according to claim 1. In addition, the operability is improved, the forgetting to return can be eliminated, and the operation reliability is also improved.

  Hereinafter, the composite operation type switch of the present invention will be described with reference to preferred embodiments. The present invention provides a miniaturized composite operation type switch that is formed by integrating a multi-directional operation type switch having a central switch and a peripheral switch arranged on the circumference surrounding the central switch and a rotary encoder. In order to achieve the purpose, a multi-directional operation type switch comprising a central switch and a plurality of peripheral switches arranged on the circumference surrounding the switch, and an encoder switch arranged on the circumference surrounding the switch A composite operation type switch integrated with a rotary encoder comprising: a base; a central switch element disposed on the base and forming the central switch; and provided around an outer periphery of the central switch element A plurality of peripheral switch elements forming the peripheral switch and an encoder switch element forming the encoder switch are arranged. A flexible printed wiring board and a non-rotatable and movable in the vertical direction on the flexible printed wiring board corresponding to the central switch element, and pressing the central switch element by the vertical movement; A key top that switches the central switch and an encoder that is arranged to be tiltable on a circumference surrounding the key top so as to face the peripheral switch, and that switches the peripheral switch on the tilt side when tilted. This is realized by including a jog and a shuttle that is rotatably arranged on a circumference surrounding the key top, and that rotates the rotary encoder together to switch the encoder switch when rotated.

  FIG. 1 is a side view of a composite operation type switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the composite operation type switch, and FIG. 3 is a part of the composite operation type switch. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the composite operation type switch as viewed from above, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the composite operation type switch as viewed from below.

  1 to 5, the composite operation type switch 1 includes a base 2, a flexible printed wiring board 3 disposed on the base 2, a housing 4 fixed on the base 2, the housing 4 and the base 2. A rotary encoder 5 that is rotatably mounted on the housing 4, a key top 6 that is positioned at the center of the rotary encoder 5 and that can be moved in the vertical direction on the housing 4, and a tiltable attachment to the housing 4. The encoder jog 7 is connected to the rotary encoder 5 so as to be integrally connected to the rotary encoder 5.

  The base 2 is formed of a synthetic resin material, and a plurality of mounting holes 9, 9... Used for coupling with the housing 4 are provided on the plate surface.

  The flexible printed wiring board 3 includes a circular portion 3a mounted on the base 2 and a cable portion 3b extending outward from the circular portion 3a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a central fixed contact 10 as a switch element is formed at the center of the circular portion 3 a, and four switches are provided on the outer circumference surrounding the central fixed contact 10. Peripheral fixed contacts 11, 11... As elements are formed at intervals of 90 °. Further, an arc-shaped encoder fixed contact 12 as a switch element is formed on the outer circumference surrounding the peripheral fixed contacts 11, 11. Further, the circular portion 3 a is provided with positioning holes 13, 13... Corresponding to the mounting holes 9, 9.

  The central fixed contact 10 and the four peripheral fixed contacts 11, 11... Each consist of a central circular electrode and an annular electrode formed concentrically. The encoder fixed contact 12 is composed of a plurality of electrodes arranged concentrically. The central fixed contact 10, the four peripheral fixed contacts 11, 11..., And the lead wires drawn from the encoder fixed contact 12 are not shown in detail.

  On the central fixed contact 10, a central movable contact 14 (hereinafter referred to as “dome-shaped central movable contact 14”) as a dome-shaped switch element that constitutes a reverse contact that reverses clicks is disposed oppositely, A central switch is formed by the central fixed contact 10 and the central movable contact 14. On the peripheral fixed contacts 11, 11..., Peripheral movable contacts 15, 15... (Hereinafter referred to as “dome-shaped peripheral movable contacts 15, 15... And the dome-shaped peripheral movable contacts 15 and 15 form four peripheral switches.

  The key top 6 that presses the dome-shaped central movable contact 14 is formed of a synthetic resin material in the shape of a short cylinder, is provided with a hook-like stopper 16 on the peripheral surface, and the center of the lower surface is shown in FIG. As shown, a central pressing projection 17 projecting downward is formed.

  The housing 4 is made of a synthetic resin material, and a key top mounting hole 18 through which the central pressing protrusion 17 of the key top 6 passes is provided in the center so as to penetrate in the vertical direction. Further, the housing 4 is provided with four through holes 19, 19... Penetrating in the vertical direction centering on the key top mounting hole 18 and corresponding to the peripheral fixed contacts 11, 11. .., Four encoder jog mounting holes 20, 20... Are provided penetrating in the vertical direction adjacent to positions outside the through holes 19, 19..

  Further, on the lower surface side of the housing 4, positioning pins 21, 21... Used for fixing the housing 4 and the base 2 are positioning holes 13, 13... Of the flexible printed wiring board 3 and mounting holes for the base 2. Are formed so as to protrude downward in correspondence with 9, 9,. Further, on the lower surface side of the housing 4, two spring mounting pins 23, 23 for mounting the return springs 22, 22 are provided protruding downward.

  The rotary encoder 5 is made of a synthetic resin material in an annular shape, and four locking portions 24, 24 are formed at 90 ° intervals on the outer peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 5, an encoder sliding contact 25 is attached to the lower surface of the rotary encoder 5. The encoder sliding contact 25 constitutes an encoder switch together with the encoder fixed contact 12 on the flexible printed wiring board 3.

  On the upper inner peripheral surface of the rotary encoder 5, there are provided two notches 26, 26 to which the two return springs 22, 22 attached to the two spring mounting pins 23, 23 of the housing 4 are engaged. It has been. The return springs 22 and 22 disposed between the housing 4 and the rotary encoder 5 are for holding the rotary encoder 5 in a neutral position when the rotary encoder 5 is not rotated.

  The encoder jog 7 is made of a synthetic resin material, and has an opening hole 30 formed in the center with an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the key top 6 and smaller than the outer diameter of the stopper 16 of the key top 6. Thus, it is formed as a generally annular cap. In addition, on the lower surface side of the encoder jog 7, four peripheral switch pressing pins 27, 27... Are formed corresponding to the through holes 19, 19. Are formed corresponding to the encoder jog mounting holes 20 of the casing 4. A locking claw 28a is provided at the tip of the locking pieces 28, 28. The peripheral switch pressing pins 27, 27... Are for pressing the peripheral switch, and the locking pieces 28, 28... Are for attaching the encoder jog 7 to the housing 4.

  The shuttle 8 is made of a synthetic resin material, and is formed as a substantially annular body having an opening hole 31 formed at an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the encoder jog 7 at the center. Further, four locking pieces 29, 29... Are formed on the inner peripheral edge of the lower surface of the shuttle 8 in a downward direction corresponding to the four locking portions 24, 24. A locking claw 29a is provided at the tip of each of the stop pieces 29, 29. The shuttle 8 disposes the encoder jog 7 in the central opening 30 and engages the locking claws 29a of the locking pieces 29, 29... With the locking portions 24, 24. Thus, it is attached to the rotary encoder 5 so as to be integrally rotatable.

  Next, an example of the assembly procedure will be described. First, the flexible printed wiring board 3 is disposed on the base 2, and the dome-shaped central movable contact 14 and the dome-shaped peripheral movable contacts 15, 15... Are disposed on the flexible printed wiring board 3.

  Next, the rotary encoder 5 and the housing 4 to which the return spring 22 is attached are placed on the flexible printed wiring board 3. .. Are passed through the positioning holes 13 of the flexible printed wiring board 3 and are further inserted into the mounting holes 9, 9... Of the base 2, and the positioning pins 21, 21. Fix between the two by adhesive or caulking. Thereby, the base 2, the flexible printed wiring board 3, the encoder 5 and the housing 4 are integrated, and the rotary encoder 5 is rotatably attached to the housing 4 and the base 2.

  Subsequently, the central pressing protrusion 17 is inserted into the key top mounting hole 18, and the key top 6 is set on the housing 4. Next, peripheral switch pressing pins 27, 27... Are inserted into the through holes 19, 19... And the locking pieces 28, 28... Are inserted into the encoder jog mounting holes 20, 20. Attach to. .. Are inserted into the encoder jog mounting holes 20, 20..., And the locking claws 28 a, 28 a. The key top 6 and the encoder jog 7 are attached to the housing 4 in a tiltable state.

  Thereafter, when the shuttle 8 is attached to the rotary encoder 5, the assembly is completed. 1 and 2 show a state after the assembly.

  Next, the operation will be described. In this composite operation type switch 1, a rotary encoder 5 is rotatably attached between a housing 4 and a base 2, and a shuttle 8 is connected and coupled to the rotary encoder 5 so as to be integrally rotatable. Now, when the user applies an operating force to the shuttle 8 to rotate it, the rotary encoder 5 rotates integrally with the shuttle 8 against the force of the return spring 22 disposed between the housing 4 and the rotary encoder 5. Operated.

  By rotating the rotary encoder 5, the encoder switch is operated. That is, as the rotary encoder 5 rotates, the encoder sliding contact 25 provided on the lower surface of the rotary encoder 5 moves and displaces in the circumferential direction on the encoder fixed contact 12 on the flexible printed wiring board 3 side. An encoder signal (a rotation amount or movement position signal) corresponding to the displacement amount is generated. When the rotational operation force on the rotary encoder 5 is released, the shuttle 8 and the rotary encoder 5 are automatically returned to the neutral position by the reaction force of the return spring 22.

  When the encoder jog 7 is tilted in one direction by applying a pressing force to any one of the triangular marks 32a to 32d formed on the encoder jog 7 in the vertical and horizontal directions, the encoder jog 7 tilts. The peripheral switch pressing section 27 on the side inverts the corresponding dome-shaped peripheral movable contact 15 and switches the peripheral switch at this location. When the pressing force is released, the dome-shaped peripheral movable contact 15 is returned to the initial position by the return force.

  When the key top 6 is depressed, the central pressing protrusion 17 presses the dome-shaped central movable contact 14 and reverses the dome-shaped central movable contact 14 to switch the central switch. When the pressing force is released, the dome-shaped central movable contact 14 is returned to the initial position by the return force.

  Therefore, according to the composite operation type switch 1 having the structure of this embodiment, the multi-directional operation switch (peripheral switch and central switch) and the switch of the rotary encoder 5 are integrated into a single switch component. , Handling and assembly work are simplified. In addition, since a part of the parts can be shared by each part, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the conventional switch, the cost can be reduced, and the size can be reduced.

  Further, a shuttle 8 for operating the rotary encoder 5 is provided outside the key top 6 and the rotary encoder 5 for operating the central switch and the peripheral switch. 8 increases the degree of freedom of the shape. This degree of freedom makes it possible to form the entire switch device without increasing the height dimension thereof, thereby reducing the size of the multi-operation switch and the miniature operation switch that are integrated with the rotary encoder. A structure becomes possible.

  Further, when the external rotational force on the shuttle 8 is removed, a return spring 22 for returning the shuttle 8 and the rotary encoder 5 to the neutral position is provided between the rotary encoder 5 on the shuttle 8 side and the housing 4 side of the base 2. Thus, when the hand or the like that rotates the shuttle 8 is released, the shuttle 8 and the rotary encoder are automatically returned to the neutral position by the reaction force of the return spring 22. Thereby, the operability is improved, the forgetting to return is eliminated, and the operation reliability is also improved.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally extends to the modified ones.

The side view of the compound operation type switch concerning one example of the present invention. The perspective view which showed the external appearance of the composite operation type switch same as the above. The perspective view which removes and shows some components of a composite operation type switch same as the above. The perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the composite operation type switch same as the above and was seen from upper direction. The perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the composite operation type switch same as the above and was seen from the downward direction.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Composite operation type switch 2 Base 3 Flexible printed wiring board 4 Housing 5 Rotary encoder 6 Key top 7 Encoder jog 8 Shuttle 10 Center fixed contact 11 Peripheral fixed contact 12 Encoder fixed contact 14 Dome-shaped center movable contact 15 Dome-shaped peripheral movable contact 17 Center pressing protrusion 22 Return spring 25 Sliding contact for encoder 22 Return spring 25 Sliding contact for encoder

Claims (2)

Multi-directional operation type switch consisting of a central switch and a plurality of peripheral switches arranged on the circumference surrounding the switch, and a rotary encoder comprising an encoder switch arranged on the circumference surrounding the switch are integrated. A combined operation type switch,
Base and
A central switch element disposed on the base and forming the central switch; a plurality of peripheral switch elements forming the peripheral switch provided on an outer periphery of the central switch element; and an encoder switch element forming the encoder switch And a flexible printed wiring board comprising:
Corresponding to the central switch element is provided on the flexible printed circuit board so as not to rotate and to be movable in the vertical direction, and the central switch element is pressed by moving in the vertical direction to switch the central switch. Key top to do,
An encoder jog that is opposed to the peripheral switch and is tiltably arranged on the circumference surrounding the key top, and switches the peripheral switch on the tilt side when tilted.
A shuttle that is rotatably arranged on a circumference that surrounds the key top, and when rotated, rotates the rotary encoder together to switch the encoder switch;
A combined operation type switch characterized by comprising: A return spring is provided between the shuttle and the base side to return the shuttle and the rotary encoder to a neutral position when a rotational force to the shuttle from the outside is removed. Item 3. A composite operation type switch according to item 1.

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