Joy stick support structure for multi-directional switch
US5468924A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20201
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multi-directional switch (1) comprises a joy stick (6) which is inclined for selective operation of a plurality of switch portions. The joy stick (6) includes a support portion (6a) supported pivotally about the bottom end thereof; a slidable contact spherical portion (6b) bulging from the top end of the support portion (6a) and having a spherical surface (6e) slidably abutting throughout the circumference thereof against the inner peripheral surface of a through hole (5a) when pivoted; and an operating portion (6c) projecting through the through hole (5a) adjacent the spherical surface (6e). The outer periphery of a flat surface (6d) of the slidable contact spherical portion (6b) of the joy stick (6) is supported at four circumferentially spaced positions so that the joy stick (6) is returned to a neutral position by the elastic restoring force of the switch portions. A joy stick support structure for the multi-directional switch (1) requires neither a particularly part for returning the joy stick (6) to the neutral position nor a securely determined fulcrum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.