Abstract: A switch mechanism, and a multidirectional operation switch and multidirectional operation unit employing this switch mechanism. The switch mechanism has a flexible contact, multiple fixed contacts, and multiple common contacts. Multiple fixed contacts are disposed facing the flexible contact, and include multiple first common contacts and multiple second common contacts for common electrical coupling, and multiple independent contacts which are electrically independent. These fixed contacts are aligned in a group of the first common contact, independent contact, second common contact, and independent contact. This group is disposed repeatedly in the clockwise or counterclockwise sequence. The flexible contact touches the first or second common contacts and one independent contact adjacent to the common contact for electrically coupling the common contact and independent contact.

Abstract: A surface mounted electronic component includes a case and a board mounting part. The board mounting part includes a leg bent in parallel with a printed circuit board at its tip, an outer frame soldered to a land of a mounted part on the board, and a projection disposed in the outer frame and inserted into a hole in the mounted part. The electronic component is mounted on a surface of the printed circuit board in various electronic instruments, and can keep to be mounted on the board tightly even when an external force is applied.

Abstract: A switch mechanism, and a multidirectional operation switch and multidirectional operation unit employing this switch mechanism. The switch mechanism has a flexible contact, multiple fixed contacts, and multiple common contacts. Multiple fixed contacts are disposed facing the flexible contact, and include multiple first common contacts and multiple second common contacts for common electrical coupling, and multiple independent contacts which are electrically independent. These fixed contacts are aligned in a group of the first common contact, independent contact, second common contact, and independent contact. This group is disposed repeatedly in the clockwise or counterclockwise sequence. The flexible contact touches the first or second common contacts and one independent contact adjacent to the common contact for electrically coupling the common contact and independent contact.

Abstract: A multi-directional operating switch comprises: a case made of resin having generally a square opening on top, provided on a bottom surface thereof with a central contact, an outer contact, and peripheral contacts disposed at each corner of the opening; a dome-like circular movable contact disposed within the opening in a manner to rest in contact with the outer contact; a manipulation body having a flange and a contact plate under the flange, placed above the dome-like circular movable contact; and a cover for covering the opening and having a shaft of the manipulation body penetrating therethrough. Switching operation is made between the central contact and the outer contact when the shaft is depressed, and between any adjacent pair of the peripheral contacts, as the dome-like circular movable contact is being deformed, when the shaft is tilted.