Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes a control lever held to tilt; a flange member to be tilted by tilting of the control lever, and not to turn (upper movable contact plate); a support member (cover member) opposed to the flange member so as not to tilt and turn; a first switch having a first fixed contact to be turned on/off in response to contact and separation between the first fixed contact and the flange member according to tilting of the control lever in a first tilting direction; and a second switch having a second fixed contact to be turned on/off in response to contact and separation between the second fixed contact and the flange member according to tilting of the control lever in a second tilting direction. The control lever brings an end portion of the flange member into contact with the support member, and tilts on the end portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multidirectional inputting apparatus which can provide a positive switching operation and which is suitable for a reduction in size. In the multidirectional inputting apparatus, a first fixed contact and a common contact are provided on the inner bottom surface of a housing, and a first movable contact plate placed on the common contact and the first fixed contact form an second switch. An operating lever is tiltably held in the housing, and the operating lever is spline-coupled to a driver onto which a second movable contact plate is fixed. A cover is placed on an upper open end of the housing, and a plurality of fixed contacts are arranged on the bottom surface of the cover in the circumferential direction at predetermined intervals. A conductive coil spring is provided between the common contact and the second movable contact plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-operation electric component in which a rotary electric component is incorporated on the outside of a multi-direction switch, and which is suitable for a reduction in height. In the multiple-operation electric component, a driver having a second movable contact plate as an engagement member is spline-connected to an operating lever of the multi-direction switch, and a plurality of projections are formed on the outer periphery of the second movable contact plate at predetermined intervals. An operating ring of a rotary switch is rotatably arranged on the outside of the operating lever, and a plurality of cutouts are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the operating ring.

Abstract: A multi-directional input device, in which a spacer member is interposed between a moving contact plate and a cover which is an upper member, forming a clearance between the cover and the moving contact is provided. The moving contact plate is held apart from the stationary contact and accordingly the tilting switch is held OFF during normal operation. Therefore, if the operating lever is operated slightly obliquely, the moving contact plate will not come into contact with the stationary contact because of presence of the spacer member, thereby holding the tilting switch OFF.