Patent Number: 6,841,743

Title: Multidirectional control switch and multidirectional input device using the same

Abstract: A multidirectional control switch of the present invention is used in a variety of electronic apparatuses including a portable telephone and a personal digital assistant. A first switch contact of this switch outputs a first signal continuously varying as a top surface of a substantially disc-shaped operating member undergoes a sliding press along a locus substantially in arc form. With a stronger press, a second switch contact outputs a second signal. The multidirectional control switch has a simple structure and can be reduced in size because these two switch contacts are integrally formed, thereby eliminating a need to combine discrete elements.

Inventors: Okada; Hiroyasu (Hyogo, JP), Sawada; Masaki (Osaka, JP), Inoue; Hiroto (Kyoto, JP), Yamamoto; Tamotsu (Hyogo, JP)

Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

International Classification: H01C 10/00 (20060101); H01C 10/34 (20060101); H01H 25/04 (20060101); H01H 23/00 (20060101); H01H 25/00 (20060101); H01H 025/04 ()

Expiration Date: 1/11/02017