JPH10320115A - Track ball - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a track ball capable of reducing current consumption to zero without requiring stand-by current, generating click touch synchronized with a pulse signal and allowed to be used for remote controller or the like. SOLUTION: The track ball is provided with an X direction pulse signal generating means A and a Y direction pulse signal generating means B respectively having switch means for generating a pulse signal by repeating ON and OFF while rotating a ball D and a click touch generating means for generating click touch synchronized with the X direction and Y direction pulse signals. In this case, the switch means is constituted of one switch S1 for generating a pulse signal by repeating ON and OFF by the rotation of the ball D and the other switch S2 for generating a pulse signal of which phase is shifted from a pulse signal outputted from one switch S1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device for a man-machine interface of electronic equipment and information processing equipment.
It relates to a kind of trackball.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A mouse and a trackball are generally used as a pointing device (apparatus for pointing one point on a display screen) of an electronic computer. The mouse is a device that can be held in a human hand, has a ball that rolls back and forth, left and right on the lower surface, and has a button switch on the upper surface. Then, the amount of movement of the device is known from the rolling of the ball, and the cursor is moved on the display screen. The use of a mouse requires a large plane on which it can be moved.

[0003] Trackballs are used stationary,
It has a button switch and a ball on the top. The ball is mainly rotated with the finger, and the movement amount and direction of the cursor are obtained from the rotation amount.

[0004]

However, the conventional trackball described above has a problem that a standby current is always required, and the current consumption is large, so that only a cursor can be used.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the need for a standby current, to reduce current consumption to zero, and to reduce a pulse signal. Can generate synchronized click feeling, used as remote control, various mode switching, other various setting change switches, multifunctional device cursor, cross key, etc., pointer replacement, portable device cursor mouse instead of cursor An object of the present invention is to provide a trackball that can be used for such purposes.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, a track ball according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the ball is rotated in the X direction, so that the ball is repeatedly turned on and off so that a pulse signal in the X direction is obtained. An X-direction pulse signal generating means having one switch means for generating a pulse signal, and the other generating a Y-direction pulse signal by repeating turning on and off by rotating the ball in a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. Y-direction pulse signal generating means having switch means, and X-direction and Y-direction by rotating the ball.
Click feeling generating means for generating a click feeling synchronized with the direction pulse signal.

[0007] With this configuration, a pulse signal can be obtained through one and the other switch means by rotating the ball, so that a standby current is not always required, and current consumption can be reduced to zero. Further, by rotating the ball, a click feeling synchronized with the pulse signals in the X direction and the Y direction can be generated.

For this purpose, it is used as a remote controller, various mode switching, a switch for changing various settings, a pointer of a multifunctional device such as a cursor and a cross key, etc.
It can be used as a cursor mouse instead of a cursor of a portable device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a track ball according to the first aspect, wherein the one and the other switch means are turned on by rotation of the ball. A switch that repeats off to generate a pulse signal and another switch that repeats on and off by rotation of the ball to generate a pulse signal having a phase shifted from the pulse signal of the one switch.

With this configuration, not only can the same effects as those of the first aspect of the present invention be provided, but also, for example, when the ball rotates forward, one of the switches is turned on first, causing the phase shift. After T seconds, the other switch is turned on, and when the ball rotates in the reverse direction, the other switch is turned on first, and after T seconds, one switch is turned on, so that the ball rotates. It is also possible to detect the direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a track ball according to the second aspect, wherein the one and the other switches are rotated by the rotation of the ball. Irregularities are alternately provided on the outer peripheral portion of the disk, a movable contact is provided at the tip of the movable piece supported by the case, and an interference portion is provided at an intermediate portion of the movable piece, and the interference portion contacts the unevenness. Then, when the disk is rotated, the interference portion is swung by the irregularities, so that the movable contact is repeatedly moved to and from the fixed piece.

According to this configuration, not only the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned operation and effect of the second aspect of the invention can be obtained, but also the ball is rotated to rotate the disk, and the interference portion between the movable pieces of the one and the other switches. When the convex portion of the disk interferes with the movable piece to elastically displace the movable piece, the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed piece and the switch is turned on. Returns to its original state due to its elasticity, and the movable contact is separated from the fixed piece to be turned off. By repeating this, an electric pulse signal is obtained.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a track ball according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the side face of the disk which is rotated by the rotation of the ball has an annular shape. An inner conductive pattern, and an outer conductive pattern formed by alternately arranging conductive parts and insulating parts in an annular shape concentric with the inner conductive pattern,
A first terminal, a second terminal, and a common terminal are provided on a case,
The first terminal and the second terminal are slid in contact with the outer conductive pattern, the common terminal is slid in contact with the inner conductive pattern, and the one switch is configured by the first terminal and the common terminal. The other switch is composed of the second terminal and the common terminal.

According to this structure, not only the same operation and effect as the above-mentioned second embodiment can be obtained, but also the ball is rotated to rotate the disk, and the first and second terminals are connected to the outer conductive pattern. The conductive portion and the insulating portion are alternately brought into contact with each other, and the common terminal is constantly brought into sliding contact with the inner conductive pattern. Therefore, a pulse signal can be obtained by repeating ON / OFF with one switch, and a pulse signal can be obtained by repeating ON / OFF with the other switch.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trackball according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the click feeling generating means includes the one of the one and the other switches. The interference part of the movable piece is configured to abut on the irregularities.

According to this structure, not only the same operation and effect as the above-described third embodiment can be obtained, but also the rotation of the ball rotates the disk, so that the interference portion exceeds the convex portion of the unevenness. When the ball touches the next concave portion, a click feeling synchronized with the pulse signals in the X direction and the Y direction is realized at the fingertip touching the ball.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trackball according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the click sensation generating means is a circle which is rotated by rotation of the ball. Irregularities are alternately provided on the outer peripheral portion of the plate, an interference portion is provided in an intermediate portion of the spring member supported by the case, and the interference portion is brought into contact with the irregularities.

According to this configuration, not only the same operation and effect as the above-described operation and effect of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, but also the rotation of the ball causes the disk to rotate, and the interference portion of the spring member causes the interference of the disk to occur. When the spring member elastically displaces by interfering with the convex portion of the unevenness of the peripheral surface, and the interference portion slides over the convex portion and comes into contact with the next concave portion, the spring member returns elastically to the original position. A click feel is realized at the fingertip of the user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a track ball according to the present invention. The trackball of the above, further comprising a switch operated by pushing the ball.

According to this configuration, not only the same operation and effect as the above-described first embodiment can be obtained, but also the switch (push switch) can be pressed without releasing the hand from the trackball. For example, by rotating the ball, one of the switches is activated to output a pulse signal, and the television channel is switched. In this state, the ball is pushed by the push switch to be activated, the switch is turned on, and the power is turned on. It becomes possible. Further, the setting menu is not limited to the television, but can be used instead of the cursor of the keyboard to push the push switch with a ball to activate the push-in operation switch to turn on the switch to open the setting menu.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a trackball according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory view of the trackball partially viewed from below, and FIG. Explanatory diagram of the pulse signal of the first and second switches of
FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of the pulse signals of the first and second switches during the reverse rotation.

The trackball according to the present invention has a case 1 in which the X direction (left and right direction) is provided.
A pulse signal generating means A, a Y-direction (front-rear direction) pulse signal generating means B, a ball holding means C, a ball D, and a click feeling generating means E are provided.

The X-direction pulse signal generating means A is provided in Case 1.
And a rotating shaft 2 that is supported by bearings 5 and 6 along the Y direction (front-back direction). A first roller 7 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 2. First and second disks 8 and 9 are closely fixed to the end side. First disk 8
Are formed at predetermined intervals on the outer periphery of the. Also, irregularities 12 are formed alternately at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral portion of the second disk 9. And the first
The unevenness 10 of the disk 8 and the unevenness 12 of the second disk 9
There is a predetermined phase shift.

A first switch S1 which is one of the switches opposing the irregularities 10 of the first disk 8 is a second switch which is the other switch opposing the irregularities 12 of the second disk 9. Are arranged, and the first switch S1 and the second switch S2 constitute switch means.

Then, the first switch S1 is connected to the case 1
Piece 14 and movable piece 1 cantilevered on bottom 1A of
The movable piece 15 has a movable contact 15A formed at the tip thereof, and an intermediate portion of the movable piece 15 formed with an interference portion 15B formed of a bent portion. Further, the second switch S2 has the same configuration as the first switch S1. Then, the interference portion 15B of the movable piece 15 of the first and second switches S1 and S2 is formed by the unevenness 10 and 12 of the first and second disks 8 and 9.
In the recesses 10A and 12A.

The Y-direction pulse signal generating means B has the same configuration as that of the above-described X-direction pulse signal generating means A, but its direction is perpendicular to the X-direction pulse signal generating means A. Instead of the rotating shaft 2 of the generating means A,
The rotating shaft 3 is provided along the X direction (left-right direction). Therefore, the X-direction pulse signal generation means A generates a pulse signal in the X direction, while the Y-direction pulse signal generation means B generates a pulse signal in the Y direction.

The click feeling generating means E includes an X direction pulse signal generating means A and a Y direction pulse signal generating means B.
It is inherent in. That is, the click feeling generating means E is provided with the movable piece 1 of the first and second switches S1 and S2.
The fifth interference portion 15B is configured to abut on the irregularities 10 and 12.

The ball holding means C includes a roller 7 of the X-direction pulse signal generating means A, a roller 7-1 of the Y-direction pulse signal generating means B, a backup roller 16, and a lid 17 of the case 1. It consists of.

That is, the backup roller 16, together with the roller 7 and the roller 7-1, is arranged at a position where the circle is approximately equally divided into three. The backup roller 16 is held on the rotating shaft 4, and This rotating shaft 4 is a bearing 5C of the case 1,
6C. And backup roller 1
The ball D is rotatably mounted on the roller 6, the roller 7, and the roller 7-1. The opening of the case 1 is closed by a lid 17, and a circular hole 18 provided in the lid 17 is provided. A portion D-1 of the ball D protrudes from the cover 17, and the lid 17 prevents the ball D from jumping out.

Next, the operation of the trackball configured as described above will be described. A fingertip is applied to a part D-1 of the ball D protruding from the circular hole 18 provided in the lid 17, and the ball D is rotated in the X direction or the Y direction by moving the fingertip.

When the ball D is rotated forward in the X direction, the rotation of the ball D causes the first rotating shaft 2 to rotate via the roller 7 to rotate the first and second disks 8 and 9. Let it. Interference part 1 of movable piece 15 of first and second switches S1 and S2
5B is inserted into the recesses 10A, 12A of the irregularities 10, 12 of the first and second discs 8, 9, so that the first and second discs 8, 9 rotate, thereby causing the first , The second disk 8,
9, the movable piece 15 is elastically displaced by interfering with the interference section 15B, and the movable contact 15A is brought into contact with the fixed piece 14 to be turned on, so that the interference section 15B is brought into contact with the projections 11A, 13A. When the movable piece 15 is inserted into the next concave portions 10A, 12A beyond the
5A is separated from the fixed piece 14 and is switched off. By repeating this, an electric pulse signal is generated.

In this case, the unevenness 10 of the first disk 8 and the second
Since there is a predetermined phase shift between the unevenness 12 of the disk 9 and the first switch S1 is turned on first as shown in FIG. The switch S2 is turned on.

In this case, the interference portion 15B is
A click feeling occurs at the fingertip touching the ball D because the fingertip touching the ball D is inserted into the next concave portions 10A and 12A beyond A and 13A.

When the ball D is rotated in the reverse direction in the X direction, the first and second disks 8, 9 rotate in the reverse direction. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on. For this reason, it is possible to detect either the forward or reverse rotation direction (the left or right direction) of the ball D in the X direction.

When the ball D is rotated forward in the Y direction, the rotation of the ball D is transmitted to the second rotating shaft 3 through the roller 7-1.
To rotate the first and second disks 8 and 9 so that the protrusions 11A and 13A of the first and second disks 8 and 9
5B, the movable piece 15 is elastically displaced, and the movable contact 1
5A is brought into contact with the fixed piece 14 to be turned on, and when the interference part 15B is inserted into the next concave parts 10A, 12A beyond the convex parts 11A, 13A, the movable piece 15 returns to its original state by elasticity, and the movable contact 15A is separated from the fixed piece 14 and is turned off. By repeating this, an electric pulse signal is generated.

In this case, the unevenness 10 of the first disk 8 is
Since there is a predetermined phase shift between the unevenness 12 of the disk 9 and the first switch S1 is turned on first as shown in FIG. The switch S2 is turned on.

In this case, the interference portion 15B is
A click feeling occurs at the fingertip touching the ball D because the fingertip touching the ball D is inserted into the next concave portions 10A and 12A beyond A and 13A.

When the ball D is rotated in the reverse direction in the Y direction, the first and second disks 8, 9 rotate in the reverse direction. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on. For this reason, it is possible to detect the forward / reverse rotation direction of the ball D in the Y direction (either the front or rear direction).

The trackball constructed as described above is used as a mode changeover switch of the remote controller 20 as shown in FIG. 4A, and is carried as shown in FIG. 4B. It is used as a changeover switch for switching the mode of the device 21 or the like, and is used instead of the cursor of the keyboard 22 as shown in (3) of FIG. In addition, it can be used as a substitute for a pointer such as a cross key.

(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 5 and 6 show Embodiment 2 of a trackball according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a trackball according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a configuration explanatory view of the trackball partially omitted when viewed from below.

In the track ball according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the X-direction pulse signal generating means A and the Y-direction pulse signal generating means B are provided with first and second disks 8, 9 and 1, an encoder is used in place of the second switches S1 and S2, and a click feeling generating means E is provided separately from the X direction pulse signal generating means A and the Y direction pulse signal generating means B. The holding means C is the first embodiment.
Therefore, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

A disk 23 is fixed to the rotating shafts 2 and 3 provided with the rollers 17 and 17-1 of the X-direction pulse signal generating means A and the Y-direction pulse signal generating means B. Are formed with an annular inner conductive pattern 24 centered on the rotation axes 2 and 3 and an annular outer conductive pattern 25 concentric with the inner conductive pattern 24.
The outer conductive pattern 25 includes a conductive portion 25A and an insulating portion 2A.
5B are alternately arranged.

A first terminal 26, a second terminal 27, and a common terminal 28 are provided on the bottom 1 A of the case 1. The brush 26 a at the tip of the first terminal 26 is connected to the outer conductive pattern 25. The brush portion 27 a at the end of the second terminal 27 is in sliding contact with the outer conductive pattern 25. The brush 28 a at the tip of the common terminal 28 is in sliding contact with the inner conductive pattern 24. There is a predetermined phase shift between the portion of the first terminal 26 that slides on the outer conductive pattern 25 of the brush portion 26a and the position of the second terminal 27 that slides on the outer conductive pattern 25 of the brush portion 27a. .

In this case, the first terminal 26, the outer conductive pattern 25, the common terminal 28 and the inner conductive pattern 24
Of the second terminal 27 and the outer conductive pattern 2
5, the common terminal 28, and the inner conductive pattern 24 constitute the second switch S2.

In addition, the click feeling generating means E includes the disk 2
A concave portion 29 formed at a predetermined interval on the peripheral surface
And a spring member 31 having the projection 30 inserted into the recess 29.
The upper and lower ends of the spring member 31 are supported by the case 1 and the lid 17. The other configuration is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, and thus the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the trackball configured as described above will be described. A fingertip is applied to a part D-1 of the ball D protruding from the circular hole 18 provided in the lid 17, and the ball D is rotated in the X direction or the Y direction by moving the fingertip.

When the ball D is rotated forward in the X direction, the rotation of the ball D causes the rotating shaft 2 to rotate via the roller 7 to rotate the disk 23. By the rotation of the disk 23,
The first and second terminals 26 and 27 alternately contact the conductive portion 25A and the insulating portion 25B of the outer conductive pattern 25, and
The common terminal 28 comes into sliding contact with the inner conductive pattern 24. For this reason, the first switch S1 is repeatedly turned on and off to output a pulse signal, and the second switch S2
Then, a pulse signal is output by repeating on / off. In this case, there is a phase shift between the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 27 in the sliding contact position with the outer conductive pattern 25,
As shown in FIG. 3A, the first switch S1 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the second switch S2 is turned on.

In the click feeling generating means E, since the interference portion 30 of the spring member 31 is inserted into the concave portion 29 formed at a predetermined interval on the peripheral surface of the disk 23, The rotation of the disk 23 causes the disk 23 to rotate.
When the protrusion 29A interferes with the interference part 30 to elastically displace the spring member 31 and the interference part 30 is inserted into the next recess 30 beyond the protrusion 29A, the spring member 31 returns to its original state by elasticity. A click feeling is generated at the fingertip touching the ball D.

When the ball D is rotated in the reverse direction in the X direction, the disk 23 rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on. For this reason, it is possible to detect the forward / reverse rotation direction (either the left or right direction) of the ball D in the X direction.

When the ball D is rotated forward in the Y direction, the rotation of the ball D rotates the rotating shaft 3 via the roller 7-1 to rotate the disk 23. Due to the rotation of the disk 23, the first and second terminals 26 and 27 are connected to the outer conductive pattern 25.
Alternately contact the conductive portion 25A and the insulating portion 25B, and the common terminal 28 comes into sliding contact with the inner conductive pattern 24.
Therefore, the first switch S1 repeats ON / OFF to output a pulse signal, and the second switch S2 repeats ON / OFF to output a pulse signal. In this case, since the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 27 are out of phase at the sliding contact position with the outer conductive pattern 25, the second switch S2 is turned on first as shown in (2) of FIG. After T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on.

The click feeling generating means E operates in the same manner as when the ball D is rotated forward, and generates a click feeling at the fingertip touching the ball D.

When the ball D is rotated in the reverse direction in the Y direction, the disk 23 rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on. For this reason, it is possible to detect the forward / reverse rotation direction of the ball D in the Y direction (either the front or rear direction).

The trackball of the second embodiment is used as a mode changeover switch of the remote controller 20, as shown in FIG. 4A, similarly to the trackball of the first embodiment. Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (2), it is used for a mode changeover switch of the portable device 21 or the like, and is used in place of the cursor of the keyboard 22 as shown in FIG. 4 (3). . Others
It can also be used as a substitute for a pointer such as a cross key.

Third Embodiment FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a third embodiment of a trackball according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the configuration of the trackball viewed from below, partially omitted.

The third embodiment of the trackball according to the present invention has a configuration in which a push switch is added to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, and the ball holding means C is changed. Therefore, the X-direction pulse signal generation means A, the Y-direction pulse signal generation means B, and the click feeling generation means E are the same as those in the first embodiment. .

That is, the ball holding means C includes the roller 7 of the X-direction pulse signal generating means A, the roller 7-1 of the Y-direction pulse signal generating means B, the backup roller 16, and the lid 17 of the case 1. In this case, the rotary shaft 4 supporting the backup roller 16 is vertically supported on the inner wall of the case 1 by a pair of arms 32, and the backup roller 16 is always raised by the spring 33. It is energized. The push switch 34 is installed on the bottom 1A of the case 1, and the push switch 3
The fourth actuator 34A is in contact with the lower center of the ball D.

Accordingly, a fingertip is applied to a part D-1 of the ball D protruding from the circular hole 18 provided in the lid 17 and the ball D is moved in the X direction or Y direction by moving the fingertip.
The ball D in the X direction.
When the ball D is rotated in the reverse direction, the operations performed when the ball D is rotated in the forward and reverse directions in the Y direction are the same as those in the first embodiment.

When the ball D is rotated forward and backward in the X direction, and when the ball D is rotated forward and backward in the Y direction, the ball D is pushed with a fingertip. Is pressed to operate the push switch 34. This push switch 34
Is assigned an enter key. Further, a menu display may be allocated.

The push switch 34 can be pressed without releasing the hand from the trackball. For example, ball D
By rotating the first switch S1 to output a pulse signal by switching the channel of the television, the ball D pushes the operator 34A of the push switch 34 with the ball D to operate the push switch 34. It is possible to switch on and power on. Further, the setting menu can be opened not only by the television but also by using the ball D to press the operator 34A of the push switch 34 to activate the push switch 34 and to switch on by using the ball D instead of the cursor.

The track ball of the third embodiment is similar to the track ball of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4 (1), it is used as a mode changeover switch for the remote controller 20, and FIG. 4 (2).
As shown in FIG. 4, it is used for a changeover switch for mode switching of the portable device 21, and is used in place of the cursor of the keyboard 22 as shown in FIG. In addition, it can be used as a substitute for a pointer such as a cross key.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the trackball according to the present invention.

The fourth embodiment of the trackball according to the present invention is different from the third embodiment in that the push switch 34 is positioned below the support arm 32 of the backup roller 16 in the configuration of the third embodiment. By pressing D with a fingertip, the arm 3 is moved through the backup roller 16.
2, the arm 32 pushes the operator 34A of the push switch 34 to operate the push switch 34. Therefore, the X-direction pulse signal generation means A, the Y-direction pulse signal generation means B,
Since the click sensation generating means E is the same as that in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

The trackball can be used as a mechanical tilt sensor. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the tilt sensor is configured by using the pendulum 40 instead of the ball D.

In other words, the tilt sensor is
X-direction pulse signal generating means A for generating a pulse signal in the X direction by swinging in the X direction relative to the tilt measurement object, and swinging in the Y direction by swinging the pendulum 40 in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. And a Y-direction pulse signal generating means B for generating a pulse signal.

Therefore, the pulse signals in the X direction and the Y direction can be obtained through the X and Y direction pulse signal generating means A and B by the relative swing of the pendulum 40 with respect to the object to be tilted. In addition, the standby current is not required, and the current consumption can be reduced to zero. Therefore, it can be used as a pointing device such as a remote controller, can be used for detecting an inclination angle of a portable device, and can be built in a wireless remote controller of a game device.

That is, the pendulum 40 has a configuration in which a ball-shaped weight 43 is connected to the seat 41 via the rod 42, and the lower surface of the seat 41 is formed as a convex spherical surface 41a. Then, the pendulum 40 moves the convex spherical surface 41a on the lower surface of the seat 41 to the roller 7 of the X-direction pulse signal generating means A.
, The roller 7-1 of the Y-direction pulse signal generating means B and the backup roller 16 are held by these rollers 7, 7-1, and 16 in contact with the roller. It protrudes downward from an opening (not shown) of the bottom 1 </ b> A and suspends the weight 43. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

Therefore, when the tilt sensor is attached to a game device (not shown) which is a tilt measuring object, and the game device is tilted to the right in the X direction, for example, the pendulum 4
The first and second disks 8, 9 are rotated by rotating the rotary shaft 2 through the rollers 7 in contact with the convex spherical surface 41a of the receiving body 41 of the first zero.
To rotate. Since the interference portion 15B of the movable piece 15 of the first and second switches S1 and S2 is inserted into the recesses 10A and 12B of the irregularities 10 and 12 of the first and second discs 8 and 9, the first When the second disks 8 and 9 rotate, the protrusions 11A and 13A of the first and second disks 8 and 9 cause the interference portion 1 to move.
5B, the movable piece 15 is elastically displaced, and the movable contact 1
5A is brought into contact with the fixed piece 14 to be turned on, and when the interference part 15B is inserted into the next concave parts 10A, 12A beyond the convex parts 11A, 13A, the movable piece 15 returns to its original state by elasticity, and the movable contact 15A is separated from the fixed piece 14 and is turned off. By repeating this, an electric pulse signal is obtained.

In this case, the irregularities 10 of the first disk 8 and the second
Since there is a predetermined phase shift between the unevenness 12 of the disk 9 and the first switch S1 is turned on first as shown in FIG. The switch S2 is turned on.

When the game machine is tilted to the left in the X direction, the first and second disks 8, 9 rotate in reverse. For this purpose, FIG.
As shown in (2), the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on.

When the game machine is tilted forward in the Y direction, the rotating shaft 3 is rotated via the roller 7-1, and the first,
The second disks 8 and 9 are rotated, and the first and second disks 8 and 9 are rotated.
The convex portions 11A and 13A interfere with the interference portion 15B to elastically displace the movable piece 15 and bring the movable contact 15A into contact with the fixed piece 14 to be turned on, and the interference portion 15B causes the convex portions 11A and 13A to When the movable piece 15 is inserted into the next concave portions 10A and 12A beyond the movable contact 15
A is separated from the fixed piece 14 and is turned off.
By repeating this, an electric pulse signal is obtained.

In this case, the unevenness 10 of the first disk 8 and the second
Since there is a predetermined phase shift between the unevenness 12 of the disk 9 and the first switch S1 is turned on first as shown in FIG. The switch S2 is turned on.

When the game machine is tilted backward in the Y direction, the first and second disks 8, 9 rotate in reverse. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on.

As a modification of the above-described tilt sensor, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tilt sensor is constructed by using the pendulum 40 instead of the ball D in the configuration of the second embodiment. I have.

That is, the pendulum 40 has a configuration in which a ball-shaped weight 43 is connected to the receiving body 41 via the rod 42, and the lower surface of the receiving body 41 is formed as a convex spherical surface 41a. Then, the pendulum 40 moves the convex spherical surface 41a on the lower surface of the seat 41 to the roller 7 of the X-direction pulse signal generating means A.
, The roller 7-1 of the Y-direction pulse signal generating means B and the backup roller 16 are held by these rollers 7, 7-1, and 16 in contact with the roller. It protrudes downward from an opening (not shown) of the bottom 1 </ b> A and suspends the weight 43. Since the other configuration is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description is omitted.

Therefore, when the tilt sensor is mounted on the game machine and the game machine is tilted to the right in the X direction, for example, the convex spherical surface 41a of the seat 41 of the pendulum 40
The rotating shaft 2 is rotated via the roller 7 in contact with the disk 23 to rotate the disk 23. Due to the rotation of the disk 23, first,
The second terminals 26 and 27 are connected to the conductive portion 2 of the outer conductive pattern 25.
5A and the insulating portion 25B alternately contact with each other, and the common terminal 28 slides on the inner conductive pattern 24. Therefore, the first switch S1 repeats ON / OFF to output a pulse signal, and the second switch S2 repeats ON / OFF to output a pulse signal. In this case, the first switch S1 is turned on first as shown in (1) of FIG. 3 because there is a phase shift in the sliding position of the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 27 with the outer conductive pattern 25. After T seconds, the second switch S2 is turned on.

When the game machine is tilted to the left in the X direction, the disk 23 rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on.

When the game machine is tilted forward in the Y direction, the rotating shaft 3 is rotated through the roller 7-1 in contact with the convex spherical surface 41a of the receiving body 41 of the pendulum 40 to rotate the disk 23.
To rotate. The rotation of the disk 23 causes the first and second
Terminals 26 and 27 are conductive portions 25A of outer conductive pattern 25.
And the insulating portion 25B alternately contact with each other.
Reference numeral 8 contacts the inner conductive pattern 24. Therefore, the first switch S1 repeatedly turns on and off to output a pulse signal, and the second switch S2 turns on and off.
The turning off is repeated and a pulse signal is output. In this case, since the first terminal 26 and the second terminal 27 are out of phase at the sliding contact position with the outer conductive pattern 25, the second switch S2 is turned on first as shown in (2) of FIG. After T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on.

When the game machine is tilted backward in the Y direction, the disk 23 rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the second switch S2 is turned on first, and after T seconds, the first switch S1 is turned on.

[0079]

As described above, according to the trackball of the present invention, a pulse signal can be obtained through the switch means by rotating the ball, so that a standby current is not always required, and The current consumption can be reduced to zero. Further, by rotating the ball, a click feeling synchronized with the pulse signals in the X direction and the Y direction can be generated.

For this purpose, a remote controller, various mode switching, use as a switch for changing various settings, a pointer of a multifunctional device such as a cursor and a cross key, etc.
It can be used as a cursor mouse instead of a cursor of a portable device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a trackball according to the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the trackball is partially omitted when viewed from below.

FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of pulse signals of first and second switches during forward rotation. (2) is an explanatory diagram of pulse signals of the first and second switches at the time of reverse rotation.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a remote controller using a trackball according to the present invention. (2) is a perspective view of a portable device using the trackball according to the present invention. (3)
1 is a perspective view of a keyboard using a trackball according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a second embodiment of the trackball according to the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the configuration in which the trackball is partially omitted when viewed from below.

FIG. 7 is a third embodiment of the trackball according to the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the trackball is partially omitted when viewed from below.

FIG. 9 is a fourth embodiment of the trackball according to the present invention.
FIG.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of Embodiment 1 of the tilt sensor according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration in which the tilt sensor is partially omitted when viewed from below.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a tilt sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a configuration in which the tilt sensor is partially omitted when viewed from below.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A X direction pulse signal generating means B Y direction pulse signal generating means D Ball E Click feeling generating means S1 One switch S2 The other switch

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An X-direction pulse signal generating means having one switch means for generating a pulse signal in the X direction by repeating turning on and off by rotating the ball in the X direction; Is a Y-direction pulse signal generating means having another switch means for generating a Y-direction pulse signal by repeating on / off by rotating in the orthogonal Y direction; and in the X and Y directions by rotating the ball. A click feeling generating means for generating a click feeling synchronized with the pulse signal. 2. A switch for generating a pulse signal by repeatedly turning on and off the one and other switch means by rotation of the ball, and the one switch by repeating on and off by rotation of the ball. 2. The trackball according to claim 1, comprising another switch for generating a pulse signal having a phase shifted from that of said pulse signal. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one and the other switches are alternately provided with irregularities on an outer peripheral portion of a disk rotated by rotation of the ball, and a movable contact is provided on a tip of a movable piece supported by a case. An interference portion is provided at an intermediate portion of the movable piece, the interference portion is brought into contact with the irregularities, and the interference portion is swung by the irregularities during rotation of the disk to separate and move the movable contact to the fixed piece. 3. The trackball according to claim 2, wherein 4. An annular inner conductive pattern formed on a side surface of a disk rotated by the rotation of the ball, and an annular conductive pattern concentric with the inner conductive pattern and conductive portions and insulating portions are alternately arranged. Provide an outer conductive pattern, and in the case,
Providing a first terminal, a second terminal, and a common terminal, sliding the first terminal and the second terminal on the outer conductive pattern, sliding the common terminal on the inner conductive pattern, 3. The trackball according to claim 2, wherein a switch comprises the first terminal and the common terminal, and the other switch comprises the second terminal and the common terminal. 5. The trackball according to claim 1, wherein the click feeling generating means is configured by bringing the interference portion of the movable piece of the one and other switches into contact with the irregularities. 6. The click sensation generating means is provided with irregularities alternately on an outer peripheral portion of a disk rotated by the rotation of the ball, an interference portion is provided at an intermediate portion of a spring member supported by a case, and the interference portion is provided. The trackball according to claim 1, wherein the trackball is configured to abut on the irregularities. 7. The switch according to claim 1, further comprising a switch that is operated by a pushing operation of the ball.
A trackball according to claim 4 or claim 5 or claim 6.