CN100338706C - Multi-directional input device - Google Patents
Multi-directional input device Download PDFInfo
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- CN100338706C CN100338706C CNB2005100040033A CN200510004003A CN100338706C CN 100338706 C CN100338706 C CN 100338706C CN B2005100040033 A CNB2005100040033 A CN B2005100040033A CN 200510004003 A CN200510004003 A CN 200510004003A CN 100338706 C CN100338706 C CN 100338706C
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- push projection
- input device
- thin slice
- electrode pattern
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
- H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
- H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/008—Actuators other then push button
- H01H2221/012—Joy stick type
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
- H01H2239/078—Variable resistance by variable contact area or point
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- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
A multi-directional input device capable of detecting not only slanting direction at slanting operation, but also the amount of slanting angle is provided. The multi-directional input device 10 is mainly composed of a housing 11, an operation body 15 slanting movement freely supported, an elastic supporting member 17 having pressing protrusions 16 formed at four positions on an almost identical circumference of a bottom face, and a flexible circuit board 18 having a laminated part 18a. On the laminated part 18a, four positions corresponding to respective pressing protrusions 16 function as the detection elements. Each detection element is constructed so that an electrode pattern 21 on an upper sheet 18c side and a resistor pattern 19 on a lower sheet 18d side are freely contacted with and separated from each other. When the operation body 15 is operated in slanting, since the pressing area of the pressing protrusion against the upper sheet is changed in compliance with the amount of slanting, the contact area of both patterns 19, 21 is changed in compliance with the difference of the deflected area of the sheet.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to be applicable to the multi-way input device of input operations such as information terminal apparatus or game station.
Background technology
In the past, as this multi-way input device, the device known to us was by operating body is toppled over to prescribed direction, drove different switch elements (for example, with reference to patent documentation 1) thereby push corresponding to this toppling direction.
Figure 21 is the cutaway view of the existing multi-way input device of expression, and Figure 22 is the upward view that is equipped in the pressing operation body on this multi-way input device.Multi-way input device 1 shown in Figure 21 possesses the switch elements such as push-button switch 3 that are configured in many places on the base plate 2, in order to optionally to push the pressing operation body 4 that drives these a plurality of switch elements 3 and to put the foot 5 that supports pressing operation body 4 on base plate 2; Pressing operation body 4 and foot 5 integrally formed product for constituting by the rubber elastomeric material.Forming on the base plate 2 does not have illustrated circuitous pattern, and being situated between is connected with external circuit by each switch element 3 of this circuitous pattern.These switch elements 3 equally spaced are configured on the roughly same circumference, in this conventional example, with 4 switch elements 3 of 90 degree arranged spaced.On the bottom surface of pressing operation body 4, cylindric protuberance 4a is being set, forming the thinner wall section 5a that the outer peripheral edges portion with pressing operation body 4 links in foot 5 with each switch element 3 opposed position is outstanding respectively.
Like this multi-way input device 1 of constituting of summary, as shown in figure 21, the neutral condition that pressing operation body 4 does not tilt when remaining on inoperation, so each protuberance 4a all breaks away from from switch element 3, thus all switch elements 3 keep OFF.At this state, if the operator is pressed down into the zone corresponding with any protuberance 4a at the upper surface of pressing operation body 4, then near thinner wall section 5a lateral deflection, the pressing operation body 4 this protuberance 4a toppled over, therefore, this protuberance 4a push drive opposed switch element 3 carry out the switching to ON from OFF.Therefore, can be ON by detecting which switch element 3, and the toppling direction of pressing operation body 4 during decision, thus can corresponding a plurality of toppling directions and export different separately control signals to external circuit.In addition, if remove the operating physical force that pressing operation body 4 is applied, then the thinner wall section 5a of lateral deflection relies on the elasticity of self and gets back to original shape, and therefore, pressing operation body 4 resets to original neutral condition from tilt state automatically.
Patent documentation 1: the spy opens 2001-184999 communique (the 2nd page, Fig. 2)
But, recently because the development of the multifunction of various electronic equipments and miniaturization etc., therefore in multi-way input device also requirement can carry out such the constituting of multiple operation by an operating body.But, in the above-mentioned existing multi-way input device, can only detect the toppling direction of pressing operation body 4 by switch element 3, and the sectionalization of toppling direction becomes the essential factor of misoperation, therefore, can not increase the kind of too many content of operation inevitably.
Promptly, in the existing multi-way input device, can only detect pressing operation body 4 and which direction to topple over operation to, if and can judge pressing operation body 4 be shallow degree (weak) topple over the operation or the degree of depth (by force) topple over operation, this compares with the situation that only detects toppling direction, then can make the kind multiplication of detectable content of operation.Consequently, can obtain multifunctional multiway input unit that the translational speed of cursor and the multiplying power of cartographic information etc. are changed.
Summary of the invention
The present invention promptly produces in view of the present situation of this prior art, and its purpose is to provide a kind of multi-way input device that can not only detect toppling direction when toppling over operation, can also detect the dump angle size.
To achieve these goals, multi-way input device of the present invention, possess a plurality of detecting elements of being configured on the roughly same circumference, can be oscillation center apart from the roughly equidistant position of these detecting elements produce on the operating physical force direction topple over and operating body that the amount of toppling over increases with the increase of operating physical force, be folded in a plurality of push projection between above-mentioned each detecting element and the aforesaid operations body and be folded in above-mentioned detecting element and above-mentioned push projection between flexible thin slice; Above-mentioned detecting element, resistance pattern and electrode pattern Jie that at least any one party is arranged on the flexible thin slice are made of the configuration of gap subtend, and described resistance pattern can contact or separate with electrode pattern, and at least any one party in this resistance pattern and the electrode pattern is arranged on the above-mentioned flexible thin slice; Above-mentioned push projection of while, by being configured on the above-mentioned flexible thin slice, and the elastomeric material of changes shape forms corresponding to the amount of toppling over of aforesaid operations body, above-mentioned push projection is increased corresponding to the increase of the amount of toppling over of aforesaid operations body the area of pushing of above-mentioned flexible thin slice, along with this pushes the increase of area and the contact area of above-mentioned resistance pattern and above-mentioned electrode pattern increases, on above-mentioned flexible thin slice, slit is set, this slit folder on being set at above-mentioned flexible thin slice resistance pattern and at least any one party in the electrode pattern, above-mentioned push projection is configured near corresponding position the above-mentioned slit with above-mentioned flexible thin slice.
Like this multi-way input device that constitutes can be by toppling over operation to operating body, thereby by corresponding push projection the detecting element that is positioned on its direction is pushed driving, therefore, can detect toppling direction.Promptly, be positioned at the detecting element on the operating body toppling direction, flexible thin slice is pressed that projection is pressed into and crooked, therefore resistance pattern contacts with electrode pattern, resistance value between these resistance pattern two ends reduces, and its resistance pattern of detecting element that is not positioned on the operating body toppling direction separates with electrode pattern, so the resistance value between these resistance pattern two ends is maximum.
And, when operating body is toppled over operation to the prescribed direction toppling direction, if its toppling direction is little, then push projection to flexible thin slice to push area little, therefore, this flexible thin slice local buckling, thereby, the contact area of resistance pattern and electrode pattern is little, and the reduction of the resistance value between these resistance pattern two ends is less.Yet, if the dump angle of operating body is big, then push projection is owing to big strain takes place for lateral deflection etc., therefore, to flexible thin slice to push area big, this flexible thin slice bends in wide slightly zone, thereby the contact area of resistance pattern and electrode pattern increases, and the reduction of the resistance value between these resistance pattern two ends is bigger.Therefore, by measuring the output valve as detecting element such as voltage between the resistance pattern two ends, thereby toppling direction that can not only the detecting operation body can also detect the size of dump angle.In addition, push projection is configured near the slit, makes flexible thin slice crooked near slit easily.
In the above-mentioned formation, possesses the spring support member that the aforesaid operations body is supported on vertical neutral position, if integrally formed above-mentioned a plurality of push projection on this spring support member, then spring support member can be used as the operating body that makes tilt state and plays a role to the automatically reset resetting means of neutral condition, this elastic component and a plurality of push projection are formed as one product, therefore the parts number of packages is few, so preferred.In addition, in this case, if possess the operating portion taking in above-mentioned spring support member and make the aforesaid operations body from the outstanding housing of upper opening, upload to put at this housing inner bottom surface and state a plurality of detecting elements, simultaneously, as the next door inner space of this housing is separated into the space of above-mentioned upper opening side, the space of above-mentioned detecting element side with spring support member, even then dust etc. is invaded from this upper opening, do not worry detecting element is caused harmful effect yet, therefore, can seek the lifting of reliability.
In the above-mentioned formation, pushed by above-mentioned push projection on the above-mentioned flexible thin slice of driving, any one party in above-mentioned electrode pattern and the above-mentioned resistance pattern can be set, but, preferably electrode pattern be set at this flexible thin slice for the consideration of high reliability and long lifetime.In this case, if upper foil and lower foil Jie that 1 flexible circuit board is folded into are engaged by pad, simultaneously, the a plurality of electrode patterns and a plurality of resistance pattern that constitute above-mentioned each detecting element are separately positioned on above-mentioned upper foil lower surface and above-mentioned lower foil upper surface, then a plurality of detecting elements become the integrally formed product of simple structure, and are therefore preferred.
In addition, in the above-mentioned formation, if the tangential direction that above-mentioned resistance pattern and above-mentioned electrode pattern all are formed with the circumference that disposes above-mentioned each detecting element is the shape of long side direction, above-mentioned push projection of while, being formed with above-mentioned tangential direction is long side direction, and the section along this tangential direction is roughly V font or the roughly hollow shape of U font, then need not make the big footpathization of configuration space of a plurality of detecting elements and a plurality of push projection etc., and can make operating body carry out the degree of depth (by force) and topple over when operation push projection the area of pushing of flexible thin slice is enlarged markedly, therefore carry out miniaturization easily, also can seek the lifting of reliability.
Multi-way input device of the present invention, the area of pushing of the flexible relatively thin slice of push projection increases and decreases corresponding to the size of operating body dump angle, and the bending area of flexible thin slice is changed, thereby the contact area of increase and decrease resistance pattern and electrode pattern, therefore according to the output valve of each detecting element, toppling direction that can not only the detecting operation body can also detect the size of dump angle.Promptly, can not only detect the pressing operation body and which direction to topple over operation to, can also detect the pressing operation body is that shallow degree (weak) is toppled over operation or the degree of depth (by force) is toppled over operation, therefore, can simply and exactly carry out multiple operation by an operating body, can realize the multifunctional multiway input unit.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the exploded perspective view of the multi-way input device of the 1st embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is the oblique view of the bottom shape of the expression spring support member that has push projection that constitutes this input unit.
Fig. 3 is the expanded view that constitutes the flexible circuit board of this input unit.
Fig. 4 is the vertical view of pad that is folded in the laminated section of this flexible circuit board.
Cutaway view when Fig. 5 is this input unit inoperation.
Fig. 6 is the amount of toppling over of this input unit cutaway view in big when operation.
Push projection when Fig. 7 is this input unit inoperation of expression and the major part cutaway view of detecting element.
Fig. 8 is the push projection in the amount of toppling over big when operation of this input unit of expression and the major part cutaway view of detecting element.
Fig. 9 is the exploded perspective view of the multi-way input device of the 2nd embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is the vertical view of this input unit.
Figure 11 is the end view of this input unit.
Figure 12 is the oblique view that expression constitutes the spring support member that has push projection of this input unit.
Figure 13 is the upward view of this spring support member.
Figure 14 is the major part cutaway view of the detecting element when representing along push projection NOT-AND operation that the A-A line of Figure 13 is seen simultaneously.
Figure 15 is the end view of this spring support member.
Figure 16 is the vertical view of the upper substrate of the expression flexible circuit board that constitutes this input unit.
Figure 17 is the vertical view of the lower basal plate of this flexible circuit board of expression.
Cutaway view when Figure 18 is this input unit inoperation.
Figure 19 is the amount of toppling over of this input unit cutaway view in big when operation.
Figure 20 is the major part cutaway view when seeing the push projection of the mode of buckling shown in Figure 19 with different sections.
Figure 21 is the cutaway view of expression conventional example.
Figure 22 is the upward view of the pressing operation body of this conventional example.
Among the figure, the 10-multi-way input device; The 11-housing; 12-covers member; The 13-packing ring; 14-frame shape shell; The 14c-upper opening; The 15-operating body; 15a-operating knob (operating portion); The 16-push projection; The 17-spring support member; 18-flexible circuit board (flexible layer laminated substrate); The 18a-laminated section; 18c-upper foil (flexible thin slice); The 19-resistance pattern; The 21-electrode pattern; The 24-pad.
Embodiment
Below, with reference to accompanying drawing embodiments of the present invention are described, Fig. 1 is the exploded perspective view of the multi-way input device of the 1st embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is the oblique view of the bottom shape of the expression spring support member that has push projection that constitutes this input unit, Fig. 3 is the expanded view that constitutes the flexible circuit board of this input unit, Fig. 4 is the vertical view by the pad of the folded part clamping of this flexible circuit board, cutaway view when Fig. 5 is this input unit inoperation, Fig. 6 is the amount of toppling over of this input unit cutaway view in big when operation, Fig. 7 be expression during this input unit inoperation push projection and the major part cutaway view of detecting element, the push projection when Fig. 8 is the big operation of the amount of toppling over of this input unit of expression and the major part cutaway view of detecting element.
Detailed formation to each several part describes, and lid member 12 is for having the roughly discoideus member of centre bore 12a and a pair of outside tab 12b, and packing ring 13 is for having a pair of annular component to outer process 13a.Lid member 12 Jie are carried on packing ring 13 by the flange part 17a of resiliency supported portion 17.Frame shape shell 14 has the base plate 14a of the laminated section 18a that puts flexible circuit board 18, the annular wall 14b of encirclement packing ring 13 and the upper opening 14c that member 12 is covered in configuration, being arranged on to insert in a pair of concavity otch 14d on the annular wall 14b has outside tab 12b and to outer process 13a, covers member 12 and positions with packing ring 13 relative frame shape shells 14 thereby can make.Around the upper opening 14c of frame shape shell 14, give prominence to a plurality of buckling piece 14e are set, with inwardly side's bending of these buckling pieces 14e, thus riveted and fixed lid member 12.
The central part of operating body 15 forms upwardly extending operating knob 15a, and it is outstanding upward that this operating knob 15a connects the centre bore 12a that covers member 12.In addition, the central part of operating body 15 forms the fulcrum 15b of downward extension, and this fulcrum 15b carries on the laminated section 18a of flexible circuit board 18.At the diametric(al) high limit stop, therefore, the oscillation center of operating body 15 is the leading section that is positioned at the fulcrum 15b on spring support member 17 center lines by spring support member 17 in the outer peripheral edges portion of operating body 15.
Outstanding downwards 4 push projection 16 that are provided with in spring support member 17 bottom surfaces are formed on the equally spaced positions that each interval 90 on the roughly same circumference is spent.As shown in Figure 2, these push projection 16 for identical shaped, all be formed the hollow shape of conical shaped, and if operating body 15 is toppled over operation more greatly to any push projection 16 residing directions, then as shown in Figure 6, be positioned at push projection 16 lateral deflections on its direction and big strain takes place.But in operating body 15 dump angle hour, push projection 16 can lateral deflection.
On flexible circuit board 18; shown in the expanded view of Fig. 3, the electrode pattern 21 that forms the resistance pattern 19 that constitutes by carbon etc. and protective resistance figure 20, constitutes by silver etc., be connected with each figure 19,20 and the wire pattern 22 that quilt is derived, the portion of terminal of exposing in extension 18b end 23.The laminated section 18a of this flexible circuit board 18 comprises the upper foil 18c and the lower foil 18d that is positioned at the below that is positioned at the top with folded state, and two thin slice 18c, 18d are by kink 18e bridge joint.In addition, between the upper foil 18c and lower foil 18d that constitute laminated section 18a, be folded with pad shown in Figure 4 24.18a is elaborated to laminated section, equally spaced forms 4 electrode patterns 21 at upper foil 18c lower surface, forms protective resistance figure 20 at appropriate location simultaneously.At lower foil 18d upper surface, equally spaced form 4 resistance patterns 19.Equally spaced form 4 fenestra 24a on the pad 24.These electrode patterns 21, resistance pattern 19 and fenestra 24a three are configured in the position of mutual correspondence, and therefore, each electrode pattern 21 of laminated section 18a is situated between opposed with each resistance pattern 19 by each fenestra 24a.
And, on laminated section 18a, dispose push projection 16 respectively with each electrode pattern 21 corresponding position, therefore, if operating body 15 is toppled over operation, the 16 times upper foil 18c by the below of push projection that then are positioned on its direction make its bending, and the electrode pattern 21 that is formed on bending area contacts with opposed resistance pattern 19.But 16 couples of upper foil 18c of push projection push area along with this push projection 16 whether lateral deflection and difference, and therefore, electrode pattern 21 is different corresponding to the amount of toppling over of operating body 15 with the contact area of resistance pattern 19.Therefore, carry out electro-detection by difference to this contact area, thus the size of the dump angle of energy detecting operation body 15.That is, the laminated section 18a of flexible circuit board 18, can make with 4 push projection, 16 opposed 4 places as the detecting element of the toppling direction of detecting operation body 15 and the amount of toppling over and play a role.
Next, the work of the multi-way input device 10 of formation like this is described, as shown in Figure 5, when inoperation, operating body 15 remains on the neutral condition that do not tilt by spring support member 17, each push projection 16 upper foil 18c that can not bend, but carry on laminated section 18a.Therefore, like that, each electrode pattern 21 all leaves opposed resistance pattern 19 shown in Fig. 7 solid line, thereby the resistance value between each resistance pattern 19 two ends is maximum.
At this state, if operator presses operating operation button 15a, strain takes place spring support member 17 topples over operating body 15, then by the push projection 16 press-bending upper foil 18c that are positioned on the toppling direction, therefore, the electrode pattern 21 that is positioned at these push projection 16 belows contacts with opposed resistance pattern 19, and the resistance value between these resistance pattern 19 two ends reduces.Therefore, measure voltage between each resistance pattern 19 two ends etc. by the external circuit that is connected with portion of terminal 23, the resistance value that can detect between which resistance pattern 19 two ends reduces, thus the toppling direction of the operating body 15 can decision the time.
In addition, this multi-way input device 10, the size of dump angle that as mentioned above can also detecting operation body 15.That is, if operating body 15 is toppled over when operation to prescribed direction, operating physical force is weak, the dump angle of operating body 15 is little, and push projection 16 can lateral deflection and press-bending upper foil 18c.So, operating body 15 carries out shallow degree (weak) topples over when operating, shown in double dot dash line among Fig. 7,16 couples of upper foil 18c of push projection to push area little, therefore local buckling takes place in upper foil 18c, thereby the contact area that is positioned at the electrode pattern 21 of these push projection 16 belows and resistance pattern 19 is little, and the reduction of the resistance value between these resistance pattern 19 two ends is less.At this moment, as if the operating physical force of removing operating body 15, then elasticity support member 17 relies on the elasticity of self to get back to original shape, and therefore, operating body 15 automatically resets into original neutral condition from shallow degree tilt state.
Relative therewith, if operating physical force is strong, the dump angle of operating body 15 is big, push projection 16 lateral deflections, therefore, and as shown in Figure 6, the push projection 16 press-bending upper foil 18c that floor space has increased.So, operating body 15 carries out the degree of depth (by force) topples over when operating, as shown in Figure 8, the area of pushing of 16 couples of upper foil 18c of push projection increases, therefore upper foil 18c is crooked with wide slightly zone, increase thereby be positioned at the electrode pattern 21 of these push projection 16 belows and the contact area of resistance pattern 19, the reduction of the resistance value between these resistance pattern 19 two ends is bigger.At this moment, as if the operating physical force of removing operating body 15, then elasticity support member 17 and push projection 16 rely on the elasticity of self to get back to original shape, and therefore, operating body 15 automatically resets into original neutral condition from degree of depth tilt state.
So, the multi-way input device 10 of present embodiment, its formation is the amount of toppling over corresponding to operating body 15, the contact area marked change of electrode pattern 21 and resistance pattern 19, therefore, measure voltage between each resistance pattern 19 two ends etc. by the external circuit that is connected with portion of terminal 23, how many resistance values that can detect between which resistance pattern 19 two ends reduces, thereby toppling direction that can not only decision body 15 also can be judged the size of dump angle.That is, can simply and exactly carry out multiple operation by an operating body 15, therefore, this multi-way input device 10 can be realized multifunction.
Also have, in the present embodiment, lower foil 18d side is provided with resistance pattern 19, and the upper foil 18c side of bending in the projection 16 that is pressed is provided with electrode pattern 21, even but constitute in contrast to this, also can work equally.But the formation as present embodiment can be expected high reliability and long lifetime, and is therefore preferred.
Fig. 9 is the exploded perspective view of the multi-way input device of the 2nd embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is the vertical view of this input unit, Figure 11 is the end view of this input unit, Figure 12 is the oblique view that expression constitutes the spring support member that has push projection of this input unit, Figure 13 is the upward view of this spring support member, Figure 14 is the major part cutaway view of the detecting element when representing along push projection NOT-AND operation that the A-A line of Figure 13 is seen simultaneously, Figure 15 is the end view of this spring support member, Figure 16 is the vertical view of the upper substrate of the expression flexible circuit board that constitutes this input unit, Figure 17 is the vertical view of upper substrate of flexible circuit board of this input unit of the lower basal plate of this flexible circuit board of expression, cutaway view when Figure 18 is this input unit inoperation, Figure 19 is the amount of toppling over of this input unit cutaway view in big when operation, and Figure 20 is the major part cutaway view when seeing the push projection of the mode of buckling shown in Figure 19 with different sections.
The multi-way input device of embodiments of the invention 2, its formation are to form slit on flexible thin slice 18c, are pressed near the above-mentioned slit by above-mentioned push projection.
In addition, its formation is to erect at the central portion of the base plate 14a of housing 11 pillar is set, and freely supports the operating body 15 that has omitted fulcrum 15b by this pillar swing.
Have again, also can be transformed into other shapes and promote miniaturization by the push projection 16 that will push the driving detecting element.
Detailed formation about each several part describes, and lid member 12 is for having the roughly discoideus member of centre bore 12a and a pair of outside tab 12b, and packing ring 13 is for having a pair of annular component to outer process 13a.Lid member 12 Jie are carried on packing ring 13 by the flange part 17a of resiliency supported portion 17.Frame shape shell 14 has the base plate 14a of the laminated section 18a that puts flexible circuit board 18, the annular wall 14b of encirclement packing ring 13 and the upper opening 14c that member 12 is covered in configuration, being arranged on to insert in a pair of concavity otch 14d on the annular wall 14b has outside tab 12b and to outer process 13a, covers member 12 and positions with packing ring 13 relative frame shape shells 14 thereby can make.Around the upper opening 14c of frame shape shell 14, give prominence to a plurality of buckling piece 14e are set, with inwardly side's bending of these buckling pieces 14e, thus fastening cover member 12.In addition, form mating holes 14f, pillar 21 bottoms are pressed among this mating holes 14f, thereby pillar 21 is erect and is arranged on the base plate 14a at the central portion of the base plate 14a of frame shape shell 14.
Outstanding setting operation button 15a on operating body 15, this operating knob 15a extends upward from the outer teat 15b central part of arch shape.Should carry on the circle bowl top 21a of pillar 21 by outer teat 15b, therefore, slide on circle bowl top 21a by making outer teat 15b, thereby operating body 15 can be toppled over (can swing) to any direction.But at the diametric(al) high limit stop, therefore, the oscillation center of operating body 15 is set on the center line of spring support member 17 by spring support member 17 in the outer peripheral edges portion of operating body 15.Also have, it is outstanding upward that the operating knob 15a of operating body 15 connects the centre bore 12a that covers member 12.
Outstanding downwards 4 push projection 16 that are provided with in spring support member 17 bottom surfaces are formed on the equally spaced positions that each interval 90 on the roughly same circumference is spent.As Figure 12 and shown in Figure 13, these push projection 16 are same shape, all form tangential direction with above-mentioned circumference and are long side direction, be the hollow shape of V font roughly along the section of this tangential direction.And, then as shown in figure 19, be positioned at push projection 16 lateral deflections on its direction and big strain takes place if operating body 15 topples over operation more greatly to any push projection 16 residing directions.But in operating body 15 dump angle hour, push projection 16 can lateral deflection.
On the lower basal plate 19 of flexible circuit board 18, be provided with outstanding banded extension 19a to housing 11 foreign sides.As shown in figure 17, this lower basal plate 19 disposes 4 resistance patterns 22 being made of carbon etc., the wire pattern 23 of being derived by each resistance pattern 22 and the portion of terminal of exposing from extension 19a end 24 on the one side of flexible thin slice.In addition, as shown in figure 16, the upper substrate 20 of flexible circuit board 18 disposes 4 electrode patterns 25 that are made of silver etc. on the one side of flexible thin slice.Clip each electrode pattern 25 on this upper substrate 20 and form 8 slits 26 that incision forms altogether that extend by to each electrode pattern 25 long side direction.Each resistance pattern 22 is formed on the equally spaced positions of each interval 90 degree on the roughly same circumference, is forming electrode pattern 25 respectively with each resistance pattern 22 opposed position.In addition, do not illustrate, but, on the opposed faces of upper substrate 19 and upper substrate 20, on the zone except resistance pattern 22 and electrode pattern 25, form the resist layer of thick film, as pad, each electrode pattern 25 and each resistance pattern 22 are can contact separation ground opposed with these resist layers.
And, on laminated section 18a, dispose push projection 16 respectively with each electrode pattern 21 corresponding position, therefore, if topple over operating operation body 15, the push projection 16 that then is positioned on its direction is pressed into the upper substrate 20 of below and makes its bending, and the electrode pattern 25 that forms at bending area contacts with opposed resistance pattern 22.Promptly, the upper substrate 20 of the below of push projection 16 becomes the zone that forms electrode pattern 22, and this zone is clipped between 2 slits 26 and than being easier to bending, therefore if any push projection 16 applied topple over operating physical force, then thereunder bend upper substrate 20 and electrode pattern 25 is contacted with resistance pattern 22.But, 16 pairs of upper substrate 20 of push projection push area along with this push projection 16 whether lateral deflection and difference, therefore, electrode pattern 25 is different corresponding to the amount of toppling over of operating body 15 with the contact area of resistance pattern 22.Therefore, carry out electro-detection by difference to this contact area, thus the size of the dump angle of energy detecting operation body 15.That is, the laminated section 18a of flexible circuit board 18, can make with 4 push projection, 16 opposed 4 places as the detecting element of the toppling direction of detecting operation body 15 and the amount of toppling over and play a role.
Next, work about the multi-way input device 10 of formation like this describes, as shown in figure 18, when inoperation, operating body 15 is remained on the neutral condition that do not tilt by pillar 21 and spring support member 17, each push projection 16 upper substrate 20 of can not bending, but carry on laminated section 18a.Therefore, shown in Figure 14 solid line, each electrode pattern 25 all leaves opposed resistance pattern 22, thereby the resistance value between each resistance pattern 22 two ends is maximum.
At this state, if operator presses operating operation button 15a, make spring support member 17 strains take place and operating body 15 is toppled over, then be positioned at the upper substrate 20 that push projection 16 on the toppling direction is pressed into its below.Like this, the zone that is pressed of the upper substrate 20 that the projection that is pressed is pressed into, be clipped in the middle and bending easily by 2 slits, therefore, upper substrate 20 is bent below this push projection 16, electrode pattern 25 in this formation contacts with opposed resistance pattern 22, and the resistance value between these resistance pattern 22 two ends reduces.Therefore, measure voltage between each resistance pattern 22 two ends etc. by the external circuit that is connected with portion of terminal 24, the resistance value that detects between which resistance pattern 22 two ends reduces, thus the toppling direction of the operating body 15 can decision the time.
In addition, this multi-way input device 10, the size of dump angle that as mentioned above can also detecting operation body 15.That is, if when operating body 15 is toppled over operation to prescribed direction, operating physical force is weak, the dump angle of operating body 15 is little, and then push projection 16 can lateral deflection and press-bending upper substrate 20.So, when operating body 15 is toppled over operation by shallow degree (weak), shown in double dot dash line among Figure 14,16 pairs of upper substrate 20 of push projection to push area little, therefore local buckling takes place in upper substrate 20, thereby the contact area that is positioned at the electrode pattern 25 of these push projection 16 belows and resistance 22 is little, and the reduction of the resistance value between these resistance pattern 22 two ends is less.At this moment, as if the operating physical force of removing operating body 15, then elasticity support member 17 relies on the elasticity of self to get back to original shape, and therefore, operating body 15 automatically resets into original neutral condition from shallow degree tilt state.
Relative therewith, if operating physical force is strong, the dump angle of operating body 15 is big, push projection 16 lateral deflections, therefore, and as Figure 19 and shown in Figure 20, the push projection 16 press-bending upper substrate 20 that floor space has increased.So, when operating body 15 is toppled over operation by the degree of depth (by force), the area of pushing of 16 pairs of upper substrate 20 of push projection increases, therefore upper substrate 20 is crooked in wide slightly zone, increase thereby be positioned at the electrode pattern 25 of these push projection 16 belows and the contact area of resistance pattern 22, the reduction of the resistance value between these resistance pattern 25 two ends is bigger.At this moment, as if the operating physical force of removing operating body 15, then elasticity support member 17 and push projection 16 rely on the elasticity of self to get back to original shape, and therefore, operating body 15 automatically resets into original neutral condition from degree of depth tilt state.
So, the multi-way input device 10 of present embodiment, its formation is the amount of toppling over corresponding to operating body 15, the contact area marked change of electrode pattern 25 and resistance pattern 22, therefore, measure voltage between each resistance pattern 22 two ends etc. by the external circuit that is connected with portion of terminal 24, how many resistance values that detects between which resistance pattern 22 two ends reduces, thereby toppling direction that can not only decision body 15 also can be judged the size of dump angle.That is, can simply and exactly carry out multiple operation by an operating body 15, therefore, this multi-way input device 10 can be realized multifunction.
In addition, this multi-way input device, each resistance pattern 22 that is configured on the roughly same circumference is the shape of long side direction with the tangential direction that each electrode pattern 25 grade all forms with this circumference, each slit 26 also forms along this tangential direction, also have, each push projection 16 also forms with this tangential direction and is long side direction, is the hollow shape of V font roughly along the section of this tangential direction.Thereby, need not make big footpathizations such as the configuration space of each detecting element (resistance pattern 22 and electrode pattern 25 etc.) and the configuration space of each push projection 16, therefore, seek the miniaturization of device integral body easily.And, topple over operation and when making push projection 16 lateral deflections, can enlarge markedly the area of pushing of 16 pairs of upper substrate 20 of push projection, therefore, can also seek the lifting of reliability making operating body 15 carry out the degree of depth (by force).
Claims (6)
1. multi-way input device is characterized in that: possess a plurality of detecting elements of being configured on the roughly same circumference, with apart from the roughly equidistant position of these detecting elements be oscillation center can produce on the operating physical force direction topple over and operating body that the amount of toppling over increases with the increase of operating physical force, be folded in a plurality of push projection between above-mentioned each detecting element and the aforesaid operations body and be folded in above-mentioned detecting element and above-mentioned push projection between flexible thin slice;
Above-mentioned detecting element, be situated between resistance pattern and electrode pattern by the configuration of gap subtend and constitute, and described resistance pattern can contact or separate with electrode pattern, and at least any one party in this resistance pattern and the electrode pattern is arranged on the above-mentioned flexible thin slice, above-mentioned push projection is formed by the elastomeric material that is configured on the above-mentioned flexible thin slice and shape changes corresponding to the amount of toppling over of aforesaid operations body simultaneously;
The above-mentioned relatively flexible thin slice of above-mentioned push projection push area, increase corresponding to the increase of the amount of toppling over of aforesaid operations body, and along with this pushes the increase of area and the contact area of above-mentioned resistance pattern and above-mentioned electrode pattern increases,
On above-mentioned flexible thin slice, slit is set, this slit folder on being set at above-mentioned flexible thin slice resistance pattern and at least any one party in the electrode pattern, above-mentioned push projection is configured near corresponding position the above-mentioned slit with above-mentioned flexible thin slice.
2. multi-way input device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: possess the spring support member that the aforesaid operations body is supported on vertical neutral position, integrally formed above-mentioned a plurality of push projection on this spring support member.
3. multi-way input device according to claim 2, it is characterized in that: also possess the operating portion taking in above-mentioned spring support member and make the aforesaid operations body from the outstanding housing of upper opening, upload to put at this housing inner bottom surface and state a plurality of detecting elements, simultaneously, as the next door inner space of this housing is separated into the space of above-mentioned upper opening side and the space of above-mentioned detecting element side with above-mentioned spring support member.
4. multi-way input device according to claim 1 is characterized in that: being pushed on the above-mentioned flexible thin slice of driving by above-mentioned push projection, above-mentioned electrode pattern is set.
5. multi-way input device according to claim 4, it is characterized in that: 1 flexible circuit board is folding and the upper foil that constitutes and lower foil are situated between and are engaged by pad, and a plurality of electrode patterns and a plurality of resistance pattern that constitute above-mentioned each detecting element simultaneously are separately positioned on above-mentioned upper foil lower surface and above-mentioned lower foil upper surface.
6. multi-way input device according to claim 1, it is characterized in that: the tangential direction that above-mentioned resistance pattern and above-mentioned electrode pattern all are formed with the circumference that has disposed above-mentioned each detecting element is the shape of long side direction, above-mentioned push projection simultaneously is formed with above-mentioned tangential direction and is long side direction and is roughly V font or the roughly hollow shape of U font along the section of this tangential direction.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004011924A JP2005209381A (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2004-01-20 | Multi-directional input device |
| JP2004011924 | 2004-01-20 | ||
| JP2004011989A JP2005209385A (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2004-01-20 | Multidirectional input unit |
| JP2004011989 | 2004-01-20 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1645533A CN1645533A (en) | 2005-07-27 |
| CN100338706C true CN100338706C (en) | 2007-09-19 |
Family
ID=34889290
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB2005100040033A Expired - Fee Related CN100338706C (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2005-01-06 | Multi-directional input device |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| KR (1) | KR100674395B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN100338706C (en) |
| TW (1) | TWI251846B (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3687271A1 (en) * | 2019-01-25 | 2020-07-29 | Mycronic AB | Eletrical verification of electronic components |
| WO2020174902A1 (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2020-09-03 | アルプスアルパイン株式会社 | Operation device |
| CN112490053B (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2024-07-02 | 深圳市致尚科技股份有限公司 | Multidirectional input device and game machine |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN1262520A (en) * | 1999-02-04 | 2000-08-09 | 阿尔卑斯电气株式会社 | Multi-directional operating switch |
| CN1335633A (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2002-02-13 | 阿尔卑斯电气株式会社 | Testing apparatus |
| CN1386286A (en) * | 2000-08-03 | 2002-12-18 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Multidirectional input device and electronic apparatus comprising it |
| JP2003007174A (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2003-01-10 | Nec Corp | Multidirectional operation switch |
| JP2003241893A (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-08-29 | Smk Corp | Input device |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR19980066223U (en) * | 1997-05-13 | 1998-12-05 | 윤종용 | Joystick |
| JP2001350581A (en) | 2000-06-06 | 2001-12-21 | Smk Corp | Input device |
| JP2002163960A (en) | 2000-11-22 | 2002-06-07 | Hosiden Corp | Multi-directional input device |
| JP2003036768A (en) | 2001-07-23 | 2003-02-07 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Multidirectional input device and electronic apparatus using the same |
-
2004
- 2004-12-27 TW TW093140810A patent/TWI251846B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-12-30 KR KR1020040116921A patent/KR100674395B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2005
- 2005-01-06 CN CNB2005100040033A patent/CN100338706C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN1262520A (en) * | 1999-02-04 | 2000-08-09 | 阿尔卑斯电气株式会社 | Multi-directional operating switch |
| CN1335633A (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2002-02-13 | 阿尔卑斯电气株式会社 | Testing apparatus |
| CN1386286A (en) * | 2000-08-03 | 2002-12-18 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Multidirectional input device and electronic apparatus comprising it |
| JP2003007174A (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2003-01-10 | Nec Corp | Multidirectional operation switch |
| JP2003241893A (en) * | 2002-02-21 | 2003-08-29 | Smk Corp | Input device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR100674395B1 (en) | 2007-01-26 |
| KR20050076604A (en) | 2005-07-26 |
| CN1645533A (en) | 2005-07-27 |
| TWI251846B (en) | 2006-03-21 |
| TW200531106A (en) | 2005-09-16 |
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Granted publication date: 20070919 Termination date: 20110106 |