JP2003177868A - Pointing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact pointing device capable of surely obtaining a feel of click in an operation when preventing any detection error, and realizing a certifying function. <P>SOLUTION: In this pointing device which is integrated with an actuator 4 whose one edge is formed with an input operating part 2 and whose other edge is formed with a conductive projecting spherical part 3, a switch member 1 is configured so that an actuator 4 and a base part 9 for supporting the actuator 4 can be integrally connected through a flexible thin part 8 by which the input operating part 2 is supported so as to be freely oscillated. In addition, the vertex part of the projecting spherical part 3 is fixed to a face-shaped contact body 11 by an insulating fixing means 20, and a part of the projecting spherical part 3 is made to be brought into point-contact on the face-shaped contact body 11 corresponding to the operation of the input operating part 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention inputs a two-dimensional coordinate position of a pointer in a multi-directional switch, a computer, a game machine or the like used in various electric / electronic devices such as portable terminals, control devices and automobile parts. The present invention relates to a pointing device, which is a functional component such as a joystick.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, by tilting an input operation unit, a pointer icon displayed on a computer display is moved to a free position so that a target instruction can be selected from options displayed on the display. A pointing device using a conductive elastomer in a contact portion is known (see, for example, International Publication WO 99/17180).

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing a conventional pointing device of this type before operation. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state of operating a conventional pointing device.

In this conventional pointing device 30, the input operation section 3 can be moved not only in the vertical and horizontal directions but also in any other direction.
By tilting 1 down, a part of the convex spherical surface portion 32 made of a conductive elastomer provided below the input operation portion 31 comes into contact with the circular electrode 34 provided on the fixed substrate 33. Outside the circular electrode 34, an outer peripheral electrode 35 is provided at four locations where the circumference is divided into four, and a voltage is applied to one of the pair of outer peripheral electrodes 35 facing each other, and the other outer peripheral electrode 35 is applied. The partial electrode 35 is grounded. Then, the change in the analog voltage applied in proportion to the distance along the outer surface of the convex spherical surface portion 32 from the portion where the convex spherical surface portion 32 before the movement contacts the circular electrode 34 to the contact portion after the movement is digitalized. It is designed to be converted to a specific position and detect the specified position.

This conventional pointing device 30
Then, in the operation rest state before the start of the operation and after the end of the operation, the gap S between the fixed substrate 33 and the convex spherical surface portion 32 is several mm.
7, the convex spherical surface portion 32 is provided depending on the operation state of the input operation portion 31 at the start of the operation, as shown in FIG.
Will come into contact with a position off the center of the circular electrode 34. Therefore, a position deviated from the center of the circular electrode 34 which is actually in contact at the start of the operation is set as an initial value. Therefore, when the center of the circular electrode 34 is designed to be the initial value, the position detection is performed. Sometimes caused an error.

In addition to the selection function of tilting the input operation unit 31 in the desired direction to select the desired position, a confirmation function for instructing a predetermined command at that position is provided. As shown in FIG.
4 is provided with a central electrode 37 and an annular electrode 38 arranged on the outer side of the central electrode 37 with a space therebetween, and the peripheral portion of the inverted bowl-shaped metal disc spring 36 is brought into contact with the annular electrode 38 for input operation. When the portion 31 is pushed down, the metal disc spring 36 elastically deforms, and the central portion of the central electrode 3 provided on the fixed substrate 33.
By making contact with 7 and closing the circuit of the central electrode 37 and the annular electrode 38, the finalizing function is realized.

[0007]

However, due to the precision of the components such as the metal disc spring 36, the input operation portion 31 and the convex spherical surface portion 32, and the assembly error when the input operation portion 31 is assembled to the fixed substrate 33, the convex spherical surface portion is formed. It was difficult to align the apex portion 32 with the central portion of the inverted bowl-shaped metal disc spring 36, resulting in a poor product yield.

Further, when elastically deforming the central portion of the inverted bowl-shaped metal disc spring 36 by the convex spherical surface portion 32, since the curved surfaces come into contact with each other, the force pushing down the input operation portion 31 is applied to the metal dish. It is difficult to act on the center of the spring 36. On the other hand, when the metal disc spring 36 is small, a click feeling cannot be obtained unless the extremely small area in the center is pressed. In order to elastically deform the central portion of the metal disc spring 36, the size of the metal disc spring 36 must be made larger than a certain size, and as a result, the small pointing device 30 cannot be obtained. .

The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems of the conventional pointing device as described above, and it is possible to surely obtain a click feeling at the time of operation when preventing a detection error and realizing a confirmation function. It is an object to provide a small pointing device.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention described in claim 1, a conductive planar contact member is provided between a switch member and a fixed substrate to which the switch member is attached. An actuator having an input operation portion at one end and a conductive convex spherical surface portion at the other end is incorporated in the switch member, and an electrical characteristic generated by contacting the convex spherical surface portion with the planar contact body is provided. A pointing device adapted to read position data of the input operation unit, wherein the switch member is connected to the actuator through a flexible thin portion on which the input operation unit is pivotably supported. A base portion supporting the actuator is integrally connected, the apex portion of the convex spherical surface portion and the planar contact body are fixed by an insulating fixing means, and the convex portion corresponds to the operation of the input operation portion. Some of the surface is characterized by being in contact rolling over the planar contact body.

In addition to the structure of claim 1, the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that the insulating fixing means is an insulating adhesive.

Further, in the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the configuration of claim 1 or 2, a pressing convex portion is provided at the apex portion of the convex spherical surface portion.

Further, in the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the structure of any one of claims 1 to 3, the planar contact member is an inverted bowl-shaped elastic member capable of generating a click feeling. A peripheral portion of the elastic member is in contact with an outer peripheral electrode provided on the fixed substrate, and a central portion is opposed to the central electrode provided on the fixed substrate with a space therebetween. The central portion of the elastic member is in contact with the central electrode and is electrically connected to the outer peripheral electrode.

Further, in the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the configuration of claim 3 or 4, the convex spherical surface portion is a conductive elastomer, and the pressing convex portion is a hard resin. .

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described based on the illustrated embodiments.

[First Embodiment of the Invention] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing a structure of a first embodiment of a pointing device according to the present invention.

The first embodiment of the pointing device according to the present invention has an actuator 4 having an input operation section 2 at one end and a conductive convex spherical surface section 3 at the other end. The input operation portion 2 is integrally connected to a base portion 6 that supports the actuator 4 through a flexible thin portion 5 that is pivotally supported.
As a material for the convex spherical surface portion 3, a conductive elastomer having elasticity is preferable.

The actuator 4 is designed such that the input operation portion 2 of the actuator 4 projects from a hole 8 of a case 7 surrounding the actuator 4 in an upright posture. A cap 9 having a design is attached to the input operation unit 2 as needed for the purpose of improving the feel of the finger and improving the operability such as non-slip and the visibility. .

That is, the switch member 1 can be integrally molded with the same conductive elastomer as the actuator 4 consisting of the input operation portion 2 and the convex spherical surface portion 3, the dome-shaped thin portion 5, and the base portion 6. This switch member 1 is a case. It is fixed to the fixed substrate 10 in a state of being housed inside 7.

When the input operation unit 2 is not operated, the input operation unit 2 is kept upright by the dome-shaped thin portion 5, so that the input operation unit 2 can be tilted in any direction from that state (pivot freely). When operating, the dome-shaped thin-walled portion 5 functions as a hinge portion that supports the swinging motion at that time.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an electrode pattern on the fixed substrate of Embodiment 1 of the pointing device according to the present invention.

The surface of the fixed substrate 10 is provided with a circular planar contact body 11 facing the convex spherical surface portion 3 of the actuator 4 and having a size substantially equal to the projected shape of the convex spherical surface portion 3 by a printing means. Has been. In the first embodiment, the planar contact body 11 is provided with the fixed electrode 12 and the central electrode 13 electrically cut off from the fixed electrode 12 via the annular gap G at the central portion thereof.

On the outside of the planar contact body 11, at least 2
At least two pairs of electrodes 14 for applying a voltage from a direction,
15, the electric potentials of the electrode pairs 14 and 15 at arbitrary positions of the planar contact body 11 are read out and converted into coordinate information.

In the structure shown in FIG. 2, two pairs of electrodes 14 and 15 having the same structure are provided on the outer circumference of the fixed electrode 12 with a circumference of 90 degrees.
Divided into 4 parts vertically and horizontally (0 °, 90 °, 180 °,
270 °) to the outer peripheral electrodes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16
d is provided, and a pair of outer peripheral electrodes (16
a, 16c or 16b, 16d) a voltage is applied to one of the outer peripheral electrodes (16a or 16c and 16b or 16d) and the other outer peripheral electrode 35 (16c or 16a).
And 16d or 16b) are grounded.
For example, it is applied to the outer peripheral electrode 16a of 0 ° and the outer peripheral electrode 16b of 90 °, and the outer peripheral electrodes 16c and 2 of 180 ° are applied.
When the 70 ° outer peripheral electrode 16d is grounded, the current flowing from the 0 ° outer peripheral electrode 16a and the 90 ° outer peripheral electrode 16b is in contact with the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 of the conductive elastomer. A current flows through the central electrode 13 to the outer peripheral electrode (ground side electrode) 16c at 180 ° and the outer peripheral electrode (ground side electrode) 16d at 270 °. Then, the change in the analog voltage applied in proportion to the distance along the outer surface of the convex spherical surface portion 3 from the portion where the convex spherical surface portion 3 before the movement contacts the fixed electrode 12 to the contact portion after the movement is digitalized. It is designed to be converted to a specific position and detect the specified position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vertex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 and the central electrode 13 on the fixed substrate 10 are fixed by an insulating adhesive 20 which is an insulating fixing means. That is, the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 and the central electrode 13 on the fixed substrate 10 are physically integrated, but are not electrically connected to each other. However, even when the pointing device is not used, electricity does not flow, and thus power is not consumed.

The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The input operation unit 2 before operation is in the upright state,
The state is set to the initial value. On the other hand, since the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 and the central electrode 13 on the fixed substrate 10 are always fixed, when the input operation portion 2 of the actuator 4 is tilted in a target direction, the input operation portion 2 The dome-shaped thin portion 5 is elastically deformed according to the degree of inclination, and the contact portion between the fixed electrode 12 of the planar contact member 11 on the fixed substrate 10 and the convex spherical surface portion 3 is changed. By detecting the electric potentials of at least two pairs of electrodes 14 and 15 and converting the electric potentials into coordinate information, it is possible to know which part of the planar contact body 11 the convex spherical surface part 3 is in contact with. become.

Therefore, when the input operation section 2 is tilted in a desired direction, the convex spherical surface section 3 is corresponding to the movement.
A specific XY coordinate position of the planar contact body 11 contacting the surface is determined. Therefore, by setting the switch circuit corresponding to the potential at the specific contacting point so as to be closed, it becomes possible to operate the intended electrical function.

In the first embodiment, since the switch member 1 including the input operation portion 2, the convex spherical surface portion 3, the dome-shaped thin portion 5, and the base portion 6 of the actuator 4 can be integrally configured, the circuit portion is formed. The components except for the switch member 1,
The pointing device can be completed with only three points, that is, the fixed substrate 10 provided with the planar contact body 11 and the case 7 that houses the switch member 1. When the environment for use is good and there is no external damage caused by a sharp object or the like, the case 7 is also unnecessary, and the fixed substrate 10 and the switch member 1 are sufficient.

The apex of the convex spherical surface 3 is fixed to the fixed substrate 10.
Since the central starting electrode 13 is fixed to the upper central electrode 13 with the insulating adhesive 20, the operation start position is always the same as the central electrode 13 position. The change can be detected even with a slight movement of the electrode 12 out of the center.

FIG. 3 shows another mode of the first embodiment, in which the pressing convex portion 21 is provided at the apex portion of the convex spherical surface portion 3. Accordingly, when the central electrode 13 and the convex spherical surface portion 3 are integrated, it becomes easy to correctly position the apex portion of the convex spherical surface portion 3 on the central electrode 13 due to the presence of the pressing convex portion 21.

Here, the insulating adhesive 20 is interposed between the tip of the pressing convex portion 21 provided at the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 and the apex of the central electrode 13, and the two are integrated. ing. In other words, the two are physically integrated, but are not electrically connected to each other, so even though they are materials that are electrically conductive, electricity flows when the pointing device is not used. There is no power consumption.

[Second Embodiment of the Invention] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing a second embodiment of a pointing device according to the present invention.

In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a planar contact member 11 as a fixed electrode 12 is printed between the surface of the convex spherical surface portion 3 of the actuator 4 and the surface of the fixed substrate 10. Other than this, no other member is provided, but in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the convex spherical surface portion 3 and the fixed substrate 1 are provided.
An elastic member 17 capable of generating a click feeling when the input operation unit 2 is pressed down is provided between the elastic member 17 and the input member 2.

The elastic member 17 also serves as a planar contact member that comes into contact with the convex spherical surface portion 3, and is made of resin or metal as long as it has an inverted bowl shape with a slightly raised central portion and has electrical conductivity. Either of them may be used.

When the input operation unit 2 is not operated, the central portion of the inverted bowl-shaped elastic member (planar contact member) 17 is kept at a slight distance from the central electrode 13 on the fixed substrate 10. When the pressing force acts on the input operation section 5, the central portion of the elastic member (planar contact member) 17 is elastically deformed toward the fixed substrate 10 side and comes into contact with the central electrode 13. ing.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an electrode pattern provided on the fixed substrate 10 of the second embodiment.

A central electrode 13 is provided on the fixed substrate 10 facing the central portion of the elastic member (planar contact member) 17, and an elastic member is provided outside the central electrode 13 with a space D therebetween. An annular electrode 18 that is in contact with the peripheral portion of the (planar contact member) 17 is provided. Further, outside the annular electrode 18, at least two pairs of electrodes 14 and 15 for applying a voltage from at least two directions are provided, and each pair of electrodes 14 and 15 at an arbitrary position of the elastic member (planar contact body) 17 is provided. The electric potential is read out and converted into coordinate information. Since the two pairs of electrodes 14 and 15 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, a pressing convex portion 21 is provided at the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3, and the pressing convex portion 21 is provided.
The apex portion of the elastic member (planar contact member) 17 is fixed by an insulating adhesive 20 which is an insulating fixing means.
That is, the pressing projection 21 at the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 and the apex of the elastic member (planar contact body) 17 are physically integrated, but are not electrically connected. . More specifically, the insulating adhesive 20 is interposed between the tip of the pressing projection 21 and the apex of the elastic member (planar contact body) 17, and the two are integrated.

The pressing convex portion 21 and the input operating portion 2 of the actuator 4 are integrally molded of hard resin, while the convex spherical surface portion 3, the dome-shaped thin portion 5, and the base portion 6 are made of a conductive elastomer. It is molded integrally. This makes it possible to apply a pressing force to the central portion of the elastic member (planar contact body) 17 with a hard member, so that the input member 2 is operated to push down the elastic member (planar contact body) 17. You can get a clear click feeling when you play.

The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing a state where the input operation part of the second embodiment is pushed down.

The input operation unit 2 before operation is in the upright state,
The state is set to the initial value. On the other hand, since the pressing convex portion 21 at the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 and the central portion of the elastic member (planar contact body) 17 are always fixed, the actuator 4
When the input operation unit 2 is tilted in a desired direction, the dome-shaped thin portion 5 is elastically deformed according to the degree of inclination of the input operation unit 2, and the elastic member (planar contact body) 17 and the convex spherical surface portion are formed. Since the contact point with 3 changes, the potentials of at least two pairs of electrodes 14 and 15 at the changed contact position are detected, and this is converted into coordinate information, so that the elastic member (planar contact It will be understood which part of the body 17 the convex spherical surface part 3 is in contact with.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the input operation part 2 of the actuator 4 is pushed down, the dome-shaped thin part 8 is elastically deformed as the input operation part 2 descends, and the convex spherical surface part is formed. The top of 3 is an elastic member (planar contact body) 1
Since it is fixed integrally with the apex portion of 7, the apex portion of the elastic member (planar contact body) 17 elastically deforms toward the fixed substrate 10 side, and finally contacts the central electrode 13 on the fixed substrate 10. When the relevant circuit is closed, the descent of the input operation unit 2 is stopped. Thus, it is possible to realize a confirmation function for instructing a predetermined command at the position after the input operation unit 2 is tilted in the target direction to select the target position.

[0045]

Example 1 As an example according to the second embodiment of the present invention, 14 groups of pointing devices of 3 groups having different shapes of the pressing convex portion 21 were manufactured.

First, as the first group of the first embodiment, an inner diameter of 3.5 m is provided at the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 of the actuator 4.
m, a depth of 0.3 mm is formed, the outer diameter of the pressing projection 21 is constant at 1.0 mm, and the length is 0.3 m.
Four types of actuators 4 were manufactured in order to form four different pressing protrusions 21 having m, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.0 mm.

2 mg of adhesive Super X (manufactured by Cemedine Co., Ltd.) was applied to the tips of the pressing protrusions 21 of the four types of actuators 4 using a dispenser. Next, a metal disc spring (SU) manufactured by continuously punching a sheet material
S301, the elastic member 17) was taken out one by one from the sheet material by a chip mounter, and was bonded and fixed so as to face the pressing convex portion 21 to which the adhesive 20 was applied.

By leaving at room temperature for 8 hours until the adhesive is completely cured, four kinds of switch members 1 having metal disc springs fixed are manufactured, and the switch members 1 are assembled at predetermined positions of the fixed substrate 10. Completed four types of pointing devices.

Next, as a second group of the first embodiment, an inner diameter of 3.5 m is provided at the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 of the actuator 4.
m, a depth of 0.3 mm is formed, and the pressing convex portion 21 is formed in the center thereof to have a constant outer diameter of 1.5 mm and a length of 0.3 mm.
mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 m
Five types of actuators 4 were manufactured in order to form five different pressing protrusions 21 with m. Other conditions are 1.
Five types of pointing devices were completed in the same manner as the pointing device group having the 0 mm pressing convex portion 21.

Next, as a third group of the first embodiment, an inner diameter of 3.5 m is provided at the apex of the convex spherical surface portion 3 of the actuator 4.
m, a depth of 0.3 mm is formed, and the pressing convex portion 21 has a constant outer diameter of 2.0 mm and a length of 0.3 mm.
mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 m
Five types of actuators 4 were manufactured in order to form the five types of pressing protrusions 21 having m. Other conditions are 1.0mm
Five kinds of pointing devices were completed in the same manner as the pointing device group including the pressing convex portion 21 of FIG.

Therefore, in order to confirm the performance in the case where the pressing convex portion 21 of the second embodiment is provided and the preferable shape thereof, the outer diameter of the pressing convex portion 21 shown in the first to third groups of the first embodiment. Is 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and the length is 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm,
1.0 mm, 1.2 mm (outer diameter of the pressing protrusion 21 is 1.5
mm and 2.0 mm only), the operability, click feeling, and
The durability was checked.

Regarding the operability, a test method called Fit Low, which is generally used in the operability evaluation of pointing devices in North America, was adopted. How long it took to select a target point that appeared arbitrarily on the display was repeated 100 times, and the average time was measured.

The click feeling was quantified by using the load measuring device manufactured by the applicant and using the following formulas for vertical operation and 10 ° tilt operation.

[0054]

[Equation 1] Click rate = ((PF-MF) / PF) x 100

Here, the "click feeling" is a concept of expressing the operation feeling in an electronic device such as a push-type switch, and the change rate of force required to operate the electronic device such as a push-type switch. Is a numerical representation of
The pressing force transmitted to the operator's finger during operation is quantified, and the operation feeling during pressing operation is quantified by the rate of change of the pressing force.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the pressing force applied to the elastic member and the deformation amount of the elastic member.

As the elastic member 17, which is a click feeling generating member provided in an electronic device such as a push-type switch, a metal disc spring, a resin disc spring, or the like processed into an inverted bowl shape is generally used. However, they gradually deform the elastic member 17 toward the fixed substrate 10 through the pressing force transmitter (pressing convex portion) when the operator gradually applies pressing force to an electronic device such as a pressing switch. I will let you. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the deformed elastic member 17 cannot endure the applied pressing force and is inverted and bent to the opposite side. This bending point is called a bending point (PF), and when the bending point (PF) is reached, the pressing force required for the deformation of the elastic member 17 suddenly changes from a positive value to a negative value. . Further, when the bending point (PF) is exceeded, the subsequent deformation proceeds without applying a pressing force, and finally, the central electrode 13 which is the fixed contact on the fixed substrate 10 and the elastic member 17 which is the movable contact member. And come into contact with each other (MF), and electrical conduction is completed.

When a pressing force is further applied to the fixed substrate 10, the elastic member 17 is not deformed by the pressing force, so that the load applied to the elastic member 17 increases.

The change in the pressing force in this series of operations is digitized, and the maximum load (PF) required for the deformation of the elastic member 17 which is the click feeling generating member and the elastic member 17 which is the click feeling generating member reach the bending point. Maximum load value (PF) of the difference between the minimum load (MF) and the load required for deformation after
The ratio is calculated (see Formula 1), and is regarded as a click rate, which is a numerical value indicating a click feeling. Generally, when the click rate is 30% or more, the click feeling is determined to be good.

As for durability, as shown in FIG. 11, Varatouch Te of the United States (Varatouch Te
Chronology Incorporated) endurance tester was used to apply a vertical load of 0.75N to the input operation part 2 and operate 1 million times, and then check whether the pointing device according to the present invention has a change such as a crack. confirmed.

This durability tester has a slide shaft 45 having at one end a bearing that rotatably supports a roller 44 that abuts the outer circumference of a cam 43 attached to a rotary shaft 42 of a speed reducer 41 connected to a motor 40. An urging means 46 for urging the cam shaft 43 toward the cam 43 is provided, and a swing shaft 48 mounted on the other end of the slide shaft 45 in a straight line with the central shaft of the input operation part 2 via a spherical bearing 47. Is provided. Further, a weight cone 49 for applying a test load to the input operation unit 2 is attached to the lower end of the swing shaft 48.

On the other hand, the pointing device 1 as the test body is fixed on the rotary table 50, and the input operation section 2 is provided.
It is designed to rotate around the central axis of.

As a result, the movements of the slide shaft 45 and the rotary table 50 are combined, and the input operation part 2 is a pseudo neck with the lower end of the central axis of the input operation part 2 passing through the center of the convex spherical surface part 3 as a fulcrum. A swinging motion will be performed.

Here, both the rotation speed of the cam 43 and the rotation speed of the rotary table 50 were set to 1 rotation / second, and the test was conducted.

The test results conducted under the above test conditions are shown in Tables 1 to 3.

[0066]

[Table 1]

[0067]

[Table 2]

[0068]

[Table 3]

From the test results shown in Tables 1 to 3, it was found that no abnormalities in appearance such as cracks were found in all 14 kinds of test bodies, and there was no problem in durability and operability. Particularly, the pressing convex portion 21 having an outer diameter of 1.5 mm and a length of 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm showed good values.

As shown in Table 1, the clicking sensation is caused by the pressing convex portion 2 when the conditions under vertical load and tilt load are taken into consideration.
If the outer diameter of 1.0 is 1.0 mm and the length is short, the pressing convex portion 21 is deformed at the time of tilt load and the convex spherical surface portion 3 comes into contact with the elastic member 17 which is the click feeling generating member. It turns out that a good click feeling cannot be obtained.

Also, when the length of the pressing convex portion 21 is as long as 1.0 mm, the pressing convex portion 21 is buckled and deformed, and sufficient pressing force cannot be applied to the apex portion of the elastic member 17, which is favorable. I found that I could not get a click feeling.

Further, even when the outer diameter of the pressing protrusion 21 is 2.0 mm, when the length of the pressing protrusion 21 is about 0.5 mm, the outer diameter of the pressing protrusion 21 is 1.0 mm. Similarly to the case, the pressing convex portion 21 buckles and deforms, and the elastic member 17 is attached to the convex spherical portion 3.
It was found that no contact was made and a good click feeling was not obtained. It has been found that when the length of the pressing protrusion 21 is 1.2 mm, the pressing protrusion 21 slightly buckles as in the case where the outside diameter of the pressing protrusion 21 is 1.0 mm, and the feeling of clicking starts to be impaired.

Further, as shown in Table 2, the pressing convex portion 2
Good results were shown for all items with a length of 1 between 0.5 and 1.0 mm.

As shown in Table 3, when the pressing convex portion 21 has a length of 0.3 mm, the fixed electrode 12 of the elastic member 17 is
When contact with a planar contact body such as the central electrode 13 or the center electrode 13 is observed and the length of the pressing convex portion 21 is 1.2 mm, the pressing convex portion 2
The buckling of No. 1 started and the click feeling tended to decrease.

From the above, the optimum dimensional condition of the pressing convex portion 21 is that the pressing convex portion 21 has an outer diameter of 1.5 mm and a length of 0.8.
It is found that the outer diameter of the pressing convex portion 21 is 2.0 mm and the length of the pressing convex portion 21 is 1.0 mm, and the length of the pressing convex portion 21 is 1.0 mm when the outer diameter of the pressing convex portion 21 is 1.0 mm. Is 0.5m
m, the outer diameter of the pressing convex portion 21 is 1.5 mm, the length of the pressing convex portion 21 is 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 1.2 mm, and the outer diameter of the pressing convex portion 21 is 2.0 mm. It was found that the click feeling is slightly reduced even when the length of the pressing convex portion 21 is 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.2 mm, but the click feeling is practically sufficient.

[0076]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the switch member includes the actuator and the actuator via the flexible thin portion in which the input operation portion is supported so as to swing freely. The supporting base is integrally connected,
Since the apex of the convex spherical surface portion and the planar contact member are fixed by the insulating fixing means, a part of the convex spherical surface portion rolls on the planar contact member in response to the operation of the input operation unit. Since the pointing device can be configured with a small number of parts, the product cost can be reduced, and the apex of the convex spherical surface always has the same position between the planar contact body and the central part, which causes a detection error due to the deviation of the initial value. You can get a pointing device.

According to the invention described in claim 2, since the insulating fixing means is the insulating adhesive, when fixing the convex spherical portion of the actuator and the planar contact member, a dispenser or the like is provided at a predetermined position. Simply apply an insulating adhesive to bond the two together, and the surface tension of the insulating adhesive causes the insulating adhesive between the surface of the convex spherical surface and the surface of the planar contact member to enter both. In addition to the effect of the first aspect, the assembly is easy without the need for complicated fixing means such as caulking.

According to the invention described in claim 3, since the pressing convex portion is provided at the apex portion of the convex spherical surface portion, in addition to the effect of claim 1 or 2, the central electrode and the convex spherical surface portion are integrated. In doing so, it becomes easy to correctly position and fix the apex of the convex spherical surface portion to the central electrode due to the presence of the pressing convex portion. Also, when using a planar contact body that is an inverted bowl-shaped elastic member to generate a click feeling when the input operation unit is pressed down, the pressing force is concentrated in the central part of the elastic member (planar contact body). Small elastic member (planar contact body)
Even in this case, the click feeling can be surely generated. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the confirming function and the pointing device that can generate a click feeling when the confirming function operates.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the planar contact member is an inverted bowl-shaped elastic member capable of generating a click feeling, and the peripheral edge portion of the planar contact member is an outer peripheral portion provided on the fixed substrate. The central part of the planar contactor is in contact with the electrode, and the central part of the planar contactor faces the central part electrode provided on the fixed substrate with a gap. Since the outer peripheral electrodes are electrically connected to each other,
In addition to the effect of any one of 3 to 3, it is possible to provide a confirming function and a pointing device capable of generating a click feeling when the confirming function operates.

According to the invention described in claim 5, since the convex spherical surface portion is the conductive elastomer and the pressing convex portion is the hard resin, in addition to the effect of the third or fourth aspect, the input operation portion of the actuator is provided. And a convex spherical surface portion, a dome-shaped thin portion,
The switch member consisting of the base part can be made of a light-weight resin molded product, and the central part of the elastic member (planar contact) can be pressed by a hard member, so you can clearly feel the click sensation that occurs during the operation of the confirmation function. You can get a pointing device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing the structure of Embodiment 1 of a pointing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an electrode pattern on a fixed substrate according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing another mode of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing the structure of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an electrode pattern provided on a fixed substrate according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing a state in which the input operation unit of the second embodiment is pushed down.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing a state before an operation of the conventional pointing device.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of an essential part showing a state when a conventional pointing device is operated.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main part in which a structure for realizing the operation of the confirmation function is added to the conventional pointing device.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the pressing force applied to the elastic member and the deformation amount of the elastic member according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a durability tester.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 switch member (pointing device) 2 input operation part 3 convex spherical surface part 4 actuator 5 thin part 6 base 10 fixed substrate 11 planar contact body 12 fixed electrode 13 center electrode 14, 15 electrode pair 16 outer peripheral electrode 17 elastic member ( 18-shaped electrode 20 Insulating adhesive (insulating fixing means)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A conductive planar contact member is provided between a switch member and a fixed substrate to which the switch member is attached, wherein the switch member has an input operation part at one end and a conductive convex spherical surface part at the other end. A pointing device that incorporates an actuator provided with, and that reads the position data of the input operation unit by utilizing the electrical characteristics generated by the convex spherical surface portion coming into contact with the planar contact body, In the switch member, the actuator and a base portion supporting the actuator are integrally connected to each other via a flexible thin portion in which the input operation portion is swingably supported.
The apex of the convex spherical surface portion and the planar contact body are fixed by insulating fixing means, and a part of the convex spherical surface portion rolls on the planar contact body in response to the operation of the input operation portion. Pointing device characterized by doing so. 2. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the insulating fixing means is an insulating adhesive. 3. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein a pressing convex portion is provided at an apex portion of the convex spherical surface portion. 4. The planar contact member is an inverted bowl-shaped elastic member capable of generating a click sensation, a peripheral portion of the elastic member is in contact with an outer peripheral electrode provided on the fixed substrate, and a central portion is fixed to the fixed portion. It is opposed to the central electrode provided on the substrate with a space, and the central portion of the elastic member is brought into contact with the central electrode to energize the outer peripheral electrode by pushing down the input operation portion. The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 5. The pointing device according to claim 3, wherein the convex spherical surface portion is a conductive elastomer, and the pressing convex portion is a hard resin.