JP2004022489A

JP2004022489A - Cursor movement input device and portable electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP2004022489A
Application number: JP2002179670A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kenji Hosoda; 細田　健二
Original assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc
Current assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc
Priority date: 2002-06-20
Filing date: 2002-06-20
Publication date: 2004-01-22

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cursor movement input device capable of restraining the projection amount of an operation input part from increasing. <P>SOLUTION: This cursor movement input device has: a lever member 25 having the operation input part 21 disposed on the predetermined outer surface 13 of an electronic apparatus and formed rockingly in a predetermined range around a center shaft 22 perpendicular to the outer surface 13; an energizing member 33 for energizing the lever member 25 so as to be positioned at a predetermined intermediate position in the predetermined range; a unidirectional rocking detection means 48 for detecting unidirectional rocking from the predetermined intermediate position of the lever member 25; and a backward rocking detection means for detecting backward rocking from the predetermined intermediate position of the lever member 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、特に電子辞書等の携帯型の電子機器に用いて好適なカーソル移動入力装置、およびそれを用いた携帯型電子機器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
電子辞書等の携帯型の電子機器では、例えば多数の表示の中から所望の表示を探して決定するために、上下方向にカーソルを移動させたりカーソルの移動にともなって画面をスクロールさせたりすることが多く行われる。このような操作を効率よく行うために、一つの操作入力部を上方向に動かすことでカーソルを上方向に移動させるとともに下方向に動かすことでカーソルを下方向に移動させるカーソル移動入力装置（いわゆるジョグダイヤル）が設けられている。ところで、多数の表示の中から所望の表示を探して選択する際には、探している最中に所望の表示をカーソルが通り過ぎてしまうことが多くあり、このように通り過ぎた表示を戻す際のカーソルの方向切り替えの操作性を高めるために、上記したカーソル移動入力装置では、操作入力部が一つとされている。
【０００３】
この種のカーソル移動入力装置には、例えば、図７に示すように、電子機器１００の主操作面１０１とは異なる所定の一側面１０２に配置される操作入力部１０３を有するとともにこの所定の一側面１０２に対し平行な中心軸を中心に回転可能に設けられたダイヤル部材１０４を有し、このダイヤル部材１０４を回転させることでカーソルを移動させるとともにダイヤル部材１０４を内側に押すことで選択決定を行うものや、図８に示すように、電子機器１０５の主操作面１０６に配置される操作入力部１０７を有するとともにこの主操作面１０６に対し平行な中心軸を中心に回転可能に設けられたレバー部材１０８を有し、このレバー部材１０８を揺動させることでカーソルを移動させるとともにレバー部材１０８を内側に押すことで選択決定を行うものがある。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記いずれの装置においても、電子機器の操作入力部が設けられる外面に対し平行な中心軸を中心にダイヤル部材あるいはレバー部材を回転させるものであるため、操作入力部の突出量を小さくすると、操作入力の力を十分に受けることができず、ダイヤル部材あるいはレバー部材を確実に回転あるいは揺動させることができなくなってしまう。このため、操作入力部を比較的大きく突出させる必要があり、その結果、操作入力部が邪魔になったり、ぶつけて破損してしまうという問題があった。
【０００５】
したがって、本発明は、操作入力部の突出量を小さく抑えることができるカーソル移動入力装置の提供を目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明のカーソル移動入力装置は、電子機器に設けられて該電子機器の画面に表示されたカーソルを移動させる操作入力を行うためのものであって、前記電子機器の所定の外面に配置される操作入力部を有するとともに前記外面に対し直交する中心軸を中心に所定範囲内で揺動可能に設けられたレバー部材と、該レバー部材を前記所定範囲内における中間所定位置に位置するように付勢する付勢部材と、前記レバー部材の前記中間所定位置からの一方向の揺動を検出する一方向揺動検出手段と、前記レバー部材の前記中間所定位置からの逆方向の揺動を検出する逆方向揺動検出手段とを有することを特徴としている。
【０００７】
これにより、操作入力部が設けられる外面に対し直交する中心軸を中心に所定範囲内で揺動可能に設けられたレバー部材を、操作入力部を操作することによって付勢部材の付勢力に抗して一方向に揺動させると、一方向揺動検出手段がこれを検出してカーソルを一方向に移動させる。また、操作入力部を操作することによってレバー部材を付勢部材の付勢力に抗して逆方向に揺動させると、逆方向揺動検出手段がこれを検出してカーソルを逆方向に移動させる。ここで、レバー部材が操作入力部が設けられる外面に対し直交する中心軸を中心に揺動するものであるため、操作入力部の外面からの突出量を大きくしなくても、操作入力部で操作入力の力を十分に受けることができる。
【０００８】
ここで、前記一方向揺動検出手段および前記逆方向揺動検出手段は、揺動する前記レバー部材に押圧されることにより変位する方向検出用変位部を有する方向検出用導電ゴムと、前記方向検出用変位部に接触することで電気的導通をとる方向検出用接触部を有する方向検出用プリント基板とを含むことを特徴とする構成にしてもよい。
【０００９】
このように構成すれば、操作入力部を操作することによって付勢部材の付勢力に抗してレバー部材を揺動させると、レバー部材が方向検出用導電ゴムの方向検出用変位部を押圧して変位させ方向検出用プリント基板の方向検出用接触部に接触させて電気的導通をとり、カーソルを移動させることになる。ここで、このようにレバー部材と方向検出用導電ゴムと方向検出用プリント基板とを備える構成であるため、方向検出用導電ゴムおよび方向検出用プリント基板については他の入力装置の導電ゴムおよびプリント基板と共用化することができる。
【００１０】
そして、前記方向検出用導電ゴムおよび前記方向検出用プリント基板を、ともに、前記外面側に設けられた他の入力装置用のものと共用化すれば、コストを低減できるとともに構造も簡素となる。
【００１１】
加えて、前記レバー部材が前記外面に対し直交方向に移動可能とされるとともに、該レバー部材の前記直交方向の移動を検出する移動検出手段を有しており、前記レバー部材および前記移動検出手段は、電子機器の画面に表示されたカーソル位置の表示内容の選択を決定する操作入力を行うための決定操作入力装置を構成することを特徴とする構成にしてもよい。
【００１２】
このように構成すれば、操作入力部を操作することによって付勢部材の付勢力に抗してレバー部材を揺動させカーソルを移動させて、所望の表示にカーソルを一致させた後、レバー部材を外面に対し直交方向に押して移動させると、これを移動検出手段が検出して、カーソル位置の表示内容の選択を決定する操作入力を検出することになる。この選択決定の操作入力は、カーソルの移動のためのレバー部材の揺動範囲を含む平面に対し異なる方向にレバー部材を移動させることになるため、誤操作が生じにくい。
【００１３】
さらに、前記移動検出手段を、移動する前記レバー部材に押圧されることにより変位する決定検出用変位部を有する決定検出用導電ゴムと、前記決定検出用変位部に接触することで電気的導通をとる決定検出用接触部を有する決定検出用プリント基板とを含むことを特徴とする構成としてもよい。
【００１４】
このように構成すれば、所望の表示にカーソルを一致させた後、レバー部材を外面に対し直交方向に押して移動させると、レバー部材が決定検出用導電ゴムの決定検出用変位部を押圧して変位させ決定検出用プリント基板の決定検出用接触部に接触させて電気的導通をとり、カーソル位置の表示内容の選択を決定する操作入力を検出することになる。ここで、このようにレバー部材と決定検出用導電ゴムと決定検出用プリント基板とを備える構成であるため、決定検出用導電ゴムおよび決定検出用プリント基板については他の入力装置の導電ゴムおよびプリント基板と共用化することができる。
【００１５】
そして、前記決定検出用導電ゴムおよび前記決定検出用プリント基板を、ともに、前記外面側に設けられた他の入力装置用のものと共用化すれば、コストを低減できるとともに構造も簡素となる。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の一実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置を図１〜図６を参照して以下に説明する。
【００１７】
図１〜図３に示す本実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置１０は、例えば携帯型電子辞書等の電子機器１１に表示されたカーソルを移動させる操作入力を行うために電子機器１１に設けられるものである。電子機器１１は、その外殻を構成するケース１２の上面が、テンキーを含む入力装置の複数のキー１４（図１において一つのみ図示）が設けられる主操作面（所定の外面）１３とされており、この主操作面１３の該主操作面１３に沿う方向における上部に液晶素子からなる図示せぬ画面が設けられている。
【００１８】
ここで、電子機器１１の主操作面１３には、上記した入力装置とは異なる位置に、若干凹む凹部１５が形成されており、この凹部１５内の所定位置には主操作面１３と直交する回転中心穴１６が形成されている。また、凹部１５内の他の所定位置には回転中心穴１６を中心とした円弧状の第１案内溝１７が形成されており、凹部１５内の第１案内溝１７に対し反対側にも回転中心穴１６を中心とした円弧状の第２案内溝１８が形成されている。ここで、第１案内溝１７は凹部１５内の右側に、第２案内溝１８は凹部１５内の左側に形成されていて、第１案内溝１７の中央と回転中心穴１６の中心と第２案内溝１８の中央とを結んだ線は、ケース１２の左右方向に延在している。
【００１９】
そして、本実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置１０は、主操作面１３に平行をなして凹部１５内に収納される細長い略板状の操作入力部２１と、操作入力部２１の所定位置にこの操作入力部２１から垂直に突出形成されて回転中心穴１６に回転可能に嵌合させられる中心軸２２と、操作入力部２１の他の所定位置にこの操作入力部２１から垂直に突出形成されて第１案内溝１７に移動可能に挿入させられる、先端が半球状の案内軸２３と、操作入力部２１の案内軸２３に対し反対側にこの操作入力部２１から垂直に突出形成されて第２案内溝１８に移動可能に挿入させられる案内部２４とを有するレバー部材２５を備えている。
【００２０】
このレバー部材２５の案内軸２３には、中心軸２２に対し反対方向に突出し主操作面１３の裏面側に係合することで案内軸２３の第１案内溝１７からの抜け出しを防止する係止爪２６が形成されている。また、案内部２４にも、中心軸２２に対し反対方向に突出し主操作面１３の裏面側に係合することで案内部２４の第２案内溝１８からの抜け出しを防止する係止爪２７が形成されている。なお、レバー部材２５は、これら係止爪２６，２７が主操作面１３の裏面側に係合した状態から主操作面１３に対し直交方向に所定量下降可能となっている。すなわち、レバー部材２５は、主操作面１３に対し直交方向に移動可能とされている。なお、この移動時に、レバー部材２５はその中心軸２２が回転中心穴１６に案内される。
【００２１】
レバー部材２５の操作入力部２１には、案内軸２３の同軸上かつ反対側に球面状をなして若干突出する第１操作凸部２９が形成されており、中心軸２２の同軸上かつ反対側にも球面状をなして若干突出する第２操作凸部３０が形成されている。
【００２２】
以上のレバー部材２５は、中心軸２２を中心に案内軸２３が第１案内溝１７の範囲内で移動することになり、これにより、主操作面１３に対し直交する中心軸２２を中心に所定範囲内で揺動可能に設けられている。ここで、このレバー部材２５は、操作入力部２１と中心軸２２と係止爪２６を含む案内軸２３と係止爪２７を含む案内部２４と第１操作凸部２９と第２操作凸部３０とを有する形状にプラスチックで一体成形されるものである。なお、凹部１５は、その形状がレバー部材２５の揺動範囲にほぼ一致させられている。
【００２３】
カーソル移動入力装置１０は、レバー部材２５を前記所定範囲内における中間所定位置具体的には中央位置に位置するように付勢するコイルスプリング（付勢部材）３３を有している。このコイルスプリング３３は、レバー部材２５の係止爪２７と主操作面１３の裏面に設けられた支持突起３４との間に介装される引っ張りバネであり、レバー部材２５に対し他の外力が加わらない状態ではレバー部材２５を前記中央位置に位置する状態に保持している。なお、このコイルスプリング３３に換えて、図４に示す板バネ３５やトーションスプリング等の他の付勢部材を設けたりすることが可能である。
【００２４】
ケース１２の内部には、主操作面１３側に導電ゴム（方向検出用導電ゴム，決定検出用導電ゴム）３６が設けられ、主操作面１３に対し反対側にプリント基板（方向検出用プリント基板，決定検出用プリント基板）３７が設けられている。
【００２５】
導電ゴム３６は、中心軸２２の主操作面１３に対し反対側となる位置に、主操作面１３側に位置することにより中心軸２２を主操作面１３側に付勢してレバー部材２５の係止爪２６，２７を主操作面１３の裏面側に当接させた状態に維持する一方、レバー部材２５が主操作面１３に対し直交方向下方に押圧されるとこのレバー部材２５の中心軸２２で押圧されて主操作面１３から離間する反対方向に変位する決定検出用変位部４０を有している。また、プリント基板３７には、このように主操作面１３に対し反対方向に変位した決定検出用変位部４０に接触することで電気的導通をとる一方、主操作面１３の方向に変位する決定検出用変位部４０が離間することで電気的に遮断される決定検出用接触部４１が形成されている。
【００２６】
すなわち、決定検出用変位部４０を含む導電ゴム３６と、決定検出用接触部４１を含むプリント基板３７の一部とが、レバー部材２５の中心軸２２の主操作面１３に対する直交方向の移動を検出する移動検出部（移動検出手段）４２を構成している。
【００２７】
また、導電ゴム３６は、図３に示すように、中央位置に位置するレバー部材２５の案内軸２３に対し揺動方向における一側具体的には主操作面１３に沿う方向における上側に、レバー部材２５が主操作面１３に沿う方向における上側に揺動させられることで同上側に移動する案内軸２３で押圧されてプリント基板３７側に変位する一方、この状態からレバー部材２５が主操作面１３に沿う方向における下方向に揺動させられると案内軸２３による押圧が解除されて主操作面１３側に変位する方向検出用変位部４４を有している。プリント基板３７には、プリント基板３７の方向に変位した方向検出用変位部４４に接触することで電気的導通をとる一方、主操作面１３の方向に変位する方向検出用変位部４４が離間することで電気的に遮断される方向検出用接触部４５が形成されている。
【００２８】
さらに、導電ゴム３６は、中央位置に位置するレバー部材２５の案内軸２３に対し揺動方向における逆側具体的には主操作面１３に沿う方向における下側に、レバー部材２５が主操作面１３に沿う方向における下側に揺動させられることで同下側に移動する案内軸２３で押圧されてプリント基板３７側に変位する一方、この状態からレバー部材２５が主操作面１３に沿う方向における上方向に揺動させられると案内軸２３による押圧が解除されて主操作面１３側に変位する方向検出用変位部４６を有している。プリント基板３７には、プリント基板３７の方向に変位した方向検出用変位部４６に接触することで電気的導通をとる一方、主操作面１３の方向に変位する方向検出用変位部４６が離間することで電気的に遮断される方向検出用接触部４７が形成されている。
【００２９】
すなわち、方向検出用変位部４４を含む導電ゴム３６と、方向検出用接触部４５を含むプリント基板３７の一部とが、レバー部材２５の中央位置からの主操作面１３に沿う方向における上方向（一方向）の揺動を検出する上方向揺動検出部（一方向揺動検出手段）４８を構成しており、方向検出用変位部４６を含む導電ゴム３６と、方向検出用接触部４７を含むプリント基板３７の一部とが、レバー部材２５の中央位置からの主操作面１３に沿う方向における下方向（逆方向）の揺動を検出する下方向揺動検出部（逆方向揺動検出手段）４９を構成している。
【００３０】
なお、両方の方向検出用変位部４４，４６には、横方向に移動する案内軸２３の先端による押圧で、縦方向であるプリント基板３７側に移動し易いように傾斜面５０がそれぞれ形成されている。
【００３１】
そして、導電ゴム３６には、上記した決定検出用変位部４０および方向検出用変位部４４，４６に加えて、他の入力装置のキー１４の押圧でプリント基板３７側に移動する変位部５２が形成されており、プリント基板３７には、上記した決定検出用接触部４１および方向検出用接触部４５，４７に加えて、他の入力装置の変位部５２の変位で電気的導通をとる接触部５３が形成されている。言い換えれば、導電ゴム３６およびプリント基板３７は、方向検出用と決定検出用と他の入力装置用とで共用化されている。
【００３２】
このような構成の本実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置１０においては、使用者が操作入力部２１の第１操作凸部２９を主操作面１３に沿う方向における下から上に押圧操作することによってレバー部材２５をコイルスプリング３３の付勢力に抗して主操作面１３に沿う方向における上方向に揺動させると、上方向揺動検出部４８の方向検出用変位部４４が案内軸２３で押圧されて方向検出用接触部４５に接触することになり、これによって、図示せぬＣＰＵが、カーソルを画面の上方向（一方向）に移動させる。このとき、上方向揺動検出部４８の方向検出用変位部４４が案内軸２３で押圧されて方向検出用接触部４５に接触し続ける限り、カーソルは画面の上方向に移動し続ける。勿論、カーソルが画面の上方向の限界位置まで移動するとＣＰＵは画面の表示内容を下側にスクロールさせる。一方、使用者がレバー部材２５への上記押圧操作を解除すると、コイルスプリング３３の付勢力でレバー部材２５は自動的に中央位置に戻り、上方向揺動検出部４８の方向検出用変位部４４が方向検出用接触部４５から離間する。これによって、図示せぬＣＰＵが、カーソルの移動を停止させる。
【００３３】
また、使用者が操作入力部２１の第１操作凸部２９を主操作面１３に沿う方向における上から下に押圧操作することによってレバー部材２５をコイルスプリング３３の付勢力に抗して主操作面１３に沿う方向における下方向に揺動させると、図５に示すように、下方向揺動検出部４９の方向検出用変位部４６が案内軸２３で押圧されて方向検出用接触部４７に接触することになり、これによって、図示せぬＣＰＵが、カーソルを画面の下方向（逆方向）に移動させる。このとき、下方向揺動検出部４９の方向検出用変位部４６が案内軸２３で押圧されて方向検出用接触部４７に接触し続ける限り、カーソルが画面の下方向に移動し続ける。勿論、カーソルが画面の下方向の限界位置まで移動するとＣＰＵは画面の表示内容を上側にスクロールさせる。一方、使用者がレバー部材２５への上記押圧操作を解除すると、コイルスプリング３３の付勢力でレバー部材２５は自動的に中央位置に戻り、下方向揺動検出部４９の方向検出用変位部４６が方向検出用接触部４７から離間する。これによって、図示せぬＣＰＵが、カーソルの移動を停止させる。
【００３４】
そして、以上の操作を適宜行って、所望の表示にカーソルを一致させた後、使用者がレバー部材２５を主操作面１３に対し直交方向下方に押して移動させると、レバー部材２５の中心軸２２が、導電ゴム３６の決定検出用変位部４０を押圧しその付勢力に抗して変位させプリント基板３７の決定検出用接触部４１に接触させて電気的導通をとることになり、これによって、図示せぬＣＰＵは、カーソル位置の表示内容の選択を決定する操作入力を検出することになる。その結果、レバー部材２５と、決定検出用変位部４０および決定検出用接触部４１を含む移動検出部４２とが、電子機器１１の画面に表示されたカーソル位置の表示内容の選択を決定する操作入力を行うための決定操作入力装置５１を構成している。
【００３５】
以上に述べた本実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置１０によれば、レバー部材２５が操作入力部２１が設けられる主操作面１３に対し直交する中心軸２２を中心に揺動するものであるため、操作入力部２１の主操作面１３からの突出量を大きくしなくても、操作入力部２１で操作入力の力を十分に受けることができる。したがって、操作入力部２１の突出量を０にすることを含み小さく抑えることができる。
【００３６】
また、導電ゴム３６およびプリント基板３７を、それぞれ方向検出用と選択決定検出用と他の入力装置用とで共用化することができる。したがって、コストを低減できるとともに構造も簡素となる。
【００３７】
加えて、選択決定の操作入力は、カーソルの移動のためのレバー部材２５の揺動範囲を含む平面に対し異なる方向にレバー部材２５を移動させることになるため、誤操作が生じにくい。
【００３８】
なお、以上の実施形態においては、レバー部材２５が細長い板状の操作入力部２１を有する場合を例にとり説明したが、図６に示すようにレバー部材２５の操作入力部２１を略円板形状等、幅を広くすることで、揺動の全範囲においてレバー部材２５で第１案内溝１７を覆うようにすることが可能である。
【００３９】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように、本発明のカーソル移動入力装置によれば、操作入力部が設けられる外面に対し直交する中心軸を中心に所定範囲内で揺動可能に設けられたレバー部材を、操作入力部を操作することによって付勢部材の付勢力に抗して一方向に揺動させると、一方向揺動検出手段がこれを検出してカーソルを一方向に移動させる。また、操作入力部を操作することによってレバー部材を付勢部材の付勢力に抗して逆方向に揺動させると、逆方向揺動検出手段がこれを検出してカーソルを逆方向に移動させる。ここで、レバー部材が操作入力部が設けられる外面に対し直交する中心軸を中心に揺動するものであるため、操作入力部の外面からの突出量を大きくしなくても、操作入力部で操作入力の力を十分に受けることができる。したがって、操作入力部の突出量を０にすることを含み小さく抑えることができる。
【００４０】
ここで、前記一方向揺動検出手段および前記逆方向揺動検出手段は、揺動する前記レバー部材に押圧されることにより変位する方向検出用変位部を有する方向検出用導電ゴムと、前記方向検出用変位部に接触することで電気的導通をとる方向検出用接触部を有する方向検出用プリント基板とを含むことを特徴とする構成にしてもよい。
【００４１】
このように構成すれば、操作入力部を操作することによってレバー部材を付勢部材の付勢力に抗して揺動させると、レバー部材が、方向検出用導電ゴムの方向検出用変位部を押圧して変位させ方向検出用プリント基板の方向検出用接触部に接触させて電気的導通をとり、カーソルを移動させることになる。ここで、このようにレバー部材と方向検出用導電ゴムと方向検出用プリント基板とを備える構成であるため、方向検出用導電ゴムおよび方向検出用プリント基板については他の入力装置の導電ゴムおよびプリント基板と共用化することができる。
【００４２】
そして、前記方向検出用導電ゴムおよび前記方向検出用プリント基板を、ともに、前記外面側に設けられた他の入力装置用のものと共用化すれば、コストを低減できるとともに構造も簡素となる。
【００４３】
加えて、前記レバー部材が前記外面に対し直交方向に移動可能とされるとともに、前記レバー部材の前記直交方向の移動を検出する移動検出手段を有しており、前記レバー部材および前記移動検出手段は、電子機器の画面に表示されたカーソル位置の表示内容の選択を決定する操作入力を行うための決定操作入力装置を構成することを特徴とする構成にしてもよい。
【００４４】
このように構成すれば、操作入力部を操作することによってレバー部材を付勢部材の付勢力に抗して揺動させてカーソルを移動させて、所望の表示にカーソルを一致させた後、レバー部材を外面に対し直交方向に押して移動させると、これを移動検出手段が検出して、カーソル位置の表示内容の選択を決定する操作入力を検出することになる。この選択決定の操作入力は、カーソルの移動のためのレバー部材の揺動範囲を含む平面に対し異なる方向にレバー部材を移動させることになるため、誤操作が生じにくい。
【００４５】
さらに、前記移動検出手段を、移動する前記レバー部材に押圧されることにより変位する決定検出用変位部を有する決定検出用導電ゴムと、前記決定検出用変位部に接触することで電気的導通をとる決定検出用接触部を有する決定検出用プリント基板とを含むことを特徴とする構成としてもよい。
【００４６】
このように構成すれば、所望の表示にカーソルを一致させた後、レバー部材を外面に対し直交方向に押して移動させると、レバー部材が、決定検出用導電ゴムの決定検出用変位部を押圧して変位させ決定検出用プリント基板の決定検出用接触部に接触させて電気的導通をとり、カーソル位置の表示内容の決定操作の入力を検出することになる。ここで、このようにレバー部材と決定検出用導電ゴムと決定検出用プリント基板とを備える構成であるため、決定検出用導電ゴムおよび決定検出用プリント基板については他の入力装置の導電ゴムおよびプリント基板と共用化することができる。
【００４７】
そして、前記決定検出用導電ゴムおよび前記決定検出用プリント基板を、ともに、前記外面側に設けられた他の入力装置用のものと共用化すれば、コストを低減できるとともに構造も簡素となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置を示す正断面図である。
【図２】本発明の一実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置を示す平面図である。
【図３】本発明の一実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置を示す側断面図である。
【図４】本発明の一実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置のレバー部材等の別の例を示す平面図である。
【図５】本発明の一実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置を示す側断面図であって、レバー部材が下方向に揺動した状態を示すもの。
【図６】本発明の一実施形態のカーソル移動入力装置の変形例を示す平面図である。
【図７】従来の一のカーソル移動入力装置を含む電子機器を示す平面図である。
【図８】従来の別のカーソル移動入力装置を含む電子機器を示すもので、（ａ）は平面図、（ｂ）は側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１０　カーソル移動入力装置
１１　電子機器
１３　主操作面（所定の外面）
２１　操作入力部
２２　中心軸
２３　案内軸
２５　レバー部材
３３　コイルスプリング（付勢部材）
３６　導電ゴム（方向検出用導電ゴム，決定検出用導電ゴム）
３７　プリント基板（方向検出用プリント基板，決定検出用プリント基板）
４０　決定検出用変位部
４１　決定検出用接触部
４２　移動検出部（移動検出手段）
４４，４６　方向検出用変位部
４５，４７　方向検出用接触部
４８　上方向揺動検出部（一方向揺動検出手段）
４９　下方向揺動検出部（逆方向揺動検出手段）
５１　決定操作入力装置[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cursor movement input device particularly suitable for a portable electronic device such as an electronic dictionary, and a portable electronic device using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a portable electronic device such as an electronic dictionary, for example, in order to search for and determine a desired display from among a large number of displays, a cursor is moved up and down or a screen is scrolled with the movement of the cursor. Is often done. In order to efficiently perform such an operation, a cursor movement input device (a so-called cursor movement device that moves a cursor upward by moving one operation input unit upward and moves a cursor downward by moving it downward). Jog dial) is provided. By the way, when searching for and selecting a desired display from a large number of displays, the cursor often passes by the desired display during the search. In order to enhance the operability of switching the direction of the cursor, the cursor movement input device has one operation input unit.
[0003]
This type of cursor movement input device includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, an operation input unit 103 arranged on a predetermined side surface 102 different from the main operation surface 101 of the electronic device 100, A dial member 104 is provided rotatably about a central axis parallel to the side surface 102. The cursor is moved by rotating the dial member 104 and the selection is determined by pushing the dial member 104 inward. As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic device 105 includes an operation input unit 107 disposed on a main operation surface 106 of the electronic device 105 and is provided so as to be rotatable about a central axis parallel to the main operation surface 106. A lever member 108 is provided, and the cursor is moved by swinging the lever member 108 and the lever member 108 is pushed inward to select the cursor. There is a thing that performs the constant.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in any of the above-described devices, since the dial member or the lever member is rotated about a central axis parallel to the outer surface on which the operation input unit of the electronic device is provided, if the protrusion amount of the operation input unit is reduced. However, the force of the operation input cannot be sufficiently received, and the dial member or the lever member cannot be reliably rotated or rocked. For this reason, it is necessary to protrude the operation input unit relatively large, and as a result, there has been a problem that the operation input unit gets in the way or is broken by hitting.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cursor movement input device that can reduce the amount of protrusion of an operation input unit.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a cursor movement input device of the present invention is provided for an electronic device and is for performing an operation input for moving a cursor displayed on a screen of the electronic device, wherein the electronic device A lever member having an operation input portion disposed on a predetermined outer surface thereof and swingably provided within a predetermined range around a central axis orthogonal to the outer surface, and a lever member provided at an intermediate position within the predetermined range. An urging member for urging the lever member to be located at a predetermined position, a one-way swing detecting means for detecting a one-way swing of the lever member from the intermediate predetermined position, and And a reverse swing detecting means for detecting a swing in the reverse direction.
[0007]
Thereby, the lever member provided so as to be swingable within a predetermined range around a central axis orthogonal to the outer surface on which the operation input unit is provided can be operated against the urging force of the urging member by operating the operation input unit. Then, when the cursor swings in one direction, the one-way swing detecting means detects this and moves the cursor in one direction. Further, when the lever member is swung in the reverse direction against the urging force of the urging member by operating the operation input unit, the reverse swing detecting means detects this and moves the cursor in the reverse direction. . Here, since the lever member swings about a central axis orthogonal to the outer surface on which the operation input unit is provided, the operation input unit can be operated without increasing the amount of protrusion of the operation input unit from the outer surface. The input of the operation input can be sufficiently received.
[0008]
The one-way swing detecting means and the reverse-direction swing detecting means are provided with a direction-detecting conductive rubber having a direction-detecting displacement portion that is displaced by being pressed by the swinging lever member; It may be configured to include a printed circuit board for direction detection having a contact part for direction detection that makes electrical conduction by contacting the displacement part for detection.
[0009]
With this configuration, when the lever member is swung against the urging force of the urging member by operating the operation input unit, the lever member presses the direction detecting displacement portion of the direction detecting conductive rubber. To make contact with the direction detecting contact portion of the direction detecting printed circuit board to establish electrical continuity and move the cursor. Here, since the configuration includes the lever member, the conductive rubber for direction detection, and the printed circuit board for direction detection, the conductive rubber for direction detection and the printed circuit board for direction detection require the conductive rubber and printed circuit board of another input device. It can be shared with the substrate.
[0010]
If the conductive rubber for direction detection and the printed circuit board for direction detection are shared with those for the other input devices provided on the outer surface side, the cost can be reduced and the structure is simplified.
[0011]
In addition, the lever member can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface, and has movement detection means for detecting the movement of the lever member in the orthogonal direction. The lever member and the movement detection means May be configured to constitute a determination operation input device for performing an operation input for determining selection of display content of a cursor position displayed on a screen of an electronic device.
[0012]
According to this structure, by operating the operation input unit, the lever member is swung to move the cursor against the urging force of the urging member, and the cursor is moved to the desired display. Is pushed in the direction perpendicular to the outer surface and moved, the movement detecting means detects the movement and detects an operation input for determining selection of the display content of the cursor position. Since the operation input for the selection decision causes the lever member to move in a different direction with respect to a plane including the swing range of the lever member for moving the cursor, erroneous operation hardly occurs.
[0013]
Further, the movement detecting means is electrically conductive by contacting the decision detection conductive rubber having a decision detection displacement portion which is displaced by being pressed by the moving lever member, and the decision detection displacement portion. And a decision detection printed circuit board having a decision detection contact portion to be taken.
[0014]
With this configuration, after the cursor is matched with a desired display, the lever member is pushed and moved in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface, and the lever member presses the decision detection displacement portion of the decision detection conductive rubber. It is displaced and brought into contact with the decision detection contact portion of the decision detection printed circuit board to establish electrical continuity, and an operation input for deciding the selection of the display content at the cursor position is detected. Here, since the configuration includes the lever member, the conductive rubber for decision detection, and the printed circuit board for decision detection, the conductive rubber for decision detection and the printed circuit board for decision detection are made of the conductive rubber and printed circuit board of another input device. It can be shared with the substrate.
[0015]
If the conductive rubber for decision detection and the printed circuit board for decision detection are commonly used with those for other input devices provided on the outer surface side, the cost can be reduced and the structure is simplified.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A cursor movement input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0017]
The cursor movement input device 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is provided in the electronic device 11 for performing an operation input for moving a cursor displayed on the electronic device 11 such as a portable electronic dictionary. is there. The upper surface of a case 12 forming an outer shell of the electronic device 11 is a main operation surface (predetermined outer surface) 13 on which a plurality of keys 14 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) of an input device including a numeric keypad are provided. A screen (not shown) made of a liquid crystal element is provided above the main operation surface 13 in a direction along the main operation surface 13.
[0018]
Here, on the main operation surface 13 of the electronic device 11, a concave portion 15 that is slightly concave is formed at a position different from the input device described above, and a predetermined position in the concave portion 15 is orthogonal to the main operation surface 13. A rotation center hole 16 is formed. Further, an arc-shaped first guide groove 17 centering on the rotation center hole 16 is formed at another predetermined position in the recess 15, and the first guide groove 17 in the recess 15 is also rotated on the opposite side to the first guide groove 17. An arc-shaped second guide groove 18 centering on the center hole 16 is formed. Here, the first guide groove 17 is formed on the right side in the recess 15, and the second guide groove 18 is formed on the left side in the recess 15, and the center of the first guide groove 17, the center of the rotation center hole 16, and the second A line connecting the center of the guide groove 18 extends in the left-right direction of the case 12.
[0019]
The cursor movement input device 10 according to the present embodiment includes an elongated substantially plate-shaped operation input unit 21 that is stored in the recess 15 in parallel with the main operation surface 13, and the operation input unit 21 is located at a predetermined position of the operation input unit 21. A center shaft 22 which is formed to project vertically from the input unit 21 and is rotatably fitted into the rotation center hole 16; and a center shaft 22 which is formed to project vertically from the operation input unit 21 at another predetermined position of the operation input unit 21. A guide shaft 23 having a hemispherical tip, which is movably inserted into the one guide groove 17, and a second guide formed perpendicularly from the operation input unit 21 on the opposite side to the guide shaft 23 of the operation input unit 21. A lever member 25 having a guide portion 24 movably inserted into the groove 18 is provided.
[0020]
The guide shaft 23 of the lever member 25 protrudes in a direction opposite to the center shaft 22 and is engaged with the back surface of the main operation surface 13 to prevent the guide shaft 23 from coming out of the first guide groove 17. A claw 26 is formed. The guide portion 24 also has a locking claw 27 that protrudes in the opposite direction to the center shaft 22 and is engaged with the back surface of the main operation surface 13 to prevent the guide portion 24 from coming out of the second guide groove 18. Is formed. The lever member 25 can be lowered by a predetermined amount in a direction perpendicular to the main operation surface 13 from a state in which the locking claws 26 and 27 are engaged with the back surface side of the main operation surface 13. That is, the lever member 25 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the main operation surface 13. During this movement, the center axis 22 of the lever member 25 is guided by the rotation center hole 16.
[0021]
The operation input portion 21 of the lever member 25 is formed with a first operation convex portion 29 which is slightly spherical and protrudes coaxially and on the opposite side of the guide shaft 23, and is coaxial and opposite to the central shaft 22. Also, a second operation convex portion 30 which has a spherical shape and slightly protrudes is formed.
[0022]
In the lever member 25 described above, the guide shaft 23 moves within the range of the first guide groove 17 about the center shaft 22, and thereby, the lever member 25 is moved around the center shaft 22 orthogonal to the main operation surface 13. It is provided so as to be swingable within the range. Here, the lever member 25 includes a guide shaft 23 including the operation input unit 21, the central shaft 22, the locking claw 26, a guide unit 24 including the locking claw 27, a first operation protrusion 29, and a second operation protrusion. 30 and is integrally formed of plastic. Note that the shape of the recess 15 is made to substantially match the swing range of the lever member 25.
[0023]
The cursor movement input device 10 includes a coil spring (biasing member) 33 that biases the lever member 25 to be positioned at an intermediate predetermined position within the predetermined range, specifically, at the center position. The coil spring 33 is a tension spring interposed between the locking claw 27 of the lever member 25 and a support protrusion 34 provided on the back surface of the main operation surface 13, and another external force is applied to the lever member 25. In a state where the lever member 25 is not applied, the lever member 25 is held at a state where the lever member 25 is located at the central position. Instead of the coil spring 33, another urging member such as a leaf spring 35 or a torsion spring shown in FIG. 4 can be provided.
[0024]
Inside the case 12, a conductive rubber (conductive rubber for direction detection, conductive rubber for decision detection) 36 is provided on the main operation surface 13 side, and a printed board (printed circuit board for direction detection) is provided on the opposite side to the main operation surface 13. , Decision detection printed circuit board) 37 is provided.
[0025]
The conductive rubber 36 urges the central shaft 22 toward the main operation surface 13 by being located on the main operation surface 13 side at a position opposite to the main operation surface 13 of the central shaft 22, and While the locking claws 26 and 27 are kept in contact with the back surface of the main operation surface 13, when the lever member 25 is pressed downward in the direction orthogonal to the main operation surface 13, the central axis of the lever member 25 is moved. It has a decision detection displacement portion 40 that is pressed by 22 and is displaced in the opposite direction away from the main operation surface 13. In addition, the printed circuit board 37 is electrically connected to the determination detection displacement portion 40 displaced in the opposite direction with respect to the main operation surface 13 in this way, while determining to displace in the direction of the main operation surface 13. A determination detection contact portion 41 that is electrically cut off when the detection displacement portion 40 separates is formed.
[0026]
That is, the conductive rubber 36 including the determination detecting displacement portion 40 and a part of the printed circuit board 37 including the determination detecting contact portion 41 move the central axis 22 of the lever member 25 in the direction orthogonal to the main operation surface 13. A movement detection unit (movement detection means) 42 for detecting is configured.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 3, the conductive rubber 36 is provided on one side in the swing direction with respect to the guide shaft 23 of the lever member 25 located at the center position, specifically, on the upper side in the direction along the main operation surface 13. When the member 25 is swung upward in the direction along the main operation surface 13, the member 25 is pressed by the guide shaft 23 moving upward and displaced toward the printed circuit board 37, while the lever member 25 is moved from this state to the main operation surface. When it is swung downward in the direction along the direction 13, the pressing force of the guide shaft 23 is released, and a direction detecting displacement portion 44 that is displaced toward the main operation surface 13 is provided. The printed circuit board 37 is electrically connected to the direction detecting displacement section 44 displaced in the direction of the printed board 37, while the direction detecting displacement section 44 displaced in the direction of the main operation surface 13 is separated. As a result, a direction detecting contact portion 45 that is electrically interrupted is formed.
[0028]
Further, the conductive rubber 36 is provided on the opposite side in the swing direction with respect to the guide shaft 23 of the lever member 25 located at the center position, specifically, on the lower side in the direction along the main operation surface 13, the lever member 25 is connected to the main operation surface. When the lever member 25 is displaced toward the printed circuit board 37 by being swung downward in the direction along the main operation surface 13, the lever member 25 is displaced toward the printed circuit board 37 side in this state. Has a direction detecting displacement portion 46 which is displaced toward the main operation surface 13 when the guide shaft 23 is released by being swung upward in FIG. The printed circuit board 37 is electrically connected to the direction detecting displacement section 46 displaced in the direction of the printed circuit board 37, while the direction detecting displacement section 46 displaced in the direction of the main operation surface 13 is separated. Thus, a direction detecting contact portion 47 that is electrically interrupted is formed.
[0029]
That is, the conductive rubber 36 including the direction detecting displacement section 44 and a part of the printed circuit board 37 including the direction detecting contact section 45 move upward in the direction along the main operation surface 13 from the center position of the lever member 25. An upward swing detecting section (one-way swing detecting means) 48 for detecting (one-way) swing is constituted by a conductive rubber 36 including a direction detecting displacement section 46 and a direction detecting contact section 47. And a part of the printed circuit board 37 that includes a downward swing detection unit (reverse swing) for detecting downward (reverse) swing in a direction along the main operation surface 13 from the center position of the lever member 25. (Detection means) 49.
[0030]
In addition, the inclined surfaces 50 are respectively formed on both the direction detecting displacement portions 44 and 46 so that the inclined surfaces 50 can be easily moved toward the printed circuit board 37 which is the vertical direction by pressing by the tip of the guide shaft 23 which moves in the horizontal direction. ing.
[0031]
The conductive rubber 36 has a displacement unit 52 that moves toward the printed circuit board 37 by pressing the key 14 of another input device, in addition to the above-described determination detection displacement unit 40 and direction detection displacement units 44 and 46. In addition to the above-described determination detection contact portion 41 and direction detection contact portions 45 and 47, the printed circuit board 37 has a contact portion that establishes electrical continuity by displacement of a displacement portion 52 of another input device. 53 are formed. In other words, the conductive rubber 36 and the printed circuit board 37 are commonly used for direction detection, determination detection, and another input device.
[0032]
In the cursor movement input device 10 according to the present embodiment having such a configuration, the user presses the first operation protrusion 29 of the operation input unit 21 from below in the direction along the main operation surface 13 so as to operate the lever. When the member 25 is swung upward in the direction along the main operation surface 13 against the urging force of the coil spring 33, the direction detecting displacement unit 44 of the upward swing detecting unit 48 is pressed by the guide shaft 23. Thus, the CPU contacts the direction detecting contact portion 45, whereby the CPU (not shown) moves the cursor upward (one direction) on the screen. At this time, as long as the direction detecting displacement unit 44 of the upward swing detecting unit 48 is pressed by the guide shaft 23 and continues to contact the direction detecting contact unit 45, the cursor continues to move upward in the screen. Of course, when the cursor moves to the upper limit position of the screen, the CPU scrolls the display content of the screen downward. On the other hand, when the user releases the pressing operation on the lever member 25, the lever member 25 automatically returns to the center position by the urging force of the coil spring 33, and the direction detecting displacement portion 44 of the upward swing detecting portion 48. Is separated from the direction detecting contact portion 45. Thus, the CPU (not shown) stops the movement of the cursor.
[0033]
Further, when the user presses the first operation convex portion 29 of the operation input section 21 from above to below in the direction along the main operation surface 13, the lever member 25 performs the main operation against the urging force of the coil spring 33. When swinging downward in the direction along the surface 13, the direction detecting displacement portion 46 of the downward swing detecting portion 49 is pressed by the guide shaft 23 as shown in FIG. As a result, the CPU comes in contact with this, and the CPU (not shown) moves the cursor downward (in the reverse direction) on the screen. At this time, as long as the direction detecting displacement unit 46 of the downward swing detecting unit 49 is pressed by the guide shaft 23 and continues to contact the direction detecting contact unit 47, the cursor continues to move downward in the screen. Of course, when the cursor moves to the lower limit position of the screen, the CPU scrolls the display content of the screen upward. On the other hand, when the user releases the pressing operation on the lever member 25, the lever member 25 automatically returns to the center position by the urging force of the coil spring 33, and the direction detecting displacement portion 46 of the downward swing detecting portion 49. Is separated from the direction detecting contact portion 47. Thus, the CPU (not shown) stops the movement of the cursor.
[0034]
After the above operation is appropriately performed to match the cursor to a desired display, the user pushes the lever member 25 downward in the direction orthogonal to the main operation surface 13 to move the central axis 22 of the lever member 25. Presses the decision detecting displacement portion 40 of the conductive rubber 36 and displaces it against the urging force thereof, and makes contact with the decision detecting contact portion 41 of the printed circuit board 37 to establish electrical continuity. The CPU (not shown) detects an operation input for determining selection of the display content at the cursor position. As a result, the lever member 25 and the movement detection unit 42 including the determination detection displacement unit 40 and the determination detection contact unit 41 determine the selection of the display content of the cursor position displayed on the screen of the electronic device 11. A decision operation input device 51 for performing an input is configured.
[0035]
According to the cursor movement input device 10 of the present embodiment described above, since the lever member 25 swings about the center axis 22 orthogonal to the main operation surface 13 on which the operation input unit 21 is provided, The operation input unit 21 can sufficiently receive the force of the operation input without increasing the amount of protrusion of the operation input unit 21 from the main operation surface 13. Therefore, it can be suppressed to a small value including setting the protrusion amount of the operation input unit 21 to zero.
[0036]
Further, the conductive rubber 36 and the printed circuit board 37 can be shared for direction detection, selection determination detection, and other input devices. Therefore, the cost can be reduced and the structure is simplified.
[0037]
In addition, the operation input of the selection decision causes the lever member 25 to move in a different direction with respect to the plane including the swing range of the lever member 25 for moving the cursor, so that an erroneous operation hardly occurs.
[0038]
In the above embodiment, the case where the lever member 25 has the elongated plate-shaped operation input section 21 has been described as an example. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation input section 21 of the lever member 25 is substantially disc-shaped. By widening the width, for example, it is possible to cover the first guide groove 17 with the lever member 25 in the entire range of the swing.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the cursor movement input device of the present invention, the lever member provided to be swingable within a predetermined range around a central axis orthogonal to the outer surface on which the operation input unit is provided is operated. When the input unit is operated to swing in one direction against the biasing force of the biasing member, the one-way swing detection unit detects this and moves the cursor in one direction. Further, when the lever member is swung in the reverse direction against the urging force of the urging member by operating the operation input unit, the reverse swing detecting means detects this and moves the cursor in the reverse direction. . Here, since the lever member swings about a central axis orthogonal to the outer surface on which the operation input unit is provided, the operation input unit can be operated without increasing the amount of protrusion of the operation input unit from the outer surface. The input of the operation input can be sufficiently received. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the amount including the projecting amount of the operation input unit to zero.
[0040]
The one-way swing detecting means and the reverse-direction swing detecting means are provided with a direction-detecting conductive rubber having a direction-detecting displacement portion that is displaced by being pressed by the swinging lever member; It may be configured to include a printed circuit board for direction detection having a contact part for direction detection that makes electrical conduction by contacting the displacement part for detection.
[0041]
With this configuration, when the lever member is swung against the urging force of the urging member by operating the operation input unit, the lever member presses the direction detecting displacement portion of the direction detecting conductive rubber. The cursor is displaced and brought into contact with the direction detecting contact portion of the direction detecting printed circuit board to establish electrical continuity and move the cursor. Here, since the configuration includes the lever member, the conductive rubber for direction detection, and the printed circuit board for direction detection, the conductive rubber for direction detection and the printed circuit board for direction detection require the conductive rubber and printed circuit board of another input device. It can be shared with the substrate.
[0042]
If the conductive rubber for direction detection and the printed circuit board for direction detection are shared with those for the other input devices provided on the outer surface side, the cost can be reduced and the structure is simplified.
[0043]
In addition, the lever member is movable in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface, and further includes movement detection means for detecting the movement of the lever member in the orthogonal direction. The lever member and the movement detection means May be configured to constitute a determination operation input device for performing an operation input for determining selection of display content of a cursor position displayed on a screen of an electronic device.
[0044]
According to this structure, the cursor is moved by operating the operation input unit to swing the lever member against the urging force of the urging member, and the cursor is moved to a desired display. When the member is pushed and moved in the direction perpendicular to the outer surface, the movement is detected by the movement detecting means, and an operation input for determining selection of the display content of the cursor position is detected. Since the operation input for the selection decision causes the lever member to move in a different direction with respect to a plane including the swing range of the lever member for moving the cursor, erroneous operation hardly occurs.
[0045]
Further, the movement detecting means is electrically conductive by contacting the decision detection conductive rubber having a decision detection displacement portion which is displaced by being pressed by the moving lever member, and the decision detection displacement portion. And a printed circuit board for decision detection having a contact portion for decision detection to be taken.
[0046]
According to this configuration, after the cursor is matched with a desired display, when the lever member is pushed and moved in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface, the lever member presses the decision detection displacement portion of the decision detection conductive rubber. To make electrical contact with the decision detection contact portion of the decision detection printed circuit board to establish electrical continuity, thereby detecting the input of the operation of determining the display content of the cursor position. Here, since the configuration includes the lever member, the conductive rubber for decision detection, and the printed circuit board for decision detection, the conductive rubber for decision detection and the printed circuit board for decision detection are made of the conductive rubber and printed circuit board of another input device. It can be shared with the substrate.
[0047]
If the conductive rubber for decision detection and the printed circuit board for decision detection are commonly used with those for other input devices provided on the outer surface side, the cost can be reduced and the structure is simplified.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a cursor movement input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cursor movement input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a cursor movement input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another example of a lever member and the like of the cursor movement input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing the cursor movement input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a lever member swings downward.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a modification of the cursor movement input device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an electronic apparatus including one conventional cursor movement input device.
8A and 8B show another conventional electronic apparatus including a cursor movement input device, wherein FIG. 8A is a plan view and FIG. 8B is a side view.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. Cursor movement input device
11 Electronic equipment
13 Main operation surface (predetermined outer surface)
21 Operation input unit
22 center axis
23 Guide shaft
25 Lever member
33 Coil spring (biasing member)
36 conductive rubber (conductive rubber for direction detection, conductive rubber for decision detection)
37 Printed circuit boards (printed circuit boards for direction detection and decision detection)
40 Displacement for detection
41 Decision detection contact
42 Movement detection unit (movement detection means)
44, 46 Displacement part for direction detection
45, 47 Direction contact
48 upward swing detection unit (one-way swing detection means)
49 Downward swing detector (reverse swing detector)
51 Decision operation input device

Claims

A cursor movement input device provided in an electronic device for performing an operation input for moving a cursor displayed on a screen of the electronic device,
A lever member having an operation input unit arranged on a predetermined outer surface of the electronic device and swingably provided within a predetermined range around a central axis orthogonal to the outer surface,
An urging member for urging the lever member to be located at an intermediate predetermined position within the predetermined range;
One-way swing detection means for detecting one-way swing from the intermediate predetermined position of the lever member,
Reverse swing detecting means for detecting reverse swing of the lever member from the intermediate predetermined position,
A cursor movement input device comprising:

The one-way swing detecting means and the reverse-direction swing detecting means are a direction-detecting conductive rubber having a direction-detecting displacement portion that is displaced by being pressed by the swinging lever member, and the direction-detecting displacement. 2. The cursor movement input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a direction detection printed circuit board having a direction detection contact portion that makes electrical conduction by contacting the portion.

3. The cursor movement input according to claim 2, wherein the conductive rubber for direction detection and the printed circuit board for direction detection are both shared with those for another input device provided on the outer surface side. apparatus.

The lever member is movable in the orthogonal direction with respect to the outer surface, and has movement detection means for detecting the movement of the lever member in the orthogonal direction,
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lever member and the movement detection unit constitute a determination operation input device for performing an operation input for determining selection of display content of a cursor position displayed on a screen of an electronic device. 4. The cursor movement input device according to claim 3.

The movement detecting means includes a conductive rubber for decision detection having a displacement portion for decision detection that is displaced by being pressed by the moving lever member, and a decision for establishing electrical conduction by contacting the displacement portion for decision detection. 5. The cursor movement input device according to claim 4, further comprising a decision detection printed circuit board having a detection contact portion.

6. The cursor movement input according to claim 5, wherein both the conductive rubber for decision detection and the printed circuit board for decision detection are shared with those for another input device provided on the outer surface side. apparatus.

A portable electronic device comprising a screen for displaying information and an input device, wherein the input device includes the cursor movement input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 as a cursor movement input device. Portable electronic devices.