JP2004111346A

JP2004111346A - Multidirectional input device

Info

Publication number: JP2004111346A
Application number: JP2003053836A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuyuki Tamura; 田村　和行; Toshio Koyakata; 古舘　利夫
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-07-26
Filing date: 2003-02-28
Publication date: 2004-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2023-02-28
Also published as: JP4230795B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multidirectional input device with a less number of parts, and of good assembling workability and low cost. <P>SOLUTION: The multidirectional input device is provided with a rotatable second rotating member 24 arranged in a direction orthogonal to a first rotating member 23, a frame 1 rotatably bridging the first and second rotating members, an operation shaft 22 which is inserted in respective long grooves 23a, 24a of the first and second rotating members 23, 24 and can operate and rotate the first and second rotating members 23, 24 by tilting operation. Rotation plates 2 rotating by interlocking with rotation of the first and second rotating members 23, 24 are respectively journalled on the first and second rotating members 23, 24, and rotation detecting members 3, 4 for detecting a rotation angle and rotation direction of the rotation plates 2 are arranged by elastically contacting with cam surfaces 2b formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the respective rotation plates 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、操作軸の傾倒方向及び傾倒量を高精度に検出可能な多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の多方向入力装置は図１３に示すように、箱形のフレーム２１の空洞内部に設けられた支点（図示せず）に一端部が支持され、この支点を中心としてフレーム２１から上方に突出する他端部側を傾動操作可能な円柱状の操作軸２２が配設されている。
また、ケース２１内には略半円弧状の第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４が回動可能に支持されている。この第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４は、互いに直交して上下に交差した状態でフレーム２１内部に架設されている。
前記２つの回動部材２３、２４には、それぞれ長手方向に沿って貫通形成されたスリット状の長穴２３ａ、２４ａが形成され、上方に位置する第１の回動部材２３の長穴２３ａに操作軸２２が挿通され、下方に位置する第２の回動部材２４の長穴２４ａ内部に操作軸２２の一部が軸支され、この軸支部分を支点として操作軸２が、第２の回動部材２４の長穴２４ａに沿って傾動可能になっている。
【０００３】
また、フレーム２１の外周側の側板２５、２５には可変抵抗器２６、２７が取り付けられており、この可変抵抗器２６、２７の回転軸（図示せず）は、第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４の互いに隣り合う一端部側に連結されている。
そして、操作軸２２を傾動操作して、第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４が回動することにより、可変抵抗器２６、２７が回転して抵抗値が可変するようになっている。
前記２個の可変抵抗器２６、２７の抵抗値の変化量によって、操作軸２２の傾倒角度、および傾倒方向を検出可能になっている。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開平６−０５３０１５号公報
特開２０００−０４０６０５号公報
特開２００１−１７６７０７号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、前述したような従来の多方向入力装置では、部品点数の多い可変抵抗器２６、２７を取り付けていたのでコストアップになっていた。
また、可変抵抗器２６、２７を側板２５に取り付ける作業が複雑となり、組立効率が悪いという問題があった。
本発明は前述したような問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、部品点数が少なくて組立作業性の良い低コストの多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するするための第１の手段として本発明の多方向入力装置は、回動可能で長溝を有する第１の回動部材と、この第１の回動部材と直交する方向に配設された回動が可能で長溝を有する第２の回動部材と、前記第１、第２の回動部材を回動可能に架設するフレームと、前記第１、第２の回動部材のそれぞれの長溝に挿通されると共に、傾倒操作により前記第１、第２の回動部材を回動操作可能な操作軸とを備え、
前記第１、第２の回動部材の前記フレームに架設する両端部の少なくとも互いに隣り合う一方側には、前記第１、第２の回動部材の回動に連動して回転可能な回転板をそれぞれ形成し、前記回転板の回転角度および回転方向を検出可能な回転検出部材を、前記それぞれの回転板の外周面に弾接させて配設したことを特徴とする。
【０００７】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第２の手段として、前記回転板の前記外周面は、回転中心からの寸法が異なるカム面からなり、前記操作軸の前記傾倒操作により前記第１、第２の回動部材を介して前記回転板が回転すると、前記回転検出部材に弾接する前記カム面の位置が変化するようにしたことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第３の手段として、前記回転板の前記カム面は、扇状に形成された中央部から左右対称に形成され、前記回転中心から前記カム面までの前記寸法は、前記中央部から左右端部に行くに従って、徐々に大きく形成されていることを特徴とする。
【０００９】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第４の手段として、前記回転検出部材は、互いに対向する一方と他方のＦＰＣ（フレキシブルプリント基板）を有し、前記一方のＦＰＣの対向面には、所定形状の抵抗体パターンを形成し、前記他方のＦＰＣには、前記抵抗体パターンと対向する位置に導電パターンを形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第５の手段として、前記操作軸が直立状態の中立位置にあるときは、前記カム面の前記中央部が前記回転検出部材に弾接して、前記導電パターンの中央部と前記抵抗体パターンの中央部とが当接するようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第６の手段として、前記一方と他方のＦＰＣは、１枚のＦＰＣを折り返して互いに対向させて形成し、互いに対向する面に前記抵抗体パターンと前記導電パターンとを形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第７の手段として、前記１枚のＦＰＣの折り返し部分にスリット溝を形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第８の手段として、前記回転検出部材は、前記一方と他方のＦＰＣの間に開口部を有するスペーサ部材を配設し、前記開口部内に互いに対向させて前記抵抗体パターンと前記導電パターンとを位置させたことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第９の手段として、前記回転検出部材は、弾性変形可能な弾性部材上に載置したことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、前記課題を解決するするための第１０の手段として、前記弾性部材は板バネからなることを特徴とする。
【００１６】
また、前記課題を解決するための第１１の手段として、前記スペーサ部材は、所定厚さのレジスト層からなることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
また、前記課題を解決するための第１２の手段として、前記回転板は、前記第１、第２の回動部材に一体形成されていることを特徴とする。
【００１８】
また、前記課題を解決するための第１３の手段として、前記第１、第２の回動部材は、それぞれの両端部に回転軸が形成され、この回転軸が前記フレームに形成した軸受け部に支持されて回転自在となっており、前記軸受け部は、前記フレーム側に形成して前記回転軸の上部側を支持可能なＵ字溝と、前記フレームの前記空洞部の下方を遮蔽する遮蔽板の一部を突出形成して前記回転軸の下部側を支持可能な支持突起部とからなることを特徴とする。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の多方向入力装置の第１の実施の形態を図１〜８に基づいて説明し、第２の実施の形態を図９〜図１１に基づいて説明する。
まず、図１は本発明に関する多方向入力装置の斜視図であり、図２は本発明に係わるＦＰＣの平面図であり、図３は本発明に係わる一方の回転検出部材を説明する要部拡大図であり、図４は本発明に係わるスペーサの平面図であり、図５は本発明に係わる板バネの平面図であり、図６は本発明に係わる一方の回転検出部材の構成を説明する要部断面であり、図７、８は本発明に係わる回転検出部材の動作を説明する要部断面図であり、図９は本発明の第２の実施の形態の多方向入力装置の斜視図であり、図１０は本発明に係わる回動部材の斜視図であり、図１１は図９の分解斜視図であり、図１２は第２の実施所の形態に係わる回転検出部材の要部断面図である。
【００２０】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、従来の技術で説明したものと同じ部品を部分的に用いているので、従来の技術と同じものについては、同じ番号を付して説明する。
まず、本発明の多方向入力装置は、図１に示すように、内部に空洞部が形成された樹脂材料等からなる箱形のフレーム１が配設されている。このフレーム１は、空洞部上方に天板１ａが配設されており、この天板１ａは、円形状の開口部１ｂが形成されて空洞部の上方が開放されている。
また、フレーム１の外周部は側壁１ｃで囲まれており、互いに隣り合う側壁１ｃ、１ｃの外周部の下部側で隅部からは、所定厚さの鍔部１ｄ、１ｄが外方に向けて突出形成されており、この鍔部１ｄ、１ｄに挟まれた部分に、幅寸法Ａの開放部１ｅが形成されている。また、フレーム１内部の空洞部は、下方が遮蔽板（図示せず）で遮蔽されている。
【００２１】
前記フレーム１の開口部１ｂには、金属等からなる例えば円柱状の操作軸２２の一端部側が上方に突出して配設されている。前記操作軸２２は、他端部側がフレーム１内部の空洞部の下方を遮蔽する遮蔽板に形成した支持部に支持されて、開口部１ｂから上方に突出する一端部側が傾動可能になっている。
また、フレーム１の空洞部内には、略半円弧状の第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４が支持されている。この第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４は、互いに直交して上下に交差しており、それぞれ両端部に形成した回転軸２３ｂ、２４ｂが側壁１ｃ、１ｃに形成した丸穴状の軸受け部（図示せず）に橋渡しされて架設されている。
【００２２】
前記第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４には、それぞれ長手方向に沿って貫通形成されたスリット状の長穴２３ａ、２４ａが互いに直交する方向に形成されている。そして、上方に位置する第１の回動部材２３の長穴２３ａに操作軸２２が挿通され、下方に位置する第２回動部材２４の長穴２４ａ内部に操作軸２２の一部が軸支され、この軸支部分を支点として操作軸２２が、第２の回動部材２４の長穴２４ａに沿って矢印Ｂ方向に傾動可能になっている。
【００２３】
前記操作軸２２を矢印Ｂ方向に傾動操作することにより、この傾動に連動して第１の回動部材２３が回動し、回転軸２３ｂが回転するようになっている。
また、操作軸２２は、第１の回動部材２３の長穴２３ａに沿って、矢印Ｃ方向に傾動操作することにより、この傾動に連動して第２の回動部材２４が回動して、回転軸２４ｂが回転するようになっている。
【００２４】
また、互いに隣り合う側壁１ｃ、１ｃに支持された回転軸２３ｂ、２４ｂは、側壁１ｃから外方に突出しており、この突出部分には、軸止穴２ａが圧入、または接着剤等により回転板２が軸止されている。そして、第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４の回動に連動して回転板２が回転可能になっている。
この回転板２は、図７に示すように、外周面の形状が扇状をなし、回転中心である回転軸２３ｂ、２４ｂからの寸法が異なる円弧状のカム面２ｂが形成されている。このカム面２ｂは、扇状の外周面の中央部（中心線Ｄ）から左右対称に形成されている。そして、回転中心である回転軸２３ｂからカム面２ｂまでの寸法は、中心線Ｄの中央部から左右端部２ｃ、２ｄに行くに従って、徐々に大きく形成されている。
【００２５】
また、第１の回動板２３に軸止された回転板２のカム面２ｂには、一方の回転検出部材３が弾接し、第２の回動板２４に軸止された回転板２のカム面２ｂには、他方の回転検出部材４が弾接して、それぞれの回転板２の回転角度および回転方向を検出可能になっている。
前記一方と他方の回転検出部材３、４は、図２に示すような、１枚のＦＰＣ（フレキシブルプリント基板）５に形成されており、このＦＰＣ５は、図２に示すように、上端部に複数のコネクタ部５ａが形成され、下方側にフレーム１の側壁１ｃ、１ｃ部分が挿通可能な開口部５ｂが形成されている。
また、ＦＰＣ５は、コネクタ部５ａから下方の開口部５ｂ側にかけて、パターン状の導電体５ｃが引き回し形成されている。
【００２６】
そして、一方の回転検出部材３は、開口部５ｂの下部側に位置する内側辺近傍のＦＰＣ５に形成され、他方の回転検出部材４は、一方の回転検出部材３と直交する方向で隣り合う図示右側のＦＰＣ５に形成されている。
前記一方の回転検出部３は、図３に示すように、開口部５ｂの下部側に位置する内側辺近傍に抵抗体形成部５ｄが形成され、この抵抗体形成部５ｄには、黒く塗りつぶしたカーボンパターン６ａと、このカーボンパター６ａに隣接して平行に形成した銀とカーボンを混合して形成した導体パターン６ｂとからなる抵抗体パターン６が印刷等で形成されている。
【００２７】
また、抵抗体パターン６を形成した抵抗体形成部５ｄの図示下方側には、所定の幅寸法と長さ寸法のスリット溝５ｅが形成され、このスリット溝５ｅを挟んで矩形状の導電体形成部５ｇが形成されている。
この導電体形成部５ｇは、スリット溝５ｅを構成する一対の幅狭状の連結部５ｆ、５ｆに連結されて、折り返し線Ｅから抵抗体形成部５ｄ側に折り返し可能になっている。
前記導電体形成部５ｇには、銀パターン等からなる幅広の導電パターン７が形成されており、導電体形成部５ｇを折り返し線Ｅから抵抗体パターン６上に重ねるように折り返すことにより、導電パターン７が抵抗体パターン６に接触可能になっている。
前記導電パターン７が抵抗体パターン６に接触することにより、カーボンパターン６ａと導体パターン６ｂとが導電パターン７を介して導通可能になっている。
【００２８】
即ち、一方の回転検出部材３は、互いに対向する一方と他方のＦＰＣである抵抗体形成部５ｄと導電体形成部５ｇとを有し、一方のＦＰＣである抵抗体形成部５ｄの対向面には、所定形状の抵抗体パターン６を形成し、他方のＦＰＣである導電体形成部５ｇには、折り返し線Ｅから折り返した状態で、抵抗体パターン６と対向する位置に導電パターン７を形成している。
このような一方の回転出検出部材３を形成したＦＰＣ５をフレーム１の鍔部１ｄに取り付けるために、抵抗体パターン６の外側の抵抗体形成部５ｄに一対の取付穴５ｈを形成している。
そして、フレーム１の鍔部１ｄに形成した取付突起（図示せず）に取付穴５ｈを嵌合させることにより、ＦＰＣ５がフレーム１に位置決めされて取り付けられるようになっている。
【００２９】
また、ＦＰＣ５には、図２に示す一方の回転検出部材３と直交する方向に隣り合う部分に、他方の回転検出部材４が形成されいるが、この他方の回転検出部材４の構成は一方の回転検出部材３と同じなので、それぞれの部材の説明は、一方の回転検出部材３と同じ番号を付して詳細な説明は省略する。
まず、他方の回転検出部材４は、抵抗体パターン６を形成した抵抗体形成部５ｄと、この抵抗体形成部５ｄにスリット溝５ｅを介して一対の連結部５ｆ、５ｆに連結された導電体形成部５ｇが開口部５ｂ内にはみ出して形成されている。
前記他方の回転検出部材４の導電体形成部５ｇには、導電パターン７が形成され、一方の回転検出部材３と同様に、導電体形成部５ｇを折り返し線Ｅから折り返して、抵抗体パターン６上に重ねることにより、導電パターン７が抵抗体パターン６に接触可能になっている。
【００３０】
前述したような、一方と他方の回転検出部材３、４は、図６に示すように、連結部５ｆから折り返した抵抗体形成部５ｄと導電体形成部５ｇとの間に、互いに対向する抵抗体パターン６と導電パターン７とを所定のギャップで離間させるためのスペーサ部材８が配設されている。
このスペーサ部材８は、例えば樹脂フィルム材料等からなり、図４に示すように、外形が矩形状に形成され、内側に矩形状の開口部８ａが形成されている。
この開口部８ａの図示左右の外側には、一対の取付穴８ｂが形成されて、フレーム１の鍔部１ｄに形成した取付突起（図示せず）に嵌合させることにより取付可能になっている。
そして、ＦＰＣ５の抵抗体形成部５ｄと導電体形成部５ｇとを折り返した間に、スペーサ部材８を挟むと、開口部８ａ内に抵抗体パターン６と導電パターン７とが、所定のギャップを有して互いに対向して位置するようになっている。
【００３１】
また、図１に示すフレーム１のそれぞれの鍔部１ｄ上には、開放部１ｅを跨いで、弾性部材であるステンレス板等からなる板バネ９が橋渡しされて配設されている。
前記板バネ９は、図５に示すように、略Ｌ字状に形成されて、基部９ａから図示左方向に延びる第１腕部９ｂと、基部９ａから図示上方に延びる第２腕部９ｃとが設けられている。
また、基部９ａには、フレーム１の鍔部１ｄに形成した取付突起（図示せず）に嵌合可能な位置決め穴９ｄが形成され、第２腕部９ｃの先端部には位置決め溝９ｅが形成されている。
【００３２】
そして、フレーム１の鍔部１ｄ上に橋渡しされて配設された板バネ９は、第１腕部９ｂ上に一方の回転検出部材３が、第２腕部９ｃ上に他方の回転部材４がそれぞれ載置されるようになっている。
前記板バネ９に載置した一方と他方の回転検出部材３、４は、板バネ９の弾性力でそれぞれ回転板２のカム面２ｂの中央部（中心線Ｄ）に弾接するようになっている。そして、操作軸２２は、傾倒操作しない初期状態において、板バネ９およびフレーム１の空洞部内のコイルバネ（図示せず）により、直立状態の中立位置に自動復帰可能になっている。
【００３３】
このような本発明の第１の実施に形態の多方向入力装置の操作を、一方の回転検出部材３側で説明すると、まず、操作軸２２が直立状態の中立位置にある初期状態においては、図７に示すように、回転板２のカム面２ｂの中央部（中心線Ｄ）が他方のＦＰＣである導電体形成部５ｇ上に弾接している。
そのために、カム面２ｂの弾接部分である導電体形成部５ｇが下方に撓んで、導電パターン７の中央部が抵抗体パターン６の中央部に当接している。
【００３４】
このような初期状態から、操作軸２２を矢印Ｂ方向に傾倒操作すると、第１の回動部材２３が回動して、回転軸２３ｂに軸止した回転板２が回転する。
このような回転板２を、図８に示すように、矢印Ｆの反時計回り方向に回転させると、導電体形成部５ｇに弾接するカム面２ｂの位置が図示左方向に移動する。
このことにより、導電パターン７と抵抗体パターン６との当接位置も図示左側に移動して、抵抗体パターン６の抵抗値が変化する。
この抵抗値の変化によって、一方の回転検出部材３によって回転板２の回転角度および回転方向を検出するようになっている。
前記一方の回転検出部材３が回転板２の回転角度および回転方向を検出することにより、操作軸２２の矢印Ｂ方向の傾倒角度、および傾倒方向をＩＣ等からなる制御部（図示せず）が検出して、例えばゲーム機等のディスプレー上の画像等を所望の位置に入力可能になっている。
【００３５】
また、他方の回転検出部材４を操作するには、操作軸２２を矢印Ｃ方向に傾倒操作すると、操作軸２２は第１の回動部材２３の長穴２３ａに沿って傾倒して、第２の回動部材２４が回動する。この第２の回動部材２４の回動で、第２の回動部材２４の回転軸２４ｂに軸止した回転板２が回転する。
そして、他方の回転検出部材４の抵抗値変化で操作軸２２の矢印Ｃ方向の傾倒角度および傾倒方向を検出可能になっている。
【００３６】
このような本発明の第１の実施の形態の多方向入力装置の操作軸２２の操作は、矢印Ｂ、Ｃの直交する方向だけでなく、任意の方向に傾動操作可能とおり、この場合は、第１、第２の開土部材２３、２４の両方が回動して、それぞれの回転板２、２が回転する。
そして、一方と他方の回転検出部材３、４の抵抗値変化によって、任意の方向に傾倒操作した操作軸２２の傾倒角度および傾倒方向を検出可能になっている。
また、本発明の第１の実施の形態の説明では、一方と他方の回転検出部材３、４を載置する弾性部材を板バネ９で説明したが、弾性部材は板バネ９に限定されず、ゴム等でも良い。
【００３７】
また、回転板２のカム面２ｂは、扇状の外周面の中央部（中心線Ｄ）から左右対称に形成したもので説明したが、左右対称でなくても良い。
即ち、回転板２の外周面は、回転中心からの寸法が異なるカム面からなり、操作軸２２の傾倒操作により第１、第２の回動部材２３、２４を介して回転板２が回転すると、一方および他方の回転検出部材３、４に弾接するカム面２ｂの位置が変化するようにしたものでも良い。
【００３８】
また、本発明の第２の実施の形態の多方向入力装置を図９〜図１１に基づいて説明すると、フレーム１１は、内部に形成した空洞部の上方に天板１１ａが形成されており、この天板１１ａの略中央部には、円形状の開口部１１ｂが形成されて空洞部の上方が開放されている。
また、フレーム１１の外周部は側壁１１ｃで囲まれており、互いに隣り合う側壁１１ｃ、１１ｃには、後述する第１、第２の回動部材３３、３４を回転自在に支持可能なＵ字溝１１ｄ、１１ｄが所定深さで形成されている。
【００３９】
また、フレーム１１は、空洞部の下方を遮蔽する遮蔽板１３を有し、この遮蔽板１３は、図１１に示すように、フレーム１１の側板１１ｃに形成したＵ字溝１１ｄ、１１ｄが位置する部分に支持突起部１３ａ、１３ａが突出形成されている。　この支持突起１３ａ、１３ａは、先端がＵ字状に形成されて、第１、第２の回動部材３３、３４の回転軸３４ａ、３３ａを支持可能になっている。
そして、第１、第２の回動部材３３、３４の回転軸３４ａ、３３ａを支持突起１３ａ、１３ａに位置させた状態で、フレーム１１を遮蔽板１３に載置すると、Ｕ字溝１１ｄの天井部と支持突起１３ａの先端とで、それぞれの回転軸３３ａ、３４ａの軸受けが形成されるようになっている。
【００４０】
また、第２の回動部材３４は、金属からなり、図１０に示すように、ダイカスト加工等により、手前側の第１回転軸３４ａと奥側の第２回転軸３４ｂとが形成され、第１回転軸３４ａには、略扇状の回転板３４ｃが一体形成されている。
この回転板３４ｃのカム面３４ｄは、第１の実施の形態の回転板２のカム面２ｂと同じに形成され、このカム面３４ｄと板バネ９との間にＦＰＣ５に形成した他方の回転検出部材４（図示せず）が配設されて、回転板３４ｃの回転角度および回転方向を検出可能になっている。
【００４１】
また、第１の回動部材３３は、図９に示すように、回転板３３ｃが一体形成され、この回転板３３ｃのカム面３３ｄは、第２の回動軸３４の回転板３４ｃのカム面３４ｄと同じに形成され、カム面３３ｄと板バネ９との間にＦＰＣ５に形成した一方の回転検出部材３（図示せず）が配設されて、回転板３３ｃの回転角度および回転方向を検出可能になっている。
【００４２】
また、第２の実施の形態においては、第１の実施の形態で説明したスペーサ部材８がレジスト層１８からなるものでも良い。即ち、スペーサ部材８は、図２に示すように、所定形状の導電体５ｃ、抵抗体パターン６、導電パターン７をエッチング等で形成時に、それぞれのパターン上に残っているレジスト層を用いるものである。前記レジスト層１８は、図１２に示すように、導電パターン７および抵抗体パターン６を露出するための開口部１８ａがエッチング等により形成され、この開口部１８ａによって導電パターン７と抵抗体パターン６とが接触して導通可能になっている。
このように、スペーサ部材８をレジスト層１８で兼ねることにより、ＦＰＣ５にスペーサ８を一体形成することができ、部品点数を削減することができる。
【００４３】
このような第２の実施の形態の多方向入力装置は、第１、第２の回動部材３３、３４に回転板３３ｃ、３４ｃを一体形成しているので、第１の実施の形態の回転板２が別体のものより強度アップさせることができると共に、圧入または接着等の組立工数を削減できる。
また、遮蔽板１３の支持突起部１３ａとフレーム１１のＵ字溝１１ｄとで軸受けを形成することにより、遮蔽板１３の上からフレーム１１をかぶせるだけで、第１、第２の回動部材３３、３４を軸支することができる。
【００４４】
【発明の効果】
本発明の多方向入力装置は、回転板の回転角度および回転方向を検出可能な回転検出部材を、それぞれの回転板の外周面に弾接させて配設したので、回転検出部材が回転板の回転角度および回転方向を検出することにより、操作軸の傾倒角度および傾倒方向を検出することができ、部品点数が少なくてコストダウン可能な多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００４５】
また、回転板の外周面は、回転中心からの寸法が異なるカム面からなり、操作軸の傾倒操作により第１、第２の回動部材を介して回転板が回転すると、回転検出部材に弾接するカム面の位置が変化するようにしたので、回転検出部材に形成した抵抗体パターンの抵抗値が変化して、操作軸の傾倒角度および傾倒方向を検出でき、部品点数が少なくて組立性に優れた多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００４６】
また、回転板のカム面は、扇状に形成された中央部から左右対称に形成され、回転中心からカム面までの寸法は、中央部から左右端部に行くに従って、徐々に大きく形成されているので、操作軸の傾倒角度および傾倒方向を高精度に検出することができる。また、左右対称の回転板は製造が容易である。
【００４７】
また、互いに対向する一方のＦＰＣの対向面には、所定形状の抵抗体パターンを形成し、他方のＦＰＣには、抵抗体パターンと対向する位置に導電パターンを形成したので、抵抗体パターンの抵抗値を確実に変化させることができる。
【００４８】
また、操作軸が直立状態の中立位置にあるときは、カム面の中央部が回転検出部材に弾接して、導電パターンの中央部と抵抗体パターンの中央部とが当接するようにしたので、操作軸が中立位置にあるときの導電パターンと抵抗体パターンとの当接位置のバラツキを小さくすることができる高精度の多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００４９】
また、一方と他方のＦＰＣは、１枚のＦＰＣを折り返して互いに対向させて形成し、互いに対向する面に抵抗体パターンと導電パターンとを形成したので、部品点数を削減してコストダウンが可能である。
【００５０】
また、１枚のＦＰＣの折り返し部分にスリット溝を形成したので、折り返し位置にバラツキが発生せず、組立が容易である。
【００５１】
また、回転検出部材は、一方と他方のＦＰＣの間に開口部を有するスペーサ部材を配設し、開口部内に互いに対向させて抵抗体パターンと導電パターンとを位置させので、回転板のカム面が弾接部分だけの抵抗体パターンと導電パターンとを導通させることができ、抵抗値のバラツキを小さくして、高精度な回転検出が可能となる。
【００５２】
また、回転検出部材は、弾性変形可能な弾性部材上に載置したので、抵抗体パターンと導電パターンとを確実に導通させることができる。
【００５３】
また、弾性部材は板バネからなるので、プレス等で打ち抜き形成することができ、板バネの製造が容易である。
【００５４】
また、スペーサ部材は、所定厚さのレジスト層からなるので、導電パターンおよび抵抗体パターンを形成するときのレジスト層をスペーサ部材とすることができ、スペーサ部材をＦＰＣに一体化することができる。
そのために、部品点数を削減してコストダウンすることができる。
【００５５】
また、回転板は、第１、第２の回動部材に一体形成されているので、部品点数を削減できる。
【００５６】
また、軸受け部は、フレーム側に形成して回転軸の上部側を支持可能なＵ字溝と、フレームの空洞部の下方を遮蔽する遮蔽板の一部を突出形成して回転軸の下部側を支持可能な支持突起部とからなるので、第１、第２の回動部材の組立が容易となる。
【００５７】
また、支持突起部は、回転軸が接する部分をＵ字状に形成したので、回転軸をガタなく確実に支持することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に関する多方向入力装置の斜視図である。
【図２】本発明に係わるＦＰＣの平面図である。
【図３】本発明に係わる一方の回転検出部材を説明する要部拡大図である。
【図４】本発明に係わるスペーサの平面図である。
【図５】本発明に係わる板バネの平面図である。
【図６】本発明に係わる一方の回転検出部材の構成を説明する要部断面である。
【図７】本発明に係わる回転検出部材の動作を説明する要部断面図である。
【図８】本発明に係わる回転検出部材の動作を説明する要部断面図である。
【図９】本発明の第２の実施の形態の多方向入力装置の斜視図である。
【図１０】愛２の実施の形態に係わる回動部材の斜視図である。
【図１１】図９の分解斜視図である。
【図１２】第２の実施所の形態に係わる回転検出部材の要部断面図である。
【図１３】従来の多方向入力装置の斜視図。
【符号の説明】
１　フレーム
１ｄ　鍔部
１ｅ　開放部
２　回転板
２ｂ　カム面
３　一方の回転検出部材
４　他方の回転検出部材
５　ＦＰＣ
５ｄ　抵抗体形成部
５ｅ　スリット溝
５ｆ　連結部
５ｇ　導電体形成部
６　抵抗体パターン
６ａ　カーボンパターン
６ｂ　導体パターン
７　導電パターン
８　スペーサ部材
９　板バネ
２１　フレーム
２２　操作軸
２３　第１の回動部材
２４　第２の回動部材[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device capable of detecting a tilt direction and a tilt amount of an operation axis with high accuracy.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 13, one end of a conventional multidirectional input device is supported at a fulcrum (not shown) provided inside a cavity of a box-shaped frame 21, and projects upward from the frame 21 around the fulcrum. A column-shaped operation shaft 22 capable of tilting the other end is provided.
In the case 21, first and second rotating members 23 and 24 having a substantially semicircular arc shape are rotatably supported. The first and second rotation members 23 and 24 are installed inside the frame 21 in a state of being orthogonal to each other and vertically intersecting.
The two rotating members 23 and 24 have slit-shaped long holes 23a and 24a formed therethrough in the longitudinal direction, respectively, and are formed in the long holes 23a of the first rotating member 23 located above. The operation shaft 22 is inserted, and a part of the operation shaft 22 is rotatably supported inside the elongated hole 24a of the second rotating member 24 located below. The rotation member 24 can be tilted along the elongated hole 24a.
[0003]
Variable resistors 26 and 27 are attached to side plates 25 and 25 on the outer peripheral side of the frame 21, and the rotating shafts (not shown) of the variable resistors 26 and 27 are connected to the first and second rotating shafts. The moving members 23 and 24 are connected to adjacent one ends.
When the operation shaft 22 is tilted to rotate the first and second rotating members 23 and 24, the variable resistors 26 and 27 rotate to change the resistance value. .
The tilt angle and the tilt direction of the operation shaft 22 can be detected based on the amount of change in the resistance values of the two variable resistors 26 and 27.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-053015
JP 2000-040605 A
JP 2001-176707 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional multidirectional input device as described above, the cost increases because the variable resistors 26 and 27 having a large number of parts are mounted.
In addition, there is a problem that the work of attaching the variable resistors 26 and 27 to the side plate 25 is complicated, and the assembling efficiency is low.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a low-cost multidirectional input device having a small number of components and good assembling workability.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a multidirectional input device of the present invention comprises a first rotatable member having a long groove which is rotatable, and a first rotatable member arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first rotatable member. A second rotatable member having a long groove, which is rotatable, a frame for rotatably mounting the first and second rotatable members, and a second rotatable member having the first and second rotatable members. An operation shaft that is inserted into each of the long grooves and that can rotate the first and second rotating members by tilting operation;
A rotating plate rotatable in association with the rotation of the first and second rotating members is provided on at least one side of both ends of the first and second rotating members that are bridged on the frame. And a rotation detecting member capable of detecting a rotation angle and a rotation direction of the rotating plate is disposed in elastic contact with an outer peripheral surface of each rotating plate.
[0007]
Further, as a second means for solving the above-described problem, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate is formed of cam surfaces having different dimensions from a center of rotation, and the first and the second are rotated by the tilting operation of the operation shaft. When the rotating plate is rotated via the second rotating member, the position of the cam surface elastically contacting the rotation detecting member is changed.
[0008]
Further, as a third means for solving the above problem, the cam surface of the rotating plate is formed symmetrically from a central portion formed in a fan shape, and the dimension from the rotation center to the cam surface is formed. Is characterized in that it is formed so as to gradually increase from the center to the left and right ends.
[0009]
As a fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the rotation detecting member has one and the other FPC (flexible printed circuit board) facing each other, and a predetermined surface is provided on the facing surface of the one FPC. A resistor pattern having a shape is formed, and a conductive pattern is formed on the other FPC at a position facing the resistor pattern.
[0010]
Further, as a fifth means for solving the above problem, when the operation shaft is at a neutral position in an upright state, the central portion of the cam surface elastically contacts the rotation detecting member, and the conductive pattern is formed. And a central portion of the resistor pattern is brought into contact.
[0011]
As a sixth means for solving the above problem, the one and the other FPCs are formed by folding one FPC so as to be opposed to each other, and the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern are formed on surfaces facing each other. And a pattern.
[0012]
Further, as a seventh means for solving the above-mentioned problem, a slit groove is formed in a folded portion of the one FPC.
[0013]
Further, as an eighth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the rotation detecting member is provided with a spacer member having an opening between the one and the other FPCs, and opposed to each other in the opening. The invention is characterized in that the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern are located.
[0014]
As a ninth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the rotation detecting member is mounted on an elastic member which can be elastically deformed.
[0015]
Further, as a tenth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, the elastic member comprises a leaf spring.
[0016]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the spacer member is formed of a resist layer having a predetermined thickness.
[0017]
As a twelfth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the rotating plate is formed integrally with the first and second rotating members.
[0018]
As a thirteenth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the first and second rotating members have rotating shafts formed at both ends thereof, and the rotating shafts are mounted on bearing portions formed on the frame. The bearing portion is supported and rotatable, the bearing portion is formed on the frame side, and a U-shaped groove capable of supporting the upper side of the rotating shaft, and a shielding plate for shielding a lower portion of the hollow portion of the frame. And a supporting protrusion capable of supporting a lower side of the rotating shaft by protruding a part of the rotating shaft.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the multidirectional input device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, and a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of an FPC according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged main part illustrating one rotation detecting member according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a spacer according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a leaf spring according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration of one rotation detecting member according to the present invention. FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of main parts for explaining the operation of a rotation detecting member according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multidirectional input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a perspective view of a rotating member according to the present invention, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 9, and FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a main part of a rotation detecting member according to the second embodiment. FIG.
[0020]
Since the multidirectional input device of the present invention partially uses the same parts as those described in the related art, the same components as those in the related art will be described with the same numbers.
First, as shown in FIG. 1, the multidirectional input device of the present invention is provided with a box-shaped frame 1 made of a resin material or the like having a cavity formed therein. In the frame 1, a top plate 1a is provided above the hollow portion. The top plate 1a has a circular opening 1b formed therein, and the upper portion of the hollow portion is open.
Further, the outer peripheral portion of the frame 1 is surrounded by a side wall 1c, and flanges 1d, 1d of a predetermined thickness are directed outward from the corners below the outer peripheral portions of the adjacent side walls 1c, 1c. An opening 1e having a width A is formed at a portion sandwiched between the flanges 1d and 1d. The lower part of the cavity inside the frame 1 is shielded by a shield plate (not shown).
[0021]
In the opening 1b of the frame 1, for example, one end of a cylindrical operating shaft 22 made of metal or the like is disposed so as to protrude upward. The operation shaft 22 is supported by a support portion formed on a shielding plate that shields a lower portion of the hollow portion inside the frame 1 at the other end portion, and one end portion projecting upward from the opening 1b is tiltable. .
In the hollow portion of the frame 1, first and second rotating members 23 and 24 having a substantially semicircular arc shape are supported. The first and second rotating members 23 and 24 are orthogonal to each other and vertically intersect with each other. Rotating shafts 23b and 24b formed on both ends are round hole-shaped bearings formed on the side walls 1c and 1c, respectively. Section (not shown).
[0022]
In the first and second rotating members 23 and 24, slit-shaped long holes 23a and 24a penetratingly formed along the longitudinal direction are formed in directions orthogonal to each other. The operating shaft 22 is inserted into the elongated hole 23a of the first rotating member 23 located above, and a part of the operating shaft 22 is supported inside the elongated hole 24a of the second rotating member 24 located below. The operation shaft 22 can be tilted in the direction of arrow B along the elongated hole 24a of the second rotation member 24 with the pivot portion as a fulcrum.
[0023]
By tilting the operation shaft 22 in the direction of arrow B, the first rotation member 23 rotates in conjunction with the tilt, and the rotation shaft 23b rotates.
The operating shaft 22 is tilted in the direction of arrow C along the elongated hole 23a of the first rotating member 23, so that the second rotating member 24 rotates in conjunction with this tilting. , The rotation shaft 24b rotates.
[0024]
The rotating shafts 23b and 24b supported by the side walls 1c and 1c adjacent to each other protrude outward from the side wall 1c. 2 is fixed on the shaft. The rotating plate 2 is rotatable in conjunction with the rotation of the first and second rotating members 23 and 24.
As shown in FIG. 7, the rotating plate 2 has an arc-shaped cam surface 2b having a fan-shaped outer peripheral surface and different dimensions from the rotating shafts 23b and 24b as the center of rotation. The cam surface 2b is formed symmetrically from the center (center line D) of the fan-shaped outer peripheral surface. The dimension from the rotation shaft 23b, which is the center of rotation, to the cam surface 2b is gradually increased from the center of the center line D to the left and right ends 2c, 2d.
[0025]
One of the rotation detecting members 3 is in elastic contact with the cam surface 2b of the rotating plate 2 fixed to the first rotating plate 23, and the rotating plate 2 is fixed to the rotating surface of the rotating plate 2 by the second rotating plate 24. The other rotation detection member 4 elastically contacts the cam surface 2b so that the rotation angle and the rotation direction of each rotary plate 2 can be detected.
The one and the other rotation detecting members 3 and 4 are formed on one FPC (flexible printed circuit board) 5 as shown in FIG. 2, and this FPC 5 is provided at the upper end as shown in FIG. A plurality of connector portions 5a are formed, and an opening 5b through which the side walls 1c and 1c of the frame 1 can be inserted is formed below.
The FPC 5 has a pattern-shaped conductor 5c extending from the connector portion 5a to the lower opening 5b.
[0026]
One rotation detection member 3 is formed on the FPC 5 near the inner side located below the opening 5b, and the other rotation detection member 4 is adjacent to the one rotation detection member 3 in a direction orthogonal to the one shown in FIG. It is formed on the FPC 5 on the right side.
As shown in FIG. 3, the one rotation detecting section 3 has a resistor forming section 5d formed near an inner side located below the opening 5b, and the resistor forming section 5d is painted black. A resistor pattern 6 composed of a carbon pattern 6a and a conductor pattern 6b formed by mixing silver and carbon formed adjacent to and parallel to the carbon pattern 6a is formed by printing or the like.
[0027]
A slit groove 5e having a predetermined width and length is formed below the resistor forming portion 5d on which the resistor pattern 6 is formed, and a rectangular conductor is formed with the slit groove 5e interposed therebetween. A portion 5g is formed.
The conductor forming portion 5g is connected to a pair of narrow connecting portions 5f and 5f constituting the slit groove 5e, and can be folded from the folding line E to the resistor forming portion 5d side.
A wide conductive pattern 7 made of a silver pattern or the like is formed on the conductor forming portion 5g. The conductive pattern is formed by folding the conductor forming portion 5g from the folding line E so as to overlap the resistor pattern 6. 7 can contact the resistor pattern 6.
When the conductive pattern 7 comes into contact with the resistor pattern 6, the carbon pattern 6a and the conductive pattern 6b can be conducted through the conductive pattern 7.
[0028]
That is, one rotation detection member 3 has a resistor forming portion 5d and a conductor forming portion 5g, which are one and the other FPC, which are opposed to each other, and is provided on an opposing surface of the resistor forming portion 5d which is one FPC. Forms a resistor pattern 6 of a predetermined shape, and forms a conductive pattern 7 at a position facing the resistor pattern 6 on the conductor forming portion 5g, which is the other FPC, in a state of being folded from the folding line E. ing.
In order to attach the FPC 5 on which the one rotation detection member 3 is formed to the flange 1d of the frame 1, a pair of mounting holes 5h are formed in the resistor forming portion 5d outside the resistor pattern 6.
The FPC 5 is positioned and mounted on the frame 1 by fitting the mounting hole 5h into a mounting projection (not shown) formed on the flange 1d of the frame 1.
[0029]
The FPC 5 has another rotation detecting member 4 formed in a portion adjacent to the one rotation detecting member 3 shown in FIG. 2 in a direction orthogonal to the one rotation detecting member 3. Since the rotation detection member 3 is the same as the rotation detection member 3, the description of each member is given the same reference numeral as one of the rotation detection members 3, and the detailed description is omitted.
First, the other rotation detecting member 4 includes a resistor forming portion 5d on which a resistor pattern 6 is formed, and a conductor connected to the resistor forming portion 5d by a pair of connecting portions 5f, 5f via a slit groove 5e. The forming portion 5g is formed to protrude into the opening 5b.
A conductive pattern 7 is formed on the conductor forming portion 5g of the other rotation detecting member 4, and the conductor forming portion 5g is folded back from the folding line E to form the resistor pattern 6 like the one rotation detecting member 3. The conductive pattern 7 can be brought into contact with the resistor pattern 6 by being superimposed thereon.
[0030]
As described above, the one and the other rotation detecting members 3 and 4 are provided, as shown in FIG. 6, between the resistor forming portion 5d and the conductor forming portion 5g, which are folded back from the connecting portion 5f, so as to face each other. A spacer member 8 for separating the body pattern 6 from the conductive pattern 7 with a predetermined gap is provided.
The spacer member 8 is made of, for example, a resin film material or the like. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer shape is formed in a rectangular shape, and a rectangular opening 8a is formed inside.
A pair of mounting holes 8b are formed on the left and right sides of the opening 8a in the drawing, and can be mounted by fitting to mounting protrusions (not shown) formed on the flange 1d of the frame 1. .
Then, when the spacer member 8 is sandwiched between the resistor forming portion 5d and the conductor forming portion 5g of the FPC 5 folded, the resistor pattern 6 and the conductive pattern 7 have a predetermined gap in the opening 8a. And are located opposite each other.
[0031]
Further, on each flange 1d of the frame 1 shown in FIG. 1, a leaf spring 9 made of a stainless steel plate or the like, which is an elastic member, is bridged over the opening 1e.
As shown in FIG. 5, the leaf spring 9 has a substantially L-shape, a first arm 9b extending leftward from the base 9a, and a second arm 9c extending upward from the base 9a. Is provided.
The base 9a has a positioning hole 9d that can be fitted to a mounting projection (not shown) formed on the flange 1d of the frame 1, and a positioning groove 9e is formed at the tip of the second arm 9c. Have been.
[0032]
The leaf spring 9 bridged and disposed on the flange 1d of the frame 1 has one rotation detection member 3 on the first arm 9b and the other rotation member 4 on the second arm 9c. Each is mounted.
The one and the other rotation detecting members 3 and 4 mounted on the leaf spring 9 respectively come into elastic contact with the central portion (center line D) of the cam surface 2b of the rotary plate 2 by the elastic force of the leaf spring 9. I have. The operating shaft 22 can be automatically returned to the neutral position in the upright state by the leaf spring 9 and a coil spring (not shown) in the hollow portion of the frame 1 in an initial state in which the operating shaft 22 is not tilted.
[0033]
The operation of the multidirectional input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to one of the rotation detecting members 3. First, in the initial state in which the operation shaft 22 is in the neutral position in the upright state, As shown in FIG. 7, the center (center line D) of the cam surface 2b of the rotating plate 2 is in elastic contact with the conductor forming portion 5g, which is the other FPC.
For this reason, the conductor forming portion 5g, which is the elastic contact portion of the cam surface 2b, bends downward, and the center of the conductive pattern 7 contacts the center of the resistor pattern 6.
[0034]
When the operating shaft 22 is tilted in the direction of arrow B from such an initial state, the first rotating member 23 rotates, and the rotating plate 2 fixed to the rotating shaft 23b rotates.
When such a rotating plate 2 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow F as shown in FIG. 8, the position of the cam surface 2b elastically contacting the conductor forming portion 5g moves to the left in the drawing.
As a result, the contact position between the conductive pattern 7 and the resistor pattern 6 also moves to the left in the drawing, and the resistance value of the resistor pattern 6 changes.
The rotation angle and the rotation direction of the rotary plate 2 are detected by one of the rotation detection members 3 based on the change in the resistance value.
When the one rotation detection member 3 detects the rotation angle and the rotation direction of the rotary plate 2, a control unit (not shown) configured by an IC or the like determines the tilt angle and the tilt direction of the operation shaft 22 in the direction of arrow B. Upon detection, an image or the like on a display of a game machine or the like can be input to a desired position.
[0035]
In order to operate the other rotation detecting member 4, when the operation shaft 22 is tilted in the direction of arrow C, the operation shaft 22 is tilted along the elongated hole 23a of the first rotating member 23, Is rotated. By the rotation of the second rotating member 24, the rotating plate 2 fixed to the rotating shaft 24b of the second rotating member 24 rotates.
The tilt angle and the tilt direction of the operation shaft 22 in the direction of arrow C can be detected by the change in the resistance value of the other rotation detection member 4.
[0036]
The operation of the operation shaft 22 of the multidirectional input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be performed not only in the direction perpendicular to the arrows B and C, but also in any direction. In this case, Both the first and second earth-opening members 23 and 24 rotate, and the respective rotating plates 2 and 2 rotate.
The tilt angle and the tilt direction of the operation shaft 22 that has been tilted in an arbitrary direction can be detected by the change in the resistance value of the rotation detection members 3 and 4 on the other side.
Further, in the description of the first embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member on which the one and the other rotation detecting members 3 and 4 are placed is described as the leaf spring 9, but the elastic member is not limited to the leaf spring 9. Or rubber.
[0037]
Further, the cam surface 2b of the rotary plate 2 has been described as being formed symmetrically from the center (center line D) of the fan-shaped outer peripheral surface, but need not be symmetrical.
That is, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate 2 is formed of cam surfaces having different dimensions from the center of rotation, and when the rotating plate 2 rotates via the first and second rotating members 23 and 24 by the tilting operation of the operation shaft 22. Alternatively, the position of the cam surface 2b elastically contacting the one and the other rotation detecting members 3, 4 may be changed.
[0038]
The multidirectional input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. The frame 11 has a top plate 11 a formed above a cavity formed therein. A circular opening 11b is formed substantially at the center of the top plate 11a, and the upper part of the cavity is opened.
Further, the outer peripheral portion of the frame 11 is surrounded by a side wall 11c, and the adjacent side walls 11c, 11c have U-shaped grooves capable of rotatably supporting first and second rotating members 33, 34 described later. 11d, 11d are formed at a predetermined depth.
[0039]
Further, the frame 11 has a shielding plate 13 that shields the lower part of the hollow portion, and the shielding plate 13 has U-shaped grooves 11d, 11d formed in the side plate 11c of the frame 11, as shown in FIG. Support projections 13a, 13a are formed to protrude at the portions. The support protrusions 13a have a U-shaped tip, and can support the rotating shafts 34a of the first and second rotating members 33 and.
When the frame 11 is placed on the shielding plate 13 with the rotating shafts 34a, 33a of the first and second rotating members 33, 34 positioned on the support protrusions 13a, 13a, the ceiling of the U-shaped groove 11d is formed. A bearing for each of the rotating shafts 33a and 34a is formed by the portion and the tip of the support protrusion 13a.
[0040]
The second rotating member 34 is made of metal. As shown in FIG. 10, a first rotating shaft 34a on the near side and a second rotating shaft 34b on the far side are formed by die casting or the like. A substantially fan-shaped rotating plate 34c is formed integrally with one rotating shaft 34a.
The cam surface 34d of the rotary plate 34c is formed to be the same as the cam surface 2b of the rotary plate 2 of the first embodiment, and the other rotation detection formed on the FPC 5 between the cam surface 34d and the leaf spring 9 is performed. A member 4 (not shown) is provided so that the rotation angle and the rotation direction of the rotating plate 34c can be detected.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 9, the first rotating member 33 is integrally formed with a rotating plate 33c, and a cam surface 33d of the rotating plate 33c is a cam surface of a rotating plate 34c of the second rotating shaft 34. One rotation detecting member 3 (not shown) formed on the FPC 5 is formed between the cam surface 33d and the leaf spring 9 to detect the rotation angle and the rotation direction of the rotation plate 33c. It is possible.
[0042]
Further, in the second embodiment, the spacer member 8 described in the first embodiment may be made of the resist layer 18. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the spacer member 8 uses a resist layer remaining on each of the conductors 5c, the resistor pattern 6, and the conductive pattern 7 having a predetermined shape when they are formed by etching or the like. is there. As shown in FIG. 12, an opening 18a for exposing the conductive pattern 7 and the resistor pattern 6 is formed by etching or the like in the resist layer 18, and the conductive pattern 7 and the resistor pattern 6 are formed by the opening 18a. Are in contact with each other and can be conducted.
As described above, by using the spacer member 8 as the resist layer 18, the spacer 8 can be formed integrally with the FPC 5, and the number of components can be reduced.
[0043]
In such a multidirectional input device of the second embodiment, since the rotating plates 33c and 34c are integrally formed on the first and second rotating members 33 and 34, the rotating device of the first embodiment is rotated. The strength of the plate 2 can be made higher than that of a separate plate, and the number of assembly steps such as press-fitting or bonding can be reduced.
In addition, by forming a bearing with the support projection 13a of the shielding plate 13 and the U-shaped groove 11d of the frame 11, the first and second rotating members 33 can be simply covered with the frame 11 from above the shielding plate 13. , 34 can be supported.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
In the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the rotation detecting members capable of detecting the rotation angle and the rotation direction of the rotating plate are arranged in elastic contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective rotating plates. By detecting the rotation angle and the rotation direction, it is possible to detect the tilt angle and the tilt direction of the operation shaft, and it is possible to provide a multidirectional input device with a reduced number of components and a reduced cost.
[0045]
Further, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate is formed of cam surfaces having different dimensions from the center of rotation, and when the rotating plate rotates via the first and second rotating members due to the tilting operation of the operation shaft, the rotation detecting member is resilient. Since the position of the cam surface that is in contact is changed, the resistance value of the resistor pattern formed on the rotation detection member changes, and the tilt angle and tilt direction of the operation shaft can be detected. An excellent multidirectional input device can be provided.
[0046]
Further, the cam surface of the rotating plate is formed symmetrically from the central portion formed in a fan shape, and the dimension from the rotation center to the cam surface is gradually increased from the central portion to the left and right end portions. Therefore, the tilt angle and the tilt direction of the operation axis can be detected with high accuracy. In addition, a symmetric rotating plate is easy to manufacture.
[0047]
Also, a resistor pattern having a predetermined shape is formed on the facing surface of one of the FPCs facing each other, and a conductive pattern is formed on the other FPC at a position facing the resistor pattern. The value can be reliably changed.
[0048]
Also, when the operating shaft is at the neutral position in the upright state, the center of the cam surface elastically contacts the rotation detecting member, so that the center of the conductive pattern and the center of the resistor pattern are in contact with each other. It is possible to provide a high-precision multidirectional input device capable of reducing variation in the contact position between the conductive pattern and the resistor pattern when the operation axis is at the neutral position.
[0049]
In addition, one and the other FPCs are formed by folding one FPC so as to face each other, and the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern are formed on the surfaces facing each other, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. It is.
[0050]
In addition, since the slit groove is formed in the folded portion of one FPC, there is no variation in the folded position, and the assembly is easy.
[0051]
Further, the rotation detecting member is provided with a spacer member having an opening between one and the other FPCs, and the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern are positioned in the opening so as to face each other, so that the cam surface of the rotating plate is provided. Can conduct the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern only at the elastic contact portion, reduce the variation of the resistance value, and enable high-precision rotation detection.
[0052]
Further, since the rotation detecting member is mounted on the elastic member which can be elastically deformed, it is possible to reliably conduct the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern.
[0053]
Further, since the elastic member is made of a leaf spring, it can be formed by stamping with a press or the like, and the production of the leaf spring is easy.
[0054]
Further, since the spacer member is formed of a resist layer having a predetermined thickness, the resist layer for forming the conductive pattern and the resistor pattern can be used as the spacer member, and the spacer member can be integrated with the FPC.
Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.
[0055]
Further, since the rotating plate is formed integrally with the first and second rotating members, the number of components can be reduced.
[0056]
In addition, the bearing portion is formed on the frame side and is capable of supporting the upper side of the rotating shaft, and a part of a shielding plate that shields a lower portion of the hollow portion of the frame is formed so as to protrude therefrom. , The first and second rotating members can be easily assembled.
[0057]
In addition, since the supporting protrusion is formed in a U-shape at the portion where the rotating shaft contacts, the rotating shaft can be reliably supported without play.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an FPC according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part for explaining one rotation detecting member according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a spacer according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a leaf spring according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a configuration of one rotation detection member according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an essential part for explaining the operation of the rotation detecting member according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an essential part for explaining the operation of the rotation detecting member according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multidirectional input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rotating member according to the embodiment of love 2;
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a main part of a rotation detecting member according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a conventional multidirectional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
One frame
1d collar
1e Open part
2 rotating plate
2b Cam surface
3 One rotation detection member
4 The other rotation detection member
5 FPC
5d resistor formation part
5e slit groove
5f connection
5g conductor formation part
6 Resistor pattern
6a Carbon pattern
6b Conductor pattern
7 Conductive pattern
8 Spacer member
9 leaf spring
21 frames
22 Operation axis
23 First rotating member
24 Second rotating member

Claims

A first rotatable member having a long groove that is rotatable, a second rotatable member having a long groove that is rotatable and disposed in a direction orthogonal to the first rotatable member, A frame having a hollow portion in which a second rotating member is rotatably mounted, and the first and second rotating members are inserted through long grooves of the first and second rotating members, and the first and second rotating members are tilted. An operating shaft capable of rotating the rotating member,
A rotating plate rotatable in association with the rotation of the first and second rotating members is provided on at least one side of both ends of the first and second rotating members that are bridged on the frame. And a rotation detecting member capable of detecting a rotation angle and a rotation direction of the rotary plate is disposed in elastic contact with an outer peripheral surface of each of the rotary plates.

The outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate is formed of a cam surface having a different dimension from a center of rotation, and when the rotating plate rotates via the first and second rotating members by the tilting operation of the operation shaft, 2. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the cam surface elastically contacting the rotation detecting member changes.

The cam surface of the rotating plate is formed symmetrically from the central portion formed in a fan shape, and the dimension from the rotation center to the cam surface gradually increases as going from the central portion to the left and right end portions. 3. The multidirectional input device according to claim 2, wherein the input device is formed.

The rotation detecting member has one and the other FPC (flexible printed circuit board) facing each other, and a resistor pattern having a predetermined shape is formed on the facing surface of the one FPC, and the other FPC has The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein a conductive pattern is formed at a position facing the resistor pattern.

When the operating shaft is at the neutral position in the upright state, the central portion of the cam surface elastically contacts the rotation detecting member so that the central portion of the conductive pattern contacts the central portion of the resistor pattern. 5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4, wherein:

6. The FPC according to claim 4, wherein the one FPC and the other FPC are formed by folding one FPC so as to face each other, and the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern are formed on surfaces facing each other. A multidirectional input device as described.

7. The multidirectional input device according to claim 6, wherein a slit groove is formed in a folded portion of the one FPC.

The rotation detecting member is provided with a spacer member having an opening between the one and the other FPCs, and the resistor pattern and the conductive pattern are positioned in the opening so as to face each other. The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein

The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotation detection member is mounted on an elastic member that can be elastically deformed.

The multi-directional input device according to claim 9, wherein the elastic member comprises a leaf spring.

The multidirectional input device according to claim 8, wherein the spacer member is formed of a resist layer having a predetermined thickness.

4. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating plate is formed integrally with the first and second rotating members.

The first and second rotating members have rotation shafts formed at both ends thereof, and the rotation shafts are supported by bearings formed on the frame to be rotatable. The bearings are A U-shaped groove formed on the frame side and capable of supporting the upper side of the rotating shaft, and a part of a shielding plate for shielding a lower portion of the hollow portion of the frame from the lower side of the rotating shaft is formed. 13. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, comprising a support protrusion that can be supported.

14. The multidirectional input device according to claim 13, wherein the support protrusion has a U-shaped portion where the rotation shaft contacts.