JP2004295372A

JP2004295372A - Pointing device

Info

Publication number: JP2004295372A
Application number: JP2003085498A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hitoshi Ando; 均安藤; Noboru Nakato; 登中藤
Original assignee: Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd; Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd; Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-26
Filing date: 2003-03-26
Publication date: 2004-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-26
Also published as: JP4179909B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pointing device equipped with both a direction indicator input function as a direction indicator switch and its deciding function in addition to a coordinate input function as a pointing device. <P>SOLUTION: This pointing device D is provided with a dome-shaped main body 6 supporting a projecting spherical resistance surface 4 to be integrally interlocked with an input operating part 9 to freely rotate at the projecting face side of a face-shaped conductive member M or an upside-down cup-shaped conductive elastic member 2 so that the position data of the input operating part 9 can be read by using electric characteristics generated at the contact position of the projecting spherical resistance face 4 and the face-shaped conductive member M or the conductive elastic member 2. Furthermore, the face-shaped conductive member M or the conductive elastic member 2 and the projecting spherical resistance face 4 are sealed in the dome-shaped main body 6, and a plurality of click members 19 to be brought into contact with a substrate P are arranged outside the dome-shaped main body 6, and when the input operating part 9 is inclined outward at a predetermined angle or more, the click members 19 are pressed to the substrate P side by a portion of the input operating part 9 so that the click members 19 can be elastically deformed, and that a click touch can be generated in the input operating part 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、携帯電話、ＰＤＡ、自動車に搭載されるナビゲータ等の各種電気・電子機器で使用される多方向スイッチ又はコンピュータやゲーム機において２次元の座標位置を入力するためのジョイスティック等のポインティングデバイスに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、各種電気・電子機器のうちでも、特に、携帯電話やＰＤＡ等の携帯情報端末にあっては、その本来の機能である音声による通信、データの記録及び辞書機能等の他に、インターネットに接続して文字情報や静止画及び動画の画像情報等の送受信が可能になってきている。また、その通信機能については、ブルートゥースと呼ばれる短距離無線通信規格の採用により本来全く違った目的で開発された電子機器同士が互換性のある通信機能を備えることによって異なった電子機器同士が同一機能を実現することができるようになってきている。
【０００３】
そのため、インターネット上からゲームソフトをダウンロードすることにより携帯情報端末でゲームをしたり、携帯情報端末をテレビのリモコンとして利用するようなことが可能となっている。
【０００４】
しかしながら、特定の携帯情報端末が本来の目的と異なった機能を実現する場合に、それに応じた操作性を備えていなければならない。具体的には、携帯電話として使用する場合には多方向入力＋１確定入力機能、ゲーム機として使用する場合には３６０度全方向の座標入力機能を備えていることが望まれる。そして、小型化の要求から多方向入力＋１確定入力機能と座標入力機能とが１つのキー操作で実現できること及び操作時の確実な操作感が得られるものが望ましい。
【０００５】
従来、携帯情報端末で使用される多方向入力と確定入力機能とを実現する手段としては、図６に示したような多方向スイッチがある（特許文献１参照）。
【０００６】
この多方向スイッチ３０では、基板Ｐ上に設けられた中央接点３１を中心として入力操作部３２の円周方向を４分割した箇所の下面に４つの外周接点３３，３３，３３，３３を設け、各接点には操作時のクリック感を発生するための逆椀状皿バネ３４が取り付けられている。入力操作部３２の下面中央部及び下面外周部の逆椀状皿バネ３４に対向した４箇所には、逆椀状皿バネ３４の頂点部３５を押圧する押圧子３６ａ，３６ｂが突設されており、このうち中央の押圧子３６ａによるスイッチングが可能な垂直方向ストロークが他の外周の押圧子３６ｂによるスイッチングが可能な垂直方向ストロークよりも短く設定されている。
【０００７】
したがって、入力操作部３２の上面中央部を指で押し下げると、入力操作部３２全体が垂直方向に下降し、中央の押圧子３６ａが逆椀状皿バネ３４の頂点部３５を反転して中央の接点３１と短絡（ＯＮ）する。そこで、その押圧力を解除すれば入力操作部３２は元の位置に復帰し中央の接点３１の短絡状態が解放（ＯＦＦ）される。また、４つの外周接点３３，３３，３３，３３のいずれか１つに対応する入力操作部３２の上面外周部を指で押圧すると、押圧した部分が下降し、その真下の押圧子３６ｂがこれに対向する逆椀状皿バネ３４の頂点部３５を反転してこの逆椀状皿バネ３４に対応した外周接点３３と短絡（ＯＮ）する。そこで、その押圧力を解除すれば入力操作部３２は元の位置に復帰し外周接点３３の短絡状態が解放（ＯＦＦ）される。
【０００８】
この多方向スイッチ３０によれば、多方向入力と確定入力との操作が行え、かつそれぞれの入力操作時にクリック感のある操作感が得られる。
【０００９】
また、従来、コンピュータやゲーム機等で使用される座標入力機能を実現する手段としては、図７に示したようなポインティングデバイスがある（特許文献２参照）。
【００１０】
このポインティングデバイス４０では、基板Ｐ上に設けられた接点４１上に逆椀状皿バネ４２が固定されており、この逆椀状皿バネ４２の頂点部４３の真上に離間して対向する湾曲抵抗面４４を有すると共に、逆椀状皿バネ４２の外周から離間して基板Ｐに取り付けられる脚部４５を有するドーム型弾性部材４６が設けられている。湾曲抵抗面４４には基板Ｐと脚部４５に接触する円周上を４等分する位置に配置された電極（図示せず）から直交する２方向の電圧が供給されている。
【００１１】
ドーム型弾性部材４６の中央部には真上に向かってケーシング４７から突出する操作軸４８が設けられており、この操作軸４８を押し下げると、湾曲抵抗面４４が逆椀状皿バネ４２の頂点部４３に接触し、その接触位置でポインティングデバイス４０の変動抵抗又は電圧が供給される。そこで、操作軸４８を基板Ｐ側に傾けると湾曲抵抗面４４が逆椀状皿バネ４２の上面上を転がり、湾曲抵抗面４４と逆椀状皿バネ４２との接触位置が変化することで変動抵抗又は電圧が変化し、この変化から操作軸４８の位置データを読み取ることができる。操作軸４８の更なる押し下げは、ドーム型弾性部材４６を更に下方へ変形させ、湾曲抵抗面４４が逆椀状皿バネ４２の頂点部４３を基板Ｐ上の接点４１に接触させることとなり、その接点４１に変動抵抗又は電圧が供給される。この際には、逆椀状皿バネ４２の頂点部４３が反転するため、いわゆるクリック感のある操作感が得られる。
【００１２】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−３５１４７９（第４図）。
【００１３】
【特許文献２】
特表２００１−５２８６５５（第８図）。
【００１４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記の従来の多方向スイッチ３０では、操作時のクリック感を発生するための逆椀状皿バネ３４の大きさの関係で、隣り合う接点同士の間隔が規定されてしまうため操作方向が４方向程度に限定されてしまう。仮に、隣り合う接点同士の間隔を狭め過ぎた場合には、目的とする接点と違う接点が動作するといった誤動作を生じることとなり、スイッチングの信頼性が得られず使用することができない。
【００１５】
また、上記の従来のポインティングデバイス４０にあっては、座標入力機能を有するが４方向等の特定の複数方向入力及びその確定機能を備えておらず、携帯電話やＰＤＡ等として使用する場合には迅速な操作ができないといった問題がある。
【００１６】
そこで、この発明は、従来の携帯電話、ＰＤＡ等で使用されている多方向入力機能と確定入力機能を有する多方向スイッチと、コンピュータやゲーム機で使用されている座標入力機能を有するポインティングデバイスの問題点を解消するために考えられたものであって、ポインティングディバスとしての座標入力機能の他に、多方向スイッチとしての多方向入力機能とその確定機能とを兼ね備えた操作性に優れたポインティングデバイスを提供することを課題としている。
【００１７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために、請求項１に記載の発明では、基板上に設けられた面状導電性部材と、該面状導電性部材の上方に配置される本体作動部とを有し、前記本体作動部は、前記面状導電性部材を転動自在な凸球状抵抗面を有するドーム状本体と、該ドーム状本体の中央部外表面に前記凸球状抵抗面と連動する入力操作部とを備え、前記凸球状抵抗面が前記面状導電性部材と接触することによって生じる電気的特性を利用して前記入力操作部の位置データを読み取るようにしたポインティングディバイスであって、前記面状導電性部材は前記ドーム状本体内に密閉されており、前記ドーム状本体の外側には前記基板に接触する複数のクリック部材を配置し、前記入力操作部を外側に所定角度以上傾けた場合に前記入力操作部の一部が直接的又は間接的に前記クリック部材を前記基板側に押圧することで、前記クリック部材が弾性変形することで入力操作部にクリック感を発生するようにしたことを特徴としている。
【００１８】
請求項２に記載の発明では、基板上に設けられた中央部接点と、該中央部接点と対向する逆椀状の導電性弾性部材と、該導電性弾性部材の上方に配置される本体作動部とを有し、前記本体作動部は、前記導電性弾性部材の凸面上を転動自在な凸球状抵抗面を有するドーム状本体と、該ドーム状本体の中央部外表面に前記凸球状抵抗面と連動する入力操作部とを備え、前記凸球状抵抗面が前記導電性弾性部材と接触することによって生じる電気的特性を利用して前記入力操作部の位置データを読み取るようにしたポインティングディバイスであって、前記導電性弾性部材は前記ドーム状本体内に密閉されており、前記ドーム状本体の外側には前記基板に接触する複数のクリック部材を配置し、前記入力操作部を外側に所定角度以上傾けた場合に前記入力操作部の一部が直接的又は間接的に前記クリック部材を前記基板側に押圧することで、前記クリック部材が弾性変形することで入力操作部にクリック感を発生するようにしたことを特徴としている。
【００１９】
請求項３に記載の発明では、請求項１又は２の構成に加えて、前記入力操作部は、中央の軸部と該軸部の上部に設けられた前記軸部よりも大きな平面形状を有する操作面部とを有しており、前記操作面部の外周端部で前記クリック部材を押圧するようにしたことを特徴としている。
【００２０】
請求項４に記載の発明では、請求項１又は２の構成に加えて、前記クリック部材が逆椀状をしており、前記操作面部の下面に設けた押圧凸部で前記逆椀状のクリック部材の頂点部を直接押圧することのできるようにしたことを特徴としている。
【００２１】
請求項５に記載の発明では、請求項１乃至４のいずれか一つの構成に加えて、前記基板上には前記ドーム状本体の外側に配置された複数の外周部接点を有し、該外周部接点に対向させて前記クリック部材を配置し、さらに、前記クリック部材を導電性材料で構成し、前記クリック部材が弾性変形をしてクリック感を発生する際に前記外周部接点と前記クリック部材とが導通するようにしたことを特徴としている。
【００２２】
請求項６に記載の発明では、請求項１又は２の構成に加えて、前記基板上には前記ドーム状本体の外側に配置された複数の外周部接点を有し、該外周部接点に対向させて前記クリック部材を配置し、さらに、前記クリック部材を導電性材料で構成し、前記クリック部材が弾性変形をしてクリック感を発生する際に前記外周部接点と前記クリック部材とが導通するようにし、前記操作面部の下方には前記複数の外周部接点を覆うことのできるカバー部材を有し、該カバー部材の下面には前記逆椀状のクリック部材の頂点部を押圧することのできる押圧凸部を有していることを特徴としている。
【００２３】
請求項７に記載の発明では、請求項６の構成に加えて、前記カバー部材の中央部には前記入力操作部の軸部の外周に密着する貫通孔を形成した密閉弾性膜を有し、前記入力操作部の操作時の傾きに追従して前記密閉弾性膜が自在に変形することで、前記クリック部材と前記外周部接点とが常時外気と遮断された密閉状態にあることを特徴としている。
【００２４】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。
【００２５】
［発明の実施の形態１］
図１は、この発明に係るポインティングデバイスの実施の形態１の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【００２６】
基板Ｐ上には平面形状が円形をした面状導電性部材Ｍが設けられている。面状導電性部材Ｍの上方には面状導電性部材Ｍと対向する凸球状抵抗面４が配置され、不使用時には面状導電性部材Ｍと凸球状抵抗面４の頂点には隙間Ｓがあり、使用時にはその隙間Ｓをなくして凸球状抵抗面４が面状導電性部材Ｍ上を転動自在となるように支持するドーム状本体６の脚部７によって基板Ｐに取り付けられている。そして、ドーム状本体６の中央部外表面８には凸球状抵抗面４と連動する入力操作部９が設けられ本体作動部１０が構成されている。
【００２７】
ドーム状本体６は、入力操作部９の首振り動作に連動して凸球状抵抗面４が導電性弾性部材２上を転動できるようにするため可撓性を有するゴム又は樹脂のエラストマー製が望ましい。他方、入力操作部９は特に材質の限定がないが、操作感を考慮した場合には指に触れる部分は滑りにくい素材とし、押圧力のかかる凸球状抵抗面４の近傍は硬いものが好ましい。
【００２８】
実施の形態１では、入力操作部９を硬質樹脂製とし、その中央の軸部１１をドーム状本体６に組み込むことで両者を一体にしている。これにより、入力操作部９の指の触れる部分の形状を好みに応じて種々に変更することが可能となっている。実施の形態１の入力操作部９は中央の軸部１１とこの軸部１１の上部に設けられた軸部１１よりも大きな平面形状を有する操作面部１２とを有している。図示したものは、指に触れる操作面部１２と軸部１１とで縦断面形状が略キノコ型をしたものであるが、入力操作部９の形状は操作に支障をきたさない範囲で任意とする。
【００２９】
面状導電性部材Ｍ２はドーム状本体６内に密閉されているから、塵埃や湿気等から中央部接点１が保護されているため、接触不良の心配がない。
【００３０】
入力操作部９の下方には、本体作動部１０を囲むカバー部材１３を設けている。カバー部材１３は、基板Ｐに固定される基部１４と、この基部１４から上方に延びる弾性変形可能な屈曲した壁面部１５と、壁面部１５の上端部に設けた水平な天井部１６を有している。カバー部材１３の天井部１６の上面と略キノコ型の入力操作部９の下面とには、所定の間隙を設けている。したがって、入力操作部９を傾けていくと、ついには略キノコ型の入力操作部９の外周端部１７がカバー部材１３の天井部１６に接触し、天井部１６が基板Ｐ側に押し下げられることとなる。
【００３１】
天井部１６の下面には、本体作動部１０の周囲の基板Ｐ上に配置された外周部接点１８と対向して設けられている導電性クリック部材１９の頂点部に接触する押圧凸部２０が設けられている。カバー部材１３は、壁面部１５が弾性変形できるように可撓性を有するゴム又は樹脂のエラストマー製が望ましい。
【００３２】
図示した実施の形態１では、導電性クリック部材１９として逆椀状のものを使用しているが、外周部接点１８と接触して通電状態になったときにいわゆるクリック感を生じるものであれば、形状や構造はこれに限らなくともよい。また、導電性クリック部材１９は、必ずしも押圧凸部２０側に固定されている必要はなく、外周部接点１８側に固定されていてもよい。
【００３３】
図２は、実施の形態１の場合の基板Ｐ上に設けられている接点、電極のパターンを示している。
【００３４】
基板Ｐの表面には、導電性弾性部材２の頂点部３の内面と接触する中央部接点１と、この中央部接点１と一定の間隔を置いてその周囲を囲むようにして導電性弾性部材２の周縁部２１が接触する環状接点２２と、この環状接点２２との外側近傍の円周方向を４等分する位置に配置され導電性クリック部材１９と接触することのできる４つの外周部接点１８と、この外周部接点１８の外側近傍に円周方向を４等分する位置に配置された４つの電極２３ａ，２３ｂ，２３ｃ，２３ｄとが設けられている。図示した実施の形態２では、４つの外周部接点１８と４つの電極２３ａ，２３ｂ，２３ｃ，２３ｄとは、互いに４５度の位相を保って配置されているが、必要に応じて他の関係を保つ配置を選択してもよい。
【００３５】
４つの電極２３ａ，２３ｂ，２３ｃ，２３ｄは、ドーム状本体６の脚部７下面の固定部２４と電気的に接続され、向かい合った電極のそれぞれの直交する組（２３ａ，２３ｃと２３ｂ，２３ｄ）に電圧を加えることで、凸球状抵抗面４上に電圧分布を生じるようにしている。
【００３６】
次に、実施の形態１の使用方法とその作用について説明する。
【００３７】
指で入力操作部９を中立状態からいずれかの方向へ傾けると、凸球状抵抗面４が面状導電性部材Ｍの中央部に接触し、その接触位置でポインティングデバイスＤの変動抵抗又は電圧が供給される。そこで、入力操作部９をより大きく傾けると凸球状抵抗面４が面状導電性部材Ｍの上面上を転動し、凸球状抵抗面４と面状導電性部材Ｍとの接触位置が変化し、これに応じた変動抵抗又は電圧が発生することとなり、この変動抵抗又は電圧の値から入力操作部９の位置データが読み取れる。
【００３８】
特定の方向入力を行うために入力操作部９を更に傾けた場合には、ドーム状本体６の傾けた側の脚部７が圧縮変形すると同時に反対側の脚部７が伸長変形して、ついには略キノコ傘型をした入力操作部９の一部である外周端部１５がカバー部材１３の天井部１６を押し下げることで押圧凸部２０が下降し、その下降した押圧凸部２０に接触している導電性クリック部材１９がこれと対応している外周部接点１８と接触する。この際には、導電性クリック部材１９の頂点部が反転してクリック感のある操作感が入力操作部９を動かしている指に伝わるため、操作中に傾動終端位置を感覚的に認識することができる。そして、入力操作部９を傾けていた力を解除すれば入力操作部９は元の位置に復帰し、外周部接点１８から導電性クリック部材１９が離れこの導電性クリック部材１９も元の形状に復帰する。
【００３９】
そして、入力操作部９を押し下げていた押圧力を解除すれば入力操作部９は元の位置に復帰し、面状導電性部材Ｍから凸球状抵抗面４が離れて面状導電性部材Ｍへの抵抗値又は電圧の供給が絶たれる。
【００４０】
なお、カバー部材１３は、壁面部１５が弾性変形できるように可撓性を有するゴム又は樹脂のエラストマーを使用するとよいことは前述したが、より押圧凸部２０が導電性クリック部材１９の頂点部を押し易くするために、隣り合う押圧凸部２０同士の中間部に当たる壁面部１５及び／又は天井部１６に薄肉部を設けてもよい。
【００４１】
［発明の実施の形態２］
図３は、この発明に係るポインティングデバイスの実施の形態２の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【００４２】
基板Ｐ上に設けられた中央部接点１と対向する逆椀状の導電性弾性部材２と、この導電性弾性部材２の頂点部３の外側（凸面側）と対向する凸球状抵抗面４の頂点部５とが絶縁性接着剤を介して一体に固定されており、この凸球状抵抗面４が導電性弾性部材２上を転動自在となるように支持するドーム状本体６の脚部７によって基板Ｐに取り付けられている。
【００４３】
ドーム状本体６は、入力操作部９の首振り動作に連動して凸球状抵抗面４が導電性弾性部材２上を転動できるようになっている。
【００４４】
導電性弾性部材２はドーム状本体６内に密閉されているから、塵埃や湿気等から中央部接点１が保護されているため、接触不良の心配がない。
【００４５】
図示した実施の形態２では、導電性クリック部材１９として中央部接点１に対向して設けた導電性弾性部材２と同じく逆椀状のもので導電性弾性部材２の外径の半分程度の大きさのものを使用しているが、外周部接点１８と接触して通電状態になったときにいわゆるクリック感を生じるものであれば、形状や構造はこれに限らなくともよい。
【００４６】
次に、実施の形態２の使用方法とその作用について説明する。
【００４７】
指で入力操作部９を中立状態からいずれかの方向へ傾けると、凸球状抵抗面４が導電性弾性部材２の頂点部３近傍に接触し、その接触位置でポインティングデバイスＤの変動抵抗又は電圧が供給される。そこで、入力操作部９をより大きく傾けると凸球状抵抗面４が導電性弾性部材２の上面上を転動し、凸球状抵抗面４と導電性弾性部材２との接触位置が変化し、これに応じた変動抵抗又は電圧が発生することとなり、この変動抵抗又は電圧の値から入力操作部９の位置データが読み取れる。
【００４８】
また、凸球状抵抗面４が導電性弾性部材２の頂点部３に接触したまま、入力操作部９を傾けることなくそのままの姿勢で押し下げた場合には、ドーム状本体６を更に基板Ｐ側へ変形させ、凸球状抵抗面４が導電性弾性部材２の頂点部３を基板Ｐ上の中央部接点１に接触させることとなり、その中央部接点１に変動抵抗又は電圧が供給される。この際には、導電性弾性部材２の頂点部３が反転するため、いわゆるクリック感のある操作感が得られる。
【００４９】
そして、入力操作部９を押し下げていた押圧力を解除すれば入力操作部９は元の位置に復帰し、中央部接点１から導電性弾性部材２の頂点部３が離れて中央部接点１への抵抗値又は電圧の供給が絶たれる。
【００５０】
他の構成及び作用については、実施の形態１と同様であり、同じ構成には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００５１】
［発明の実施の形態３］
図４は、この発明に係るポインティングデバイスの実施の形態３の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【００５２】
実施の形態３にあっては、入力操作部９の指に触れる部分の縦断面形状が略矩形をしており、その上面部に指の先が入る程度の大きさの凹部２５も設けて薄型でも操作し易いものとしている。略矩形の入力操作部９の外周部の下面には、導電性クリック部材１９の頂点部を押圧できる押圧凸部２０が設けられている。実施の形態２では、入力操作部９に設けた押圧凸部２０と導電性クリック部材１９の頂点部との間には所定の隙間を設けている。
【００５３】
これにより、導電性クリック部材１２は入力操作部９と同じ硬質樹脂の押圧凸部２０で直に導電性クリック部材１９の頂点部に接触することができるから、４方向の入力操作を行った際に明確なクリック感のある操作感を得ることができる。
【００５４】
なお、実施の形態３では実施の形態２と異なり、カバー部材１３を使用していない。そのため、実施の形態１より構造が簡単で小さなポインティングデバイスＤが完成する。
【００５５】
他の構成及び作用は実施の形態２と同様であり、同じ構成には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００５６】
［発明の実施の形態４］
図５は、この発明に係るポインティングデバイスの実施の形態４の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【００５７】
実施の形態４にあっては、入力操作部９の縦断面形状が略キノコ形をしており、その上面部に指の先が入る程度の大きさの凹部２５を設けている。略キノコ型の入力操作部９の外周端部１７にはＲ面が形成されている。
【００５８】
入力操作部９の下方には、本体作動部１０を囲むカバー部材１３を設けている。カバー部材１３は、基板Ｐに固定される基部１４と、この基部１４から上方に延びる弾性変形可能な傾斜した壁面部１５と、壁面部１５の上端部に設けた水平な天井部１６を有している。カバー部材１３の天井部１６の上面と略キノコ型の入力操作部９の外周端部１７とには、所定の間隙を設けている。
【００５９】
カバー部材１３の中央部には、入力操作部９の軸部１１の外周に密着する貫通孔２６を形成した密閉弾性膜２７を有し、入力操作部９の操作時の傾きに追従して密閉弾性膜２７が自在に変形することで、導電性クリック部材１９と外周部接点１８とが常時外気と遮断された密閉状態を保つようにしている。
【００６０】
他の構成及び作用は実施の形態２と同様であり、同じ構成には同一の符合を付してその説明を省略する。
【００６１】
なお、上記実施の形態１乃至４では、座標入力機能の他に、確定入力機能と多方向入力機能とを兼ね備えたものとするため、逆椀状のクリック部材を導電性材料とし、この導電性クリック部材と導通することのできる外周部接点を設けているが、前記三つの機能のうち多方向入力機能を必要としない場合には、逆椀状のクリック部材は導電性を必要とせず、外周部接点を設けなくともよい。
【００６２】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、請求項１に記載した発明によれば、基板上に設けられた面状導電性部材と、該面状導電性部材の上方に配置される本体作動部とを有し、前記本体作動部は、前記面状導電性部材を転動自在な凸球状抵抗面を有するドーム状本体と、該ドーム状本体の中央部外表面に前記凸球状抵抗面と連動する入力操作部とを備え、前記凸球状抵抗面が前記面状導電性部材と接触することによって生じる電気的特性を利用して前記入力操作部の位置データを読み取るようにしたポインティングディバイスであって、前記面状導電性部材は前記ドーム状本体内に密閉されており、前記ドーム状本体の外側には前記基板に接触する複数のクリック部材を配置し、前記入力操作部を外側に所定角度以上傾けた場合に前記入力操作部の一部が直接的又は間接的に前記クリック部材を前記基板側に押圧することで、前記クリック部材が弾性変形することで入力操作部にクリック感を発生するようにしたので、面状導電性部材はドーム状本体内に密閉されているから、塵埃や湿気等から中央部接点が保護されているため接触不良がなく、入力操作部を動かすことにより凸球状抵抗面が面状導電性部材上を転動することで、両者の接触位置における変動抵抗又は電圧が供給されるから、座標入力が可能である。また、座標入力操作時に傾動終端位置でクリック部材が弾性変形して明確なクリック感が得られるため、操作中に傾動終端位置を感覚的に認識することができる。
【００６３】
請求項２に記載した発明によれば、基板上に設けられた中央部接点と対向する逆椀状の導電性弾性部材と、該導電性弾性部材の上方に配置される本体作動部とを有し、本体作動部は、導電性弾性部材の凸面上を転動自在な凸球状抵抗面を有するドーム状本体と、該ドーム状本体の中央部外表面に凸球状抵抗面と連動する入力操作部とを備え、凸球状抵抗面が導電性弾性部材と接触することによって生じる電気的特性を利用して前記入力操作部の位置データを読み取るようにしたポインティングディバイスであって、導電性弾性部材はドーム状本体内に密閉されており、ドーム状本体の外側には基板に接触する複数のクリック部材を配置し、入力操作部を外側に所定角度以上傾けた場合に入力操作部の一部が直接的又は間接的にクリック部材を基板側に押圧することで、クリック部材が弾性変形することで入力操作部にクリック感を発生するようにしたので、請求項１の効果に加えて、入力操作部を基板側に押し下げることで導電性弾性部材の頂点部が中央部接点に接触することで、確定入力が可能となるポインティングディバスを提供することができる。
【００６４】
請求項３に記載した発明によれば、入力操作部は、中央の軸部と該軸部の上部に設けられた軸部よりも大きな平面形状を有する操作面部とを有しており、操作面部の外周端部でクリック部材を押圧できるようにしたので、請求項１又は２の効果に加えて、構造が簡単なものとなりポインティングデバイスのコスト低減が実現できる。
【００６５】
請求項４に記載した発明によれば、クリック部材が逆椀状をしており、操作面部の下面に設けた押圧凸部で逆椀状のクリック部材の頂点部を直接押圧することのできるようにしたので、請求項１又は２の効果に加えて、傾動終端位置で入力操作部に明確なクリック感が得られるポインティングデバイスを極めて小さな空間で実現することができる。
【００６６】
請求項５に記載した発明によれば、基板上にはドーム状本体の外側に配置された複数の外周部接点を有し、該外周部接点に対向させてクリック部材を配置し、さらに、クリック部材を導電性材料で構成し、クリック部材が弾性変形をしてクリック感を発生する際に外周部接点とクリック部材とが導通するようにしたので、請求項１乃至４のいずれか一つの効果に加えて、外周部接点の数に応じた多方向入力機能が得られる。
【００６７】
請求項６に記載した発明によれば、基板上にはドーム状本体の外側に配置された複数の外周部接点を有し、該外周部接点に対向させてクリック部材を配置し、さらに、クリック部材を導電性材料で構成し、クリック部材が弾性変形をしてクリック感を発生する際に外周部接点とクリック部材とが導通するようにし、操作面部の下方には複数の外周部接点を覆うことのできるカバー部材を有し、該カバー部材の下面には逆椀状のクリック部材の頂点部を押圧することのできる押圧凸部を有しているので、入力操作部を傾けることによって入力操作部の一部がカバー部材を基板側に押圧し、結果的に押圧凸部が確実にクリック部材の頂点部を押圧することができ、外周接点部が塵埃等から保護されるため、請求項１又は２の効果に加えて、確実なクリック感の発生と外周接点部との導通が実行される信頼性の高いポインティングデバイスが提供できる。
【００６８】
請求項７に記載した発明によれば、カバー部材の中央部には入力操作部の軸部の外周に密着する貫通孔を形成した密閉弾性膜を有し、入力操作部の操作時の傾きに追従して密閉弾性膜が自在に変形することで、クリック部材と外周部接点とが常時外気と遮断された密閉状態にあるので、塵埃だけでなく湿気からも外周部接点を保護することができるため、請求項６の効果に加えて、より信頼性の高いポインティングデバイスが提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明に係るポインティングデバイスの実施の形態１の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【図２】同実施の形態２の基板上に設けられている接点及び電極のパターンを示した要部平面図である。
【図３】同実施の形態２の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【図４】同実施の形態３の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【図５】同実施の形態４の構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【図６】従来の多方向スイッチの構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【図７】従来のポインティングデバイスの構造を示した要部縦断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１中央部接点
２導電性弾性部材
３導電性弾性部材の頂点部
４凸球状抵抗面
５凸球状抵抗面の頂点部
６ドーム状本体
９入力操作部
１０本体作動部
１１軸部
１２操作面部
１３カバー部材
１４基部
１５壁面部
１６天井部
１７外周端部
１８外周接点部
１９導電性クッリク部材（クリック部材）
２０押圧凸部
２１周縁部
２２環状接点
２３ａ，２３ｂ，２３ｃ，２３ｄ電極
２４固定部
Ｄポインティングディバイス
Ｍ面状導電性部材
Ｐ基板[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multidirectional switch used in various electric / electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a PDA, and a navigator mounted on an automobile, or a pointing device such as a joystick for inputting a two-dimensional coordinate position in a computer or a game machine. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, among various electric and electronic devices, particularly in portable information terminals such as mobile phones and PDAs, in addition to voice communication, data recording and dictionary functions, which are their original functions, the Internet has been used. It has become possible to transmit and receive character information, image information of still images and moving images, etc. by connecting. In addition, with regard to its communication function, electronic devices originally developed for completely different purposes by adopting the short-range wireless communication standard called Bluetooth have compatible communication functions, so that different electronic devices have the same function. Can be realized.
[0003]
Therefore, it is possible to play a game on a portable information terminal by downloading game software from the Internet, or to use the portable information terminal as a remote control for a television.
[0004]
However, when a specific portable information terminal realizes a function different from its intended purpose, it must have operability in accordance with the function. Specifically, it is desired to have a multi-directional input + 1 confirmation input function when used as a mobile phone, and a 360-degree omnidirectional coordinate input function when used as a game machine. In view of the demand for miniaturization, it is desirable that the multidirectional input + 1 fixed input function and the coordinate input function can be realized by one key operation, and that a reliable operation feeling at the time of operation can be obtained.
[0005]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as means for realizing a multidirectional input and a confirmed input function used in a portable information terminal, there is a multidirectional switch as shown in FIG. 6 (see Patent Document 1).
[0006]
In this multidirectional switch 30, four outer peripheral contacts 33, 33, 33, 33 are provided on the lower surface of a portion obtained by dividing the circumferential direction of the input operation unit 32 into four parts around the center contact 31 provided on the substrate P, An inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 34 for generating a click feeling at the time of operation is attached to each contact. Pressers 36a and 36b for pressing the apexes 35 of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 34 protrude from four portions of the input operation unit 32 facing the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 34 at the lower center and outer periphery. The vertical stroke at which switching can be performed by the center pressing member 36a is set shorter than the vertical stroke at which switching can be performed by the other outer pressing members 36b.
[0007]
Therefore, when the center of the upper surface of the input operation unit 32 is pressed down with a finger, the whole of the input operation unit 32 is vertically lowered, and the pressing member 36a at the center inverts the apex 35 of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 34 so that the center is inverted. Short-circuit (ON) with the contact 31. Therefore, when the pressing force is released, the input operation unit 32 returns to the original position, and the short-circuit state of the central contact 31 is released (OFF). When the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface of the input operation unit 32 corresponding to any one of the four outer peripheral contacts 33, 33, 33, 33 is pressed with a finger, the pressed portion is lowered, and the pressing element 36b immediately below the pressed portion is pressed. The apex 35 of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 34 facing this is inverted to short-circuit (ON) with the outer peripheral contact 33 corresponding to the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 34. Therefore, when the pressing force is released, the input operation unit 32 returns to the original position, and the short-circuit state of the outer peripheral contact 33 is released (OFF).
[0008]
According to the multidirectional switch 30, the operation of the multidirectional input and the confirmation input can be performed, and an operation feeling with a click feeling can be obtained at each input operation.
[0009]
Conventionally, as a means for realizing a coordinate input function used in a computer, a game machine, or the like, there is a pointing device as shown in FIG. 7 (see Patent Document 2).
[0010]
In this pointing device 40, an inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42 is fixed on a contact point 41 provided on the substrate P, and a curved face opposed to the vertex 43 of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42 while being spaced apart therefrom. A dome-shaped elastic member 46 having a resistance surface 44 and a leg 45 attached to the substrate P at a distance from the outer periphery of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42 is provided. Voltages in two orthogonal directions are supplied to the curved resistance surface 44 from electrodes (not shown) arranged at positions that divide the circumference in contact with the substrate P and the leg 45 into four equal parts.
[0011]
An operation shaft 48 is provided at the center of the dome-shaped elastic member 46 so as to protrude directly upward from the casing 47. When the operation shaft 48 is depressed, the curved resistance surface 44 is moved to the top of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42. The variable resistance or voltage of the pointing device 40 is supplied at the contact position at the contact portion 43. Therefore, when the operation shaft 48 is tilted toward the substrate P, the curved resistance surface 44 rolls on the upper surface of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42, and changes due to a change in the contact position between the curved resistance surface 44 and the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42. The resistance or voltage changes, and the position data of the operation shaft 48 can be read from the change. Further depression of the operating shaft 48 deforms the dome-shaped elastic member 46 further downward, and the curved resistance surface 44 causes the apex 43 of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42 to contact the contact point 41 on the substrate P. The contact 41 is supplied with a variable resistance or voltage. In this case, since the apex 43 of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 42 is inverted, an operation feeling with a so-called click feeling is obtained.
[0012]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2001-351479 (FIG. 4).
[0013]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-T-2001-528655 (FIG. 8).
[0014]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional multidirectional switch 30, the interval between adjacent contacts is defined by the size of the inverted bowl-shaped disc spring 34 for generating a click feeling at the time of operation, so that the operation direction is changed. It is limited to about four directions. If the interval between the adjacent contacts is too narrow, a malfunction occurs such that a contact different from a target contact operates, and switching reliability cannot be obtained, and the switching cannot be used.
[0015]
In addition, the above-mentioned conventional pointing device 40 has a coordinate input function, but does not have a specific multiple direction input such as four directions and a function for determining the same. When the pointing device 40 is used as a mobile phone or a PDA, There is a problem that quick operation cannot be performed.
[0016]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a multi-directional switch having a multi-directional input function and a confirming input function used in conventional mobile phones and PDAs, and a pointing device having a coordinate input function used in computers and game machines. It was designed to solve the problem, and in addition to the coordinate input function as a pointing device, the multi-directional input function as a multi-directional switch and its determinate function have excellent operability. The task is to provide devices.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a planar conductive member provided on a substrate, and a main body operating unit disposed above the planar conductive member, The main body operating section has a dome-shaped main body having a convex spherical resistance surface that is capable of rolling the planar conductive member, and an input operation section that is interlocked with the convex spherical resistance surface on the outer surface of a central portion of the dome-shaped main body. A pointing device configured to read position data of the input operation unit using electrical characteristics generated when the convex spherical resistance surface comes into contact with the planar conductive member, wherein the planar conductive member includes: The sex member is sealed in the dome-shaped main body, a plurality of click members that are in contact with the substrate are arranged outside the dome-shaped main body, and when the input operation unit is inclined outward by a predetermined angle or more, the Part of the input operation unit is directly Or indirectly the click member by pressing on the substrate side, and wherein the click member is adapted to generate a click feeling to the input operation unit by elastic deformation.
[0018]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a center contact provided on the substrate, an inverted bowl-shaped conductive elastic member opposed to the center contact, and a main body operation disposed above the conductive elastic member A dome-shaped body having a convex spherical resistance surface rotatable on a convex surface of the conductive elastic member; and a convex spherical resistance formed on a central outer surface of the dome-shaped body. A pointing device comprising an input operation unit interlocked with a surface, wherein the convex spherical resistance surface reads the position data of the input operation unit using electrical characteristics generated by contact with the conductive elastic member. The conductive elastic member is hermetically sealed within the dome-shaped main body, and a plurality of click members that contact the substrate are disposed outside the dome-shaped main body, and the input operation unit is directed outward by a predetermined angle. When tilted more than A part of the input operation unit directly or indirectly presses the click member toward the substrate, so that the click member is elastically deformed to generate a click feeling in the input operation unit. Features.
[0019]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the input operation unit has a planar shape larger than a central shaft portion and the shaft portion provided above the shaft portion. An operation surface portion, and the click member is pressed by an outer peripheral end of the operation surface portion.
[0020]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the click member has an inverted bowl shape, and the pressing convex portion provided on the lower surface of the operation surface portion causes the inverted bowl-shaped click. It is characterized in that the apex of the member can be directly pressed.
[0021]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the substrate further includes a plurality of outer peripheral contact points disposed outside the dome-shaped main body on the substrate. The click member is disposed so as to face the external contact, and the click member is made of a conductive material. When the click member elastically deforms to generate a click feeling, the outer peripheral contact and the click member are generated. Are electrically connected to each other.
[0022]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the substrate has a plurality of outer peripheral contacts disposed outside the dome-shaped main body, and is opposed to the outer peripheral contacts. Then, the click member is arranged, and further, the click member is made of a conductive material, and when the click member elastically deforms to generate a click feeling, the outer peripheral contact and the click member conduct. In this manner, a cover member that can cover the plurality of outer peripheral contact points is provided below the operation surface portion, and a vertex portion of the inverted bowl-shaped click member can be pressed on the lower surface of the cover member. It is characterized by having a pressing projection.
[0023]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the cover member has a closed elastic film having a through hole formed in a central portion of the cover member so as to be in close contact with an outer periphery of a shaft portion of the input operation portion. The sealing elastic film is freely deformed in accordance with the inclination of the input operation unit at the time of operation, so that the click member and the outer peripheral contact point are always in a closed state in which the outside member is shut off from the outside air. .
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
[First Embodiment of the Invention]
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a main part showing a structure of a pointing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0026]
A planar conductive member M having a circular planar shape is provided on the substrate P. A convex spherical resistance surface 4 facing the planar conductive member M is disposed above the planar conductive member M, and a gap S is formed at the top of the planar conductive member M and the convex spherical resistance surface 4 when not in use. In use, the convex spherical resistance surface 4 is attached to the substrate P by the legs 7 of the dome-shaped main body 6 which supports the convex spherical resistance surface 4 so as to freely roll on the planar conductive member M without using the gap S. An input operation unit 9 interlocked with the convex spherical resistance surface 4 is provided on a central outer surface 8 of the dome-shaped main body 6 to constitute a main body operating unit 10.
[0027]
The dome-shaped main body 6 is made of a flexible rubber or resin elastomer so that the convex spherical resistance surface 4 can roll on the conductive elastic member 2 in conjunction with the swing operation of the input operation unit 9. desirable. On the other hand, although there is no particular limitation on the material of the input operation unit 9, in consideration of the operational feeling, it is preferable that the portion that touches the finger is made of a non-slip material and that the vicinity of the convex spherical resistance surface 4 to which pressing force is applied is hard.
[0028]
In the first embodiment, the input operation unit 9 is made of a hard resin, and the shaft 11 at the center thereof is incorporated in the dome-shaped main body 6 to integrate them. Thus, the shape of the portion of the input operation unit 9 touched by the finger can be variously changed as desired. The input operation unit 9 according to the first embodiment has a central shaft portion 11 and an operation surface portion 12 provided above the shaft portion 11 and having a larger planar shape than the shaft portion 11. In the drawing, the longitudinal section of the operation surface section 12 and the shaft section 11 that touch the finger has a substantially mushroom shape, but the shape of the input operation section 9 is arbitrary as long as the operation is not hindered.
[0029]
Since the planar conductive member M2 is sealed in the dome-shaped main body 6, the central contact 1 is protected from dust, moisture and the like, so that there is no fear of poor contact.
[0030]
A cover member 13 surrounding the main body operation unit 10 is provided below the input operation unit 9. The cover member 13 has a base portion 14 fixed to the substrate P, an elastically deformable bent wall portion 15 extending upward from the base portion 14, and a horizontal ceiling portion 16 provided at an upper end portion of the wall portion 15. ing. A predetermined gap is provided between the upper surface of the ceiling 16 of the cover member 13 and the lower surface of the input operation unit 9 having a substantially mushroom shape. Therefore, when the input operation unit 9 is inclined, the outer peripheral end 17 of the substantially mushroom-shaped input operation unit 9 comes into contact with the ceiling 16 of the cover member 13 and the ceiling 16 is pushed down to the substrate P side. It becomes.
[0031]
On the lower surface of the ceiling 16, there is a pressing projection 20 that contacts the apex of a conductive click member 19 provided opposite to an outer peripheral contact 18 disposed on the substrate P around the main body operation unit 10. Is provided. The cover member 13 is desirably made of a flexible rubber or resin elastomer so that the wall surface portion 15 can be elastically deformed.
[0032]
In the illustrated first embodiment, an inverted bowl-shaped conductive click member 19 is used. However, if the conductive click member 19 comes into contact with the outer peripheral contact 18 and becomes energized, a so-called click feeling is generated. However, the shape and structure need not be limited to this. In addition, the conductive click member 19 does not necessarily need to be fixed to the pressing protrusion 20 side, but may be fixed to the outer peripheral contact 18 side.
[0033]
FIG. 2 shows contact and electrode patterns provided on the substrate P in the case of the first embodiment.
[0034]
On the surface of the substrate P, a central contact 1 that is in contact with the inner surface of the apex portion 3 of the conductive elastic member 2, and the conductive elastic member 2 is arranged so as to surround the center contact 1 at a predetermined interval. An annular contact 22 with which the peripheral edge portion 21 contacts, and four outer peripheral contacts 18 which are arranged near the outer side of the annular contact 22 and which are arranged at four positions in the circumferential direction and which can contact the conductive click member 19; Four electrodes 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are provided in the vicinity of the outer peripheral contact point 18 at positions that divide the circumferential direction into four equal parts. In the illustrated second embodiment, the four outer peripheral contacts 18 and the four electrodes 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are arranged with a phase of 45 degrees with respect to each other. The arrangement to keep may be selected.
[0035]
The four electrodes 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d are electrically connected to the fixing portion 24 on the lower surface of the leg 7 of the dome-shaped main body 6, and each orthogonal pair of the facing electrodes (23a, 23c, 23b, and 23d). , A voltage distribution is generated on the convex spherical resistance surface 4.
[0036]
Next, a method of using the first embodiment and its operation will be described.
[0037]
When the input operation unit 9 is tilted in any direction from the neutral state with a finger, the convex spherical resistance surface 4 comes into contact with the central portion of the planar conductive member M, and the fluctuating resistance or voltage of the pointing device D at the contact position is reduced. Supplied. Therefore, when the input operation unit 9 is further inclined, the convex spherical resistance surface 4 rolls on the upper surface of the planar conductive member M, and the contact position between the convex spherical resistance surface 4 and the planar conductive member M changes. A variable resistance or voltage corresponding to this is generated, and the position data of the input operation unit 9 can be read from the value of the variable resistance or voltage.
[0038]
When the input operation unit 9 is further tilted to perform a specific direction input, the leg 7 on the inclined side of the dome-shaped main body 6 is compressed and deformed, and at the same time, the leg 7 on the opposite side is expanded and deformed. When the outer peripheral end 15 which is a part of the input operation unit 9 having a substantially mushroom umbrella shape pushes down the ceiling 16 of the cover member 13, the pressing protrusion 20 descends, and comes into contact with the lowered pressing protrusion 20. The conductive click member 19 contacts the corresponding outer peripheral contact 18. In this case, since the apex of the conductive click member 19 is inverted and the operation feeling with a click is transmitted to the finger moving the input operation unit 9, the tilt end position can be intuitively recognized during the operation. Can be. Then, when the force that has tilted the input operation unit 9 is released, the input operation unit 9 returns to the original position, the conductive click member 19 separates from the outer peripheral contact 18, and the conductive click member 19 also returns to the original shape. To return.
[0039]
When the pressing force that has pressed down the input operation unit 9 is released, the input operation unit 9 returns to the original position, and the convex spherical resistance surface 4 separates from the planar conductive member M and moves to the planar conductive member M. Supply of the resistance value or the voltage is cut off.
[0040]
As described above, it is preferable that the cover member 13 be made of a rubber or resin elastomer having flexibility so that the wall surface portion 15 can be elastically deformed. In order to make it easier to press, a thin wall portion may be provided on the wall portion 15 and / or the ceiling portion 16 corresponding to an intermediate portion between the adjacent pressing protrusions 20.
[0041]
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a structure of a pointing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0042]
An inverted bowl-shaped conductive elastic member 2 facing the center contact point 1 provided on the substrate P, and a convex spherical resistance surface 4 facing the outside (convex side) of the top 3 of the conductive elastic member 2. The apex portion 5 is integrally fixed with an insulating adhesive, and the leg portion 7 of the dome-shaped main body 6 supports the convex spherical resistance surface 4 so as to roll on the conductive elastic member 2. To the substrate P.
[0043]
In the dome-shaped main body 6, the convex spherical resistance surface 4 can roll on the conductive elastic member 2 in conjunction with the swing operation of the input operation unit 9.
[0044]
Since the conductive elastic member 2 is sealed in the dome-shaped main body 6, the central contact 1 is protected from dust, moisture, and the like, so that there is no fear of poor contact.
[0045]
In the illustrated second embodiment, the conductive click member 19 has the same shape as an inverted bowl like the conductive elastic member 2 provided to face the center contact 1 and has a size that is about half the outer diameter of the conductive elastic member 2. However, the shape and structure need not be limited to this as long as a so-called click sensation is generated when the outer peripheral portion contact 18 comes into the energized state.
[0046]
Next, a method of using the second embodiment and its operation will be described.
[0047]
When the input operation unit 9 is tilted in any direction from the neutral state with a finger, the convex spherical resistance surface 4 comes into contact with the vicinity of the apex 3 of the conductive elastic member 2, and the variable resistance or voltage of the pointing device D at the contact position. Is supplied. Therefore, when the input operation unit 9 is further tilted, the convex spherical resistance surface 4 rolls on the upper surface of the conductive elastic member 2, and the contact position between the convex spherical resistance surface 4 and the conductive elastic member 2 changes. Is generated, and the position data of the input operation unit 9 can be read from the value of the variable resistance or the voltage.
[0048]
When the input operation unit 9 is pushed down without tilting while the convex spherical resistance surface 4 is in contact with the apex portion 3 of the conductive elastic member 2, the dome-shaped main body 6 is further moved to the substrate P side. When deformed, the convex spherical resistance surface 4 causes the apex 3 of the conductive elastic member 2 to contact the central contact 1 on the substrate P, and a variable resistance or voltage is supplied to the central contact 1. At this time, since the apex portion 3 of the conductive elastic member 2 is inverted, an operation feeling with a so-called click feeling is obtained.
[0049]
When the pressing force that has pressed down the input operation unit 9 is released, the input operation unit 9 returns to the original position, and the top 3 of the conductive elastic member 2 separates from the center contact 1 and moves to the center contact 1. Supply of the resistance value or the voltage is cut off.
[0050]
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0051]
Third Embodiment of the Invention
FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a main part showing a structure of a pointing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0052]
In the third embodiment, the vertical section of the portion of the input operation unit 9 that touches the finger is substantially rectangular, and the upper surface thereof is also provided with a concave portion 25 large enough for the tip of a finger to be provided. But it is easy to operate. On the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the substantially rectangular input operation unit 9, there is provided a pressing protrusion 20 that can press the apex of the conductive click member 19. In the second embodiment, a predetermined gap is provided between the pressing protrusion 20 provided on the input operation unit 9 and the apex of the conductive click member 19.
[0053]
Thereby, the conductive click member 12 can directly contact the apex of the conductive click member 19 with the pressing protrusion 20 made of the same hard resin as the input operation unit 9, so that the input operation in four directions is performed. An operation feeling with a clear click feeling can be obtained.
[0054]
The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the cover member 13 is not used. Therefore, a small pointing device D having a simpler structure than that of the first embodiment is completed.
[0055]
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0056]
[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a structure of a pointing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0057]
In the fourth embodiment, the input operation unit 9 has a substantially mushroom-shaped vertical cross-sectional shape, and has a concave portion 25 large enough to allow a fingertip to enter the upper surface thereof. An R surface is formed on the outer peripheral end portion 17 of the input operation unit 9 having a substantially mushroom shape.
[0058]
A cover member 13 surrounding the main body operation unit 10 is provided below the input operation unit 9. The cover member 13 has a base portion 14 fixed to the substrate P, an inclined wall portion 15 extending upward from the base portion 14 and capable of being elastically deformed, and a horizontal ceiling portion 16 provided at an upper end portion of the wall portion 15. ing. A predetermined gap is provided between the upper surface of the ceiling portion 16 of the cover member 13 and the outer peripheral end portion 17 of the substantially mushroom-shaped input operation section 9.
[0059]
At the center of the cover member 13, a sealing elastic film 27 having a through hole 26 formed in close contact with the outer periphery of the shaft 11 of the input operation unit 9 is provided. The elastic deformation of the elastic film 27 allows the conductive click member 19 and the outer peripheral contact 18 to be kept in a sealed state in which the elastic member 27 is always shut off from the outside air.
[0060]
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0061]
In the first to fourth embodiments, in addition to the coordinate input function, in order to have both the definite input function and the multi-directional input function, the inverted bowl-shaped click member is made of a conductive material. Although an outer peripheral contact that can conduct with the click member is provided, when the multi-directional input function is not required among the three functions, the inverted bowl-shaped click member does not require conductivity, and It is not necessary to provide a local contact.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, a planar conductive member provided on a substrate, and a main body operating portion disposed above the planar conductive member, The main body operating section has a dome-shaped main body having a convex spherical resistance surface that is capable of rolling the planar conductive member, and an input operation section that is interlocked with the convex spherical resistance surface on the outer surface of a central portion of the dome-shaped main body. A pointing device configured to read position data of the input operation unit using electrical characteristics generated when the convex spherical resistance surface comes into contact with the planar conductive member, wherein the planar conductive member includes: The sex member is sealed in the dome-shaped main body, a plurality of click members that are in contact with the substrate are arranged outside the dome-shaped main body, and when the input operation unit is inclined outward by a predetermined angle or more, the Part of the input operation unit is directly Alternatively, by indirectly pressing the click member toward the substrate, the click member is elastically deformed so that a click feeling is generated in the input operation unit. Since the central contact is protected from dust and moisture, there is no contact failure, and the convex spherical resistance surface rolls on the planar conductive member by moving the input operation unit. Since the variable resistance or the voltage at the contact position between the two is supplied, the coordinates can be input. In addition, since the click member is elastically deformed at the tilt end position during the coordinate input operation and a clear click feeling is obtained, the tilt end position can be intuitively recognized during the operation.
[0063]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inverted bowl-shaped conductive elastic member opposed to the center contact provided on the substrate, and a main body operating portion disposed above the conductive elastic member. The main body operating section includes a dome-shaped main body having a convex spherical resistance surface rotatable on a convex surface of the conductive elastic member, and an input operation section interlocked with the convex spherical resistance surface on a central outer surface of the dome-shaped main body. A pointing device that reads the position data of the input operation unit using electrical characteristics generated when the convex spherical resistance surface comes into contact with the conductive elastic member, wherein the conductive elastic member is a dome. A plurality of click members that are in contact with the substrate are arranged outside the dome-shaped body, and when the input operation unit is tilted outward by a predetermined angle or more, a part of the input operation unit is directly Or indirectly click parts Since the click member is elastically deformed so as to generate a click feeling in the input operation unit by pressing the input operation unit to the board side, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the input operation unit is pressed down to the substrate side to be conductive. By contacting the apex portion of the elastic member with the center contact, it is possible to provide a pointing device that enables a definite input.
[0064]
According to the invention described in claim 3, the input operation unit has the central shaft portion and the operation surface portion having a larger planar shape than the shaft portion provided above the shaft portion, and the operation surface portion Since the click member can be pressed at the outer peripheral end of the pointing device, in addition to the effects of the first and second aspects, the structure is simplified and the cost of the pointing device can be reduced.
[0065]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the click member has an inverted bowl shape, and the pressing convex portion provided on the lower surface of the operation surface portion can directly press the vertex of the inverted bowl-shaped click member. Accordingly, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, a pointing device that can obtain a clear click feeling on the input operation unit at the tilt end position can be realized in an extremely small space.
[0066]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, the substrate has a plurality of outer peripheral contacts arranged outside the dome-shaped main body, and a click member is arranged in opposition to the outer peripheral contacts. The member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the member is made of a conductive material, and when the click member elastically deforms to generate a click feeling, the outer peripheral contact and the click member are electrically connected. In addition, a multidirectional input function corresponding to the number of outer peripheral contacts can be obtained.
[0067]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 6, the substrate has a plurality of outer peripheral contacts arranged outside the dome-shaped main body, and a click member is arranged in opposition to the outer peripheral contacts. The member is made of a conductive material, so that when the click member elastically deforms to generate a click feeling, the outer peripheral contact and the click member are conducted, and a plurality of outer peripheral contacts are covered below the operation surface portion. The cover member has a pressing protrusion that can press the top of the inverted bowl-shaped click member on the lower surface of the cover member. A part of the portion presses the cover member toward the substrate, and as a result, the pressing protrusion can surely press the vertex of the click member, and the outer peripheral contact portion is protected from dust and the like. Or in addition to the effect of 2, High pointing device reliable conduction between the generator and the outer contact portion of the sense Rick is performed can be provided.
[0068]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, the central portion of the cover member has a closed elastic film having a through-hole formed in close contact with the outer periphery of the shaft portion of the input operation portion, and the inclination of the input operation portion during operation is reduced. Since the sealing elastic film follows and freely deforms, the click member and the outer peripheral contact are always in a closed state in which the outer contact is isolated from the outside air, so that the outer peripheral contact can be protected from not only dust but also moisture. Therefore, in addition to the effect of claim 6, a more reliable pointing device can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a structure of a pointing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a principal part showing patterns of contacts and electrodes provided on a substrate according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a main part showing a structure of the second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an essential part longitudinal cross sectional view showing the structure of the third embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an essential part longitudinal cross sectional view showing the structure of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a main part showing the structure of a conventional multidirectional switch.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a structure of a conventional pointing device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 center contact
2 Conductive elastic members
3 Top of conductive elastic member
4 convex spherical resistance surface
5 Apex of convex spherical resistance surface
6 Dome-shaped body
9 Input operation unit
10 Main body operation section
11 Shaft
12 Operation surface
13 Cover member
14 Base
15 Wall
16 Ceiling
17 Outer edge
18 Outer contact
19 Conductive click member (click member)
20 Pressing projection
21 Perimeter
22 Ring contact
23a, 23b, 23c, 23d electrodes
24 Fixed part
D pointing device
M Planar conductive member
P substrate

Claims

A planar conductive member provided on a substrate, and a main body operating portion disposed above the planar conductive member, wherein the main body operating portion is capable of rolling the planar conductive member. A dome-shaped main body having a convex spherical resistance surface; and an input operation section interlocked with the convex spherical resistance surface on a central outer surface of the dome-shaped main body, wherein the convex spherical resistance surface is in contact with the planar conductive member. A pointing device configured to read the position data of the input operation unit by using electric characteristics generated by the operation of the input operation unit. A plurality of click members that are in contact with the substrate are arranged outside the main body, and when the input operation unit is tilted outward by a predetermined angle or more, a part of the input operation unit directly or indirectly applies the click member. Press to the substrate side And, a pointing device, wherein the click member is adapted to generate a click feeling to the input operation unit by elastic deformation.

A center contact provided on the substrate, an inverted bowl-shaped conductive elastic member opposed to the center contact, and a main body operating portion disposed above the conductive elastic member; The part has a dome-shaped main body having a convex spherical resistance surface that can freely roll on the convex surface of the conductive elastic member, and an input operation unit interlocked with the convex spherical resistance surface on the central outer surface of the dome-shaped main body. A pointing device comprising: using an electrical characteristic generated by the convex spherical resistance surface contacting the conductive elastic member to read the position data of the input operation unit,
The conductive elastic member is sealed in the dome-shaped main body, and a plurality of click members that contact the substrate are arranged outside the dome-shaped main body, and the input operation unit is inclined outward by a predetermined angle or more. In this case, a part of the input operation unit directly or indirectly presses the click member toward the substrate, so that the click member elastically deforms to generate a click feeling in the input operation unit. A pointing device, characterized in that:

The input operation unit has a central shaft portion and an operation surface portion provided above the shaft portion and having a planar shape larger than the shaft portion, and the click member is provided at an outer peripheral end of the operation surface portion. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the pointing device is pressed.

The click member has an inverted bowl shape, and a pressing projection provided on the lower surface of the operation surface portion can directly press the vertex of the inverted bowl-shaped click member. Item 3. The pointing device according to item 1 or 2.

The substrate has a plurality of outer peripheral contacts arranged outside the dome-shaped main body, the click member is arranged so as to face the outer peripheral contacts, and the click member is formed of a conductive material. 5. The electrical connection between the outer peripheral contact and the click member when the click member elastically deforms to generate a click feeling, 5. Pointing device.

The substrate has a plurality of outer peripheral contacts arranged outside the dome-shaped main body, the click member is arranged so as to face the outer peripheral contacts, and the click member is formed of a conductive material. When the click member elastically deforms to generate a click feeling, the outer peripheral contact and the click member are electrically connected to each other, and the plurality of outer peripheral contacts are covered below the operation surface portion. 3. The cover member according to claim 1, wherein the cover member has a pressing convex portion on a lower surface thereof capable of pressing a vertex of the inverted bowl-shaped click member. Pointing device.

A central portion of the cover member has a sealed elastic film formed with a through hole that is in close contact with the outer periphery of a shaft portion of the input operation portion, and the sealed elastic film follows the inclination at the time of operation of the input operation portion. The pointing device according to claim 6, wherein the pointing device is in a sealed state in which the click member and the outer peripheral point contact are always shut off from the outside air by being freely deformed.