JP2005317376A - Complex operation input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a complex operating input device in which the operator can carry out a series of operation of rotating, sliding, and pushing by moving a knob without releasing the hand. <P>SOLUTION: The outside knob holder 22 is made free to descend and a push switch b5 for detecting the descending of the outside knob holder 22 is provided. A spherical face is provided on obliquely lower side of the outside knob holder 22, and an outside inclined guide 21 having a spherical face for receiving this spherical face is provided. Push switches 3 are provided at the locations corresponding to four directions at the lower part of the outside knob holder 22, and when the outside knob holder 22 is inclined, push pins 9 arranged in compliance with inclined direction are made to descend, and the push switches 3 are turned on, and the upper end of an interlocking spring 14 is fixed to the outside knob holder 22, and the lower end of it is fixed to a rotary encoder 2, thereby, rotation of the outside knob holder 22 is detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of a composite operation input device that allows a direction input or a push operation to be performed by input to one device.

Conventionally, a drive body externally fitted in an engaged state that can be tilted and rotated integrally with the rotary operation shaft of the rotary rotary encoder is provided, and the push switch is pressed and driven by the flange portion of the tilted drive body. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-150892 (page 2-5, full view)

  However, in the past, the rotation detection component and the push switch can be operated with a common operation member. However, in order to achieve the configuration, it is necessary to provide multiple types of clearances, and this is a looseness of the combination component as it is. It has become. In addition, by using a hollow rotary encoder, a different type of push button switch can be provided inside the rotary encoder, but it cannot be integrated with the rotary and push operation knobs in a formally integrated manner, resulting in a completely different type of operation system. End up.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and its purpose is to perform a series of operations of rotation, sliding, and pressing without moving the operator by moving the provided knob. An object of the present invention is to provide a composite operation input device that can perform the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a vertical movement mechanism that allows a drive body to which an operation is transmitted to move up and down, a push switch that detects the lowering of the drive body, and a tilt that makes the drive body tiltable. It is characterized by comprising a mechanism, a direction detection switch for detecting the tilting direction of the driving body, a rotating mechanism for rotating the driving body, and a rotation switch for detecting the rotation of the driving body.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the operator can rotate, tilt, and operate the push buttons without having to change with one operation component. In addition, since a large clearance is not provided in the operation component by connecting with a universal joint, the input device is free from rattling.

  Embodiments for realizing the composite operation input device of the present invention will be described in the first embodiment corresponding to the invention according to claims 1, 2, 3, 6 and the invention according to claims 1, 2, 4, 5. A description will be given based on the corresponding second embodiment.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the composite operation input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which some components of the composite operation input device according to the first embodiment are omitted. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the composite operation input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view in which some components of the composite operation input device according to the first embodiment are omitted. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-F in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-F in which some components at the time of sliding of the composite operation input device according to the first embodiment are omitted. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the composite operation input device according to the first embodiment in which a part of the outer knob is pressed is omitted. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-F in which some components in the state in which the inner knob is pushed of the composite operation input device of the first embodiment are omitted. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-F in which some components in the tilted state of the composite operation input device according to the first embodiment are omitted.

The structure will be described with reference to FIGS. The composite operation input device 1 according to the first embodiment is provided on a substrate or a component corresponding to the substrate, although not shown. In the following description, it is assumed to be on the substrate.
First, a hollow annular rotary rotary encoder 2 is provided on a substrate. The rotary rotary encoder 2 is partly rotatable, and detects the rotation angle with a preset angular resolution by the rotation of this member. A rotary connecting part 6 is attached to the rotatable part so as to be rotatable together.

On the substrate inside the rotary rotary encoder 2, a push switch 3 for detecting pressure is provided on a substrate in four directions every 90 degrees as shown in FIG.
Further, the push switch a4 and the push switch b5 are provided at two positions inside the push switch 3 arranged in the four directions.
Next, an inner hole is provided so as to have an annular shape, and a slider base 7 is provided which is slightly inside the center of each push switch 3 having an outer diameter of four directions. The slider base 7 is provided so as to support a plurality of locations on the substrate so as to have a lower surface above the push switch 3, the push switch a4, and the push switch b5 with a gap above the upper surface.
The inner hole of the slider base 7 has a shape that extends downward so as to be a cylindrical shape, and has a diameter that allows the peripheral edge to be on the push switch a4. A small hole is provided on the push switch b5.
A plurality of protrusions are provided on the upper surface of the slider base 7.

In addition, a guide for providing wall surfaces at predetermined intervals on the outer periphery is formed on the outer peripheral end portion of the slider base 7 above the push switch 3 in the four directions.
Push pins 9 are arranged between the wall surfaces of these four guide portions. The push pin 9 has a bar-shaped member that penetrates the plate member, and the plate member has an inclined shape that is directed downward as the upper surface or the entire surface is separated from the bar-shaped member. This inclined portion is called a rib receiver. The push pin 9 is placed on the push switch 3 and is positioned without input by the restoring force of the push switch 3.
For the two push pins 9 that engage with the horizontal slider lower part 8, the rib receiver is at a low position, and for the two that engage with the horizontal slider upper part 19, the rib receiver is at a high position.

Above the slider base 7, a horizontal slider lower 8 that slides in the lateral direction on a plurality of protrusions on the upper surface of the slider base 7 is provided. The horizontal slider bottom 8 has a shape in which an annular part is cut out. This notch is positioned so as to overlap with a small hole in the slider base 7 above the push switch b5.
An annular engagement piece projecting in the outer peripheral direction is provided at two positions 180 degrees opposite to each other below the horizontal slider 8. The engaging piece has a shape in which a lower end portion is inclined so as to be engaged with two rib receivers among push pins 9 arranged at four locations.

Next, a push pin 10 having a shape in which a rod-like member passes through the disk is provided. This disk portion is shaped to be inclined downward as it goes to the outer periphery from a predetermined diameter. The push pin 10 having this disk is inserted into a small hole provided in the slider base 7 with a lower bar-like portion in a notch portion of the horizontal slider lower 8.
Therefore, the push pin 10 having this disc makes contact with the lower end of the rod-shaped portion so as to be placed on the push switch b5, and maintains this position without turning on the switch by the restoring force of the push switch b5.

  Next, a cylindrical push ring enter 11 slidable up and down inside the inner hole of the slider base 7 is provided. The push ring enter 11 is arranged so that its lower end is placed on the push switch a4, and maintains this position without being turned on by the restoring force of the push switch a4. In addition, the cylindrical length of the push ring enter 11 is set such that the upper end becomes the same as the upper surface of the slider base 7 when the lower end is placed on the upper end of the push switch a4.

On the upper side of the push ring enter 11 is a cylindrical shape whose inner and outer diameters are the same as the push ring enter 11, with a shape that reduces the thickness of the upper end cylindrical shape, and an inner tilt that makes the inner hole side from the upper end a spherical concave surface. A guide 12 is provided.
The inner tilting guide 12 is arranged so that the lower end is placed on the upper end of the push ring enter 11.

Next, the inner knob holder 17 is provided. The inner knob holder 17 has a cylindrical portion having a predetermined length from the upper end, an annular flat surface at the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion, and a spherical portion having a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion and projecting laterally. A cylindrical part is further provided on the lower side, and a spherical surface whose diameter decreases as it goes downward is provided outside the lower part of the cylindrical part below the predetermined position. The inside of the inner knob holder 17 has a structure in which the upper cylindrical portion and the inside of the spherical surface are formed as one inner hole, and a step is provided in the lower cylindrical portion to form a large diameter inner hole.
The two spherical surfaces of the inner knob holder 17 and the spherical concave surface of the inner tilt guide 12 are set to the same center point.

A push knob 16 is provided inside the inner knob holder 17. The push knob 16 has a shape that is long in the vertical direction and closes the inner hole on the upper surface, and the design of “ENTER” is applied to the upper surface.
Further, a flange is provided on a part of the outer periphery, the push knob 16 is inserted into the inner hole of the inner knob holder 17 from below, and the flange is engaged with the step of the inner hole of the inner knob holder 17. To do.

Further, the inner knob holder 17 is provided with a restoring spring 13. The restoration spring 13 is a coil spring having a diameter that decreases downward. This shape makes it easy to obtain elastic force even when the upper surface is inclined. The restoring spring 13 fixes the lower surface portion to the substrate and fixes the upper surface portion to the step portion of the inner hole of the inner knob holder 17.
Further, the spherical surface of the inner knob holder 17 is provided with a protrusion that protrudes to the outer peripheral side in four directions.

  Next, a horizontal slider holder 18 is provided above the lower horizontal slider 8. The horizontal slider holder 18 is provided at a position having a gap that does not prevent the horizontal slider 8 from sliding laterally. The horizontal slider holder 18 is an annular plate, and the diameter of the inner hole is between the inner and outer diameters of the horizontal slider bottom 8. The horizontal slider holder 18 is provided with a plurality of portions protruding to the outer peripheral side, and these portions are fixed to the slider base 7 or the substrate. Further, notches are provided at four locations on the inner periphery of the horizontal slide holder.

A horizontal slider upper 19 is provided above the horizontal slider holder 18. The horizontal slider top 19 first has an annular plate. Cutouts are provided at four locations on the annular plate. Next, an engagement hole is provided in a portion overlapping the push pin 10 having a disk. The engagement hole has a diameter that is larger by a predetermined amount than the diameter of the non-inclined inner portion of the push pin 10 having a disk, and the inner periphery of the engagement hole is circular when the position of the horizontal slider top 19 is deviated from the disk. The push pin 10 having a plate is shaped to engage with the inclined surface of the disc.
Further, at two positions of the annular plate on the horizontal slider 19 which are opposed to each other by 180 degrees, a portion projecting to the outer peripheral side is provided, and the lower surface of the tip is provided with an inclined surface that becomes higher as going to the outer peripheral side.

A cylindrical portion in which the inner hole of the annular plate is extended upward is provided on the upper side of the annular plate, and a portion having a spherical surface whose inner diameter decreases as it goes upward is provided on the upper side of the cylindrical portion. The center of this spherical surface is the same as the center of the spherical surface of the inner knob holder 17.
Further, in the cylindrical part of the horizontal slider upper 19 and the spherical part on the upper part, long grooves are provided in four directions in four directions.
The inner hole diameter of the horizontal slider holder 18 is smaller than the inner hole diameter of the horizontal slider holder 18 and is equal to that of the lower horizontal slider 8, and a cylindrical portion extending downward is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the inner hole to connect to the lower horizontal slider 8. Then, the upper and lower positions are restricted so as to sandwich the horizontal slider lower 8 and the horizontal slider holder 18 so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction.

The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion and the spherical portion of the horizontal slider top 19 has a dimensional relationship that forms a predetermined gap with the outer periphery of the inner knob holder 17, and when the inner knob holder 17 is connected and attached under the horizontal slide as described above. Engages the spherical protrusion of the inner knob holder 17 with the cylindrical portion and the groove provided inside the spherical surface.
Next, there is provided a push ring knob 20 in which a ring-shaped portion having a larger diameter than the spherical portion on the horizontal slider 19 and a bottom surface in four directions and a rod-shaped portion extending downward from four locations are formed.

  Next, an outward tilt guide 21 is provided on the push ring knob 20. The outward tilting guide 21 has a cylindrical shape, and has a spherical shape whose diameter decreases as the outer circumference goes upward. The center of this spherical surface is the same as the center of the spherical surface of the inner knob holder 17.

An outer knob holder 22 is provided on the outer tilt guide 21. The outer knob holder 22 is provided such that an annular plate having a different diameter is connected to the inner and outer sides so that the upper surface has two steps, and the inner hole has the same diameter as the inner knob holder 17. A cylindrical portion that slides the outer diameter of the upper end of 17 is provided, and the inner knob holder 17 urged upward by the restoring spring 13 is brought into contact with the lower surface to be received. When the inner knob holder 17 is lowered, Move down along.
Further, on the lower surface of the outer knob holder 22, a cylindrical portion having a diameter equivalent to that of the outer tilt guide 21 is provided so as to extend downward, and the inner diameter increases from a predetermined position on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion toward the lower end. To provide a spherical concave surface. The spherical concave surface has the same center as the spherical surface of the inner knob holder and is engaged with the spherical surface of the outer tilt guide 21.
Furthermore, a cylindrical portion is provided at a position overlapping the position of the push pin 9 in the four directions on the lower surface of the outer knob holder 22. The cylindrical portion has a shape in which the lower end is positioned above the upper end of the push pin 9 with a gap.

The outer peripheral end of the upper surface of the outer knob holder 22 is provided with a spherical portion whose inner and outer diameters increase from the outer peripheral end downward. This spherical portion forms an annular gap below the cylindrical portion corresponding to the push pin 9. The center of this spherical portion is also located at the same position as the center of the spherical surface of the inner knob holder 17.
Next, an interlocking spring 14 is provided in which an upper end is attached to an annular gap formed between a cylindrical portion corresponding to the push pin 9 of the outer knob holder 22 and a spherical portion on the outer periphery, and a lower end is attached to the rotary connecting component 6.

Next, a slide holder B15 having an L-shaped cross section covering the outer peripheral side and the upper portion of the rotary encoder 2 is provided. A large-diameter inner hole is provided on the upper surface of the slide holder B15 so as to have a gap with the interlocking spring 14.
A slider 23 is provided on the slide holder B15. The slider 23 includes an annular plate portion and a spherical portion, and the inner hole diameter of the annular plate portion is the same as that of the slide holder B15, and the outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the slide holder B15. The spherical portion is a concave spherical portion that becomes smaller from the inner hole of the annular plate toward the upper side. The spherical portion is engaged with the spherical portion of the outer knob holder 22.

Next, a slide holder A24 having an annular upper surface and an L-shaped cross section is provided. The annular inner hole of the slide holder A24 has a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the annular portion of the slider 23, and the cylindrical portion has a shape in which the inner diameter is connected to the outer periphery of the upper end of the slide holder B15.
The slide holder A24 restricts the vertical movement of the slider 23 and enables a horizontal slide within a predetermined range.
Further, a knob 25 having an L-shaped cross section having an annular upper surface and side cylindrical portions is provided. The inner hole of the knob 25 has a diameter that allows the upper surface of the push knob 16 to be exposed, and the outer periphery of the cylinder portion has a diameter larger than the outer periphery of the slider 23.

With the above configuration, the composite operation input device 11 shown in FIG. 1 is obtained. Hereinafter, the operation will be described with the knob 25 and the push knob 16 omitted as shown in FIG.
[Action to perform multiple types of operations with an integrated mechanism]
(a) Static state (non-operating state)
In the stationary state, as shown in FIG. 5, the inner knob holder 17 is urged upward by the restoring spring 13 and can be lowered while being pressed against the lower surface of the outer knob holder 22. Further, the outer knob holder 22 is biased upward by the inner knob holder 17 biased upward and the interlocking spring 14, and the upward position is limited by the slide holder A 24 and slide holder B 15 via the slider 23. The outer knob holder 22 is held in a state where it can be lowered.

(b) Rotation Operation When the operator rotates the outer knob holder 22 via the knob 25, the rotational torque is transmitted to the rotational connection component 6 by the interlocking spring 14. At this time, the outer knob holder 22 slides with respect to the slider 23, the outer tilt guide 21, and the inner knob holder 17, and components other than the outer knob holder 22, the interlocking spring 14, and the rotational connection component 6 do not rotate.
Further, the push switch 3, push switch a4, and push switch b5 are not pushed by this rotation.

(c) Outer knob pushing operation The operator pushes the knob 25 downward. Then, the outer knob holder 22 descends while compressing the interlocking spring 14. To lower the outer knob holder 22, the outer tilt guide 21 and the push pin 10 are lowered, and the push switch b <b> 5 is pressed by the lower end of the push pin 10 to turn it ON.
The lowering of the outer knob holder 22 lowers the inner knob holder 17 while compressing the restoring spring 13. The lowering of the inner knob holder 17 lowers the inner tilt guide 12 and the push ring enter 11, and the lower end of the push ring enter 11 depresses the push switch a4 when the push ring enter 11 slides and descends with respect to the slide base. To turn on (see FIG. 7).
Since there is no rotation operation in this operation, the rotary encoder 2 does not detect the rotation.
After the operation, it returns to a stationary state by the restoring force of the interlocking spring 14 and the restoring spring 13.

(d) Inner knob pushing operation The operator lowers the inner knob holder 17 while compressing the restoring spring 13 via the push knob 16 which is an exterior part. At this time, the inner tilt guide 12 and the push ring enter 11 are lowered by the inner knob holder 17, and the lower end of the push ring enter 11 pushes the push switch a4 to turn it ON.
At this time, the inner tilting guide 12 is pushed by the spherical surface of the inner knob holder 17 and therefore cannot move in the lateral direction and is lowered (see FIG. 8).
After the operation, it returns to a stationary state by the restoring force of the restoring spring 13.

(e) Tilt operation The operator tilts the outer knob holder 22 via the knob 25 which is an exterior part. Then, the spherical surface of the cylindrical portion of the outer knob holder 22, the spherical surface of the outer tilt guide 21, the spherical surface of the outer peripheral portion of the outer knob holder 22, the inner spherical surface of the slider 23, and the spherical surface on the larger side of the inner knob holder 17 tilted by the outer knob holder 22. The spherical surface on the horizontal slider 19, the spherical surface on the small side of the inner knob holder 17, and the spherical surface of the inner tilt guide 12 slide. Since these spherical surfaces are assembled in the same position, the outer knob holder 22 and the inner knob holder 17 tilt smoothly.

The interlocking spring 14 is partially compressed as it tilts, but the rotary connecting part 6 does not move. The outer knob holder 22 presses the push pin 9 with an inner circumferential rib (cylinder portion). As a result, a total of eight directions, that is, four directions when any one of the four push switches 3 is pressed and four directions when any two of the four push switches 3 are pressed can be detected (see FIG. 9).
Since the outer knob holder 22 presses the inner knob holder 17 at the inner periphery, the restoring spring 13 is further compressed and simultaneously tilted, but both the outer tilt guide 21 and the inner tilt guide 12 slide on a spherical surface for tilting operation. Therefore, the movement is not transmitted to the push switch a4 and the push switch b5.
After the operation, it returns to a stationary state by the restoring force of the restoring spring 13 and the interlocking spring 14.

(f) Slide operation The operator slides the outer knob holder 22 laterally through the knob 25. Then, the slider 23 is slid on the outer peripheral portion of the outer knob holder 22 within a lateral range limited in the vertical direction by a groove formed by the slide holder A24 and the slide holder B15.
Since the outer knob holder 22 is in spherical contact with the outer tilt guide 21, it slides integrally in the lateral direction. The inner knob holder 17 also slides integrally with the outer knob holder 22.

When the inner knob holder 17 slides, the rib on the horizontal slider 19 (the portion protruding in the outer peripheral direction) rides on the rib receiver of the push pin 9 according to the sliding direction, so that the push pin 9 is pushed down and the push switch 3 is turned on. It becomes.
Further, at this time, since the hole peripheral portion of the horizontal slider upper 19 rides on the rib receiver (disc) of the push pin 10 having a disc, the push pin 10 is pushed down and the push switch b5 is turned on (see FIG. 6).
That is, the sliding direction input is identified as the tilting operation by the combination of the direction input by any one or two of the four-direction push switches 3 and the push switch b5.

During the slide operation, the push switch a4 and the rotary encoder 2 do not detect.
After the operation, it returns to a stationary state by the restoring force of the restoring spring 13 and the interlocking spring 14.

  As described above, as described in (a) to (f), the composite operation input device 1 according to the first embodiment can integrally perform direction input by tilting, direction input by sliding, and two push inputs.

[Action to improve operation feeling]
When the composite operation input device 1 is operated, for example, the base part of four fingers from the index finger to the little finger and a part of the palm are lightly placed on the end of the knob 25 and the outer periphery of the knob 25 is touched with the thumb.
From this state, if four fingers and a part of the palm are lifted lightly from the knob 25 and rotated by tracing the knob 25 with the belly of the thumb, rotation input can be performed. Further, when the knob 25 is tilted with four fingers and palm, or five fingers and palm, etc., the first direction can be input, and if the knob 25 is slid, the second direction can be input. Further, the first push operation can be performed by pressing the knob 25 with four fingers and palms, or five fingers and palms, etc., and if the push knob 16 is pressed by bending any of the four fingers, the first push operation can be performed. 2 can be pressed.
As described above, four types of operations (rotation, slide, tilt, push) and push operation with the push knob 16 can be performed with the knob 25 without greatly separating the hand from the knob 25 of the composite operation input device 1. It improves the ring.

[Advantageous effects on lighting]
In the composite operation input device 1 according to the first embodiment, since the annular structure is used to form a hollow structure, an illumination unit such as an LED can be provided on the substrate portion below the push knob 16. With this illumination, for example, the push knob 16 can be lit and displayed in a plurality of colors according to the operation.

[Action to keep the design of the push knob in a certain direction]
The design of “ENTER” provided on the upper surface of the push knob 16 is held in a certain direction because rotation is not transmitted to the push knob 16, so that the appearance is very good.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the composite operation input device 1 according to the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) The outer knob holder 22 to which the operation is transmitted is urged upward by the interlocking spring 14, and the outer knob holder 22 is pressed against the slider 23 to be freely lowered. When the outer knob holder 22 is lowered, the outer tilt guide 21 and the disc A push switch b5 for detecting the lowering of the outer knob holder 22 by pressing the push pin 10 having a spherical surface is provided, a spherical surface is provided obliquely below the outer knob holder 22, and an outer tilt guide 21 having a spherical surface that receives the spherical surface is provided. The push switch 3 is provided at a position corresponding to the four directions below the knob holder 22, and when the outer knob holder 22 is tilted, the push pin 9 provided according to the tilting direction is lowered, the push switch 3 is turned ON, and the outer knob holder 22 is interlocked. The upper end of the spring 14 is fixed and the lower end is fixed to the rotary encoder 2 to detect the rotation of the outer knob holder 22. , Rotating without re-holding the operator in one operation part, the tilt direction, the push button operation becomes possible. Further, since a large clearance is not provided in the operation parts by connecting with a universal joint, an input device without backlash can be obtained.

(2) The outer knob holder 22 is provided with an annular spherical surface obliquely below, and is supported by an outer tilting guide 21 that contacts the spherical surface of the outer knob holder 22 with an annular concave spherical surface. Since tilting and rotation are performed, when the outer knob holder 22 is lowered, the outer knob holder 22 moves as a unit, and the tilting and rotation prevent the spherical surface from sliding and rotating and moving relatively easily. It can be tilted, rotated, and lowered with a simplified structure.
In addition, when the spherical surface and the concave spherical surface are in contact with each other, tilting and rotating by sliding the spherical surface and the concave spherical surface, and by lowering the force by transmitting the force in a non-sliding direction, there is a complicated clearance. The movement caused by the dimensional accuracy of each part that occurs in the mechanism does not become smooth and does not make a large collision sound or engagement sound when operating.

  (3) The outer knob holder 22 has a spherical surface on the side, and a slider 23 that receives the diagonally upper spherical surface from the upper surface on the inner periphery. The outer knob holder 22 transmits the pressing force from the outer knob holder 22 to the push switch b5. 22 is divided into an outer tilt guide 21 that receives a spherical surface obliquely below 22 and a push pin 10 having a disc so that the outer tilt guide 21 can be slid together with the outer knob holder 22, so that the structure is relatively simplified. An operation of further sliding the outer knob holder 22 that tilts, rotates, and descends can be added, and more operations can be performed integrally.

  (6) A push switch 3 is provided at a position corresponding to four directions on the substrate inside the rotary encoder 2, and a push pin 9 having a plate-shaped support on the push switch b5 and the push switch 3 and a disk-shaped support are provided. The push pin 10 is provided so as to be lowered by the restoring force of the push switch b5 and the push switch 3, and the horizontal slider upper 19 and the horizontal slider lower 8 that slide integrally with the outer knob holder 22 are provided. A push pin 9 having a plate-like support is provided as a sloped plate-shaped receiver, and a push pin 10 having a disk-shaped receiver is inclined on the outer peripheral side of the disk. When the outer knob holder 22 is lowered, the outer tilt guide 21 pushes down the push pin 10 having a disk to turn on the switch, When the holder 22 is tilted, the cylindrical portion on the lower surface of the outer knob holder 22 presses the push pin 9 from the upper side to turn on the push switch 3, and when the outer knob holder 22 slides, when the outer knob holder 22 slides, the horizontal direction corresponding to the sliding direction. The push pin 9 is lowered to turn on the push switch 3 so that the projecting portions of the slider upper 19 and the horizontal slider lower 8 sideward ride on the inclined surface of the plate-shaped receiver of the push pin 9, and the push switch 3 is turned on. The push switch b5 is turned on by lowering the push pin 10 having the disk so that a part of the slider top 19 rides on the inclined surface of the disk of the push pin 10 having the disk. Different direction inputs can be performed, and a plurality of operations can be performed without further releasing hands.

The second embodiment is an example in which a rotation operation, a tilt operation, an outer knob push, and an inner knob push can be integrally performed.
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the composite operation input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view in which some components of the composite operation input device according to the second embodiment are omitted. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the composite operation input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view in which some components of the composite operation input device according to the second embodiment are omitted. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG in FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view in which some components are omitted when the composite operation input device of the second embodiment is tilted. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view in which some parts of the combined operation input device according to the second embodiment in a state where the inner knob is pressed are omitted. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view in which some parts of the composite operation input device according to the second embodiment in a state where the outer knob is pushed are omitted.

The structure will be described with reference to FIGS.
The composite operation input device 30 of the second embodiment is also provided on the substrate.
First, an annular hollow rotary encoder 31 is provided on the substrate, and the rotary encoder 31 detects the rotation of the portion protruding upward.
A fixed ring-shaped member that does not rotate is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the rotary encoder 31.
On the hollow inner substrate of the rotary encoder 31, as shown in FIG. 13, the push switch 32 arranged in four directions, the push switch a33 and the push switch at opposite positions on the outer circumference side of the push switch 32 on the substantially same circumference. A switch b34 is provided.

  Next, a cylindrical outer push ring 35 that slides up and down with the inner periphery of a ring-shaped member provided on the inner peripheral portion of the rotary encoder 31 is provided. On the inner peripheral side of the upper end portion of the outer push ring 35, a concave spherical surface is provided that increases in inner diameter as it goes downward. Further, the outer push ring 35 has a diameter larger than that of the push switch a33 and the push switch b34, and a part of the inner diameter of the outer push ring 35 is provided with an arm portion protruding inward. The arm portion is placed on the push switch b34, and the arm portion is supported without being switched on by the restoring force of the push switch b34, and the lower end of the outer push ring 35 is held in a state of being lifted from the substrate.

A cylindrical inner push ring 36 is provided inside the outer push ring 35. On the inner peripheral side of the upper end portion of the inner push ring 36, a concave spherical surface is provided that increases in inner diameter as it goes downward. The diameter of the inner push ring 36 is set to the diameter of the circumference overlapping with the positions of the push switch a33 and the push switch b34. A portion of the inner push ring 36 that overlaps with the push switch b34 is provided with a notch that opens the lower end, and does not engage with the lowering / returning of the arm portion of the outer push ring 35. The push switch a33 is not pressed.
The inner push ring 36 is configured such that the lower end is placed on the push switch a33 in a state in which the outer periphery is slid to the inner periphery of the holder base 39 to enable vertical movement, and the switch is not turned ON by the restoring force of the push switch a33. It is held in a state where it can be lowered.

Next, an inner knob holder 38 is provided inside the inner push ring 36. The inner knob holder 38 is first provided with a cylindrical portion, and a spring 37 presser projecting inward is provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion. An annular projecting portion is provided on the outer periphery of the inner knob holder 38, and the folded portion is folded downward from the outer periphery of the annular portion. This spherical surface is provided with ribs protruding in the four directions on the outer side. Furthermore, a portion extending downward in each of the four directions is provided at the lower end of the cylindrical portion of the inner knob holder 38.
The inner knob holder 38 is configured such that the lower end portion of the spherical portion is placed on the concave spherical surface of the inner push ring 36. In this case, the portions extending downward from the four directions of the cylindrical portion of the inner knob holder 38 are respectively The dimensions are set at predetermined intervals above the push switch 32.

Next, the holder base 39 is provided outside the inner knob holder 38. The holder base 39 is composed of a cylindrical part and an annular spherical part whose inner diameter is reduced from the upper end of the cylindrical part upward. Furthermore, on the inner periphery of the cylindrical part and the spherical part, vertically long grooves are provided at four locations corresponding to four directions.
Further, a notch for opening the lower end is provided at a part of the lower end of the cylindrical portion of the holder base 39 so that the arm portion of the outer push ring 35 and the push switch b34 are kept at a predetermined distance and are not engaged. Moreover, the lower end of the cylindrical part is made into the cylinder length used as the predetermined space | interval with the push switch a33, and is not engaged.
The holder base 39 is engaged with the ribs at the four locations of the inner knob holder 38 in the groove on the inner circumference, and the annular spherical inner circumference is placed on the spherical surface of the inner knob holder 38 projecting sideways. Hold it in a raised position.

Next, the outer knob holder 40 is provided. First, the outer knob holder 40 is provided with an annular plate, and an inner short cylindrical portion whose inner hole extends downward. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion is a diameter with which the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the inner knob holder 38 can slide. An outer cylindrical portion having the same length as the inner side is provided at the outer peripheral end of the annular plate, and an annular plate portion projecting outward is further provided at the lower end of the cylindrical portion to form a step in the annular plate.
From the outer peripheral end of the outer annular plate, a cylindrical portion extending further downward and a portion projecting with a spherical surface is provided on the outer side. Ribs protruding outward are provided at positions corresponding to the four directions of the spherical surface portion.
The outer knob holder 40 is mounted such that a spherical surface portion is placed on the inner peripheral spherical surface of the upper end of the outer push ring 35.

Next, the rotational connection component 41 having a shape in which a portion having a spherical inner surface is connected to the upper portion of the cylindrical portion is provided. The inner peripheral spherical surface of the rotary connecting component 41 is a spherical surface that can slide with the outer peripheral spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40. Furthermore, on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion and the spherical portion of the rotary connection component 41, vertically long grooves are provided at four locations corresponding to the four directions, respectively.
In the rotary connecting component 41, the rib protruding from the spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40 is engaged with the groove on the inner periphery, and the outer periphery is fixed to the rotatable portion protruding above the rotary encoder 31.

  Next, a coiled spring 37 whose diameter decreases as it goes downward is provided so that the lower end abuts or is fixed on the substrate, and the upper end is pressed against the protruding portion on the inner circumference of the inner knob holder 38 from below. Thus, the inner knob holder 38 is biased upward.

A knob 43 is attached to the upper surface of the outer knob holder 40. The knob 43 has an inner hole equivalent to that of the outer knob holder 40 on the upper surface, and has a shape in which the outer peripheral end of the upper surface is folded downward, and is fixed to the outer knob holder 40.
A push knob 42 is attached to the upper surface of the inner knob holder 38. The push knob 42 has an upper surface exposed from the inner hole of the knob 43, and protrudes from the outer periphery so that the upper surface does not protrude above the upper surface of the knob 43 and is fixed to the inner knob holder 38.
Each spherical surface has substantially the same center point when assembled.

Next, the operation will be described.
[Action to perform multiple types of operations with an integrated mechanism]
(g) Static state (non-operating state)
In the stationary state, the push switch 32, the push switch a33, and the push switch b34 are held in a state where the push switch 32, the push switch a33, and the push switch b34 are not turned on (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

(h) Rotation operation The operator rotates the outer knob holder 40 via the knob 43. At this time, the outer knob holder 40 slides and rotates with the inner knob holder 38. Since the ribs projecting outward from the spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40 are engaged with long grooves on the upper and lower sides of the inner periphery of the rotary connecting part 41, the width allowing movement with respect to rotation is very small. The rotational force of the rib is transmitted from the side surface of the groove to the rotational connection component 41 and rotates integrally with the outer knob holder 40. Since the rotation connecting component 41 is fixed to the upward projecting portion of the rotary encoder 31, rotation is detected.

(i) Tilt operation The operator tilts the outer knob holder 40 through the knob 43. At this time, the outer knob holder 40 has a spherical surface that slides with the inner periphery of the rotary connection component 41 and the outer push ring 35, and the rib of the outer knob holder 40 moves in the groove on the inner periphery of the rotation connection component 41. , Tilt. When the outer knob holder 40 is tilted, the inner knob holder 38 is also tilted because the cylindrical portion of the inner knob holder 38 is inserted into the cylindrical portion. At this time, the inner knob holder 38 slides with the inner circumference of the holder base 39 and the inner push ring 36, and the rib of the inner knob holder 38 moves in the groove on the inner circumference of the holder base 39 and tilts (FIG. 16). reference).
In this way, when the inner knob holder 38 is tilted, the downwardly extending portion provided at the lower end of the cylindrical portion of the inner knob holder 38 approaching downward due to the tilting causes any one of the four push switches 32 to be moved according to the tilt. One or two are turned ON, and a direction input by a tilting operation is detected.
During this tilting, the outer push ring 35 and the inner push ring 36 only slide and do not move, so that the push switch a33 and the push switch b34 are not turned ON.

(j) Pushing the outer knob The operator lowers the outer knob holder 40 through the knob 43. The spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40 slides from the inner peripheral spherical surface of the rotary connection part 41 to the cylindrical inner hole and moves downward. The spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40 is also engaged with the spherical surface of the outer push ring 35. However, the lower knob holder 40 is lowered by receiving the force. When the outer push ring 35 is lowered, the lower end of the outer push ring 35 presses the push switch b34, and the push switch b34 is turned on.
When the outer knob holder 40 is lowered, the inner knob holder 38 that is in contact with the cylindrical portion of the inner hole portion of the outer knob holder 40 is lowered while compressing the spring 37. When the inner knob holder 38 is lowered, the inner push ring 36 that is in contact with the spherical surface is lowered, and the push switch a33 is pressed to be turned on (see FIG. 18).

(k) Inner Knob Push The operator lowers the inner knob holder 38 via the push knob 42. When the inner knob holder 38 is lowered, the inner push ring 36 that is in contact with the spherical surface is lowered, and the push switch a33 is pressed to be turned on (see FIG. 17).

  As described above, as described in (g) to (k), the composite operation input device 30 according to the second embodiment can integrally perform rotation input, tilt input, and two push inputs.

[Action to improve operation feeling]
When the composite operation input device 30 is operated, for example, the base part of four fingers from the index finger to the little finger and a part of the palm are lightly placed on the end of the knob 43 and the outer periphery of the knob 43 is touched with the thumb.
From this state, if four fingers and a part of the palm are lifted lightly from the knob 43 and rotated so that the knob 43 is traced by the belly of the thumb, rotation input can be performed. Further, the direction can be input by tilting the knob 43 with four fingers and palm or five fingers and palm. Further, if the knob 43 is pressed with four fingers and palm or five fingers and palm, a pressing input can be performed. Furthermore, if the push knob 42 is pressed so as to bend one of the four fingers, a different second pressing operation can be performed.
As described above, three types (rotation, direction, and push) can be performed with the knob 43 without pushing the hand away from the knob 43 of the composite operation input device 30, and the push knob 42 can be used for input. Improve.

Next, the effect will be described.
The composite operation input device 30 according to the second embodiment has the following effects in addition to the effects (1) and (2) of the first embodiment.

  (4) The vertical movement mechanism is provided with an outer push ring 35 having an annular concave spherical surface that receives the spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40, and can be lowered by placing the arm portion of the outer push ring 35 above the push switch b34. When the outer knob holder 40 is lowered, the spherical pushes the spherical surface downward, so that the outer push ring 35 is lowered and the switch is turned on. Therefore, the cost is relatively reduced, and an integrated structure with no backlash is provided. It can be moved up and down while allowing rotation and tilting.

(5) A rib protruding outward is provided on the spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40, and a rotary connection component 41 having a concave spherical surface that slides on the spherical surface of the outer knob holder 40 is provided outside the outer knob holder 40. The concave spherical surface is provided with a long groove on the top and bottom, and the rib of the outer knob holder 40 is engaged. When the outer knob holder 40 is tilted, the rib moves along the groove, and when the outer knob holder 40 is rotated, the rib In order to detect the rotation by rotating the rotary connecting part 41 by the engagement of the groove, the outer knob holder 40 is tilted with a simple configuration with no backlash and a reduced cost, and the rotation is detected by the rotation operation. It can be performed.
In addition, in Example 2, similarly to Example 1, it has the advantageous effect with respect to illumination, and the effect which maintains the design of a push knob in a fixed direction similarly.

  As mentioned above, although the composite operation input device of the present invention has been described based on the first and second embodiments, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and each claim of the claims Design changes and additions are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The restoring spring, the interlocking spring in the first embodiment, and the spring in the second embodiment may be other elastic bodies instead of the coil spring.

1 is a perspective view of a composite operation input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the perspective view which abbreviate | omitted some components of the composite operation input device of Example 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a composite operation input device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the top view which abbreviate | omitted some components of the composite operation input device of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-F in FIG. 4. It is AF sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted some components at the time of the slide of the composite operation input device of Example 1. FIG. It is the ABCD sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted some components of the outer side knob pushing state of the composite operation input device of Example 1. FIG. It is AF sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted some components of the inner side knob pushing state of the composite operation input device of Example 1. FIG. It is AF sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted some components of the inclination state of the composite operation input device of Example 1. FIG. It is a perspective view of the composite operation input device of Example 2. It is the perspective view which abbreviate | omitted some components of the composite operation input device of Example 2. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the composite operation input device of Example 2. It is the top view which abbreviate | omitted some components of the composite operation input device of Example 2. FIG. It is GG sectional drawing of FIG. It is HH sectional drawing of FIG. It is sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted some components at the time of tilting of the composite operation input device of Example 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted some components of the inner side knob pushing state of the composite operation input device of Example 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing which abbreviate | omitted some components of the outer side knob pushing state of the composite operation input device of Example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Composite operation input device 2 Rotary encoder 3 Push switch 4 Push switch a
5 Push switch b
6 Rotating connection parts 7 Slider base 8 Horizontal slider bottom 9 Push pin 10 Push pin 11 Push ring enter 12 Inclination guide 13 Restoration spring 14 Interlocking spring 15 Slide holder B
16 Push knob 17 Inner knob holder 18 Horizontal slider holder 19 On horizontal slider 20 Push ring knob 21 Outward tilt guide 22 Outer knob holder 23 Slider 24 Slide holder A
25 Knob 30 Compound Operation Input Device 31 Rotary Encoder 32 Push Switch 33 Push Switch A
34 Push switch B
35 Outer push ring 36 Inner push ring 37 Spring 38 Inner knob holder 39 Holder base 40 Outer knob holder 41 Rotating connection part 42 Push knob 43 Knob

Claims (6)

An up-and-down movement mechanism that freely moves the drive body to which the operation is transmitted;
A push switch for detecting the lowering of the driving body;
A tilting mechanism for tilting the drive body;
A direction detection switch for detecting a tilting direction of the driving body;
A rotation mechanism that allows the drive body to rotate;
A rotation switch for detecting rotation of the driving body;
A composite operation input device comprising: In the composite operation input device according to claim 1,
The tilt mechanism and the rotation mechanism are:
The drive body is provided with an annular spherical surface at least obliquely below,
The spherical surface of the drive body is supported by contacting it with an annular concave spherical surface,
Tilt and rotate by sliding between spherical and concave spherical surfaces.
A composite operation input device characterized by that. In the composite operation input device according to claim 1 or 2,
Provided with a slide mechanism that allows the drive body to slide freely;
The slide of the driving body is detected by a combination of the direction detection switch and the push switch.
A composite operation input device characterized by that. In the composite operation input device according to claim 2,
The vertical movement mechanism is
A guide having an annular concave spherical surface that receives the spherical surface of the driving body is provided,
Press the guide and support it so that it can be lowered above the switch.
When the driver is lowered, the spherical surface pushes the spherical surface downward,
The guide descends and switches on,
A composite operation input device characterized by that. In the composite operation input device according to claim 2 or 4,
The tilt mechanism and the rotation mechanism are:
A rib projecting outward is provided on the spherical surface of the drive body,
A rotating body having a concave spherical surface that slides on the spherical surface of the driving body is provided outside the driving body,
Provide a long groove in the top and bottom of the concave spherical surface of the rotating body, engage the rib of the driving body,
When the drive body is tilted, the rib moves along the groove,
When the drive body is rotated, the rotation body is rotated by the engagement between the rib and the groove, and the rotation is detected.
A composite operation input device characterized by that. In the composite operation input device according to claim 3,
The direction detection switch is composed of press switches arranged in a plurality of directions,
The push switch and a pin that can be lowered on the push switch are provided,
Each pin is provided with a receiving portion having an inclined surface on the upper side,
The driving body is provided with a lateral protrusion,
When the driver is lowered, press the pin on the push switch from above to turn on the push switch,
When the drive body tilts, press the pin on the press switch corresponding to the tilt direction from above to turn on the press switch,
When the drive body slides, the push switch and the push switch are turned on by lowering the pin so as to ride on the inclined surface of the receiving part of the pin of the push switch corresponding to the push switch and the sliding direction.
A composite operation input device characterized by that.

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