JP2014182669A - Pointing stick - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pointing stick capable of improving stability of detection quality, and being thinned down.SOLUTION: A pointing stick 100 comprises: an operation body 10 having a base part 1, an operation part 2 protruding upward from the base part 1, and an annular support part 3 extended so as to surround the base part 1; multiple sensor elements 21, 22, 23, 24 for detecting the amount of the bending of the base part 1; and an upper fixing plate 40 and a lower fixing plate 50 for sandwiching and fixing the annular support part 3. The annular support part 3 has: a main body part 31 supported by the lower fixing plate 50; and a fixed part 34 extended outside from an outer periphery 31a of the main body part 31 along the lower fixing plate 50, and formed so as to be thinner than the thickness in the vertical direction of the main body part 31. The annular support part 3 is sandwiched by the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50 at the fixed part 34.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pointing stick used for an input operation, and more particularly to a pointing stick that can obtain a stable output even if it is thinned.

  In a portable electronic device such as a notebook computer, a pointing stick that is operated by applying a tilting force is used for an input operation. Pointing sticks detect minute displacements, and are extremely difficult to detect accurately. Efforts are being made to improve detection characteristics. In addition, as portable electronic devices are becoming thinner, pointing sticks are also required to be extremely thin.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a structure of a pointing stick that fixes an operation body (operation unit) with upper and lower fixing members.

  FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional pointing stick 200. In the pointing stick 200, a first support member 210 and a second support member are sandwiched between a first support member 210 and a second support member 220, which are upper and lower fixing members. In addition to the clamping part clamped with 220, the first support member 210 is provided with an opening 210a for projecting the operation part 201 to the outside. Further, a rising portion 211 of the first support member 210 is provided in the vicinity of the opening 210a, and a gap is formed between the rising portion 211 and the second support member 220, and the first portion is utilized using this gap. An operation unit attachment clamping unit 233 that sandwiches the operation unit 201 between the support member 210 and the second support member 220 is provided.

  By having such a configuration, it is possible to eliminate the operation of welding the operation unit 201 to the second support member 220. In attaching the pointing stick to the base plate 500, the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 are integrated by welding or caulking structure, and at the same time, the base plate 500 and the operation unit 201 are sandwiched between the support members 210 and 220. Can do. Thereby, simplification of a work process and a reduction in manufacturing cost can be achieved. In addition, since the operation unit 201 is not directly welded to the base plate 500, it is difficult for the distortion of the base plate 500 to be transmitted to the detection element disposed in the operation unit 201.

  As described above, in the conventional pointing stick 200, the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 are integrated by welding or caulking structure, thereby pressing the operation unit 201 between the support members 210 and 220. Was generated.

JP 2011-175390 A

  However, since the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 are integrated by welding or caulking structure, the pressing force for clamping the operation unit 201 between the first support member 210 and the second support member 220. Will vary. Therefore, when the non-uniform pressing force is applied, the operation unit 201 is distorted, and the distortion is transmitted to the detection element disposed in the operation unit 201. For this reason, there has been a problem that the stability of the detection characteristic for detecting the operation of the operation unit 201 is deteriorated.

  In order to prevent this, it is only necessary to use a thick support material (fixed plate) with high rigidity and to form a sandwiched portion (fixed portion) of the operation portion (operation body) 201 thick. If it carries out like this, while it becomes difficult to produce the distortion of a support material when integrating by welding etc., since the to-be-clamped part is formed thickly, it becomes difficult to deform | transform and can suppress distortion. However, there has been a problem that it is difficult to reduce the thickness because the thickness of the operation portion mounting sandwiching portion 233 sandwiched between the first support member 210 and the second support member 220 is increased.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pointing stick that solves the above-described problems and has high detection characteristics and can be thinned.

  The present invention includes an operating body having a base portion on which a plurality of bending portions are formed, an operating portion protruding upward from the base portion, and an annular support portion extending so as to surround the base portion, A pointing stick comprising a plurality of sensor elements that detect the amount of bending of each of the bending portions, and an upper fixing plate and a lower fixing plate that are fixed with the annular supporting portion interposed therebetween, wherein the annular supporting portion is the lower supporting plate. A main body portion supported by a side fixing plate, and a fixing portion that extends outward from the outer periphery of the main body portion along the lower fixing plate and is thinner than the vertical thickness of the main body portion. And the fixing portion is sandwiched between the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate.

  According to this configuration, since the annular support portion is sandwiched between the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate in the fixing portion extending outward from the outer periphery of the main body portion along the lower fixing plate, the rigidity is high. Even if the fixing member is used, the main body portion of the annular support portion is interposed between the fixing portion and the base portion. Therefore, although distortion occurs in the fixing portion, strain is not transmitted to the bending portion. Therefore, the stability of detection characteristics can be improved. Further, since the main body portion of the annular support portion is not distorted by being separated from the fixing portions fixed to the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate, it is not necessary to form a thick wall. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the annular support portion.

  In the pointing stick of the present invention, the pointing stick has a fastening member for fastening the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate, and the fixing portion includes a plurality of protruding pieces protruding outward from the outer periphery of the main body portion. A fastening member insertion hole is formed in the plurality of projecting pieces, the fastening member is inserted into the fastening member insertion hole, and the plurality of the plurality of protruding pieces are interposed between the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate. The protruding piece is fastened.

  In general, fixing with a fastening member tends to cause a large distortion in the vicinity thereof. According to this configuration, the fixing portion is a plurality of protruding pieces protruding outward from the outer periphery of the main body, and is fastened by the fastening member at the position of the fastening member insertion hole formed in the protruding piece. The distortion due to the member is difficult to be transmitted to the bent portion, and the stability of the detection characteristics can be further improved.

  In the pointing stick according to the aspect of the invention, the plurality of flexures may extend in four directions, front, rear, left, and right, with the operation unit as a center in a plan view, and the fastening member insertion hole may have the plurality of the center with the operation unit as a center. It is characterized by being positioned in four directions between adjacent ones of the flexures.

  According to this configuration, the fastening member insertion holes are arranged in the four directions between the four bending portions in a plan view and fastened by the fastening member at a position away from the bending portion, so that the distortion due to the fastening member is caused in the bending portion. It is difficult to transmit and the stability of detection characteristics can be further improved. Further, it is possible to reduce the size in the horizontal direction without bringing the fastening member insertion hole close to the bending portion.

  In the pointing stick of the present invention, the upper fixing plate includes a circular opening portion into which the main body portion can be inserted, and the annular support portion is fixed by the edge portion of the circular opening portion and the lower fixing plate. It is characterized by being clamped at the part.

  According to this configuration, the edge of the circular opening is sandwiched with a uniform force at a point where the distance from the operation part in the fixed part is the same over the entire circumference. Distortion does not occur and the stability of detection characteristics can be further improved.

  In the pointing stick of the present invention, an outer periphery of the main body is formed in a circle substantially equal to the circular opening and has a protruding portion protruding outward, and the protruding portion is formed at an edge of the circular opening. A notch to be inserted is formed.

  According to this configuration, since the protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the main body is inserted into the notch formed at the edge of the circular opening, the member is positioned and stopped when the operation body is assembled. be able to.

  In the pointing stick of the present invention, the lower fixing plate is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion in a plan view.

  Burr generated during cutting may remain on the outer edge of the lower fixing plate. If the operating body is fixed on the burr, the detection characteristics deteriorate due to the influence of the burr when the operating body is operated. However, according to this configuration, since the operating body is always located inside the outer edge, it is possible to prevent the detection characteristics from being deteriorated by the burr.

  In the pointing stick of the present invention, the upper fixing plate is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion in a plan view.

  Burr generated during cutting may remain on the outer edge of the upper fixing plate. When the operating body is fixed under the burr, the detection characteristics deteriorate due to the influence of the burr when the operating body is operated. However, according to this configuration, since the operating body is always located inside the outer edge, it is possible to prevent the detection characteristics from being deteriorated by the burr.

  According to the present invention, the annular support portion is sandwiched between the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate in the fixing portion extending outward from the outer periphery of the main body portion along the lower fixing plate. No distortion is transmitted. Therefore, the stability of detection characteristics can be improved. In addition, since the main body portion of the annular support portion is not distorted by being separated from the fixing portions fixed to the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate, the annular supporting portion can be thinned. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pointing stick that has high detection characteristics and can be thinned.

It is a perspective view which shows the pointing stick of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the pointing stick of 1st Embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the pointing stick of 1st Embodiment. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the opposite direction of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the operation body shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4. It is a bottom view of the operation body shown in FIG. (A) is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the AA line of FIG. 2, (b) is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the BB line of FIG. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the CC line | wire of FIG. It is a bottom view which shows arrangement | positioning with an operation body and a film board | substrate. It is a bottom view which shows arrangement | positioning with the operation body and film substrate in the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional pointing stick.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the pointing stick 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pointing stick 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the pointing stick 100 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the pointing stick 100 of the first embodiment. 4 is an exploded perspective view seen from the opposite direction of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation body 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. 6 is a bottom view of the operation body 10 shown in FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the pointing stick 100 of the first embodiment, FIG. 7 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view of FIG. It is sectional drawing cut | disconnected by the -B line. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of the operation body 10 and the film substrate 20. For easy understanding, here, the Z1 side shown in FIG. 1 is the upper side, and the Z2 side is the lower side.

  A pointing stick 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an input device in which an operating body 10 that is input by an operator is sandwiched between an upper fixing plate 40 and a lower fixing plate 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pointing stick 100 includes a film substrate 20 on which sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are mounted.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the operation body 10 is formed of resin, and extends so as to surround the base 1, the operation part 2 protruding upward (Z1 side) from the base 1, and the base 1. And an annular support portion 3 provided.

  The film substrate 20 is provided with sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24, and wiring (not shown) is provided. Moreover, the cover film which protects sensor element 21,22,23,24 and wiring is affixed. This cover film is not shown in order to show the arrangement of the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, 24 more easily.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the annular support portion 3 extends downward (Z2 side) so as to surround the base portion 1 and becomes a portion that is supported by being in contact with the lower fixing plate 50. The annular support 3 extends outward from the outer periphery 31a of the main body 31 along the lower fixing plate 50 and the main body 31 surrounding the base 1 other than the Y1 side from which the film substrate 20 is taken out. And a fixing portion 34 formed thinner than the thickness in the vertical direction (see FIG. 5).

  The upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50 are formed by processing a thin metal plate, and are fixed by a fastening member 60 so as to sandwich the operation body 10 and the film substrate 20. Further, the upper fixing plate 40 is fixed to a portable electronic device or the like via an attachment member (not shown).

  Next, the operation principle of the pointing stick 100 of this embodiment will be described.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the operating body 10 is provided on the side opposite to the side from which the operating unit 2 protrudes (Z2 side) in the base 1, as shown in FIG. 13 and 14 and bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17 and 18.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are extended in four directions (X1 direction, X2 direction, Y1 direction, and Y2 direction) in the front, rear, left, and right directions, respectively, with the operation unit 2 as the center in plan view. The Sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 that detect the respective bending amounts are arranged so as to correspond to the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 (see FIG. 4).

  The sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are a type of strain gauge, and are connected to wiring (not shown) provided on the film substrate 20. This wiring is connected to a circuit unit (not shown), and a current is constantly passed through the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24. When an operation for applying a force for tilting the operation unit 2 is performed, the resistance values of the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 change. Since current flows through the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24, it is possible to detect a change in voltage due to a change in resistance value. By calculating the change in voltage in the circuit unit, the direction in which the operation unit 2 is tilted and the magnitude of the pressing force (tilt amount) can be detected.

  Next, features of each member will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operating body 10 has bending portions 11, 12, 13, 14 and bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17, 18 on the lower surface 1 c of the base 1. As shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the center of the base portion 1, the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are disposed in the X1 direction, the Y1 direction, the X2 direction, and the Y2 direction, respectively, and the bottomed concave portions 15, 16, and 17 are arranged. , 18 are formed in directions shifted by 45 degrees from the X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 directions, respectively. That is, the base 1 has bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17, and 18 between the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 in a plan view from the Z2 side.

In the film substrate 20, the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 correspond to the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 on the side (Z2 side) having the bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the base 1. Further, it is affixed with an adhesive 70. The film substrate 20 is bonded with an adhesive 70 so as to be in close contact with the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14. As shown in FIG. 8, the excess amount of the adhesive 70 can flow so that the nearby bottomed recesses 15 and 17 serve as escape areas. Note that the adhesive 70 is omitted in drawings other than FIG. The same applies to the bottomed recesses 16 and 18. Thus, the film substrate 20 can be brought into close contact with the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 via the adhesive 70, so that the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are connected to the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14. Deflection can be detected stably.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 8, the upper surface 1 b of the base portion 1 has a recess 1 a that is recessed from the annular support portion 3 side toward the skirt portion 2 a side so as to surround the skirt portion 2 a of the operation portion 2. And the deepest part 19 of the recessed part 1a is biased and formed in the position of the skirt part 2a side from the annular support part 3 side. As shown in FIG. 8, on the lower surface 1 c of the base portion 1, the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are disposed at positions corresponding to the deepest portion 19.

  The annular support portion 3 is extended to the Z2 side so as to surround the base portion 1, and has a main body portion 31 surrounding the base portion 1, and a fixing portion 34 extended outward from the outer periphery 31a of the main body portion 31. ing. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixing portion 34 is formed thinner than the thickness of the main body portion 31 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it has the protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38 protruding outward from the outer periphery 31a of the main body 31, and the protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38 have fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, 37a, 38a. Is formed. The protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, and 38 are formed in directions that are deviated by 45 degrees from the X1, Y1, X2, and Y2 directions, respectively. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the bending portions 11, 12, 13, 14 are extended in four directions, front, rear, left, and right, respectively, around the operation portion 2 in a plan view, and the fastening member insertion holes 35 a, 36 a, 37 a, 38a is located in four directions between adjacent ones of the plurality of flexures 11, 12, 13, 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower fixing plate 50 includes lower fixing holes 55, 56, 57, and 58. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower fixing plate 50 is formed to extend outward from the annular support portion 3 in a plan view. In addition, FIG. 9 is a bottom view through which the lower fixing plate 50 is seen so that the overlapping position can be seen.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the upper fixing plate 40 is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion 3 in a plan view. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper fixing plate 40 includes upper fixing holes 45, 46, 47 and 48 and a circular opening 41 into which the main body 31 can be inserted.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the outer periphery 31 a of the main body 31 is formed in a circular shape that is substantially equal to the circular opening 41 of the upper fixing plate 40 and has protruding portions 32 and 33 that protrude outward. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, notches 42 and 43 into which the protrusions 32 and 33 are inserted are formed on the edge 41 a of the circular opening 41. The notches 42 and 43 can position and stop rotation of the member when the operating body 10 is assembled to the pointing stick 100.

  Thus, in the annular support portion 3, the fixing portion 34 abuts against the edge portion 41 a of the circular opening 41 and the lower fixing plate 50 in a state where the protruding portions 32 and 33 are inserted into the cutout portions 42 and 43. ing. At the positions of the protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38, from the lower fixing holes 55, 56, 57, 58, the fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, 37a, 38a and the upper fixing holes 45, 46, 47, 48 The upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50 are fastened through the fastening member 60. In the present embodiment, a screw is used as the fastening member 60, and the upper fixing holes 45, 46, 47, and 48 are female screws. Therefore, the fixing portion 34 of the annular support portion 3 is fastened by screws at the positions of the projecting pieces 35, 36, 37, 38 and is sandwiched between the edge portion 41 a of the circular opening 41 and the lower fixing plate 50. become. Since the edge 41a of the circular opening 41 sandwiches the point having the same distance from the operation part 2 in the fixed part 34 over a substantially entire circumference with a uniform force, the edge 41a is uneven on the outer periphery 31a of the main body 31. No distortion occurs.

  The pointing stick 100 of this embodiment is mounted on an electronic device (not shown), and the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50 are fixed. By using a highly rigid fixing member as the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50, the pointing stick 100 is fixed to the electronic device, and the operation unit 2 can be stably operated. The operation unit 2 is preferably housed inside the electronic device and protrudes to the outside of the electronic device. A cushioning material is disposed around the operation unit 2 so as to close the gap. It is preferable to prevent water and dust from entering the water. In order to change the operation feeling, it is preferable to cover the operation portion 2 with a rubber operation cap.

  In the present embodiment, the upper surface 1b of the base portion 1 has a concave portion 1a that is recessed from the annular support portion 3 side toward the skirt portion 2a so as to surround the skirt portion 2a of the operation portion 2, and the deepest portion 19 of the concave portion 1a. Is formed so as to be biased to the position of the skirt 2a side from the annular support part 3 side, and on the lower surface 1c of the base part 1, the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, 24 are arranged at positions corresponding to the deepest part 19. When an operation to apply a force for tilting the operating portion 2 is performed, the deepest portion 19 of the concave portion 1a is formed so as to be biased to a position closer to the skirt portion 2a than the annular support portion 3 side. , 13 and 14 are most bent, and the displacement concentrates in the vicinity thereof. Since the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged at positions corresponding to the deepest portion 19 in a plan view, the center of bending is close to the operation unit 2, so that the amount of bending is larger than in other cases. The resistance values of the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 change more greatly. Therefore, the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment can improve the detection sensitivity as compared with the conventional case.

  In the present embodiment, the base 1 has bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17, 18 between the bent portions 11, 12, 13, 14 in a plan view on the side opposite to the side from which the operation unit 2 protrudes. Since the base 1 between the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 is easily deformed by the bottomed concave portions 15, 16, 17, and 18 formed between the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14. Compared to the case where there are no bottom recesses 15, 16, 17, and 18, stress can be concentrated on the deflecting portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 so that accurate detection can be performed and liquid can be used compared to the case where there are through holes. Intrusion of objects can be prevented.

  On the other hand, the fastening member insertion holes 35 a, 36 a, 37 a, 38 a provided in the protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38 are between adjacent ones of the bending portions 11, 12, 13, 14 with the operation unit 2 as the center. Located in 4 directions. The distance between the fastening member insertion holes 35 a, 36 a, 37 a, and 38 a and the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be further increased as compared with the case where the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are positioned. In general, fixing with a fastening member tends to cause a large distortion in the vicinity thereof. In this embodiment, since it is fastened by the fastening member 60 at a position away from the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14, distortion due to the fastening member 60 is not easily transmitted to the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14.

  Further, the main body 31 is not distorted by being separated from the fixing portion 34 fixed to the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50. Therefore, it is not necessary to form the main body part 31 of the annular support part 3 thickly. That is, the annular support part 3 can be thinned. Further, even if a highly rigid fixing member is used as the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50, the annular support portion 3 has the main body portion 31 interposed between the fixing portion 34 and the base portion 1. Even if distortion occurs, the distortion is not transmitted to the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 by the main body portion 31.

  In manufacturing, burrs generated at the time of cutting may remain on the outer edge of the lower fixing plate 50. If the operation body 10 is fixed on the burr, the operation body 10 may be deformed, the burr bites into the operation body 10 or the burr is deformed when the operation body 10 is operated. , Detection characteristics deteriorate. In the pointing stick 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower fixing plate 50 is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion 3 in a plan view, and the operating body 10 is always located inside the outer edge. As a result, the detection characteristics are not deteriorated by burrs.

  Similarly, burrs generated during cutting may remain on the outer edge of the upper fixing plate 40. If the operation body 10 is fixed under the burr, when the operation body 10 is operated, due to the influence of the burr, the operation body 10 is deformed, the burr bites into the operation body 10, and the burr is deformed. , Detection characteristics deteriorate. In the pointing stick 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper fixing plate 40 is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion 3 in a plan view, and the operating body 10 is always located inside the outer edge. As a result, the detection characteristics are not deteriorated by burrs.

  Hereinafter, the effect by having set it as this embodiment is demonstrated.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the annular support portion 3 is extended outward from the main body portion 31 supported by the lower fixing plate 50 and the outer periphery 31 a of the main body portion 31 along the lower fixing plate 50. And a fixing portion 34 formed thinner than the thickness of the main body portion 31 in the vertical direction. The fixing portion 34 is sandwiched between the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50. According to this configuration, the annular support portion 3 is sandwiched between the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50 in the fixing portion 34 extending outward from the outer periphery 31 a of the main body portion 31 along the lower fixing plate 50. Therefore, even if a highly rigid fixing member is used, the main body portion 31 of the annular support portion 3 is interposed between the fixing portion 34 and the base portion 1. , 12, 13, and 14 are not transmitted with distortion. Therefore, the stability of detection characteristics can be improved. Further, since the main body 31 of the annular support portion 3 is not distorted by being separated from the fixing portion 34 fixed to the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50, it is not necessary to form it thickly. Therefore, the annular support part 3 can be thinned.

  The pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment includes a fastening member 60 that fastens the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50, and the fixing portion 34 has a plurality of protrusions that protrude outward from the outer periphery 31 a of the main body portion 31. There are protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38, and a plurality of protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38 are formed with fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, 37a, 38a, and fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, A plurality of projecting pieces 35, 36, 37, and 38 are fastened between the upper fixing plate 40 and the lower fixing plate 50 by inserting the fastening member 60 through 37 a and 38 a. In general, fixing with a fastening member tends to cause a large distortion in the vicinity thereof. According to the present embodiment, the fixing portion 34 has a plurality of protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38 that protrude outward from the outer periphery 31 a of the main body portion 31, and the protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38 are Since it is fixed by the fastening member 60 at the position of the formed fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, 37a, 38a, distortion due to the fastening member 60 is difficult to be transmitted to the bending portions 11, 12, 13, 14, and the operation of the operation unit 2 is performed. The stability of the detection characteristic of the pointing stick 100 that detects the above can be further improved.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the plurality of bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are extended in four directions, front, rear, left, and right, respectively, with the operation portion 2 as a center in plan view, and fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, 37a and 38a are located in four directions between adjacent ones of the plurality of bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 with the operation portion 2 as a center. According to the present embodiment, the fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, 37a, 38a are arranged in four directions between the four directions of the bending portions 11, 12, 13, 14 in plan view, and the bending portions 11, 12, 13 are arranged. , 14 is fastened by the fastening member 60 at a position distant from 14, distortion due to the fastening member 60 is not easily transmitted to the bent portions 11, 12, 13, 14, and the stability of the detection characteristics can be further improved. Further, it is possible to reduce the size in the horizontal direction without bringing the fastening member insertion holes 35a, 36a, 37a, and 38a close to the bending portions 11, 12, 13, and 14.

  In the pointing stick 100 of this embodiment, the upper fixing plate 40 includes a circular opening 41 into which the main body 31 can be inserted, and the annular support portion 3 includes the edge 41 a of the circular opening 41 and the lower fixing plate 50. And is held by the fixing portion 34. According to the present embodiment, the edge portion 41a of the circular opening portion 41 sandwiches the point having the same distance from the operation portion 2 in the fixing portion 34 over a substantially entire circumference with a uniform force. As a result, non-uniform distortion does not occur in the outer periphery 31a, and the stability of the detection characteristics can be further improved.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the outer periphery 31a of the main body 31 is formed in a circular shape that is substantially equal to the circular opening 41 and has protruding portions 32 and 33 that protrude outward, and the edge of the circular opening 41 41a has notches 42 and 43 into which the protrusions 32 and 33 are inserted. According to the present embodiment, since the protrusions 32 and 33 formed on the outer periphery 31a of the main body 31 are inserted into the notches 42 and 43 formed on the edge 41a of the circular opening 41, the operating body 10 The member can be positioned and the rotation can be stopped when assembling.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the lower fixing plate 50 is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion 3 in plan view. A burr generated at the time of cutting may remain on the outer edge of the lower fixing plate 50. If the operation body 10 is fixed on the burr, the operation body 10 may be deformed, the burr bites into the operation body 10 or the burr is deformed when the operation body 10 is operated. , Detection characteristics deteriorate. According to this embodiment, since the operating body 10 is always located inside the outer edge, it is possible to prevent the detection characteristics from being deteriorated due to burrs.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the upper fixing plate 40 is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion 3 in plan view. A burr generated at the time of cutting may remain on the outer edge of the upper fixing plate 40. If the operation body 10 is fixed under the burr, when the operation body 10 is operated, due to the influence of the burr, the operation body 10 is deformed, the burr bites into the operation body 10, and the burr is deformed. , Detection characteristics deteriorate. According to this embodiment, since the operating body 10 is always located inside the outer edge, it is possible to prevent the detection characteristics from being deteriorated due to burrs.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the upper surface 1b of the base portion 1 has a recess 1a that is recessed from the annular support portion 3 side toward the skirt portion 2a so as to surround the skirt portion 2a of the operation portion 2. The deepest portion 19 of the base portion 1 is formed so as to be biased from the annular support portion 3 side toward the bottom portion 2a side, and the lower surface 1c of the base portion 1 is disposed at positions where the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, 24 correspond to the deepest portion 19. ing. According to the present embodiment, the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are bent most at the deepest portion 19, and the sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged at positions corresponding to the deepest portion 19. Since the center of bending is close to the operation unit 2, the amount of bending is large, and the detection sensitivity can be improved.

  In the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment, the base 1 is provided on the side opposite to the side from which the operation unit 2 protrudes, with the bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17, between the bent portions 11, 12, 13, 14 in plan view. 18 Since the base 1 between the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 is easily deformed by the bottomed concave portions 15, 16, 17, and 18 formed between the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14. Compared to the case where there are no bottom recesses 15, 16, 17, and 18, stress can be concentrated on the deflecting portions 11, 12, 13, and 14 so that accurate detection can be performed and liquid can be used compared to the case where there are through holes. Intrusion of objects can be prevented.

  The pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment includes a film substrate 20 on which sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 are mounted. The film substrate 20 is provided on the side of the base 1 having the bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17, and 18. The sensor elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 were attached with an adhesive 70 so as to correspond to the bent portions 11, 12, 13, and 14. When affixed with an adhesive 70 so as to correspond to the bent portions 11, 12, 13, 14, the bottomed recesses 15, 16, 17, 18 positioned near the bent portions 11, 12, 13, 14 are It becomes the escape place of the excess adhesive. Therefore, the trouble by the excess adhesive agent can be prevented.

  As described above, the pointing stick 100 of the present embodiment has been specifically described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows, and these embodiments also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  (1) In the present embodiment, in the annular support portion 3 of the operating body 10, the fixing portion 34 extending outward from the outer periphery 31 a of the main body portion 31 has the protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, 38. Although it is in the shape, it is not limited to this shape. For example, FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the arrangement of the operation body 10 and the film substrate 20 in a modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, it is good also as the fixing | fixed part 34 which has a substantially rectangular external shape. Note that the operating body 10 of the present modification has the same shape as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 except that the fixing portion 34 does not include the protruding pieces 35, 36, 37, and 38. The same symbols are used.

  (2) Although a screw is used as the fastening member 60 in this embodiment, it may be changed to a fastening member such as caulking. The screw is troublesome to mount, but has an advantage that the fastening force can be easily adjusted. On the other hand, for example, when caulking is used, not only is the automation of the manufacturing process easy, but there is no need to worry about loosening over a long period of time.

  (3) In the present embodiment, the notches 42 and 43 corresponding to the protrusions 32 and 33 are disposed on the X1 side and the X2 side, but the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, it is not limited to 2 sets, For example, it is good also as 4 sets. In addition, if there is one set, it has an effect of stopping rotation. Even when the projecting portions 32 and 33 and the notched portions 42 and 43 are not provided, the fixing portion 34 can be sandwiched by paying attention to the fixing position of the members when fixing by the fastening member 60. There is no hindrance. Further, if the circular opening 41 of the upper fixing plate 40 and the outer periphery 31a of the main body 31 of the annular support portion 3 have a shape other than circular, no rotation stop is required, but the operational feel and stability of detection characteristics are not required. In the case where priority is given, it is preferably a circular shape.

  (4) In this embodiment, the film substrate 20 is affixed to the base 1 with the adhesive 70, but may be affixed with a double-sided tape. When the double-sided tape is used, there is no fear that the adhesive will flow, and thus the production is easy.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pointing stick 1 Base 1a Recessed part 1b Upper surface 1c Lower surface 2 Operation part 2a Bottom part 3 Ring support part 10 Operation body 11, 12, 13, 14 Deflection part 15, 16, 17, 18 Bottomed recessed part 19 Deepest part 20 Film substrate 21 , 22, 23, 24 Sensor element 31 Main body 31a Outer periphery 32, 33 Protruding part 34 Fixing part 35, 36, 37, 38 Protruding piece 35a, 36a, 37a, 38a Fastening member insertion hole 40 Upper fixing plate 41 Circular opening 41a Edge portion 42, 43 Notch portion 45, 46, 47, 48 Upper fixing hole 50 Lower fixing plate 55, 56, 57, 58 Lower fixing hole 60 Fastening member 70 Adhesive

Claims (7)

An operating body having a base formed with a plurality of flexures, an operating part projecting upward from the base, and an annular support part extending so as to surround the base;
A plurality of sensor elements for detecting the amount of bending of each of the plurality of bending portions;
An upper fixing plate and a lower fixing plate fixed with the annular support portion interposed therebetween;
In a pointing stick with
The annular support portion extends from the outer periphery of the main body portion along the lower fixing plate, and is supported by the lower fixing plate. A pointing stick, wherein the pointing stick is sandwiched between the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate. A fastening member for fastening the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate;
The fixing portion has a plurality of protruding pieces protruding outward from the outer periphery of the main body, and a fastening member insertion hole is formed in the plurality of protruding pieces,
2. The pointing according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protruding pieces are fastened between the upper fixing plate and the lower fixing plate by inserting the fastening member into the fastening member insertion hole. stick.   The plurality of flexures extend in four directions, front, back, left, and right, respectively, with the operation unit as a center in plan view, and the fastening member insertion holes are adjacent to the plurality of flexures with the operation unit as a center. The pointing stick according to claim 2, wherein the pointing stick is located in four directions.   The upper fixing plate includes a circular opening portion into which the main body portion can be inserted, and the annular support portion is sandwiched between the edge portion of the circular opening portion and the lower fixing plate at the fixing portion. The pointing stick according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer periphery of the main body has a protruding portion that is formed in a circle substantially equal to the circular opening and protrudes outward.
The pointing stick according to claim 4, wherein a cutout portion into which the protruding portion is inserted is formed at an edge portion of the circular opening portion.   The pointing stick according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lower fixing plate is formed so as to spread outward from the annular support portion in a plan view.   The pointing stick according to claim 6, wherein the upper fixing plate is formed to extend outward from the annular support portion in a plan view.

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