JP4179909B2

JP4179909B2 - pointing device

Info

Publication number: JP4179909B2
Application number: JP2003085498A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 均安藤; 登中藤
Original assignee: Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-26
Filing date: 2003-03-26
Publication date: 2008-11-12
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-26
Also published as: JP2004295372A

Description

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

Claims

A planar conductive member provided on the substrate; and a main body operating unit disposed above the planar conductive member, wherein the main body operating unit is capable of rolling the planar conductive member. A dome-shaped main body having a convex spherical resistance surface; and an input operation unit interlocking with the convex spherical resistance surface on an outer surface of a central portion of the dome-shaped main body, wherein the convex spherical resistance surface contacts the planar conductive member The position data of the input operation unit is read using electrical characteristics generated by the operation, the planar conductive member is sealed in the dome-shaped body, and the outside of the dome-shaped body is placed on the outside of the dome-shaped body. A pointing device having a plurality of click members in contact with a substrate, wherein the input operation unit includes a central shaft portion and an operation surface portion having a larger planar shape than the shaft portion provided on the shaft portion. Under the input operation unit On the outside of the dome-shaped main body, there are a base fixed to the substrate, an elastically deformable wall extending upward from the base, a horizontal annular ceiling provided at the upper end of the wall, and the ceiling A cover member that covers the outer periphery of the dome main body that includes a pressing convex portion provided on the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion is provided, and the shaft portion of the input operation portion is disposed so as to penetrate the central portion of the ceiling portion of the cover member. When the input operation portion is tilted outward by a predetermined angle or more, the operation surface portion abuts on the ceiling portion of the cover member, and the pressing convex portion provided on the cover member causes the click member to move to the substrate. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the clicked member is elastically deformed to generate a click feeling in the input operation unit when pressed to the side.

A central contact point provided on the substrate; a reverse saddle-shaped conductive elastic member facing the central contact point; and a main body operation unit disposed above the conductive elastic member, the main body operation A dome-shaped main body having a convex spherical resistance surface that can freely roll on the convex surface of the conductive elastic member, and an input operation unit that is linked to the convex spherical resistance surface on the outer surface of the center of the dome-shaped main body. And the position of the input operation unit is read using electrical characteristics generated when the convex spherical resistance surface comes into contact with the conductive elastic member, and the planar conductive member is disposed inside the dome-shaped main body. A plurality of click members that contact the substrate are disposed outside the dome-shaped main body, and the input operation unit is provided with a central shaft portion and the shaft portion provided on the shaft portion. And an operation surface portion having a larger planar shape. A pointing device, provided on the outside of the dome-shaped main body below the input operation portion, on a base portion fixed to the substrate, an elastically deformable wall surface portion extending upward from the base portion, and an upper end portion of the wall surface portion A cover member that covers the outer periphery of the dome main body, which includes a horizontal annular ceiling portion and a pressing convex portion provided on the lower surface of the outer peripheral portion of the ceiling portion, and the shaft portion of the input operation portion is the It is arranged so as to penetrate the central part of the ceiling part, and when the input operation part is inclined outward by a predetermined angle or more, the operation surface part comes into contact with the ceiling part of the cover member and is provided in the cover member The pressing convex portion presses the click member toward the substrate, so that the pressed click member is elastically deformed to generate a click feeling in the input operation portion. Emissions computing device.

A central portion of the cover member has a sealing elastic membrane formed with a through hole that is in close contact with the outer periphery of the shaft portion of the input operation portion, and the sealing elastic membrane follows the inclination during operation of the input operation portion. 3. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the pointing device is in a sealed state in which the click member and the outer peripheral contact are always blocked from outside air by being freely deformed.