JP4225671B2

JP4225671B2 - Input device

Info

Publication number: JP4225671B2
Application number: JP2000154434A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 一雄金尾; 良一前田
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-05-22
Filing date: 2000-05-22
Publication date: 2009-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-22
Also published as: JP2001331271A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、コンピュータ等に使用される歪み検出素子を用いた入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の歪み検出素子を用いた入力装置は、図１８に示すように、柔軟性を有する合成樹脂からなる操作部材５１は、角柱型の操作部５１ａと、操作部５１ａの下部から互いに９０度の角度を持って放射状に伸びる３個の板状の基部５１ｂ、５１ｃ，５１ｄと、操作部５１ａの下部で３個の板状の基部５１ｂ、５１ｃ，５１ｄを繋ぐ繋ぎ部５１ｅとを備えており、この操作部材５１は、基部５１ｂ、５１ｃ、５１ｄ下面全面がコンピュータに使用されるキーボードの枠体５０に当接、載置された状態で、基部５１ｂ、５１ｃ、５１ｄの先端部が枠体５０により押し付けられて取り付けられている。
そして、この操作部材５１は、操作部５１ａをＸ１，Ｘ２方向、及びＹ１，Ｙ２方向に倒すことにより、それぞれ基部５１ｂ、５１ｃ，５１ｄが撓むようになっており、この撓み量は、操作部５１ａの倒し量に従って大きくなったり、小さくなったりする。
【０００３】
また、ポリエステル材からなる帯状のフレキシブル基板５２の一面には、抵抗体からなる２個の歪み検出素子５３、５４と、歪み検出素子５３、５４に接続され、銀系の導電インクを印刷して形成されたリード線５５、５６とが設けられている。
そして、このようなフレキシブル基板５２の一部は、９０度の角度に配置された基部５１ｂ、５１ｃの上面に、歪み検出素子５３、５４が形成されていない側が接着剤にて直付けされており、一方の歪み検出素子５３は基部５１ｂ上に、また、他方の歪み検出素子５４は基部５１ｃ上に位置して取り付けられた状態となっている。
【０００４】
そして、このような入力装置は、帯状のフレキシブル基板５２に形成されたリード部５５，５６がキーボードのプリント基板（図示せず）に半田付けで接続され、この入力装置の操作は、操作部材５１の操作部５１ａをＸ１方向に倒すと、基部５１ｂの上面が伸びる方向に撓むと共に、基部５１ｂ上に配置された歪み検出素子５３も伸びて抵抗値が高くなり、また、操作部５１ａをＸ２方向に倒すと、基部５１ｂ上面が縮む方向に撓むと共に、基板５１ｂ上に配置された歪み検出素子５３も縮んで抵抗値が低くなる。
また、操作部５１ａをＹ１方向に倒すと、前記と同様の原理により歪み検出素子５４の抵抗値は高くなり、更に、Ｙ２方向に倒すと、歪み検出素子５４の抵抗値は低くなる。
そして、上述した抵抗値の変化を電圧値の変化として検出し、電圧値の変化をコンピュータが読み取って、操作部５１ａのＸ１，Ｘ２，或いはＹ１，Ｙ２の動きがカーソルの上下、左右の動きとなるようにカーソルを制御するようになっている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の入力装置は、操作部材５１の操作部５１ａを倒すことにより基部５１ｂ、５１ｃを撓ませるようにしたため、その撓みの感度が悪く、歪み検出素子の微細な可変ができないという問題がある。
【０００６】
そこで、本発明は、基板部材の撓みの感度が良く、歪み検出素子の微細な可変ができる入力装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として、平板状の基板部材と、この基板部材の下面に配設された複数個の歪み検出素子と、前記複数の歪み検出素子が位置する部分の前記基板部材の上面に配設された操作部材とを備え、前記基板部材の下面中央部には、下方に突出する凸部を設け、この凸部が前記基板部材が載置されるプリント基板に当接可能にすると共に、前記基板部材、又は前記操作部材の何れか一方には、前記歪み検出素子が位置する上方において、突起が設けられ、前記操作部材の押圧によって、前記歪み検出素子が位置する部分の前記基板部材の上部が押圧されて、前記突起を介して前記歪み検出素子が位置する部分の前記基板部材を撓ませるようにした構成とした。
【０００８】
また、第２の解決手段として、前記歪み検出素子は、円周方向に９０度の角度を持って４個配設した構成とした。
また、第３の解決手段として、前記操作部材の上面に凹部を設けた構成とした。
【００１０】
また、第４の解決手段として、前記操作部材が前記基板部材に凹凸嵌合により取り付けられた構成とした。
また、第５の解決手段として、前記操作部材がケースによって保持された構成とした。
【００１１】
また、第６の解決手段として、前記基板部材には、前記歪み検出素子間の位置に孔を設けて梁部を形成し、この梁部に前記歪み検出素子を配設した構成とした。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明の入力装置の図面を説明すると、図１は本発明の入力装置の第１の実施例の平面図、図２は図１の２−２線における断面図、図３は本発明の入力装置の第１の実施例に係り、フレキシブル基板を裏返した斜視図、図４は本発明の入力装置の第１の実施例の分解斜視図である。
また、図５は本発明の入力装置の第２の実施例に係るクリップの斜視図、図６は本発明の入力装置の第２の実施例に係る要部の断面図、図７は本発明の入力装置の第３の実施例に係るクリップの斜視図、図８は本発明の入力装置の第３の実施例に係る要部の断面図である。
また、図９は本発明の入力装置に係り、第１の実施例の操作部材を取り付けた状態を示す平面図、図１０は図９の１０−１０線における断面図、図１１は図１０の１１−１１線における断面図、図１２は本発明の入力装置に係り、第１の実施例の操作部材と入力装置の分解斜視図、図１３は本発明の入力装置に係り、第１の実施例の操作部材を裏面から見た斜視図、図１４は本発明の入力装置に係り、第２の実施例の操作部材を取り付けた状態を示す要部断面図、図１５は本発明の入力装置に係り、第２の実施例の操作部材と入力装置の分解斜視図、図１６は本発明の入力装置に係り、第２の実施例の操作部材を裏面から見た斜視図、図１７は本発明の入力装置に係り、第３の実施例の操作部材を取り付けた状態を示す要部断面図である。
【００１３】
本発明の歪み検出素子を用いた入力装置の第１実施例を図１〜図４に基づいて説明すると、キーボード等に使用されるプリント基板１は、この上面に配線パターン１ａが施されると共に、この配線パターン１ａと接続された状態で複数個のランド部１ｂが形成されている。
合成樹脂等の成型品からなる柔軟性を有する平板状の基板部材３は、その上面中央部に設けられた角柱状の凸部３ａと、下面中央部において下方に突出する凸部３ｂとを有する。
【００１４】
そして、基板部材３は、八角形状をなし、凸部３ａから９０度の角度で十字状に延びる複数個の梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄと、この梁部４ａ、４ｂ，４ｃ，４ｄの隣り合うそれぞれの他端に連結された連結部５と、凸部３ａの隅部と対向する位置において、隣り合う梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄと連結部５との間に囲まれた箇所に、梁部４ａ、４ｂ，４ｃ，４ｄ間を分離するく字状の孔５ｂとを有している。
そして、基板部材３の梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄは、凸部３ａの軸線に対して直角方向に延びると共に、梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄ間に位置する連結部５の外周部は、凸部３ａの中心を挟んで互いに対向する位置が切り落としされて形成された直線状部５ａを有したものもとなっている。
【００１５】
また、図１に示すように、基板部材３の上面の位置Ｘ１，Ｘ２、及びＹ１，Ｙ２を押圧すると、基板部材３の梁部４ａ、４ｂ，４ｃ，４ｄは撓んで、その下面側が延びたり縮んだりするようになると共に、梁部４ａ、４ｂ，４ｃ，４ｄ間に設けた孔５ｂの存在により、押圧した時、隣り合う梁部が互いに影響を受けることなく、それぞれの梁部が撓むことができるようになっている。
【００１６】
また、絶縁板からなり、中央部に孔６ａを有するフレキシブル基板６は、基板部材３の外形と同じ形状の八角形状を有すると共に、フレキシブル基板６の大きさは、基板部材３の外形と略等しく、或いは若干小さく形成されたものとなっている。
そして、このフレキシブル基板６の下面である一面側には、図３に示すように、円周方向に９０度の角度を持って配設され、抵抗体からなる４個の矩形状の歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄと、これ等の歪み検出素子７ａ７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄを繋ぐ銀ペースト等からなる導電体８ａと、この導電体８ａの一端に設けられ、且つ、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄ間に形成された銀ペースト等からなる複数個（４個）の端子部８ｂとが設けられている。
なお、上記実施例では、４個の歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄを使用したもので説明したが、２個の歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｃを用いるものでも良い。
【００１７】
そして、このようなフレキシブル基板６は、孔６ａに凸部３ｂを挿通した状態で、上面である他面側が基板部材３の下面に接着剤により接着されて取り付けられており、フレキシブル基板６が取り付けられた際、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄのそれぞれは梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄの下面に位置すると共に、端子部８ｂが連結部５の下面に位置した状態となり、その結果、連結部５に設けられた直線状部５ａは、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄ間に位置した状態となっている。
【００１８】
金属材からなるＵ字状の複数個のクリップ９は、く字状に折り曲げられた上片部９ａと、直線状の下片部９ｂとを有し、これらのクリップ９は、連結部５の直線状部５ａの位置で、基板部材３とフレキシブル基板６とを挟持した状態で取り付けられている。
また、これらのクリップ９が取り付けられた際、下片部９ｂは端子部８ｂに接触した状態となっている。
【００１９】
そして、このような構成を有する入力装置は、クリップ９の下片部９ｂがプリント基板１のランド部１ｂ上に載置された状態で半田１０付けされて、プリント基板１に取り付けられる。
また、半田１０付けされた際、ランド部１ｂと下片部９ｂと端子部８ｂとが同時に半田１０付けされて、各歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄは、配線パターン１ａに接続されると共に、クリップ９の下片部９ｂによって、フレキシブル基板６とプリント基板１と間に隙間が形成されて、それぞれの梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄが撓み易くなっている。
また、基板部材３が取り付けられた際、下面の凸部３ｂがプリント基板１に当接した状態となっている。
【００２０】
なお、上記実施例では、フレキシブル基板６に歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄを設けたが、この歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄを梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄの下面に直接設けると共に、下面に設けた凸部３ｂによって、基板部材３の下面とプリント基板１との間に隙間を設けても良い。
【００２１】
また、図５，図６は本発明の入力装置の第２の実施例を示し、この実施例は、クリップ９の上片部９ａに切り溝９ｃを形成すると共に、下片部９ｂにおいて、幅方向の横切る方向に凸条部からなる複数個の凸部９ｄを設けたものである。
そして、このクリップ９を取り付けた際、凸部９ｄの頂部が端子部８ｂに接触して、クリップ９の端子部８ｂへの接触を良くすると共に、ランド部１ｂと下片部９ｂとの間、及び下片部９ｂと端子部８ｂとの間に隙間を持たせ、この隙間によって半田１０付けした際、ランド部１ｂと下片部９ｂとの間、及び下片部９ｂと端子部８ｂとの間に半田１０を介在させて、ランド部１ｂと下片部９ｂと端子部８ｂとの間の半田１０付けを、一層良好にして、確実にしたものである。
その他の構成は、前記第１の実施例と同様であるので、同一部品に同一番号を付し、ここではその説明を省略する。
【００２２】
また、図７，図８は本発明の入力装置の第３の実施例を示し、この実施例は、クリップ９の上片部９ａに切り溝９ｃを形成すると共に、下片部９ｂにおいて、頂部に小突起９ｅを有する凸部９ｄと、孔９ｆとを設けたものである。
そして、このクリップ９を取り付けた際、凸部９ｄの頂部の小突起９ｅが端子部８ｂに接触して、クリップ９の端子部８ｂへの接触を良くすると共に、半田１０付けした際、孔９ｆに半田１０を介在させて、ランド部１ｂと下片部９ｂと端子部８ｂとの間の半田１０付けを、一層良好にして、確実にしたものである。
その他の構成は、前記第１の実施例と同様であるので、同一部品に同一番号を付し、ここではその説明を省略する。
【００２３】
また、図９〜図１３は、上記のような本発明の入力装置に、操作部材の第１の実施例を組み合わせたもので、この第１の実施例における操作部材１１は、図９〜図１３に示すように、合成樹脂の成型品等から構成され、指を当て易くするために上面に設けられた円弧状の凹部１１ａと、下面に設けられた４個の突起１１ｂと、下面中央部に設けられた凹部１１ｃとを有する。
このような操作部材１１は、凹部１１ｃに基板部材３の凸部３ａを圧入、或いは接着する等して、両者が凹凸嵌合して取り付けられている。
そして、操作部材１１が取り付けられた際、それぞれの突起１１ｂは、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄが位置する上方の基板部材３の上部、即ち、梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄ上に位置したものとなっている。
【００２４】
そして、このような入力装置の操作は、操作部材１１を位置Ｘ１で押圧すると、梁部４ａが押されて梁部４ａの下面は延びる方向に撓み、また、そのモーメントの影響が反対側の梁まで及ぶことで梁部４ｂの下面は縮む方向に撓むため、梁部４ａの下面の歪み検出素子７ａの抵抗値は減少する反面、梁部４ｂの下面の歪み検出素子７ｂの抵抗値は増加し、更に、位置Ｘ２で押圧すると、梁部４ｂの下面は伸びる方向に撓み、また、それに反して梁部４ａの下面は縮む方向に撓むため、梁部４ｂの下面の歪み検出素子７ｂの抵抗値は減少する反面、梁部４ａの下面の歪み検出素子７ａの抵抗値は増加し、これによって、歪み検出素子７ａと７ｂとの間に電圧差が生じて、Ｘ軸方向のカーソルの移動を行うようになる。
【００２５】
また、操作部材１１を位置Ｙ１で押圧すると、梁部４ｃの下面は延びる方向に撓み、また、それに反して梁部４ｄの下面は縮む方向に撓むため、梁部４ｃの下面の歪み検出素子７ｃの抵抗値は減少する反面、梁部４ｄの下面の歪み検出素子７ｄの抵抗値は増加し、更に、位置Ｙ２で押圧すると、梁部４ｄの下面は伸びる方向に撓み、また、その反面梁部４ｃの下面は縮む方向に撓むため、梁部４ｄの下面の歪み検出素子７ｄの抵抗値は減少する反面、梁部４ｃの下面の歪み検出素子７ｃの抵抗値は増加し、これによって、歪み検出素子７ｃと７ｄとの間に電圧差が生じて、Ｙ軸方向のカーソルの移動を行うようになる。
【００２６】
また、図１４〜図１６は、上記のような本発明の入力装置に、操作部材の第２の実施例を組み合わせたもので、この第２の実施例における操作部材１１は、前記第１の実施例の突起１１ｂに代えて、下面に４個の凹部１１ｄを設けると共に、基板部材３には、４個の突起３ｃを設け、この突起３ｃを凹部１１ｄに圧入、又は接着等して、両者を凹凸嵌合したものである。
そして、４個の突起３ｃは、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄと対向する位置にあり、操作部材１１が前記同様に位置Ｘ１，Ｘ２，Ｙ１，Ｙ２で押圧された際、前記と同様の動作が行われて、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄの抵抗値が変化するものである。
【００２７】
また、図１７は、上記のような本発明の入力装置に、操作部材の第３の実施例を組み合わせたもので、この第３の実施例における操作部材１１は、抜け止め用の鍔部１１ｅを設け、突起１１ｂを基板部材３上に位置させた状態で、ケース１２の孔１２ａから操作部材１１を突出させて、ケース１２によって操作部材１１を保持した構成となっている。
即ち、前記実施例では、基板部材３と操作部材１１とが凹凸嵌合による取付となったものであるが、第３の実施例は、操作部材１１がケース１２によって取り付けられたものである。
そして、操作部材１１が位置Ｘ１，Ｘ２，Ｙ１，Ｙ２で押圧された際、基板部材３が撓んで、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄの抵抗値が変化するものである。
【００２８】
【発明の効果】
本発明の入力装置において、基板部材３の上面には、操作部材１１が配設され、この操作部材１１の押圧によって、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｃが位置する基板部材３の上部を押圧することにより、基板部材３を撓ませるようにしたため、基板部材３の撓みの感度が良く、歪み検出素子の微細な可変ができる入力装置を提供できる。
【００２９】
また、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄは、円周方向に９０度の角度を持って４個配設したため、従来の２個の歪み検出素子に比して、精度の良好な入力装置を提供できる。
【００３０】
また、操作部材１１の上面に凹部１１ａを設けたため、押圧する際に指の位置が安定し、操作性の良好な入力装置を提供できる。
【００３１】
また、基板部材３、又は操作部材１１の何れか一方には、歪み検出素子が位置する上方において、突起３ｃ、１１ｂが設けられ、操作部材１１の押圧時、突起３ｃ、１１ｂを介して基板部材３を撓ませるようにしたため、基板部材３の撓みを一層大きくでき、歪み検出素子のより微細な可変ができる入力装置を提供できる。
【００３２】
また、操作部材１１が基板部材３に凹凸嵌合により取り付けられたため、その取付が簡単で、生産性の良好な入力装置を提供できる。
【００３３】
また、操作部材１１がケース１２によって保持されたため、操作部材１１が基板部材３と分離できて、操作部材１１に自由度を持たせることができる入力装置を提供できる。
【００３４】
また、基板部材３の下面中央部には、下方に突出する凸部３ｂを有し、この凸部３ｂがプリント基板１に当接可能としたため、基板部材３の下面とプリント基板１との間に隙間を形成でき、隙間によって基板部材３が撓み易くなる入力装置を提供できる。
【００３５】
また、基板部材３には、歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄ間の位置に孔５ｂを設けて梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄを形成し、この梁部４ａ、４ｂ、４ｃ、４ｄに歪み検出素子７ａ、７ｂ、７ｃ、７ｄを配設したため、操作部材１１を位置Ｘ１，Ｘ２で押圧した時には、梁部４ｃ、４ｄに、また、位置Ｙ１，Ｙ２で押圧した時には梁部４ａ、４ｂに影響を与えず、従って、変化させたい歪み検出素子のみの抵抗値を変化させることができて、精度の良好な入力装置を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の入力装置の第１の実施例の平面図。
【図２】図１の２−２線における断面図。
【図３】本発明の入力装置の第１の実施例に係り、フレキシブル基板を裏返した斜視図。
【図４】本発明の入力装置の第１の実施例の分解斜視図。
【図５】本発明の入力装置の第２の実施例に係るクリップの斜視図。
【図６】本発明の入力装置の第２の実施例に係る要部の断面図。
【図７】本発明の入力装置の第３の実施例に係るクリップの斜視図。
【図８】本発明の入力装置の第３の実施例に係る要部の断面図。
【図９】本発明の入力装置に係り、第１の実施例の操作部材を取り付けた状態を示す平面図。
【図１０】図９の１０−１０線における断面図。
【図１１】図１０の１１−１１線における断面図。
【図１２】本発明の入力装置に係り、第１の実施例の操作部材と入力装置の分解斜視図。
【図１３】本発明の入力装置に係り、第１の実施例の操作部材を裏面から見た斜視図。
【図１４】本発明の入力装置に係り、第２の実施例の操作部材を取り付けた状態を示す要部断面図。
【図１５】本発明の入力装置に係り、第２の実施例の操作部材と入力装置の分解斜視図。
【図１６】本発明の入力装置に係り、第２の実施例の操作部材を裏面から見た斜視図。
【図１７】本発明の入力装置に係り、第３の実施例の操作部材を取り付けた状態を示す要部断面図。
【図１８】従来の入力装置の斜視図。
【符号の説明】
１プリント基板
１ａ配線パターン
１ｂランド部
３基板部材
３ａ凸部
３ｂ凸部
３ｃ突起
４ａ梁部
４ｂ梁部
４ｃ梁部
４ｄ梁部
５連結部
５ａ直線状部
５ｂ孔
６フレキシブル基板
６ａ孔
７ａ歪み検出素子
７ｂ歪み検出素子
７ｃ歪み検出素子
７ｄ歪み検出素子
８ａ導電体
８ｂ端子部
９クリップ
９ａ上片部
９ｂ下片部
９ｃ切り溝
９ｄ凸部
９ｅ突起
９ｆ孔
１０半田
１１操作部材
１１ａ凹部
１１ｂ突起
１１ｃ凹部
１１ｄ凹部
１１ｅ鍔部
１２ケース
１２ａ孔[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an input device using a strain detection element used in a computer or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 18, a conventional input device using a strain detection element has an operation member 51 made of a synthetic resin having flexibility, which is 90 degrees from the lower part of the operation portion 51a and the prism-shaped operation portion 51a. Three plate-like base portions 51b, 51c, 51d extending radially at an angle, and a connecting portion 51e for connecting the three plate-like base portions 51b, 51c, 51d at the lower part of the operation portion 51a, The operating member 51 has the bottom surfaces of the bases 51b, 51c, 51d in contact with and placed on the keyboard frame 50 used in the computer. It is pressed and attached.
The operation member 51 is configured such that the base portions 51b, 51c, 51d are bent by tilting the operation portion 51a in the X1, X2 direction and the Y1, Y2 directions, respectively. It grows larger or smaller depending on the amount of defeat.
[0003]
Further, on one surface of the belt-like flexible substrate 52 made of a polyester material, two strain detecting elements 53 and 54 made of a resistor, and the strain detecting elements 53 and 54 are connected, and silver-based conductive ink is printed. The formed lead wires 55 and 56 are provided.
A part of the flexible substrate 52 is directly attached to the upper surface of the base portions 51b and 51c arranged at an angle of 90 degrees with an adhesive on the side where the strain detection elements 53 and 54 are not formed. One strain detection element 53 is mounted on the base 51b, and the other strain detection element 54 is mounted on the base 51c.
[0004]
In such an input device, the lead portions 55 and 56 formed on the belt-like flexible substrate 52 are connected to a printed circuit board (not shown) of the keyboard by soldering. When the operation portion 51a is tilted in the X1 direction, the upper surface of the base portion 51b is bent in the extending direction, and the strain detection element 53 disposed on the base portion 51b is also extended to increase the resistance value. When tilted in the direction, the upper surface of the base 51b is flexed in a shrinking direction, and the strain detection element 53 disposed on the substrate 51b is also shrunk to lower the resistance value.
Further, when the operation unit 51a is tilted in the Y1 direction, the resistance value of the strain detection element 54 is increased by the same principle as described above, and when the operation unit 51a is tilted in the Y2 direction, the resistance value of the strain detection element 54 is decreased.
Then, the above-described change in resistance value is detected as a change in voltage value, the computer reads the change in voltage value, and the movement of X1, X2, or Y1, Y2 of the operation unit 51a is the movement of the cursor up and down, left and right. The cursor is controlled so that
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional input device, since the base portions 51b and 51c are bent by tilting the operation portion 51a of the operation member 51, there is a problem that the bending sensitivity is poor and the strain detection element cannot be finely changed.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that has good sensitivity of bending of a substrate member and can finely vary a strain detection element.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first means for solving the above problems, a flat substrate member, a plurality of strain detection elements disposed on the lower surface of the substrate member, and a portion where the plurality of strain detection elements are located An operation member disposed on the upper surface of the substrate member, and a convex portion protruding downward is provided at a central portion of the lower surface of the substrate member, and the convex portion is provided on a printed circuit board on which the substrate member is placed. A protrusion is provided on either the substrate member or the operation member above the position where the strain detection element is located, and the strain detection element is positioned by pressing the operation member. The upper part of the substrate member in the portion to be pressed is pressed, and the substrate member in the portion where the strain detection element is located is bent through the protrusion .
[0008]
As a second solving means, four strain detecting elements are arranged with an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.
Further, as a third solving means, a configuration is provided in which a concave portion is provided on the upper surface of the operation member.
[0010]
Further, as a fourth solving means, the operation member is attached to the substrate member by concave-convex fitting.
As a fifth solution, the operation member is held by a case.
[0011]
Also, as a sixth solving means, the substrate member is provided with a hole at a position between the strain detecting elements to form a beam portion, and a structure in which disposed the strain detecting elements to the beam portion.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the drawings of the input device of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the input device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the input device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clip according to the second embodiment of the input device of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part according to the second embodiment of the input device of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part according to a third embodiment of the input device of the present invention.
9 is a plan view showing a state in which the operation member of the first embodiment is attached, FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line 11-11, FIG. 12 relates to the input device of the present invention, the operation member of the first embodiment and the exploded perspective view of the input device, and FIG. 13 relates to the input device of the present invention, the first embodiment. The perspective view which looked at the operation member of the example from the back, FIG. 14 is related to the input device of the present invention, the principal part sectional view which shows the state where the operation member of the 2nd execution example is attached, FIG. 15 is the input device of the present invention FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the operation member and the input device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the operation member according to the second embodiment as viewed from the back, and FIG. It is a principal part sectional drawing which shows the state which concerns on the input device of invention, and attached the operating member of the 3rd Example.
[0013]
A first embodiment of an input device using a strain detection element according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. A printed circuit board 1 used for a keyboard or the like is provided with a wiring pattern 1a on its upper surface. A plurality of land portions 1b are formed while being connected to the wiring pattern 1a.
A flat plate-like substrate member 3 made of a molded product such as a synthetic resin has a prismatic convex portion 3a provided at the center of the upper surface and a convex portion 3b protruding downward at the center of the lower surface. .
[0014]
The substrate member 3 has an octagonal shape and includes a plurality of beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d extending in a cross shape at an angle of 90 degrees from the convex portion 3a, and the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. A portion surrounded by the connecting portion 5 between the adjacent beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the connecting portion 5 at a position opposed to the corner portion of the convex portion 3a and the connecting portion 5 connected to the other adjacent ends. And a beam-shaped hole 5b for separating the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d.
The beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d of the substrate member 3 extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the convex portion 3a, and the outer peripheral portion of the connecting portion 5 positioned between the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. Has a linear part 5a formed by cutting off positions facing each other across the center of the convex part 3a.
[0015]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, when the positions X1, X2, and Y1, Y2 on the upper surface of the substrate member 3 are pressed, the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d of the substrate member 3 are bent and the lower surface side is extended. Each of the beam portions bend without being affected by each other when pressed due to the presence of the hole 5b provided between the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. Be able to.
[0016]
In addition, the flexible substrate 6 made of an insulating plate and having a hole 6a at the center has an octagonal shape that is the same shape as the outer shape of the substrate member 3, and the size of the flexible substrate 6 is substantially equal to the outer shape of the substrate member 3. Alternatively, it is formed slightly smaller.
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, four rectangular strain detection elements made of resistors are disposed on one surface, which is the lower surface of the flexible substrate 6, with an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, a conductor 8a made of silver paste or the like connecting these strain detection elements 7a7b, 7c, 7d, and a strain detection element 7a, 7b provided at one end of the conductor 8a. , 7c, 7d, and a plurality of (four) terminal portions 8b made of silver paste or the like.
In the above embodiment, the four strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are used. However, the two strain detection elements 7a and 7c may be used.
[0017]
And such a flexible substrate 6 is attached with the other surface side, which is the upper surface, adhered to the lower surface of the substrate member 3 with an adhesive in a state where the convex portion 3b is inserted into the hole 6a. As a result, each of the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d is located on the lower surface of the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, and the terminal portion 8b is located on the lower surface of the connecting portion 5. The linear portion 5a provided in the connecting portion 5 is located between the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d.
[0018]
The plurality of U-shaped clips 9 made of a metal material have an upper piece portion 9a bent into a square shape and a linear lower piece portion 9b. At the position of the linear portion 5a, the substrate member 3 and the flexible substrate 6 are sandwiched.
When these clips 9 are attached, the lower piece 9b is in contact with the terminal portion 8b.
[0019]
The input device having such a configuration is attached to the printed circuit board 1 by soldering 10 with the lower piece 9 b of the clip 9 placed on the land 1 b of the printed circuit board 1.
Further, when the solder 10 is attached, the land portion 1b, the lower piece portion 9b, and the terminal portion 8b are simultaneously attached with the solder 10, and the respective strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are connected to the wiring pattern 1a. At the same time, a gap is formed between the flexible substrate 6 and the printed circuit board 1 by the lower piece 9b of the clip 9, and the respective beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are easily bent.
Further, when the board member 3 is attached, the convex part 3 b on the lower surface is in contact with the printed board 1.
[0020]
In the above embodiment, the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are provided on the flexible substrate 6. However, the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are provided on the lower surfaces of the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. While providing directly, you may provide a clearance gap between the lower surface of the board | substrate member 3, and the printed circuit board 1 by the convex part 3b provided in the lower surface.
[0021]
5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the input device of the present invention. In this embodiment, a slit 9c is formed in the upper piece 9a of the clip 9, and the width of the lower piece 9b is reduced. A plurality of convex portions 9d made of convex ridge portions are provided in a direction crossing the direction.
And when attaching this clip 9, while the top part of convex part 9d contacts terminal part 8b, while making the contact to terminal part 8b of clip 9 good, between land part 1b and lower piece part 9b, When the solder 10 is attached with the gap between the lower piece portion 9b and the terminal portion 8b, and between the land portion 1b and the lower piece portion 9b and between the lower piece portion 9b and the terminal portion 8b. The solder 10 is interposed between the land portion 1b, the lower piece portion 9b, and the terminal portion 8b so as to make the soldering 10 better and more reliable.
Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.
[0022]
7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the input device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a slit 9c is formed in the upper piece portion 9a of the clip 9, and the top portion is formed in the lower piece portion 9b. A protrusion 9d having a small protrusion 9e and a hole 9f are provided.
When the clip 9 is attached, the small protrusion 9e at the top of the convex portion 9d comes into contact with the terminal portion 8b to improve the contact of the clip 9 with the terminal portion 8b. The solder 10 is interposed between the land portion 1b, the lower piece portion 9b, and the terminal portion 8b, thereby making the soldering 10 better and more reliable.
Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted here.
[0023]
FIGS. 9 to 13 show a combination of the input device of the present invention as described above with the first embodiment of the operating member. The operating member 11 in this first embodiment is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 13, it is composed of a molded product of synthetic resin, etc., and an arcuate recess 11a provided on the upper surface for easy finger contact, four protrusions 11b provided on the lower surface, and a central portion on the lower surface And a recess 11c provided on the surface.
Such an operation member 11 is attached by fitting the projections 3a of the substrate member 3 into the recesses 11c or fitting them into the recesses 11c.
When the operation member 11 is attached, the protrusions 11b are arranged on the upper part of the upper substrate member 3 where the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are located, that is, on the beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. It is located in.
[0024]
In the operation of such an input device, when the operation member 11 is pressed at the position X1, the beam portion 4a is pressed, the lower surface of the beam portion 4a is bent in the extending direction, and the influence of the moment is on the opposite beam side. Since the lower surface of the beam portion 4b bends in the shrinking direction, the resistance value of the strain detection element 7a on the lower surface of the beam portion 4a decreases, while the resistance value of the strain detection element 7b on the lower surface of the beam portion 4b increases. Further, when pressed at the position X2, the lower surface of the beam portion 4b bends in the extending direction, and conversely, the lower surface of the beam portion 4a bends in the contracting direction, so that the strain detecting element 7b on the lower surface of the beam portion 4b While the resistance value decreases, the resistance value of the strain detection element 7a on the lower surface of the beam portion 4a increases, thereby generating a voltage difference between the strain detection elements 7a and 7b and moving the cursor in the X-axis direction. To do.
[0025]
Further, when the operating member 11 is pressed at the position Y1, the lower surface of the beam portion 4c bends in the extending direction, and on the contrary, the lower surface of the beam portion 4d bends in the contracting direction. While the resistance value of 7c decreases, the resistance value of the strain detecting element 7d on the lower surface of the beam portion 4d increases, and when pressed at the position Y2, the lower surface of the beam portion 4d bends in the extending direction. Since the lower surface of the portion 4c bends in the shrinking direction, the resistance value of the strain detection element 7d on the lower surface of the beam portion 4d decreases, while the resistance value of the strain detection element 7c on the lower surface of the beam portion 4c increases. A voltage difference is generated between the strain detection elements 7c and 7d, and the cursor is moved in the Y-axis direction.
[0026]
14 to 16 show a combination of the input device of the present invention as described above with the second embodiment of the operation member, and the operation member 11 in this second embodiment is the first device. In place of the projection 11b of the embodiment, four recesses 11d are provided on the lower surface, and the substrate member 3 is provided with four projections 3c, and the projection 3c is press-fitted into or adhered to the recess 11d. Is an uneven fitting.
The four protrusions 3c are at positions facing the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, and when the operation member 11 is pressed at the positions X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 as described above, the same as described above. Thus, the resistance values of the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d change.
[0027]
FIG. 17 shows a combination of the input device of the present invention as described above with the third embodiment of the operating member. The operating member 11 in this third embodiment is a retaining collar 11e. The operation member 11 is protruded from the hole 12 a of the case 12 and the operation member 11 is held by the case 12 in a state where the projection 11 b is positioned on the substrate member 3.
That is, in the above-described embodiment, the board member 3 and the operation member 11 are attached by concave-convex fitting. In the third embodiment, the operation member 11 is attached by the case 12.
When the operation member 11 is pressed at the positions X1, X2, Y1, and Y2, the substrate member 3 is bent, and the resistance values of the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d change.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
In the input device of the present invention, the operation member 11 is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate member 3, and the upper portion of the substrate member 3 where the strain detection elements 7 a and 7 c are positioned is pressed by the operation member 11. Since the substrate member 3 is bent, it is possible to provide an input device that has a good sensitivity of bending of the substrate member 3 and can finely vary the strain detection element.
[0029]
In addition, since the four strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are arranged with an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction, the input device has better accuracy than the two conventional strain detection elements. Can provide.
[0030]
Moreover, since the recessed part 11a was provided in the upper surface of the operation member 11, the position of a finger | toe is stabilized when pressing and an input device with favorable operativity can be provided.
[0031]
Further, either one of the substrate member 3 and the operation member 11 is provided with protrusions 3c and 11b above the position where the strain detection element is located. When the operation member 11 is pressed, the substrate member is interposed via the protrusions 3c and 11b. 3 is bent, the substrate member 3 can be further bent, and an input device capable of finer variation of the strain detection element can be provided.
[0032]
In addition, since the operation member 11 is attached to the board member 3 by concave-convex fitting, it is possible to provide an input device that is easy to attach and has good productivity.
[0033]
Further, since the operation member 11 is held by the case 12, the operation member 11 can be separated from the substrate member 3, and an input device that can give the operation member 11 a degree of freedom can be provided.
[0034]
In addition, a convex portion 3 b that protrudes downward is provided at the center of the lower surface of the substrate member 3, and the convex portion 3 b can be brought into contact with the printed circuit board 1. It is possible to provide an input device in which a gap can be formed in the substrate member 3 and the substrate member 3 can be easily bent by the gap.
[0035]
Further, the substrate member 3 is provided with holes 5b at positions between the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d to form beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. The beam portions 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. Since the strain detection elements 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are disposed on the beam members 4c and 4d when the operation member 11 is pressed at the positions X1 and X2, and the beam portions 4a and 4b when pressed at the positions Y1 and Y2, respectively. 4b is not affected. Therefore, the resistance value of only the strain detection element to be changed can be changed, and an input device with good accuracy can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the flexible substrate turned over.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clip according to a second embodiment of the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part according to a second embodiment of the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a clip according to a third embodiment of the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part according to a third embodiment of the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the operation member of the first embodiment is attached according to the input device of the present invention.
10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG.
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the operating member and the input device according to the first embodiment, according to the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the operation member according to the first embodiment as viewed from the back side according to the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part showing a state where an operation member according to a second embodiment is attached according to the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an operation member and an input device according to a second embodiment related to the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the operation member according to the second embodiment as viewed from the back side according to the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part showing a state where an operation member of a third embodiment is attached according to the input device of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a conventional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printed circuit board 1a Wiring pattern 1b Land part 3 Substrate member 3a Projection part 3b Projection part 3c Projection 4a Beam part 4b Beam part 4c Beam part 4d Beam part 5 Connection part 5a Linear part 5b Hole 6 Flexible board 6a Hole 7a Strain detection element 7b Strain detection element 7c Strain detection element 7d Strain detection element 8a Conductor 8b Terminal portion 9 Clip 9a Upper piece 9b Lower piece 9c Cut groove 9d Projection 9e Projection 9f Hole 10 Solder 11 Operation member 11a Recess 11b Projection 11c Recess 11d Recess 11e ridge 12 case 12a hole

Claims

A planar substrate member, a plurality of strain detecting elements disposed on the lower surface of the substrate member, and an operating member disposed on the upper surface of the substrate member portion where the plurality of strain detecting elements is located A convex portion projecting downward is provided at a central portion of the lower surface of the substrate member, and the convex portion can contact a printed circuit board on which the substrate member is placed, and the substrate member or the operation either to one of the members, in the upper, wherein the strain detection element is located, the protrusions are provided by pressing of the operating member, is the upper pressing of the substrate member portion in which the strain detection element is located, the An input device , wherein the substrate member in a portion where the strain detecting element is located is bent through a protrusion .

The input device according to claim 1, wherein four strain detection elements are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

The input device according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion is provided on an upper surface of the operation member.

Input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating member is attached by recess-projection fitting into said substrate member.

Input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said operating member is held by the case.

The substrate member, the strain is provided a hole at the position between the detection elements form a beam portion, to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that arranged the strain detecting elements to the beam portion The input device described.