JP5216030B2 - Multi-directional input device - Google Patents

Multi-directional input device Download PDF

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JP5216030B2
JP5216030B2 JP2010016427A JP2010016427A JP5216030B2 JP 5216030 B2 JP5216030 B2 JP 5216030B2 JP 2010016427 A JP2010016427 A JP 2010016427A JP 2010016427 A JP2010016427 A JP 2010016427A JP 5216030 B2 JP5216030 B2 JP 5216030B2
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case
convex
concave
input device
interlocking member
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JP2011154596A (en
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宏之 田中
浩介 佐藤
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Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co Ltd
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Tokyo Cosmos Electric Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、多方向入力装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a multidirectional input device.

図10A、図10Bは、特許文献1に開示された従来のジョイスティック300の構成を説明するための断面図である。なお、図10Bは、図10Aの10B-10B断面図である。   10A and 10B are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration of a conventional joystick 300 disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10B-10B of FIG. 10A.

特許文献1に開示された従来のジョイスティック300では、ケース337の正面及び背面の側壁337C、337D(図10B)に、操作部336のX方向(図10Aの両側面方向)への傾動及びその規制を行うための連動部材350が支持されている。また、ケース337の両側面の側壁337A、337B(図10A)に、操作部336のY方向(図10Aの正面及び背面方向)への傾動及びその規制を行うための連動部材350が支持されている。操作部336のX方向への傾動は、連動部材350が含む回転軸を中心として行われ、操作部336のY方向への傾動は、連動部材345が含む回転軸を中心として行われる。また、操作部336を中立位置へ復帰させるためのバネ362が設けられている。外力によってバネ362が傾動すると、連動部材363がバネ362を縮める方向に移動する。その後、操作部336への外力が解除されると、バネ362の弾性力によって操作部336が中立位置に復帰する。   In the conventional joystick 300 disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operation unit 336 is tilted in the X direction (directions on both sides in FIG. 10A) on the front and rear side walls 337C and 337D (FIG. 10B) of the case 337 and its restriction. An interlocking member 350 for performing the above is supported. Further, the side wall 337A, 337B (FIG. 10A) on both side surfaces of the case 337 supports the interlocking member 350 for tilting and restricting the operation portion 336 in the Y direction (front and back directions in FIG. 10A). Yes. Tilt of the operation unit 336 in the X direction is performed around the rotation axis included in the interlocking member 350, and tilting of the operation unit 336 in the Y direction is performed around the rotation axis included in the interlocking member 345. Further, a spring 362 for returning the operation unit 336 to the neutral position is provided. When the spring 362 is tilted by an external force, the interlocking member 363 moves in a direction in which the spring 362 is contracted. Thereafter, when the external force applied to the operation unit 336 is released, the operation unit 336 is returned to the neutral position by the elastic force of the spring 362.

図11は、特許文献2に開示された従来のジョイスティック400の構成を説明するための部分断面図である。   FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a conventional joystick 400 disclosed in Patent Document 2. As shown in FIG.

特許文献2に開示された従来のジョイスティック400では、中空フランジ状のケース401の中心軸P上に、こま形自在継手402が固定されている。こま形自在継手402は、球面403aを有する滑性の軸受け皿403と、この軸受け皿403の球面403aに当接する球状部404とを有する。なお、軸受け皿403は、図11のV方向に分割可能なリング状部材から構成されている。球状部404にはV方向の両方向に伸びた軸405,406が設けられている。ケース401の外部に露出した軸405の端部にはつまみ407が設けられ、ケース401内に伸びた軸406の端部には円柱状の永久磁石408(発磁体)が軸406と同軸に設けられている。また、ケース401内部にはセンサ412が設けられ、これによって永久磁石408の位置を検出する構成となっている。   In the conventional joystick 400 disclosed in Patent Document 2, a top-shaped universal joint 402 is fixed on the central axis P of a case 401 having a hollow flange shape. The top-shaped universal joint 402 includes a sliding bearing tray 403 having a spherical surface 403 a and a spherical portion 404 that abuts on the spherical surface 403 a of the bearing tray 403. In addition, the bearing tray 403 is comprised from the ring-shaped member which can be divided | segmented into the V direction of FIG. The spherical portion 404 is provided with shafts 405 and 406 extending in both directions of the V direction. A knob 407 is provided at the end of the shaft 405 exposed to the outside of the case 401, and a columnar permanent magnet 408 (a magnet generator) is provided coaxially with the shaft 406 at the end of the shaft 406 extending into the case 401. It has been. In addition, a sensor 412 is provided inside the case 401, thereby detecting the position of the permanent magnet 408.

特開2001−75665号公報JP 2001-75665 A 特開平6−161655号公報JP-A-6-161655

しかし、特許文献1の構成では、操作部336のX方向への傾動及びその規制を行うための連動部材350とY方向への傾動及びその規制を行うための連動部材350とがそれぞれ必要となるため、部品点数が多くなって構成も複雑となる。   However, the configuration of Patent Document 1 requires an interlocking member 350 for tilting and restricting the operation unit 336 in the X direction and an interlocking member 350 for tilting and restricting the operation unit 336 in the Y direction. Therefore, the number of parts increases and the configuration becomes complicated.

一方、特許文献2の構成では、簡易な構成でありながら、つまみ407を備えた軸405(操作部)の全方向への傾動が可能となっている。しかしながら、特許文献2の構成は、操作部が軸回りに回転してしまうことを抑制するための構造を備えていない。このように操作部の軸回りの回転を自由に許す構造では、操作部の傾動方向の検出結果の安定性や再現性が低下する場合がある。例えば、図12Aに例示するように、製造誤差などから、永久磁石408が軸406に対して傾いた状態で取り付けられる場合がある。このような場合に操作部が軸回りに回転すると、操作部が傾動していないにもかかわらず、図12C−12Fに例示するように、センサ412に対する永久磁石408の端面408aの位置が変動する。これは、操作部の傾動方向の検出結果の安定性や再現性の低下につながる。同様なことは、図12Bに例示するように永久磁石408の着磁に偏りがある場合などにも生じる。また、このような問題は、上述の軸回りの回転によって生じる操作部の傾動方向の検出誤差に基づくものであり、操作部の傾動方向の検出方法にかかわらず発生する。   On the other hand, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, the shaft 405 (operation unit) including the knob 407 can be tilted in all directions while being a simple configuration. However, the configuration of Patent Document 2 does not include a structure for suppressing the operation unit from rotating about the axis. In such a structure that allows the operation unit to freely rotate around the axis, the stability and reproducibility of the detection result of the tilt direction of the operation unit may be reduced. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, the permanent magnet 408 may be attached in a state of being inclined with respect to the shaft 406 due to a manufacturing error or the like. In such a case, when the operation unit rotates around the axis, the position of the end surface 408a of the permanent magnet 408 with respect to the sensor 412 changes as illustrated in FIGS. 12C-12F, even though the operation unit is not tilted. . This leads to a decrease in stability and reproducibility of the detection result of the tilt direction of the operation unit. The same thing occurs when the magnetization of the permanent magnet 408 is biased as illustrated in FIG. 12B. Further, such a problem is based on the detection error of the tilt direction of the operation unit caused by the above-described rotation around the axis, and occurs regardless of the detection method of the tilt direction of the operation unit.

本発明はこのような点に鑑みてなされたものであり、簡易な構成でありながら、操作部の傾動方向の検出結果の安定性や再現性を向上させることが可能な多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a multidirectional input device that can improve the stability and reproducibility of the detection result of the tilt direction of the operation unit while having a simple configuration. The purpose is to do.

本発明では上記課題を解決するために、突設された支持部を含む第1ケースと、凹曲面状の内面を含み、当該内面側から外部側へ貫通する貫通孔が設けられ、第1ケースに対する相対位置が一定の第2ケースと、第1ケースの支持部に揺動自在に当接される凹曲面状の凹摺接面と第2ケースの内面に摺動自在に当接される凸曲面状の凸摺接面とを含み、凹摺接面が第1ケースの支持部に当接され凸摺接面が第2ケースの内面に当接された状態で回動可能な回動部と、回動部の凸摺接面側に設けられ、貫通孔側に配置される操作部と、操作部の傾倒を検出する検出部と、与えられた弾性力によって回動部の第1ケース側の領域である押圧部に押し付けられ、操作部を中立位置へ復帰させる連動部材と、を有し、連動部材に対向する押圧部の第1位置と押圧部に対向する連動部材の第2位置とには、連動部材に対して回動部が操作部の軸心回りに回転することを抑制するための第1回転抑制機構が設けられ、連動部材に対向する第1ケース又は第2ケースの第3位置と第1ケース又は第2ケースに対向する連動部材の第4位置とには、第1ケース又は第2ケースに対して連動部材が操作部の軸心回りに回転することを抑制するための第2回転抑圧機構が設けられている多方向入力装置が提供される。   In the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, a first case including a projecting support portion and a through hole that includes a concave curved inner surface and penetrates from the inner surface side to the outer side are provided. A second case having a fixed relative position to the first case, a concave curved contact surface that is slidably contacted with the support portion of the first case, and a convex surface that is slidably contacted with the inner surface of the second case A rotating portion that can be rotated in a state in which the concave sliding contact surface is in contact with the support portion of the first case and the convex sliding contact surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second case. And an operating portion provided on the convex contact surface side of the rotating portion and disposed on the through-hole side, a detecting portion for detecting the tilt of the operating portion, and a first case of the rotating portion by a given elastic force An interlocking member that is pressed against the pressing portion that is the side region and returns the operation portion to the neutral position, and the first of the pressing portion that faces the interlocking member The second position of the interlocking member facing the mounting and the pressing part is provided with a first rotation suppression mechanism for suppressing the rotation part from rotating around the axis of the operation part with respect to the interlocking member, In the third position of the first case or the second case facing the interlocking member and the fourth position of the interlocking member facing the first case or the second case, the interlocking member is located with respect to the first case or the second case. There is provided a multidirectional input device provided with a second rotation suppression mechanism for suppressing rotation around the axis of the operation unit.

本発明では、凹摺接面が第1ケースの支持部に当接され、凸摺接面が第2ケースの内面に当接された状態で回動可能な回動部が用いられることで、簡単な構成でありながら多方向入力可能な多方向入力装置が実現される。また、第1回転抑制機構によって回動部が連動部材に対して操作部の軸回りに回転することが抑制され、第2回転抑制機構によって連動部材が第1ケース又は第2ケースに対して回転することが抑制される。その結果、操作部の傾動方向の検出結果の安定性や再現性を向上させることができる。以上より、本発明では、簡易な構成でありながら、操作部の傾動方向の検出結果の安定性や再現性を向上させることができる。   In the present invention, by using a rotating portion that is rotatable in a state where the concave sliding contact surface is in contact with the support portion of the first case and the convex sliding contact surface is in contact with the inner surface of the second case, A multidirectional input device capable of multidirectional input with a simple configuration is realized. Further, the first rotation suppression mechanism suppresses the rotation unit from rotating around the axis of the operation unit with respect to the interlocking member, and the second rotation suppression mechanism rotates the interlocking member relative to the first case or the second case. Is suppressed. As a result, the stability and reproducibility of the detection result of the tilt direction of the operation unit can be improved. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the stability and reproducibility of the detection result of the tilt direction of the operation unit with a simple configuration.

図1は、実施形態の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である。FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multidirectional input device according to an embodiment. 図2は、実施形態の多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device according to the embodiment. 図3Aは、実施形態の多方向入力装置の平面図であり、図3Bは、実施形態の多方向入力装置の正面図である。FIG. 3A is a plan view of the multidirectional input device of the embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a front view of the multidirectional input device of the embodiment. 図4は図3Aの4-4断面図である。4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3A. 図5Aは、操作部材と連動部材との結合状態を説明するための正面図であり、図5Bは、図5AのIVB部分の拡大図である。FIG. 5A is a front view for explaining a coupling state of the operation member and the interlocking member, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the IVB portion of FIG. 5A. 図6は、図3Bの6-6断面図である。6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 3B. 図7は、操作部121が傾動した状態を説明するための図3Aの7-7断面図である。7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 3A for explaining a state in which the operation unit 121 is tilted. 図8A及び図8Bは、変形例を説明するための図である。ここで、図8Bは、図8Aの図8B部分の拡大図である。8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a modification. Here, FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of FIG. 8B portion of FIG. 8A. 図9A及び図9Bは、変形例を説明するための図である。9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining a modification. 図10A及び図10Bは、特許文献1に開示された従来のジョイスティックの構成を説明するための断面図である。10A and 10B are cross-sectional views for explaining the configuration of a conventional joystick disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. 図11は、特許文献2に開示された従来のジョイスティックの構成を説明するための部分断面図である。FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of a conventional joystick disclosed in Patent Document 2. As shown in FIG. 図12Aは、永久磁石が軸に対して傾いた状態で取り付けられた状態を説明するための断面図である。図12Bは、永久磁石の着磁精度に偏りがある状態を説明するための概念図である。図12C−図12Fは、軸回りの回転によって永久磁石の端面の位置が変動する様子を説明するための図である。FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view for explaining a state where the permanent magnet is attached while being inclined with respect to the axis. FIG. 12B is a conceptual diagram for explaining a state in which the magnetization accuracy of the permanent magnet is biased. FIG. 12C to FIG. 12F are diagrams for explaining how the position of the end face of the permanent magnet varies due to rotation around the axis.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<構成>
図1、図2及び図4に例示するように、本形態の多方向入力装置100は、ケース110(第2ケース)と、操作部121及び回動部122を含む操作部材120と、連動部材130と、バネ140と、ケース150(第1ケース)と、基準部材160と、検出部材170とを有する。
<Configuration>
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the multidirectional input device 100 of this embodiment includes a case 110 (second case), an operation member 120 including an operation unit 121 and a rotation unit 122, and an interlocking member. 130, a spring 140, a case 150 (first case), a reference member 160, and a detection member 170.

[ケース150(第1ケース)]
図1、図2及び図4に例示するように、本形態のケース150(第1ケース)は、中央付近に貫通孔152aが設けられた略板状の基部152と、当該基部152の板面中央付近に略垂直に突設された円筒状の支持部151とを含む。この例における基部152の支持部151の周囲には、支持部151の周囲を囲む溝153が設けられている。また、この例の場合、円筒状に形成された支持部151の先端の外周側縁部には、その中心軸側から外周側に向かって傾斜又は湾曲した面取り形状部151aが設けられている。なお、「面取形状」は、その形状のみを特定するための用語であり、その形状を得るための製造方法や加工方法を限定するものではない。また、ケース150の材質には限定はなく、例えば、金属や樹脂などを用いることができる。
[Case 150 (first case)]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the case 150 (first case) of this embodiment includes a substantially plate-like base portion 152 provided with a through hole 152 a near the center, and a plate surface of the base portion 152. And a cylindrical support 151 protruding substantially vertically near the center. In this example, a groove 153 surrounding the support portion 151 is provided around the support portion 151 of the base portion 152. In the case of this example, a chamfered shape portion 151 a that is inclined or curved from the central axis side toward the outer peripheral side is provided at the outer peripheral side edge portion of the tip of the support portion 151 formed in a cylindrical shape. The “chamfered shape” is a term for specifying only the shape, and does not limit a manufacturing method or a processing method for obtaining the shape. Moreover, there is no limitation in the material of case 150, For example, a metal, resin, etc. can be used.

[ケース110(第2ケース)]
図1、図2及び図4に例示するように、本形態のケース110(第2ケース)は、凹曲面状(本形態では凹球面状)の内面113を含み、当該内面113側から外部側へ貫通する貫通孔111が設けられた部材である。この例のケース110は、一端の開口部111aの径が絞り込まれた貫通孔111を持つ筒状の部材である。この例場合、内面113は、貫通孔111の中心軸と同軸な円筒内周側面114と、それよりも内径が絞り込まれた貫通孔111の開口部111aと、の間の領域に環状に形成されている。また、円筒内周側面114(第3位置)には、貫通孔111の中心軸に沿った方向に形成された1つの溝である凹部112が設けられている。ここで、円筒内周側面114で囲まれた領域の内径は、ほぼ同一とされている。
[Case 110 (second case)]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the case 110 (second case) of the present embodiment includes an inner surface 113 having a concave curved surface shape (in this embodiment, a concave spherical shape), and the inner surface 113 side to the outer side. This is a member provided with a through-hole 111 penetrating into. The case 110 in this example is a cylindrical member having a through hole 111 in which the diameter of the opening 111a at one end is narrowed down. In this example, the inner surface 113 is formed in an annular shape in a region between the cylindrical inner peripheral side surface 114 coaxial with the central axis of the through hole 111 and the opening 111a of the through hole 111 whose inner diameter is narrower than that. ing. Further, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 114 (third position) is provided with a recess 112 that is one groove formed in a direction along the central axis of the through hole 111. Here, the inner diameter of the region surrounded by the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 114 is substantially the same.

ケース110は、内面113をケース150の支持部151の外周側に向け、内面113が支持部151の面取り形状部151a側に対向配置された状態で、ケース150に直接的又は間接的に固定されている(すなわち、ケース150に対するケース110の相対位置は一定)。この際、貫通孔111と支持部151とが略同軸に配置され、凹部112が支持部151の中心軸に沿った溝として配置される。また、ケース110の材質には限定はなく、例えば、金属や樹脂などを用いることができる。   The case 110 is directly or indirectly fixed to the case 150 with the inner surface 113 facing the outer peripheral side of the support portion 151 of the case 150 and the inner surface 113 facing the chamfered shape portion 151a side of the support portion 151. (That is, the relative position of the case 110 with respect to the case 150 is constant). At this time, the through hole 111 and the support portion 151 are disposed substantially coaxially, and the recess 112 is disposed as a groove along the central axis of the support portion 151. Moreover, there is no limitation in the material of case 110, For example, a metal, resin, etc. can be used.

[操作部材120]
図1、図2及び図4に例示するように、本形態の操作部材120は、操作部121と回動部122と突起部123とを含む。
[Operation member 120]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the operation member 120 of this embodiment includes an operation unit 121, a rotation unit 122, and a protrusion 123.

本形態の回動部122は、ケース150の支持部151の面取り形状部151aに揺動自在に当接される凹曲面状(本形態では凹球面状)の凹摺接面122dと、ケース110の内面113に摺動自在に当接される凸曲面状(本形態では凸球面状)の凸摺接面122cとを含む。回動部122は、凹摺接面122dがケース150の支持部151の面取り形状部151aに当接され、凸摺接面122cがケース110の内面113に当接された状態で、内面113に沿った回動が可能である。なお、本形態の回動部122は、ドーム状(言い換えると、中が空洞の半球状)に形成された部材である。また、凸摺接面122cを含む仮想的な球と凹摺接面122dを含む仮想的な球とは中心点が共通の球であり、凸摺接面122cを含む仮想的な球の半径は、凹摺接面122dを含む仮想的な球の半径よりも大きい。本形態の回動部122は、好ましくは、凸摺接面122cを含む仮想的な球の中心を通る仮想的な直線に対して略線対称に構成される。   The rotating portion 122 of the present embodiment includes a concave sliding contact surface 122d (concave spherical shape in this embodiment) that is slidably contacted with a chamfered shape portion 151a of the support portion 151 of the case 150, and a case 110. And a convex contact surface 122c having a convex curved surface (in this embodiment, a convex spherical shape) that is slidably abutted on the inner surface 113 of the first surface. The rotating portion 122 has a concave sliding contact surface 122d in contact with the chamfered shape portion 151a of the support portion 151 of the case 150 and a convex sliding contact surface 122c in contact with the inner surface 113 of the case 110. Rotation along is possible. In addition, the rotation part 122 of this form is a member formed in the dome shape (in other words, the hemisphere with a hollow inside). The virtual sphere including the convex contact surface 122c and the virtual sphere including the concave contact surface 122d are spheres having a common center point, and the radius of the virtual sphere including the convex contact surface 122c is The radius of the virtual sphere including the concave sliding contact surface 122d is larger. The rotating unit 122 of this embodiment is preferably configured to be substantially line symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line passing through the center of a virtual sphere including the convex sliding contact surface 122c.

回動部122のケース150側の領域である押圧部122bには、複数の凸部122aが設けられている。本形態の押圧部122bは、回動部122のケース150側端部に位置する当該ケース150側を向いた環状の端部である。言い換えると、本形態の押圧部122bは凸摺接面122cの反対側の領域であって、回動部122の回動中心から離れた領域である。押圧部122bの所定の位置(第1位置)には、例えば、複数の凸部122aが環状に突設されている。例えば、複数の凸部122aは、ケース150側に向かって突設され、互いに略等間隔で環状(操作部121を通る仮想的な直線を中心とした周上)に配置されている。   A plurality of convex portions 122 a are provided on the pressing portion 122 b that is an area on the case 150 side of the rotating portion 122. The pressing portion 122b of this embodiment is an annular end portion facing the case 150 side that is located at the end portion of the rotating portion 122 on the case 150 side. In other words, the pressing portion 122b of the present embodiment is a region on the opposite side of the convex sliding contact surface 122c and is a region away from the rotation center of the rotation unit 122. At a predetermined position (first position) of the pressing portion 122b, for example, a plurality of convex portions 122a project in an annular shape. For example, the plurality of convex portions 122a are provided so as to project toward the case 150, and are arranged in an annular shape (around the virtual straight line passing through the operation portion 121) at substantially equal intervals.

操作部121は、回動部122の凸摺接面122c側の面に設けられ、ケース110の貫通孔111側に配置される。本形態の操作部121は、例えば、回動部122の凸摺接面122c側の面に突設された柱状の部位であり、少なくともその一部が貫通孔111の外部に配置されている。本形態の操作部121は、例えば、凸摺接面122cを含む仮想的な球の中心を通る仮想的な直線に沿って、凸摺接面122c側の面から外側に向かって伸びた部材である。例えば、本形態の操作部121は、回動部122の回動中心を通る仮想的な直線に沿って、凸摺接面122c側の面の略法線方向に、凸摺接面122c側の面から外側に向かって突起した部材である。   The operation unit 121 is provided on the surface on the convex contact surface 122 c side of the rotation unit 122 and is disposed on the through hole 111 side of the case 110. The operation unit 121 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a columnar portion protruding from the surface on the convex sliding contact surface 122 c side of the rotation unit 122, and at least a part of the operation unit 121 is disposed outside the through hole 111. The operation unit 121 of this embodiment is a member that extends outward from the surface on the convex sliding contact surface 122c side, for example, along a virtual straight line passing through the center of a virtual sphere including the convex sliding contact surface 122c. is there. For example, the operation unit 121 of the present embodiment is arranged on the convex contact surface 122c side in a substantially normal direction of the surface on the convex contact surface 122c along a virtual straight line passing through the rotation center of the rotation unit 122. It is a member protruding outward from the surface.

突起部123は、回動部122の凹摺接面122d側の面に設けられた部位である。本形態の突起部123は、例えば、回動部122の凹摺接面122d側の面から内側に向かって突設された柱状の部位であり、凹摺接面122dを含む仮想的な球の中心を通る仮想的な直線に沿って、当該仮想的な球の中心に向かって伸びる。本形態の場合、突起部123の先端側の一部が、円筒状の支持部151の内周側に配置される。なお、本形態の操作部材120は一体に構成された部材であり、例えば、金属や樹脂などの材料によって構成されている。   The projecting portion 123 is a portion provided on the surface of the rotating portion 122 on the concave sliding contact surface 122 d side. The protrusion 123 of this embodiment is, for example, a columnar part protruding inward from the surface on the concave sliding contact surface 122d side of the rotating portion 122, and is a virtual sphere including the concave sliding contact surface 122d. It extends toward the center of the virtual sphere along a virtual straight line passing through the center. In the case of this embodiment, a part of the tip end side of the protruding portion 123 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical support portion 151. Note that the operation member 120 according to the present embodiment is an integrally formed member, for example, a material such as metal or resin.

[バネ140]
図4に例示するように、本形態のバネ140はコイル状の圧縮バネであり、その内径はケース150に突設された円筒状の支持部151の外径よりも大きい。バネ140の内周側には、支持部151が配置され、バネ140の一端は支持部151の周囲の溝153内に収容される。これにより、バネ140は、ケース150の溝153内の底部153aを支点として支持部151の延長方向(すなわち貫通孔111の中心軸に沿った方向)に沿って伸縮可能とされる。
[Spring 140]
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the spring 140 of the present embodiment is a coil-shaped compression spring, and the inner diameter thereof is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical support portion 151 protruding from the case 150. A support portion 151 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the spring 140, and one end of the spring 140 is accommodated in a groove 153 around the support portion 151. Accordingly, the spring 140 can be expanded and contracted along the extending direction of the support portion 151 (that is, the direction along the central axis of the through hole 111) with the bottom portion 153a in the groove 153 of the case 150 as a fulcrum.

[連動部材130]
図1、図2及び図4に例示するように、本形態のバネ140の他端(ケース110側の端部)には、バネ140の内径よりも外径が大きな略リング状の連動部材130が配置される。連動部材130のバネ140側を向く面には、支持部151の外径よりも内径が大きく、バネ140の内径よりも外径が小さい円筒部134が突設される。図4に例示するように、円筒部134はその内周が支持部151の外周側に配置され、その外周がバネ140の内周側に配置される。また、連動部材130のケース110の内面113側を向く凹部形成面133側には、回動部122の押圧部122b側が配置される。凹部形成面133側の所定の位置(第2位置)には、複数の凹部131が設けられている。ここで、複数の凹部131は、それぞれ、回動部122の押圧部122bに設けられた複数の凸部122aに対向する位置に設けられている。この例の複数の凹部131は、互いに略等間隔で環状に設けられている。連動部材130の凹部形成面133側は、バネ140から与えられた弾性力によって回動部122の押圧部122b側に押し付けられる。これにより、押圧部122bの各凸部122aが凹部形成面133の各凹部内に配置される(図5A及び図5B)。なお、連動部材130の凹部形成面133側が回動部122の押圧部122b側に押し付けられた際、押圧部122bの各凸部122aが凹部形成面133の各凹部131内にスムーズに挿入されるように、各凸部122aの先端部の角が面取り形状とされているか、凹部131の入り口部分がテーパー状に形成されていることが望ましい。そして、少なくとも一部の凸部122aが何れかの凹部131内に挿入されることで、連動部材130に対して回動部122が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することが抑制できる。すなわち、凸部122aと凹部131との組み合わせは、連動部材130に対して回動部122が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制するための第1回転抑制機構に相当する。なお、操作部121がどの方向に傾動したとしても、少なくとも一部の凸部122aが必ず凹部131内に配置される状態となることが望ましい。例えば、凸部122aや凹部131がそれぞれ略等間隔で環状に配置される場合、凸部122aや凹部131はそれぞれ3個以上設けられることが望ましい。また、操作部121がどの方向に傾動したとしても、少なくとも一部の凸部122aが必ず凹部131内に配置される状態となるのであれば、凸部122aや凹部131がそれぞれ2個ずつ設けられていてもよい。また、操作部121がどの方向に傾動したとしても、すべての凸部122aが凹部131の外部に配置される状態とならないのであれば、凸部122aや凹部131がそれぞれ等間隔に配置されていなくてもよい。
[Interlocking member 130]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a substantially ring-shaped interlocking member 130 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the spring 140 is provided at the other end (the end portion on the case 110 side) of the spring 140 of this embodiment. Is placed. A cylindrical portion 134 having a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the support portion 151 and a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the spring 140 protrudes from the surface of the interlocking member 130 facing the spring 140 side. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cylindrical portion 134 has an inner periphery disposed on the outer peripheral side of the support portion 151, and an outer periphery disposed on the inner peripheral side of the spring 140. Further, the pressing portion 122 b side of the rotating portion 122 is disposed on the concave portion forming surface 133 side facing the inner surface 113 side of the case 110 of the interlocking member 130. A plurality of recesses 131 are provided at a predetermined position (second position) on the recess forming surface 133 side. Here, the plurality of concave portions 131 are provided at positions facing the plurality of convex portions 122 a provided in the pressing portion 122 b of the rotating portion 122, respectively. The plurality of recesses 131 in this example are provided annularly at substantially equal intervals. The recess forming surface 133 side of the interlocking member 130 is pressed against the pressing portion 122 b side of the rotating portion 122 by the elastic force applied from the spring 140. Thereby, each convex part 122a of the press part 122b is arrange | positioned in each recessed part of the recessed part formation surface 133 (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B). When the concave portion forming surface 133 side of the interlocking member 130 is pressed against the pressing portion 122 b side of the rotating portion 122, the convex portions 122 a of the pressing portion 122 b are smoothly inserted into the concave portions 131 of the concave portion forming surface 133. As described above, it is desirable that the corners of the tip portions of the respective convex portions 122a are chamfered or the entrance portions of the concave portions 131 are tapered. Then, by inserting at least a part of the protrusions 122 a into any of the recesses 131, it is possible to suppress the rotation part 122 from rotating around the axis of the operation part 121 with respect to the interlocking member 130. That is, the combination of the convex part 122 a and the concave part 131 corresponds to a first rotation suppression mechanism for suppressing the rotation part 122 from rotating around the axis of the operation part 121 with respect to the interlocking member 130. It should be noted that it is desirable that at least a part of the convex portion 122a is always disposed in the concave portion 131 no matter which direction the operation unit 121 tilts. For example, when the convex portions 122a and the concave portions 131 are annularly arranged at substantially equal intervals, it is desirable that three or more convex portions 122a and concave portions 131 are provided. In addition, no matter which direction the operation unit 121 tilts, two projections 122a and two recesses 131 are provided as long as at least a part of the projections 122a is necessarily placed in the recess 131. It may be. Further, no matter which direction the operation unit 121 tilts, the convex portions 122a and the concave portions 131 are not arranged at equal intervals unless all the convex portions 122a are arranged outside the concave portion 131. May be.

連動部材130の外周側面(第4位置)には、そこから外側方向に(連動部材130の中心から外周へ向かう方向に)突起した凸部132が突設されている。凸部132は、前述したケース110の円筒内周側面114に設けられた凹部112内に配置される(図4及び図6)。これにより、ケース110に対して連動部材130が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制できる(図6)。よって、凸部132と凹部112との組は、ケース110に対して連動部材130が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制するための第2回転抑圧機構に相当する。なお、後述のように、連動部材130は、操作部121の傾動に応じ、支持部151の延長方向(すなわち貫通孔111の中心軸に沿った方向)に沿ってスライドする。この場合でも、貫通孔111の中心軸に沿った溝である凹部112の長さが十分であれば、操作部121の傾動を妨げることはない。また、操作部121の軸心回りに回転する方向は、貫通孔111の中心軸に沿った溝である凹部112と略垂直である。そのため、連動部材130が操作部121の傾動に応じて連動部材130がスライドしても、ケース110に対して連動部材130が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制できる。   On the outer peripheral side surface (fourth position) of the interlocking member 130, a protruding portion 132 that protrudes outwardly (from the center of the interlocking member 130 toward the outer periphery) is projected. The convex part 132 is arrange | positioned in the recessed part 112 provided in the cylindrical inner peripheral side surface 114 of case 110 mentioned above (FIG.4 and FIG.6). Thereby, it can suppress that the interlocking member 130 rotates to the surroundings of the axial center of the operation part 121 with respect to the case 110 (FIG. 6). Therefore, the set of the convex portion 132 and the concave portion 112 corresponds to a second rotation suppression mechanism for suppressing the interlocking member 130 from rotating around the axis of the operation portion 121 with respect to the case 110. As will be described later, the interlocking member 130 slides along the extending direction of the support portion 151 (that is, the direction along the central axis of the through hole 111) in response to the tilting of the operation portion 121. Even in this case, if the length of the recess 112 that is a groove along the central axis of the through hole 111 is sufficient, the tilt of the operation unit 121 is not hindered. The direction of rotation around the axis of the operation unit 121 is substantially perpendicular to the recess 112 that is a groove along the central axis of the through hole 111. Therefore, even if the interlocking member 130 slides according to the tilt of the operation unit 121, the interlocking member 130 can be prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121 with respect to the case 110.

[基準部材160]
図4に例示するように、回動部122の突起部123に定められた基準点には、基準部材160が取り付けられている。本形態の場合、突起部123の先端部が基準点とされ、永久磁石が基準部材160とされている。例えば、回動部122の突起部123には凹部が設けられ、この凹部内に基準部材160である永久磁石が固着されている。
[Reference member 160]
As illustrated in FIG. 4, a reference member 160 is attached to a reference point defined on the protrusion 123 of the rotation unit 122. In the case of this embodiment, the tip of the projection 123 is a reference point, and the permanent magnet is a reference member 160. For example, the protrusion 123 of the rotating part 122 is provided with a recess, and a permanent magnet as the reference member 160 is fixed in the recess.

[検出部材170]
図1、図2及び図4に例示するように、ケース150の支持部151の内部には、121操作部の傾動を検出するための検出部材170が設けられている。本形態の検出部材170は、通過する磁界の方向を示す信号を出力するセンサIC171と、センサIC171が実装された実装基板172と、信号の出力端子173とを含む。なお、センサIC171の一例は、センサIC171内の複数のホール素子又は磁気抵抗素子(検出部)の信号を演算処理してセンサIC171を通過する磁界の方向を2つの信号として出力する素子である。このようなセンサIC171の具体例は、Melexis社のMLX90333などである。検出部材170は、回動部122の突起部123に設けられた基準部材160である永久磁石からの磁界の方向を検出することで、操作部121の傾動を検出できる。
[Detection member 170]
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a detection member 170 for detecting the tilt of the 121 operation unit is provided inside the support portion 151 of the case 150. The detection member 170 of this embodiment includes a sensor IC 171 that outputs a signal indicating the direction of a magnetic field that passes through, a mounting board 172 on which the sensor IC 171 is mounted, and a signal output terminal 173. An example of the sensor IC 171 is an element that performs arithmetic processing on signals from a plurality of Hall elements or magnetoresistive elements (detection units) in the sensor IC 171 and outputs the directions of magnetic fields passing through the sensor IC 171 as two signals. A specific example of such a sensor IC 171 is MLX90333 manufactured by Melexis. The detection member 170 can detect the tilt of the operation unit 121 by detecting the direction of the magnetic field from the permanent magnet that is the reference member 160 provided on the protrusion 123 of the rotation unit 122.

<製造方法>
本形態の多方向入力装置100は、例えば、以下のように製造される。
<Manufacturing method>
The multi-directional input device 100 of this embodiment is manufactured as follows, for example.

(1)上述のようにケース150の支持部151の内周側に検出部材170を固着する。   (1) The detection member 170 is fixed to the inner peripheral side of the support portion 151 of the case 150 as described above.

(2)上述のようにバネ140をケース150の支持部151に取り付ける。   (2) The spring 140 is attached to the support portion 151 of the case 150 as described above.

(3)上述のように連動部材130を支持部151及びバネ140に取り付ける。   (3) The interlocking member 130 is attached to the support 151 and the spring 140 as described above.

(4)連動部材130の凹部形成面133側に、基準部材160が固着された回動部122の押圧部122b側を配置し、凹部形成面133側の複数の凹部131に、押圧部122b側の複数の凸部122aをそれぞれ嵌合させる。   (4) The pressing portion 122b side of the rotating portion 122 to which the reference member 160 is fixed is arranged on the concave portion forming surface 133 side of the interlocking member 130, and the plural concave portions 131 on the concave portion forming surface 133 side are arranged on the pressing portion 122b side. The plurality of convex portions 122a are respectively fitted.

(5)連動部材130の外周側面の凸部132をケース110の円筒内周側面114の凹部112内に配置し、操作部121の少なくとも一部をケース110の開口部111aから外部に突出させた状態で、ケース110をケース150に熱カシメする。   (5) The convex portion 132 on the outer peripheral side surface of the interlocking member 130 is disposed in the concave portion 112 on the cylindrical inner peripheral side surface 114 of the case 110, and at least a part of the operation unit 121 is protruded to the outside from the opening 111 a of the case 110. In the state, the case 110 is caulked with heat to the case 150.

<動作>
次に、本形態の多方向入力装置100の動作を説明する。
<Operation>
Next, the operation of the multidirectional input device 100 of this embodiment will be described.

前述のように回動部122は、凹摺接面122dがケース150の支持部151に当接され、凸摺接面122cがケース110の内面113に当接された状態で回動可能である。また、前述のように、回動部122の環状の押圧部122bには、バネ140からの弾性力が与えられた連動部材130が押し当てられる。操作部121に外力が与えられていない場合、回動部122は、連動部材130から与えられた力と、ケース110の内面113やケース150の支持部151からの反力との均衡がとれた位置に配置される(図4)。この位置が操作部121及び回動部122を中立位置である。   As described above, the rotating portion 122 can be rotated in a state where the concave sliding contact surface 122 d is in contact with the support portion 151 of the case 150 and the convex sliding contact surface 122 c is in contact with the inner surface 113 of the case 110. . Further, as described above, the interlocking member 130 to which the elastic force from the spring 140 is applied is pressed against the annular pressing portion 122b of the rotating portion 122. When no external force is applied to the operation unit 121, the rotating unit 122 balances the force applied from the interlocking member 130 with the reaction force from the inner surface 113 of the case 110 and the support unit 151 of the case 150. Placed in position (FIG. 4). This position is the neutral position of the operation unit 121 and the rotation unit 122.

この状態で操作部121を軸回りに回転させた場合であっても、回動部122の凸部122aが連動部材130の凹部131内に挿入されているため、連動部材130に対して回動部122が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することが抑制される。さらに、連動部材130の凸部132がケース110の凹部112内に配置されることで、ケース110に対して連動部材130が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することが抑制される。その結果、ケース110に対して操作部材120が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制できる。   Even when the operation unit 121 is rotated about the axis in this state, the projection 122a of the rotation unit 122 is inserted into the recess 131 of the interlocking member 130, so that it rotates with respect to the interlocking member 130. The part 122 is prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation part 121. Furthermore, the protrusion 132 of the interlocking member 130 is disposed in the recess 112 of the case 110, so that the interlocking member 130 is prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121 with respect to the case 110. As a result, the operation member 120 can be prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121 with respect to the case 110.

一方、操作部121に外力が与えられて操作部121が傾動すると、それに伴って回動部122が回動し、連動部材130が支持部151に沿ってケース150側にシフトし、バネ140を圧縮する(図7)。この状態では、回動部122の一部の凸部122a(例えば、図7のA1部)は連動部材130の凹部131の外部に配置されるが、一部の凸部122a(例えば、図7のA2部)は連動部材130の凹部131内に配置される。操作部121の傾動方向とその傾動角度は、検出部材170によって基準部材160である永久磁石からの磁界の方向として検出され、その検出結果を表す信号が出力される。   On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the operation unit 121 and the operation unit 121 tilts, the rotation unit 122 rotates accordingly, and the interlocking member 130 shifts to the case 150 side along the support unit 151, and the spring 140 is moved. Compress (FIG. 7). In this state, a part of the convex part 122a (for example, A1 part of FIG. 7) of the rotating part 122 is disposed outside the concave part 131 of the interlocking member 130, but a part of the convex part 122a (for example, FIG. 7). A2) of the interlocking member 130 is disposed in the recess 131. The tilt direction and tilt angle of the operation unit 121 are detected by the detection member 170 as the direction of the magnetic field from the permanent magnet as the reference member 160, and a signal representing the detection result is output.

この状態で操作部121を軸回りに回転させた場合であっても、一部の凸部122aが凹部131内に挿入されているため、連動部材130に対して回動部122が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することが抑制される。さらに、連動部材130の凸部132がケース110の凹部112内に配置されることで、ケース110に対して連動部材130が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することが抑制される。その結果、ケース110に対して操作部材120が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することが抑制される。このように、回動部122に複数の凸部122aが設けられ、連動部材130に複数の凹部112が設けられることで、操作部121が傾動した場合であっても、ケース110に対して操作部材120が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制できる。特に、操作部121がどの方向に傾動した場合であっても、少なくとも一部の凸部122aが必ず凹部131内に配置される状態となるように凸部122aや凹部131が形成されている場合には、操作部121がどの方向に傾動した場合であっても、ケース110に対して操作部材120が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制できる。   Even when the operation unit 121 is rotated about the axis in this state, a part of the projections 122 a is inserted into the recess 131, so that the rotation unit 122 is operated with respect to the interlocking member 130. Rotation around the axis is suppressed. Furthermore, the protrusion 132 of the interlocking member 130 is disposed in the recess 112 of the case 110, so that the interlocking member 130 is prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121 with respect to the case 110. As a result, the operation member 120 is prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121 with respect to the case 110. As described above, the plurality of convex portions 122 a are provided in the rotating portion 122 and the plurality of concave portions 112 are provided in the interlocking member 130, so that even when the operation portion 121 is tilted, the operation is performed on the case 110. The member 120 can be prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121. In particular, when the convex portion 122a or the concave portion 131 is formed so that at least a part of the convex portion 122a is always disposed in the concave portion 131 regardless of the direction in which the operation unit 121 tilts. In any case, the rotation of the operation member 120 around the axis of the operation unit 121 relative to the case 110 can be suppressed regardless of the direction in which the operation unit 121 tilts.

さらに、操作部121に与えられていた外力が開放された場合、操作部121及び回動部122が、連動部材130から与えられた力とケース110の内面113やケース150の支持部151からの反力との均衡がとれた中立位置に復帰する。   Further, when the external force applied to the operation unit 121 is released, the operation unit 121 and the rotation unit 122 are applied from the force applied from the interlocking member 130 and the inner surface 113 of the case 110 or the support unit 151 of the case 150. Return to neutral position balanced with reaction force.

以上のように、本形態の多方向入力装置100では、簡単な構成でありながら、外力によって操作部121を任意の方向に傾動させることができ、その傾動方向と傾動角度を検出でき、さらに、操作部121への外力が開放されることで操作部121を中立位置に復帰させることができる。さらに、本形態の多方向入力装置100では、操作部材120が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することを抑制できるため、基準部材160や検出部材170の取り付け位置に誤差があったり、基準部材160の着磁に偏りがあったりした場合であっても、操作部材120が操作部121の軸心回りに回転することに起因して、操作部121の傾動方向の検出結果がばらつくことを抑制できる。   As described above, in the multi-directional input device 100 of the present embodiment, the operation unit 121 can be tilted in an arbitrary direction by an external force with a simple configuration, and the tilt direction and tilt angle can be detected. When the external force applied to the operation unit 121 is released, the operation unit 121 can be returned to the neutral position. Furthermore, in the multidirectional input device 100 according to the present embodiment, the operation member 120 can be prevented from rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121, so there is an error in the attachment position of the reference member 160 or the detection member 170, Even when the magnetization of 160 is biased, it is possible to suppress variation in the detection result of the tilt direction of the operation unit 121 due to the operation member 120 rotating around the axis of the operation unit 121. it can.

<変形例>
本発明は上述の実施の形態に限定されるものではない。
<Modification>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

例えば、上述の実施形態では、操作部材120の回動部122における押圧部122bの所定の位置(第1位置)に複数の凸部122aが設けられ、連動部材130における凹部形成面133の所定の位置(第2位置)に複数の凹部131が設けられ、これらが第1回転抑制機構を構成していた。しかし、操作部材120及び連動部材130の代わりに、図8A及び図8Bに例示するような操作部材220及び連動部材230が用いられてもよい。なお、操作部材220は、操作部材120の回動部122を回動部222に置換した構成である。図8A及び図8Bに例示する変形例では、操作部材220の回動部222における押圧部222bの所定の位置(第1位置)に複数の凹部222aが設けられ、連動部材230における凸部形成面233の所定の位置(第2位置)に複数の凸部231が設けられ、これらが嵌合することで第1回転抑制機構として機能する。   For example, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of convex portions 122a are provided at a predetermined position (first position) of the pressing portion 122b in the rotating portion 122 of the operation member 120, and a predetermined portion of the concave portion forming surface 133 in the interlocking member 130 is provided. A plurality of recesses 131 are provided at the position (second position), and these constitute the first rotation suppression mechanism. However, instead of the operation member 120 and the interlocking member 130, an operation member 220 and an interlocking member 230 illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be used. The operation member 220 has a configuration in which the rotation part 122 of the operation member 120 is replaced with a rotation part 222. 8A and 8B, a plurality of concave portions 222a are provided at predetermined positions (first positions) of the pressing portions 222b of the rotating portion 222 of the operation member 220, and the convex portion forming surface of the interlocking member 230 is provided. A plurality of convex portions 231 are provided at a predetermined position (second position) of 233, and function as a first rotation suppression mechanism by fitting them.

また、上述の実施形態では、連動部材130の外周側面(第4位置)に凸部132が設けられ、ケース110の円筒内周側面114(第3位置)に凹部112が設けられ、これらが第2回転抑制機構を構成していた。しかし、上述したケース110及び連動部材130の代わりに、図9Aに例示するようなケース210及び連動部材230が用いられてもよい。この変形例では、連動部材230の外周側面(第4位置)に凸部ではなく凹部232が設けられ、ケース210の円筒内周側面(第3位置)に凹部ではなく1つの凸部212が設けられ、凸部212が凹部232内に配置されることで第2回転抑制機構として機能する。   Further, in the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 132 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface (fourth position) of the interlocking member 130, and the concave portion 112 is provided on the cylindrical inner peripheral side surface 114 (third position) of the case 110. A two-rotation suppression mechanism was configured. However, the case 210 and the interlocking member 230 illustrated in FIG. 9A may be used instead of the case 110 and the interlocking member 130 described above. In this modification, a concave portion 232 is provided instead of a convex portion on the outer peripheral side surface (fourth position) of the interlocking member 230, and one convex portion 212 is provided instead of a concave portion on the cylindrical inner peripheral side surface (third position) of the case 210. The convex portion 212 is disposed in the concave portion 232 and functions as a second rotation suppression mechanism.

また、ケース110の代わりに、図9Bに例示するようなケース280が用いられてもよい。この変形例では、連動部材130の外周側面(第4位置)に凸部132が設けられ、ケース280の円筒内周側面(第3位置)に凹部282が設けられ、凸部132が凹部282内に配置されることで第2回転抑制機構として機能する。ただし、凹部282の内径は凸部132の外径よりも或る程度大きい。これにより、凸部132が凹部282内の所定の溝幅内を移動可能とされている。その結果、連動部材130は、ケース280に対し、所定の許容範囲α内で、操作部121の軸心回りの回転(β方向の回転)が許容される。さらに、ケース280又はケース150に対する凸部132の位置を検出する検出部材(接触又は非接触)、又は、ケース280又はケース150に対する凸部132の位置に応じて動作するスイッチ(接触又は非接触)である付加部材290が設けられる。これにより、操作部121の軸心回りの回転入力や、操作部121の軸心回りの回転によるON/OFFが可能な多方向入力装置が構成できる。なお、所定の許容範囲αは、操作部121の傾動方向の検出結果のばらつきが許容できる範囲内で定めればよい。許容範囲αの例は3°〜45°である。   Further, instead of the case 110, a case 280 illustrated in FIG. 9B may be used. In this modification, a convex portion 132 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface (fourth position) of the interlocking member 130, a concave portion 282 is provided on the cylindrical inner peripheral side surface (third position) of the case 280, and the convex portion 132 is in the concave portion 282. It functions as a 2nd rotation suppression mechanism by being arrange | positioned. However, the inner diameter of the concave portion 282 is somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the convex portion 132. Thereby, the convex part 132 is movable within a predetermined groove width in the concave part 282. As a result, the interlocking member 130 is allowed to rotate around the axis of the operation unit 121 (rotation in the β direction) within a predetermined allowable range α with respect to the case 280. Further, a detection member (contact or non-contact) that detects the position of the convex portion 132 with respect to the case 280 or the case 150, or a switch that operates according to the position of the convex portion 132 with respect to the case 280 or the case 150 (contact or non-contact). An additional member 290 is provided. As a result, a multi-directional input device that can be turned ON / OFF by the rotation input around the axis of the operation unit 121 and the rotation around the axis of the operation unit 121 can be configured. Note that the predetermined allowable range α may be determined within a range in which variation in the detection result of the tilt direction of the operation unit 121 is allowable. An example of the allowable range α is 3 ° to 45 °.

その他、例えば、操作部121が回動部122の凸摺接面122cから突起していない構成であってもよい。例えば、操作部121が回動部122の凸摺接面122cに含まれる一部の領域であってもよいし、回動部122の凸摺接面122cよりも窪んだ領域であってもよい。また、操作部材120が操作部121に対して線対称でなくてもよい。また、操作部材が操作部と回動部と突起部とが一体となった部材ではなく、操作部と回動部と突起部の一部が分離可能とされてもよい。また、本形態では、第2ケースの内面が凹球面状に形成され、回動部の凹摺接面が凹球面状に形成され、凸摺接面が凸球面状に形成された例を示した。しかし、第2ケースの内面が円筒内面状その他の凹曲面状に形成され、回動部の凹摺接面が円筒内面状その他の凹曲面状に形成され、凸摺接面が円筒外面状その他の凸曲面状に形成されてもよい。また、基準点に設けられた基準部材160である永久磁石からの磁界が検出部材170を通過する方向によって操作部121の傾動を検出するのではなく、レーザ光線用いて操作部121の傾動を検出するなど、その他の手段で操作部121の傾動を検出する構成でもよい。また、回動側に凸部と凹部とを設け、連動部材側に凸部と凹部とを設け、それらの組み合わせによって第1回転抑制機構が構成されてもよい。また、複数の凸部及び凹部によって第1回転抑制機構を構成するのではなく、1つの凸部及び凹部の組によって第1回転抑制機構が構成されてもよい。また、ケース110に第2回転抑制機構を構成する凹部や凸部が構成されるのではなく、ケース150側に第2回転抑制機構を構成する凹部や凸部が構成されてもよい。また、ケース150とケース110とが一体に構成されていてもよい。また、バネ140としてコイル状の圧縮バネを用いるのではなく、板バネその他のバネが用いられてもよい。その他、バネ140の代わりにゴムその他の弾性体が用いられてもよい。   In addition, for example, the configuration in which the operation unit 121 does not protrude from the convex contact surface 122c of the rotation unit 122 may be employed. For example, the operation unit 121 may be a partial region included in the convex sliding contact surface 122c of the rotating unit 122, or may be a region recessed from the convex sliding contact surface 122c of the rotating unit 122. . Further, the operation member 120 may not be line symmetric with respect to the operation unit 121. In addition, the operation member is not a member in which the operation unit, the rotation unit, and the projection unit are integrated, and the operation unit, the rotation unit, and a part of the projection unit may be separable. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the second case is formed in a concave spherical shape, the concave sliding contact surface of the rotating part is formed in a concave spherical shape, and the convex sliding contact surface is formed in a convex spherical shape. It was. However, the inner surface of the second case is formed into a cylindrical inner surface or other concave curved surface, the concave sliding contact surface of the rotating portion is formed into a cylindrical inner surface or other concave curved surface, and the convex sliding contact surface is a cylindrical outer surface or other. It may be formed in a convex curved shape. Further, the tilt of the operation unit 121 is not detected by using a laser beam, but the tilt of the operation unit 121 is detected based on the direction in which the magnetic field from the permanent magnet that is the reference member 160 provided at the reference point passes through the detection member 170. For example, the tilt of the operation unit 121 may be detected by other means. Moreover, a convex part and a recessed part are provided in the rotation side, a convex part and a recessed part are provided in the interlocking member side, and a 1st rotation suppression mechanism may be comprised by those combination. In addition, the first rotation suppression mechanism may be configured by a set of one convex portion and a concave portion, instead of configuring the first rotation suppression mechanism by a plurality of convex portions and concave portions. In addition, the case 110 may not be configured with the recesses or protrusions that constitute the second rotation suppression mechanism, but may be configured with recesses or projections that constitute the second rotation suppression mechanism on the case 150 side. Further, the case 150 and the case 110 may be integrally formed. Further, instead of using a coiled compression spring as the spring 140, a leaf spring or other springs may be used. In addition, instead of the spring 140, rubber or another elastic body may be used.

その他、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で適宜変更が可能であることはいうまでもない。   Needless to say, other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

本発明の多方向入力装置は、例えば、ジョイスティックその他の入力装置として利用することができる。   The multidirectional input device of the present invention can be used as, for example, a joystick or other input device.

100 多方向入力装置
110,150,210,280 ケース
111 貫通孔
112,131,222a,232,282 凹部
122a,132,212,231 凸部
113 内面
120,220 操作部材
121 操作部
122,222 回動部
122b,222b 押圧部
122c 凸摺接面
122d 凹摺接面
130,230 連動部材
151 支持部
170 検出部材
290 付加部材
100 Multi-directional input device 110, 150, 210, 280 Case 111 Through hole 112, 131, 222a, 232, 282 Concave portion 122a, 132, 212, 231 Convex portion 113 Inner surface 120, 220 Operation member 121 Operation portion 122, 222 Rotation Parts 122b, 222b Pressing part 122c Convex sliding contact surface 122d Concave sliding contact surface 130, 230 Interlocking member 151 Supporting part 170 Detection member 290 Additional member

Claims (6)

突設された支持部を含む第1ケースと、
凹曲面状の内面を含み、当該内面側から外部側へ貫通する貫通孔が設けられ、前記第1ケースに対する相対位置が一定の第2ケースと、
前記第1ケースの前記支持部に揺動自在に当接される凹曲面状の凹摺接面と前記第2ケースの前記内面に摺動自在に当接される凸曲面状の凸摺接面とを含み、前記凹摺接面が前記支持部に当接され前記凸摺接面が前記内面に当接された状態で回動可能な回動部と、
前記回動部の凸摺接面側に設けられ、前記貫通孔側に配置される操作部と、
前記操作部の傾動を検出する検出部材と、
与えられた弾性力によって前記回動部の前記第1ケース側の領域である押圧部に押し付けられ、前記操作部を中立位置へ復帰させる連動部材と、を有し、
前記連動部材に対向する前記押圧部の第1位置と前記押圧部に対向する前記連動部材の第2位置とには、前記連動部材に対して前記回動部が前記操作部の軸心回りに回転することを抑制するための第1回転抑制機構が設けられ、
前記連動部材に対向する前記第1ケース又は前記第2ケースの第3位置と前記第1ケース又は前記第2ケースに対向する前記連動部材の第4位置とには、前記第1ケース又は前記第2ケースに対して前記連動部材が前記操作部の軸心回りに回転することを抑制するための第2回転抑圧機構が設けられている、
ことを特徴とする多方向入力装置。
A first case including a projecting support portion;
A second case including a concave curved inner surface, provided with a through-hole penetrating from the inner surface side to the outer side, and having a constant relative position to the first case;
A concave curved contact surface that is slidably contacted with the support portion of the first case and a convex curved contact surface that is slidably contacted with the inner surface of the second case. A rotating portion that is rotatable in a state where the concave sliding contact surface is in contact with the support portion and the convex sliding contact surface is in contact with the inner surface;
An operating portion provided on the convex sliding contact surface side of the rotating portion and disposed on the through-hole side;
A detection member for detecting tilting of the operation unit;
An interlocking member that is pressed against a pressing portion that is an area on the first case side of the rotating portion by a given elastic force, and returns the operating portion to a neutral position;
In the first position of the pressing portion that faces the interlocking member and the second position of the interlocking member that faces the pressing portion, the rotating portion is about the axis of the operation portion with respect to the interlocking member. A first rotation suppressing mechanism for suppressing rotation is provided;
The third position of the first case or the second case facing the interlocking member and the fourth position of the interlocking member facing the first case or the second case include the first case or the second case. A second rotation suppression mechanism is provided for suppressing the interlocking member from rotating about the axis of the operation portion with respect to the two cases;
A multidirectional input device characterized by that.
請求項1の多方向入力装置であって、
前記第1回転抑制機構は、前記第1位置の凸部と前記第2位置の凹部との組、又は、前記第1位置の凹部と前記第2位置の凸部との組を含む、
ことを特徴とする多方向入力装置。
The multi-directional input device according to claim 1,
The first rotation suppression mechanism includes a set of a convex portion at the first position and a concave portion at the second position, or a set of a concave portion at the first position and a convex portion at the second position.
A multidirectional input device characterized by that.
請求項2の多方向入力装置であって、
前記第1回転抑制機構は、環状に配置された複数の前記第1位置の各凸部と環状に配置された複数の前記第2位置の各凹部との組み合わせ、又は、環状に配置された複数の前記第1位置の各凹部と環状に配置された複数の前記第2位置の各凸部との組み合わせを含む、
ことを特徴とする多方向入力装置。
The multi-directional input device according to claim 2,
The first rotation suppression mechanism is a combination of a plurality of convex portions at the first position arranged in a ring and a plurality of concave portions at the second position arranged in a ring, or a plurality arranged in a ring shape. Including a combination of each concave portion at the first position and a plurality of convex portions at the second position arranged in an annular shape,
A multidirectional input device characterized by that.
請求項1から3の何れかの多方向入力装置であって、
前記第2回転抑圧機構は、前記第3位置の凹部と前記第4位置の凸部との組、又は、前記第3位置の凸部と前記第4位置の凹部との組、を含む、
ことを特徴とする多方向入力装置。
The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The second rotation suppression mechanism includes a set of a concave portion at the third position and a convex portion at the fourth position, or a set of a convex portion at the third position and a concave portion at the fourth position.
A multidirectional input device characterized by that.
請求項4の多方向入力装置であって、
前記第2回転抑圧機構は、前記第3位置の凹部と前記第4位置の凸部との組であり、
前記第3位置の凹部の内径は、前記第4位置の凸部の外径よりも大きく、前記連動部材は、前記第1ケース又は前記第2ケースに対し、所定の許容範囲内で、前記操作部の軸心回りの回転が可能であり、
前記多方向入力装置は、さらに、前記第1ケース又は前記第2ケースに対する前記第4位置の凸部の位置を検出する第2検出部材、又は、前記第1ケース又は前記第2ケースに対する前記第4位置の凸部の位置に応じて動作するスイッチを含む、
ことを特徴とする多方向入力装置。
The multi-directional input device according to claim 4,
The second rotation suppression mechanism is a set of a concave portion at the third position and a convex portion at the fourth position;
An inner diameter of the concave portion at the third position is larger than an outer diameter of the convex portion at the fourth position, and the interlocking member is within a predetermined allowable range with respect to the first case or the second case. Rotation around the axis of the part is possible,
The multidirectional input device further includes a second detection member that detects a position of the convex portion of the fourth position with respect to the first case or the second case, or the first detection with respect to the first case or the second case. Including a switch that operates according to the position of the convex portion at four positions,
A multidirectional input device characterized by that.
請求項1から5の何れかの多方向入力装置であって、
前記第2ケースの前記凹曲面状の内面は凹球面状に形成され、前記回動部の前記凹摺接面は凹球面状に形成され、前記回動部の前記凸摺接面は凸球面状に形成される、
ことを特徴とする多方向入力装置。
The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The inner surface of the concave curved surface of the second case is formed in a concave spherical shape, the concave sliding contact surface of the rotating portion is formed in a concave spherical shape, and the convex sliding contact surface of the rotating portion is a convex spherical surface. Formed into a shape,
A multidirectional input device characterized by that.
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