JP6719260B2

JP6719260B2 - Foot controller

Info

Publication number: JP6719260B2
Application number: JP2016082254A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 健名倉; 良平福間
Original assignee: Takara Belmont Corp
Current assignee: Takara Belmont Corp
Priority date: 2016-04-15
Filing date: 2016-04-15
Publication date: 2020-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-04-15
Also published as: JP2017191757A

Description

本発明は、足先の踏込み操作によって対象物を操作するフットコントローラに関する。 The present invention relates to a foot controller that operates an object by stepping on a foot.

操作対象物としての医療用の椅子などに着座した患者を診療に適した姿勢にするために、施術者が足先で椅子の姿勢を簡単に変更操作できるフットコントローラが普及している。この様なフットコントローラは足先で操作するため、嵩高くならないコンパクトな構造が要求されている。 2. Description of the Related Art In order to put a patient seated on a medical chair or the like as an operation target into a posture suitable for medical treatment, a foot controller is widely used, which allows a practitioner to easily change the posture of the chair with his toes. Since such a foot controller is operated by the tip of the foot, a compact structure that does not become bulky is required.

従来、足先で踏込み操作可能な操作板と、操作板の中央に一方の端部が接続された状態で操作板に連動して傾動する操作軸と、底側に操作軸の他方の端部が貫通した固定部材と、固定部材の背面に固定されて操作軸の傾動方向を検出する検出部とを備えたフットコントローラが知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。このフットコントローラは、操作軸の先端に筒状のリング状押圧部が接続され、リング状押圧部の内部空間と固定部材の背面との間にスプリングが配置されている。 Conventionally, an operating plate that can be stepped on with a foot, an operating shaft that tilts in conjunction with the operating plate with one end connected to the center of the operating plate, and the other end of the operating shaft on the bottom side. There is known a foot controller including a fixing member that penetrates through and a detecting unit that is fixed to the back surface of the fixing member and detects the tilting direction of the operation shaft (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this foot controller, a tubular ring-shaped pressing portion is connected to the tip of the operation shaft, and a spring is arranged between the internal space of the ring-shaped pressing portion and the back surface of the fixing member.

操作板が踏込み操作されると、操作軸のリング状押圧部がスプリングと共に傾動し、リング状押圧部が検出部を押圧してスイッチがオンとなり、椅子の姿勢が変更される。一方、操作板から足先が離れると、検出部の押圧が解除されてスイッチがオフとなり、スプリングの付勢力によって操作軸が中立位置に戻されて、操作板が操作軸に対して平行姿勢に復帰する。 When the operation plate is stepped on, the ring-shaped pressing portion of the operation shaft tilts together with the spring, the ring-shaped pressing portion presses the detection portion, the switch is turned on, and the posture of the chair is changed. On the other hand, when the foot is separated from the operation plate, the detection unit is released from the pressure and the switch is turned off, and the operation shaft is returned to the neutral position by the biasing force of the spring, and the operation plate becomes parallel to the operation shaft. Return.

特開２００７−２６７４３号公報JP, 2007-26743, A

しかしながら、従来のフットコントローラにあっては、スプリングが傾くことでリング状押圧部を傾動させる構成であるため、スプリングが片当たり状態となって本来の付勢力が発揮されずに小さな踏込力で操作軸が容易に傾動する。その結果、リング状押圧部が検出部を強く押圧して、検出部を損傷させるおそれがあった。しかも、踏込み操作の感触が得られず、意図せず椅子の姿勢が変更されるという不都合があった。 However, in the conventional foot controller, since the ring-shaped pressing portion is tilted by tilting the spring, the spring is in a one-sided contact state and the original biasing force is not exerted, and the foot pedal is operated with a small stepping force. The shaft tilts easily. As a result, the ring-shaped pressing portion strongly presses the detection portion, which may damage the detection portion. Moreover, there is an inconvenience that the feeling of stepping operation is not obtained and the posture of the chair is changed unintentionally.

また、傾いたスプリングの付勢力によって操作軸が中立位置に戻され、操作板が操作軸に対して平行姿勢に復帰するので、スプリングの位置ずれ等によって操作板の復帰動作が安定しないおそれがあった。 Also, the biasing force of the tilted spring returns the operating shaft to the neutral position, and the operating plate returns to the posture parallel to the operating shaft.Therefore, the return movement of the operating plate may not be stable due to the displacement of the spring or the like. It was

そこで、検出部の損傷を防止しながら踏込み操作の感触を得ることができ、操作板の復帰動作の安定したフットコントローラをコンパクトに構成することが望まれている。 Therefore, it is desired to make the foot controller compact in which the feeling of stepping operation can be obtained while preventing the detection unit from being damaged and the operation plate returning operation is stable.

本発明に係るフットコントローラの特徴構成は、足先での踏込み操作によって対象物を操作するフットコントローラであって、前記足先で踏込み操作可能な操作板と、前記操作板の中央に一方の端部が接続されると共に他方の端部の先端面に凹部が形成され、前記操作板の踏込み操作に連動して傾動する操作軸と、前記操作板と前記凹部との間に配置され、前記操作軸が中立姿勢のときに前記操作板と平行である傾動軸と、前記凹部に当接する部分が球状である当接体と前記凹部に向けて前記当接体を付勢する付勢部材とを収容する収容部と、前記収容部を固定する固定部材と、前記操作軸の傾動方向を検出する検出部と、を備え、前記操作軸を傾動させたときに、平面視において前記当接体の球状中心が前記凹部の内部領域に位置するように前記操作軸の傾動を規制する規制機構を備えている点にある。 A characteristic configuration of a foot controller according to the present invention is a foot controller that operates an object by stepping on a foot, and an operating plate that can be stepped on by the foot, and one end at the center of the operating plate. Part is connected and a concave part is formed on the tip surface of the other end part, and the concave part is arranged between the operating plate and the concave part, and the operating shaft tilted in conjunction with the stepping operation of the operating plate, and the operation part. A tilting shaft that is parallel to the operation plate when the shaft is in a neutral posture, an abutting member whose portion that abuts the recess is spherical, and a biasing member that biases the abutting member toward the recess. An accommodating part for accommodating, a fixing member for fixing the accommodating part, and a detection part for detecting a tilting direction of the operation shaft, and when the operation shaft is tilted, the contact member has a plan view. This is in that a regulation mechanism for regulating the tilting of the operation shaft is provided so that the spherical center is located in the inner region of the recess.

本構成によれば、操作軸の先端面に凹部を形成し、この凹部に当接体を接触させつつ当接体を凹部に向かって付勢する付勢部材を設けているので、主に操作軸、当接体および付勢部材の寸法でフットコントローラの厚みが規定される。このように構成が簡便であるので、フットコントローラの厚みをコンパクトに設計し易い。 According to this configuration, since the concave portion is formed on the distal end surface of the operation shaft, and the biasing member that biases the contact body toward the concave portion while contacting the contact body with the concave portion is provided, the operation is mainly performed. The thickness of the foot controller is defined by the dimensions of the shaft, the contact body, and the biasing member. Since the structure is simple in this way, it is easy to design the thickness of the foot controller to be compact.

また、収容部に収容された当接体の球状部分を操作軸の凹部に当接させているので、凹部と操作板との間にある傾動軸周りに操作軸が傾動するとき、該球状部分の表面に対して凹部が横方向に相対移動する。一方、当接体と付勢部材とは固定部材の収容部に収容された状態で横方向に移動しない。つまり、操作軸の凹部を該球状部分に対して相対移動させるには、当接体を付勢部材の付勢力に抗して沈み込ませる必要があるので、操作板の踏込力が当接体を凹部に向かって付勢している付勢部材の付勢力を上回る必要がある。これは、従来のように付勢部材を傾けるものではなく、付勢部材の付勢力を凹部に向かって常に作用させているので、ある程度の踏込力を操作板に作用させない限り当接体が沈み込まない。その結果、利用者は踏込み操作の感触を得ることができ、意図せず対象物が操作されるという不都合が解消される。 Further, since the spherical portion of the contact body housed in the housing portion is brought into contact with the concave portion of the operating shaft, when the operating shaft tilts about the tilt axis between the concave portion and the operating plate, the spherical portion The recess moves laterally relative to the surface of the. On the other hand, the contact body and the urging member do not move laterally in the state of being accommodated in the accommodating portion of the fixing member. In other words, in order to move the concave portion of the operating shaft relative to the spherical portion, it is necessary to cause the contact body to sink against the urging force of the urging member. It is necessary to exceed the urging force of the urging member urging the member toward the recess. This is not to tilt the urging member as in the past, but the urging force of the urging member is constantly applied toward the recess, so the contact body will sink unless a certain stepping force is applied to the operation plate. Don't get involved. As a result, the user can feel the stepping operation, and the inconvenience that the object is operated unintentionally is eliminated.

さらに、本構成では、操作軸を傾動させたとき、平面視において球状中心が凹部の内部領域に位置するように操作軸の傾動を規制する規制機構を備えている。この規制機構によって、操作軸が必要以上に傾動してしまい、球状中心が凹部の内部領域から離脱することが防止される。その結果、操作板に対しての踏込み操作が解除されたとき、当接体に当接する操作軸が付勢部材の付勢力によって中立位置に戻され、操作板を操作軸に対して平行姿勢に復帰させることができる。また、付勢部材の付勢力を凹部に向かって常に作用させているので、操作軸を中立位置に復帰させる復帰力が大きく、操作板の復帰動作が安定する。しかも、規制機構が操作軸の傾動範囲を規制しているので、例えば操作軸の傾動によって押圧されるスイッチで検出部を構成した場合、該検出部を損傷させるおそれがない。 Further, in the present configuration, when the operation shaft is tilted, the restricting mechanism that restricts the tilt of the operation shaft is provided so that the spherical center is located in the inner region of the recess in plan view. This restricting mechanism prevents the operation shaft from tilting more than necessary and prevents the spherical center from separating from the inner region of the recess. As a result, when the stepping operation on the operation plate is released, the operation shaft that abuts the contact body is returned to the neutral position by the urging force of the urging member, and the operation plate is placed in a parallel posture with respect to the operation shaft. Can be restored. Further, since the urging force of the urging member is always applied toward the concave portion, the returning force for returning the operating shaft to the neutral position is large, and the returning operation of the operating plate is stable. Moreover, since the regulation mechanism regulates the tilting range of the operating shaft, there is no risk of damaging the detecting unit when the detecting unit is constituted by a switch that is pressed by the tilting of the operating shaft.

他の特徴構成は、前記規制機構が、前記操作軸の軸方向に垂直な方向に接続された板状部材と、前記固定部材から前記板状部材に向けて突出した突出部とを有し、前記操作軸を傾動させたときに、前記板状部材が前記突出部に当接することにより前記操作軸の傾動を規制する点にある。 Another characteristic configuration is that the restriction mechanism has a plate-shaped member connected in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation shaft, and a protrusion that protrudes from the fixed member toward the plate-shaped member, When the operating shaft is tilted, the plate-shaped member comes into contact with the protruding portion to regulate the tilting of the operating shaft.

本構成の規制機構を、操作軸の軸方向に垂直な方向で配置された板状部材を突出部に当接させる構成とすれば、フットコントローラの厚みを増大させることがない。その結果、フットコントローラをコンパクトに構成しながら、操作軸の傾動を確実に規制することができる。 If the regulation mechanism of this configuration is configured such that the plate-shaped member arranged in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation shaft is brought into contact with the protruding portion, the thickness of the foot controller is not increased. As a result, the tilt of the operation shaft can be reliably regulated while the foot controller is made compact.

他の特徴構成は、前記規制機構が、前記収容部の内壁に形成されたストッパを有し、前記操作軸を傾動させたときに、前記当接体が前記ストッパに当接することにより前記操作軸の傾動を規制する点にある。 In another characteristic configuration, the regulation mechanism has a stopper formed on an inner wall of the accommodation portion, and when the operation shaft is tilted, the contact body comes into contact with the stopper to thereby cause the operation shaft to move. The point is to regulate the tilt of.

本構成のように、収容部の内壁にストッパを設けるといった簡便な構成で当接体を必要以上に沈み込ませることがない。その結果、操作軸が傾動したときに、球状中心を凹部の内部領域に確実に位置させることができる。 Unlike the present configuration, the contact body is prevented from being unnecessarily depressed by a simple configuration such as providing a stopper on the inner wall of the accommodation portion. As a result, when the operation shaft is tilted, the spherical center can be reliably positioned in the inner region of the recess.

他の特徴構成は、前記傾動軸が、第一傾動軸と当該第一傾動軸に垂直な第二傾動軸とで構成され、前記第一傾動軸は、前記操作軸に貫通し、前記固定部材に軸支される第一軸部材を有し、前記第二傾動軸は、前記操作軸および前記第一軸部材に貫通する第二軸部材を有している点にある。 In another characteristic configuration, the tilting shaft includes a first tilting shaft and a second tilting shaft perpendicular to the first tilting shaft, the first tilting shaft penetrating the operation shaft, and the fixing member. The second tilting shaft has a second shaft member penetrating the operating shaft and the first shaft member.

本構成のように、互いに直交する第一傾動軸および第二傾動軸が有する２つの軸部材を設ければ、傾動軸芯を常に一定にして操作軸の傾動姿勢を安定させることができる。よって、操作軸の凹部と当接体の球状部位との位置ずれがなく、操作軸を中立位置へ確実に復帰させることができる By providing the two shaft members having the first tilting shaft and the second tilting shaft that are orthogonal to each other as in this configuration, the tilting axis of the operation shaft can be stabilized by keeping the tilting shaft core constant. Therefore, there is no positional deviation between the concave portion of the operating shaft and the spherical portion of the contact body, and the operating shaft can be reliably returned to the neutral position.

他の特徴構成は、前記凹部は、前記当接体の外表面に沿う球面で形成されている点にある。 Another characteristic configuration is that the recess is formed as a spherical surface along the outer surface of the contact body.

本構成のように、凹部を当接体の外表面に沿う球面で形成すれば、凹部と球状部位との接触面積が増加し、操作軸を安定して傾動させることができる。 If the concave portion is formed as a spherical surface along the outer surface of the abutting body as in this configuration, the contact area between the concave portion and the spherical portion increases, and the operating shaft can be tilted stably.

第一実施形態に係るフットコントローラの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the foot controller which concerns on 1st embodiment. 図１のII−II断面図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. 図２の状態から踏込み操作した断面図である。It is sectional drawing which stepped on from the state of FIG. 第一実施形態に係る操作軸の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the operation shaft concerning a first embodiment. 第一実施形態に係る収容部の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the accommodation part concerning a first embodiment. 第二実施形態に係るフットコントローラの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the foot controller which concerns on 2nd embodiment. 第三実施形態に係るフットコントローラの断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the foot controller which concerns on 3rd embodiment. 第三実施形態に係る操作軸の先端を拡大した斜視図である。It is the perspective view which expanded the front-end|tip of the operating shaft which concerns on 3rd embodiment. 図７のＩＸ−ＩＸ断面図である。FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7.

以下に、本発明に係るフットコントローラの実施形態について、図面に基づいて説明する。本実施形態では、フットコントローラの一例として、利用者の足先での踏込み操作によって椅子（対象物の一例）を操作する（椅子の姿勢を変更する）フットコントローラＸとして説明する。ただし、以下の実施形態に限定されることなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲内で種々の変形が可能である。 An embodiment of a foot controller according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as an example of a foot controller, a foot controller X that operates a chair (an example of an object) by a stepping operation on the foot of a user (changes the posture of the chair) will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

［第一実施形態］
図１および図２に示すように、本実施形態におけるフットコントローラＸは、足先で踏込み操作可能な操作板１と、操作板１の中央に一方の端部が接続されると共に他方の端部の先端面に凹部２４ｃが形成され、操作板１の踏込み操作に連動して傾動する操作軸２と、操作板１と凹部２４ｃとの間に配置され、操作軸２が中立姿勢のときに操作板１と平行である傾動軸Ｙと、図示しない化粧ケース等に固定されて自身の移動が規制された固定部材３と、基板４Ａに支持されて操作軸２の傾動方向を検出する検出部４と、を備えている。これらの部材を化粧ケースなどで覆ってフットコントローラＸが構成され、足先で踏込み操作し易い高さに設定されている。 [First embodiment]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the foot controller X according to the present embodiment has an operation plate 1 that can be stepped on with a foot, and one end connected to the center of the operation plate 1 and the other end. A concave portion 24c is formed on the tip end surface of the operation shaft 2, which is arranged between the operation plate 1 and the concave portion 24c, which is tilted in association with the stepping operation of the operation plate 1, and is operated when the operation shaft 2 is in the neutral posture. A tilt axis Y that is parallel to the plate 1, a fixing member 3 that is fixed to a not-shown decorative case or the like to restrict its movement, and a detection unit 4 that is supported by the substrate 4A and that detects the tilt direction of the operation shaft 2. And are equipped with. A foot controller X is configured by covering these members with a decorative case or the like, and is set to a height at which it is easy to step on the foot.

操作板１は、足先で踏込み操作可能な矩形の平板形状で構成されている。操作板１は、裏面に操作軸２の基部２Ａ（一方の端部）が収容される凹状の収容空間が形成されており、中央に複数（本実施形態では４箇所）の孔部１１が形成されている。また、操作板１の角部には、表面から突出した複数（本実施形態では４箇所）の突起部１２が設けられている。この突起部１２は、平面視で角部に頂点を有する三角形状で構成され、内側から外側に向かって突出量が増大するように傾斜している。なお、操作板１を矩形の平板形状ではなく、円形の平板形状で構成するなど踏込み操作できる形状であれば特に限定されない。また、突起部１２は、平面視において、三角形状ではなく、四角形状や台形形状などで構成しても良く、特に限定されない。 The operation plate 1 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape that can be stepped on with a foot. The operation plate 1 has a concave accommodation space in which a base portion 2A (one end portion) of the operation shaft 2 is accommodated on the back surface, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) hole portions 11 are formed in the center. Has been done. Further, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) protrusions 12 projecting from the surface are provided at the corners of the operation plate 1. The projection 12 is formed in a triangular shape having vertices at the corners in a plan view, and is inclined so that the amount of projection increases from the inside to the outside. The operation plate 1 is not limited to a rectangular flat plate shape, and is not particularly limited as long as the operation plate 1 has a circular flat plate shape and can be depressed. In addition, the projection 12 may have a quadrangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or the like instead of a triangular shape in plan view, and is not particularly limited.

対角線上にある一対の突起部１２は、例えば椅子の背凭れおよびレッグレストの傾斜角度を変更するスイッチであり、他の一対の突起部１２は、例えば座面の上下位置を変更するスイッチである。このように、突起部１２を設けることで、利用者が踏込み操作位置を認識し易くなる。また、突起部１２の角部の突出量を増大させているので、利用者が突起部１２の側方を踏込んだ場合でも、足先の一部が突起部１２の角部に最初に接触して荷重が集中する。その結果、操作板１が意図しない斜め方向（隣り合う突起部１２どうしの間）に押されて、椅子の姿勢変更が実行されない不都合が解消できる。 The pair of protrusions 12 on the diagonal line are, for example, switches for changing the backrest of the chair and the tilt angle of the legrest, and the other pair of protrusions 12 are, for example, switches for changing the vertical position of the seat surface. .. As described above, by providing the protrusion 12, the user can easily recognize the stepping operation position. Moreover, since the protrusion amount of the corner portion of the protrusion 12 is increased, even when the user steps on the side of the protrusion 12, a part of the toe first comes into contact with the corner of the protrusion 12 first. And the load concentrates. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the operation plate 1 is pushed in an unintended diagonal direction (between the adjacent protrusions 12) and the posture of the chair is not changed.

図１および図４に示すように、操作軸２は、ボックス状の基部２Ａと、基部２Ａから延出した柱状部２Ｂとを有している。基部２Ａの上面には複数（本実施形態では４箇所）のネジ孔２１が形成されており、このネジ孔２１に操作板１の孔部１１を重ねた状態でボルトＢａが螺合され、操作板１の背面中央に操作軸２が固定されている。これによって、操作板１が踏込み操作されたとき、操作板１の移動方向に連動して操作軸２が傾動する。なお、操作軸２は、操作板１と一体で形成しても良いし、操作板１の中央を貫通して螺合又は圧入されていても良い。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the operation shaft 2 has a box-shaped base portion 2A and a columnar portion 2B extending from the base portion 2A. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) screw holes 21 are formed on the upper surface of the base portion 2A, and the bolts Ba are screwed in the screw holes 21 with the hole portions 11 of the operation plate 1 overlapped to operate. An operation shaft 2 is fixed to the center of the back surface of the plate 1. Accordingly, when the operation plate 1 is stepped on, the operation shaft 2 tilts in association with the moving direction of the operation plate 1. The operation shaft 2 may be formed integrally with the operation plate 1, or may be screwed or press fit through the center of the operation plate 1.

操作軸２の柱状部２Ｂは、基部２Ａに近い側から順に、大径部２２と、大径部２２よりも小さい直径である中径部２３と、中径部２３よりも小さい直径である小径部２４とで構成されている。 The columnar portion 2B of the operation shaft 2 has a large diameter portion 22, a medium diameter portion 23 having a diameter smaller than the large diameter portion 22, and a small diameter having a diameter smaller than the medium diameter portion 23 in order from the side closer to the base portion 2A. And part 24.

大径部２２には、中立位置にある第一傾動軸Ｙａ（傾動軸Ｙの一例）に沿って固定部材３に回転可能に軸支された第一軸部材５１が貫通する縦長形状の第一孔部２２ａが形成されている。この縦長形状の第一孔部２２ａによって、第一軸部材５１に対する操作軸２の傾動方向の移動が許容され、操作軸２の回転方向の移動が規制される。また、大径部２２には、第一傾動軸Ｙａに垂直な第二傾動軸Ｙｂ（傾動軸Ｙの一例）に沿って第二軸部材５２が貫通する円形状の第二孔部２２ｂが形成されている。この第二軸部材５２は、第一軸部材５１の円形孔５１ａにも貫通しており、操作軸２の第二孔部２２ｂおよび第一軸部材５１の円形孔５１ａと周方向に沿って回転可能に接触している。これによって、第二軸部材５２は、傾動軸芯を第一傾動軸Ｙａと第二傾動軸Ｙｂとの交点に保つ機能を有している。 The large-diameter portion 22 has a vertically elongated first shape in which a first shaft member 51 rotatably supported by the fixed member 3 penetrates along the first tilt axis Ya (an example of the tilt axis Y) in the neutral position. The hole 22a is formed. The vertically elongated first hole portion 22a allows the operation shaft 2 to move in the tilting direction with respect to the first shaft member 51, and restricts the movement of the operation shaft 2 in the rotation direction. Further, the large-diameter portion 22 is formed with a circular second hole portion 22b through which the second shaft member 52 penetrates along a second tilt axis Yb (an example of the tilt axis Y) perpendicular to the first tilt axis Ya. Has been done. The second shaft member 52 also penetrates the circular hole 51a of the first shaft member 51, and rotates in the circumferential direction together with the second hole portion 22b of the operation shaft 2 and the circular hole 51a of the first shaft member 51. Contact is possible. Thereby, the second shaft member 52 has a function of keeping the tilt axis at the intersection of the first tilt axis Ya and the second tilt axis Yb.

また、操作板１の対向する一対の突起部１２の角部を結ぶ各対角線は、第一傾動軸Ｙａ又は第二傾動軸Ｙｂと平行に配置されている。例えば、第一傾動軸Ｙａに平行な方向に位置する操作板１の突起部１２が踏込み操作されると、操作軸２が第二傾動軸Ｙｂ周りに傾動し、第一孔部２２ａと第一軸部材５１との上下方向（縦方向）の隙間が変動する（図３参照）。一方、第二傾動軸Ｙｂに平行な方向に位置する操作板１の突起部１２が踏込み操作されると、操作軸２が第一傾動軸Ｙａ周りに傾動し、第二軸部材５２および操作軸２が上下方向に回転移動しながら第一軸部材５１が回転する。このように、本実施形態におけるフットコントローラＸは、互いに直交する第一傾動軸Ｙａおよび第二傾動軸Ｙｂに沿って２つの軸部材５１，５２を設けることで、傾動軸芯を常に一定にして操作軸２の傾動姿勢を安定させている。 Further, each diagonal line connecting the corners of the pair of opposing projections 12 of the operation plate 1 is arranged parallel to the first tilt axis Ya or the second tilt axis Yb. For example, when the protrusion 12 of the operation plate 1 located in the direction parallel to the first tilt axis Ya is stepped on, the operation shaft 2 tilts around the second tilt axis Yb, and the first hole 22a and the first hole 22a are connected. A vertical gap (vertical direction) between the shaft member 51 and the shaft member 51 varies (see FIG. 3 ). On the other hand, when the protrusion 12 of the operation plate 1 located in the direction parallel to the second tilt axis Yb is stepped on, the operation shaft 2 tilts around the first tilt axis Ya, and the second shaft member 52 and the operation shaft. The first shaft member 51 rotates while the 2 moves in the vertical direction. As described above, the foot controller X in the present embodiment is provided with the two shaft members 51 and 52 along the first tilt axis Ya and the second tilt axis Yb which are orthogonal to each other, so that the tilt axis is always constant. The tilting posture of the operation shaft 2 is stabilized.

中径部２３は、固定部材３に支持された基板４Ａの貫通孔４１に挿入されている。操作軸２が傾動したとき、大径部２２と中径部２３との境界に形成された段差が基板４Ａに接触しないように、貫通孔４１は中径部２３の外表面に対して所定の間隔を有している（図３参照）。 The medium diameter portion 23 is inserted into the through hole 41 of the substrate 4A supported by the fixing member 3. When the operation shaft 2 tilts, the through hole 41 has a predetermined size with respect to the outer surface of the medium diameter portion 23 so that the step formed at the boundary between the large diameter portion 22 and the medium diameter portion 23 does not contact the substrate 4A. It has a space (see FIG. 3).

図４に示すように、小径部２４は、中径部２３との境界に形成される段差部２４ａと、段差部２４ａよりも先端側に形成される環状溝２４ｂと、先端面に形成された凹部２４ｃとを有している。図１および図２に示すように、段差部２４ａには第一環状部材５３が係止され、この第一環状部材５３より大径の第二環状部材５４（板状部材の一例）が、第一環状部材５３に当接している。また、環状溝２４ｂには、Ｃリング５５が嵌められており、このＣリング５５と段差部２４ａとで、第一環状部材５３および第二環状部材５４が挟持されている。つまり、これら第一環状部材５３，第二環状部材５４およびＣリング５５は、操作軸２の軸方向に対して垂直な方向に配置されている。これによって、フットコントローラＸの厚みを増大させることがない。なお、第一環状部材５３と第二環状部材５４とは、一体で形成しても良いし、Ｃリング５５を省略して小径部２４に圧入固定されていても良い。 As shown in FIG. 4, the small-diameter portion 24 is formed on the tip surface with a step portion 24a formed at the boundary with the medium-diameter portion 23, an annular groove 24b formed on the tip side of the step portion 24a. It has a recess 24c. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first annular member 53 is locked to the step portion 24a, and the second annular member 54 (an example of a plate-shaped member) having a diameter larger than that of the first annular member 53 is It contacts one annular member 53. A C ring 55 is fitted in the annular groove 24b, and the C ring 55 and the step portion 24a sandwich the first annular member 53 and the second annular member 54. That is, the first annular member 53, the second annular member 54, and the C ring 55 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation shaft 2. This does not increase the thickness of the foot controller X. The first annular member 53 and the second annular member 54 may be integrally formed, or the C ring 55 may be omitted and press-fitted and fixed to the small diameter portion 24.

操作軸２の先端面に形成された凹部２４ｃは、後述する球体６１（当接体の一例）の外表面に沿う球面で構成されている。この凹部２４ｃよりも操作板１の側に、操作軸２の傾動軸Ｙが離間して配置されている。凹部２４ｃを球面で構成することで、球体６１との接触面積が増大し、操作軸２の傾動姿勢が安定する。なお、凹部２４ｃは球面に限定されず、少なくとも凹部２４ｃの外周が球体６１に当接する形状であればどのような形態であっても良い。 The recess 24c formed on the tip end surface of the operation shaft 2 is formed of a spherical surface along the outer surface of a sphere 61 (an example of an abutment body) described later. The tilt axis Y of the operation shaft 2 is arranged apart from the recess 24c on the operation plate 1 side. By forming the concave portion 24c with a spherical surface, the contact area with the spherical body 61 increases, and the tilted posture of the operation shaft 2 is stabilized. The recess 24c is not limited to the spherical surface, and may have any shape as long as at least the outer periphery of the recess 24c is in contact with the spherical body 61.

図１および図２に示すように、固定部材３は、平板状の底部３１と、底部３１の両側に切欠き形成されたＵ字状溝３２から操作板１の方向に延在する一対の腕部３３と、底部３１から操作板１の方向に延出して基板４Ａを支持する支持部３４と、を有している。また、固定部材３の底部３１の中央には、筒状部材３５が螺合又圧入されている。さらに、固定部材３の底部３１には、筒状部材３５を取り囲んで等間隔に配置された複数（本実施形態では４箇所）の孔部３６に複数のボルトＢｃ（突出部の一例）が螺合されている。 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the fixing member 3 includes a flat plate-shaped bottom portion 31 and a pair of arms extending in the direction of the operation plate 1 from U-shaped grooves 32 formed by notches on both sides of the bottom portion 31. It has a portion 33 and a support portion 34 that extends from the bottom portion 31 toward the operation plate 1 and supports the substrate 4A. A tubular member 35 is screwed or press-fitted in the center of the bottom portion 31 of the fixing member 3. Further, on the bottom portion 31 of the fixing member 3, a plurality of bolts Bc (an example of a protruding portion) are screwed into a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) hole portions 36 surrounding the tubular member 35 and arranged at equal intervals. Have been combined.

固定部材３の底部３１の角部には複数の孔部３１ａが形成されており、図示しない化粧ケースがネジ止めされる。一対の腕部３３には、第一軸部材５１を軸支する円孔形状の軸受部３３ａが形成されている。この軸受部３３ａは、すべり軸受状に構成されているが、転がり軸受等を介在させても良く、第一軸部材５１が滑らかに回転する構成であればどのような形態であっても良い。支持部３４は、底部３１から延出した柱状に形成されており、先端のネジ孔に基板４Ａの孔部４２を重ねた状態でボルトＢｂが螺合され、基板４Ａが固定部材３に固定されている。 A plurality of holes 31a are formed at the corners of the bottom 31 of the fixing member 3, and a decorative case (not shown) is screwed. A circular hole-shaped bearing portion 33 a that pivotally supports the first shaft member 51 is formed on the pair of arm portions 33. The bearing portion 33a is configured in the form of a slide bearing, but a rolling bearing or the like may be interposed, and any form may be used as long as the first shaft member 51 rotates smoothly. The support portion 34 is formed in a columnar shape extending from the bottom portion 31, and the bolt Bb is screwed in a state in which the hole portion 42 of the substrate 4A is overlapped with the screw hole at the tip, and the substrate 4A is fixed to the fixing member 3. ing.

図１〜図２，図５に示すように、筒状部材３５は、ナット部３５ａと、ナット部３５ａに螺合又は圧入され、内部に球体６１および圧縮コイルバネ６２（付勢部材の一例）を収容する収容部３５ｂと、を有している。本実施形態の筒状部材３５は、ナット部３５ａおよび固定部材３の底部３１に螺合又は圧入されている。なお、収容部３５ｂをナット部３５ａに螺合又は圧入して筒状部材３５を構成したが、収容部３５ｂとナット部３５ａとを一体で構成しても良い。また、収容部３５ｂを固定部材３の底部３１と一体で形成しても良い。第一傾動軸Ｙａと第二傾動軸Ｙｂの交点を通り、第一傾動軸Ｙａと第二傾動軸Ｙｂに垂直な軸を中心軸Ｚとする。球体６１の中心は中心軸Ｚ上にある。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 and 5, the tubular member 35 is screwed or press-fitted into the nut portion 35a and the nut portion 35a, and has a sphere 61 and a compression coil spring 62 (an example of a biasing member) inside. It has the accommodation part 35b which accommodates. The tubular member 35 of the present embodiment is screwed or press fitted into the nut portion 35a and the bottom portion 31 of the fixing member 3. In addition, although the tubular member 35 is configured by screwing or press-fitting the housing portion 35b into the nut portion 35a, the housing portion 35b and the nut portion 35a may be integrally formed. Further, the housing portion 35b may be formed integrally with the bottom portion 31 of the fixing member 3. A center axis Z is an axis that passes through the intersection of the first tilt axis Ya and the second tilt axis Yb and is perpendicular to the first tilt axis Ya and the second tilt axis Yb. The center of the sphere 61 is on the central axis Z.

筒状部材３５の収容部３５ｂの上面には、球体６１に隣り合う位置に切欠き部６３が設けられており、操作軸２が中立位置にあるとき、切欠き部６３の底部６３ａと球体６１との間に所定の隙間が形成されている。これによって、収容部３５ｂの内部空間の空気を外部に逃がして、球体６１の直進移動を円滑なものにしている。なお、本実施形態では、球体６１のストロークを小さく設定しており、空気の圧縮量が小さく球体６１の移動に影響が小さいため、切欠き部６３を省略しても良い。 A cutout portion 63 is provided on the upper surface of the housing portion 35b of the tubular member 35 at a position adjacent to the spherical body 61, and when the operation shaft 2 is in the neutral position, the bottom portion 63a of the cutout portion 63 and the spherical body 61 are provided. A predetermined gap is formed between and. As a result, the air in the internal space of the accommodation portion 35b is released to the outside, and the straight movement of the sphere 61 is made smooth. In the present embodiment, the stroke of the sphere 61 is set to be small, the amount of compressed air is small, and the movement of the sphere 61 is little affected. Therefore, the notch 63 may be omitted.

球体６１は、圧縮コイルバネ６２から第一傾動軸Ｙａと第二傾動軸Ｙｂとの交点に向かう付勢力を受けて操作軸２の先端面に形成された凹部２４ｃと当接している。その結果、凹部２４ｃよりも操作板１の側に離間する第一傾動軸Ｙａと第二傾動軸Ｙｂとの交点を中心として操作軸２が傾動するとき、球体６１の表面に対して凹部２４ｃが横方向に相対移動する（図３参照）。つまり、球体６１および圧縮コイルバネ６２は固定部材３の収容部３５ｂに収容された状態で横方向に移動しない。 The spherical body 61 receives a biasing force from the compression coil spring 62 toward the intersection of the first tilting axis Ya and the second tilting axis Yb, and is in contact with the recess 24c formed in the tip end surface of the operation shaft 2. As a result, when the operating shaft 2 tilts about the intersection of the first tilting axis Ya and the second tilting axis Yb, which are separated from the recessed portion 24c toward the operation plate 1, the recessed portion 24c is formed on the surface of the spherical body 61. It relatively moves laterally (see FIG. 3). That is, the sphere 61 and the compression coil spring 62 do not move in the lateral direction while being accommodated in the accommodation portion 35b of the fixing member 3.

一方、凹部２４ｃを球体６１に対して相対移動させるには、球体６１を沈み込ませる必要があるので、操作板１の踏込力が球体６１を付勢している圧縮コイルバネ６２の付勢力を上回る必要がある。つまり、圧縮コイルバネ６２の付勢力を凹部２４ｃ（第一傾動軸Ｙａと第二傾動軸Ｙｂとの交点）に向かって常に作用させているので、所定値以上の踏込力を操作板１に作用させない限り球体６１が沈み込まない。その結果、凹部２４ｃが球体６１に対して相対移動したときにクリック感が発生し、利用者は踏込み操作の感触を得ることができるので、意図せず椅子の姿勢が変更されるという不都合が解消される。なお、球体６１の沈み込みの際に、球体６１の中心は中心軸Ｚ上を移動する。 On the other hand, in order to move the concave portion 24c relative to the sphere 61, the sphere 61 needs to be depressed, so the stepping force of the operation plate 1 exceeds the urging force of the compression coil spring 62 urging the sphere 61. There is a need. That is, since the biasing force of the compression coil spring 62 is constantly applied toward the recess 24c (the intersection of the first tilt axis Ya and the second tilt axis Yb), the stepping force of a predetermined value or more is not applied to the operation plate 1. As long as the sphere 61 does not sink. As a result, when the recess 24c moves relative to the sphere 61, a click feeling is generated, and the user can feel the stepping operation, so that the inconvenience that the posture of the chair is unintentionally changed is eliminated. To be done. When the sphere 61 sinks, the center of the sphere 61 moves on the central axis Z.

また、本実施形態のフットコントローラＸは、図３に示すように、操作軸２が傾動したときに、平面視において球体６１の中心が凹部２４ｃの内部領域に位置するように操作軸２の傾動を規制する規制機構Ｌを備えている。この規制機構Ｌは、図３に示すように、操作軸２を傾動させたとき、第二環状部材５４の下面がボルトＢｃの先端に当接して操作軸２の傾動を規制する。つまり、本実施形態における規制機構Ｌは、操作軸２の軸方向に垂直な方向に接続された第二環状部材５４と、固定部材３から第二環状部材５４に向けて突出したボルトＢｃとを有している。これによって、操作軸２が必要以上に傾動してしまい、球体６１の中心から凹部２４ｃが離脱することが防止される。その結果、操作板１に対しての踏込み操作が解除されたとき、圧縮コイルバネ６２の付勢力が作用して球体６１に当接する操作軸２が中立位置に戻され、操作板１を操作軸２に対して平行姿勢に復帰させることができる。しかも、圧縮コイルバネ６２の付勢力を凹部２４ｃに向かって常に作用させているので、操作軸２を中立位置に復帰させる復帰力が大きく、操作板１の復帰動作が安定する。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the foot controller X of the present embodiment tilts the operation shaft 2 so that the center of the sphere 61 is located in the inner region of the recess 24c in plan view when the operation shaft 2 tilts. Is provided with a regulation mechanism L. As shown in FIG. 3, when the operating shaft 2 is tilted, the regulating mechanism L regulates the tilting of the operating shaft 2 by contacting the lower surface of the second annular member 54 with the tip of the bolt Bc. That is, the regulation mechanism L in the present embodiment includes the second annular member 54 connected in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation shaft 2 and the bolt Bc protruding from the fixing member 3 toward the second annular member 54. Have This prevents the operation shaft 2 from tilting more than necessary and prevents the recess 24c from coming off the center of the spherical body 61. As a result, when the stepping operation on the operation plate 1 is released, the urging force of the compression coil spring 62 acts and the operation shaft 2 that comes into contact with the spherical body 61 is returned to the neutral position, and the operation plate 1 is operated. It is possible to return to a parallel posture with respect to. Moreover, since the biasing force of the compression coil spring 62 is constantly applied toward the recess 24c, the restoring force for returning the operating shaft 2 to the neutral position is large, and the returning operation of the operating plate 1 is stable.

図１に示すように、検出部４は、基板４Ａに支持された状態で第二環状部材５４の上方に配置されたタクトスイッチで構成されている。図３に示すように、この検出部４は、第一環状部材５３の上面に当接することで押下されてスイッチがオンとなり、椅子の姿勢を変更させる信号を出力する。このとき、第二環状部材５４は、検出部４を押下する押込量を調節する部材として機能している。 As shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 4 is composed of a tact switch arranged above the second annular member 54 while being supported by the substrate 4A. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection unit 4 is pressed down by being brought into contact with the upper surface of the first annular member 53 to turn on the switch, and outputs a signal for changing the posture of the chair. At this time, the second annular member 54 functions as a member that adjusts the amount of pushing down the detection unit 4.

一方、図２に示すように、操作板１の踏込み操作が解除されたとき、小径の第一環状部材５３が検出部４から離間してスイッチがオフとなり、椅子の姿勢変更が停止される。なお、検出部４は、タクトスイッチに限定されず、マイクロスイッチ、磁気センサ、光学センサなど操作軸２の傾動方向を検出可能なものであれば特に限定されない。 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the stepping operation of the operation plate 1 is released, the small-diameter first annular member 53 is separated from the detection unit 4 and the switch is turned off, so that the posture change of the chair is stopped. The detection unit 4 is not limited to the tact switch, and is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the tilt direction of the operation shaft 2 such as a micro switch, a magnetic sensor, and an optical sensor.

本実施形態では、検出部４を第二環状部材５４に接触する第一環状部材５３の上方に配置し、第二環状部材５４の下面とボルトＢｃとで構成される規制機構Ｌが操作軸２の傾動範囲を規制しているので、検出部４が強く押下されて損傷するおそれがない。しかも、第一環状部材５３および第二環状部材５４が検出部４の押下機能と規制機構Ｌとを兼ね備えているので、部品点数を節約できると共にフットコントローラＸの厚みをコンパクトにできる。なお、検出部４を第二環状部材５４の下方に配置し、突出部としてのボルトＢｃを第二環状部材５４の上方に配置しても良い。また、規制機構Ｌを構成する突出部は、ボルトＢｃに限定されず、例えば、固定部材３に一体形成や接着等で固定された柱状部材で構成しても良い。さらに、第二環状部材５４を、例えば十字状に形成しても良く、ボルトＢｃに当接可能な形状であればどのような形状であっても良い。 In the present embodiment, the detection unit 4 is arranged above the first annular member 53 that comes into contact with the second annular member 54, and the regulation mechanism L configured by the lower surface of the second annular member 54 and the bolt Bc is provided with the operation shaft 2. Since the tilting range is restricted, there is no possibility that the detection unit 4 is strongly pressed and damaged. Moreover, since the first annular member 53 and the second annular member 54 have both the pressing function of the detection unit 4 and the regulation mechanism L, the number of parts can be saved and the thickness of the foot controller X can be made compact. The detector 4 may be arranged below the second annular member 54, and the bolt Bc as a protrusion may be arranged above the second annular member 54. Further, the protruding portion forming the regulation mechanism L is not limited to the bolt Bc, but may be formed of, for example, a columnar member fixed to the fixing member 3 by integral formation or adhesion. Further, the second annular member 54 may be formed in a cross shape, for example, and may have any shape as long as it can contact the bolt Bc.

［第二実施形態］
図６には、フットコントローラＸの第二実施形態が示される。なお、図面の理解を容易にするため、同様の部材には同じ名称および符号を用いて説明する。また、上述した実施形態と異なる特徴構成のみを説明する。 [Second embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the foot controller X. To facilitate understanding of the drawings, similar members will be described using the same names and reference numerals. Further, only the characteristic configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

本実施形態の規制機構Ｌは、収容部３５ｂの内壁の径方向内側に突出形成された突起６３ｂ（ストッパの一例）を有し、操作軸２が傾動したとき、球体６１が突起６３ｂに当接することにより操作軸２の傾動を規制する。この突起６３ｂは、例えば図６に示すように、切欠き部６３の底部６３ａより下方に段落ちした部位から収容部３５ｂの内部空間の底部に至るまで、収容部３５ｂの内壁から径方向内側に突出して一体形成しても良い。また、突起６３ｂは収容部３５ｂの内壁の周方向に亘って径方向内側に突出形成しても良いし、別部材の突起を収容部３５ｂの内壁に接着しても良い。 The regulation mechanism L of the present embodiment has a protrusion 63b (an example of a stopper) formed to project radially inward of the inner wall of the housing portion 35b, and the sphere 61 contacts the protrusion 63b when the operation shaft 2 tilts. As a result, tilting of the operation shaft 2 is restricted. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 63b extends radially inward from the inner wall of the housing portion 35b from the portion of the cutout portion 63 that is stepped down below the bottom portion 63a to the bottom portion of the internal space of the housing portion 35b. It may be projected and integrally formed. Further, the protrusion 63b may be formed so as to protrude radially inward over the circumferential direction of the inner wall of the housing portion 35b, or a protrusion of another member may be bonded to the inner wall of the housing portion 35b.

このように、収容部３５ｂの内壁に突起６３ｂを設けるといった簡便な構成で球体６１を必要以上に沈み込ませることがない。その結果、操作軸２が傾動したときに、球体６１の中心を凹部２４ｃの内部領域に確実に位置させることができる。 In this way, the sphere 61 is not submerged more than necessary with a simple structure in which the protrusion 63b is provided on the inner wall of the housing portion 35b. As a result, when the operation shaft 2 tilts, the center of the spherical body 61 can be reliably positioned in the inner region of the recess 24c.

［第三実施形態］
図７〜図９には、フットコントローラＸの第三実施形態が示される。なお、図面の理解を容易にするため、同様の部材には同じ名称および符号を用いて説明する。また、上述した実施形態と異なる特徴構成のみを説明する。 [Third embodiment]
7 to 9 show a third embodiment of the foot controller X. To facilitate understanding of the drawings, similar members will be described using the same names and reference numerals. Further, only the characteristic configuration different from the above-described embodiment will be described.

図８に示すように、本実施形態の操作軸２０は、柱状部２０Ｂの先端の外周を突出させた外筒部３７を有している。この外筒部３７の内壁には、外側に窪むように形成された複数（本実施形態では４箇所）のガイド溝３７ａが形成されている。また、図７および図９に示すように、固定部材３の底部３１から中心軸Ｚに垂直な断面形状が矩形状のガイド突起３８が立設しており、その中央部に収容部３５ｂ１が取り付けられている。これによって、操作軸２０を傾動させたとき、ガイド溝３７ａの側壁３７ａ１に沿って操作軸２０とガイド突起３８とが相対移動し、ガイド突起３８の外周面がガイド溝３７ａの底壁３７ａ２に当接して、操作軸２０の傾動が規制される。つまり、本実施形態の規制機構Ｌは、操作軸２０を傾動させたとき、ガイド突起３８が外筒部３７に当接して操作軸２０の傾動を規制する。なお、本実施形態では、外筒部３７のガイド溝３７ａの角部を鋭角に構成しているが、円弧状に構成しても良い。この場合、操作軸２０の傾動が円滑なものとなる。 As shown in FIG. 8, the operation shaft 20 of the present embodiment has an outer cylindrical portion 37 in which the outer periphery of the tip end of the columnar portion 20B is projected. On the inner wall of the outer tubular portion 37, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) guide grooves 37a are formed so as to be recessed outward. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, a guide protrusion 38 having a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the central axis Z is erected from the bottom portion 31 of the fixing member 3, and the accommodating portion 35b1 is attached to the center portion thereof. Has been. As a result, when the operation shaft 20 is tilted, the operation shaft 20 and the guide protrusion 38 relatively move along the side wall 37a1 of the guide groove 37a, and the outer peripheral surface of the guide protrusion 38 contacts the bottom wall 37a2 of the guide groove 37a. In contact with each other, tilting of the operation shaft 20 is restricted. That is, when the operating shaft 20 is tilted, the regulation mechanism L of the present embodiment regulates the tilting of the operating shaft 20 by the guide projection 38 contacting the outer tubular portion 37. In addition, in the present embodiment, the corner portion of the guide groove 37a of the outer cylinder portion 37 is formed into an acute angle, but it may be formed into an arc shape. In this case, the tilting of the operation shaft 20 becomes smooth.

ところで、操作板１の突起部１２の間の領域（斜め方向）が踏込み操作された場合、検出部４が２箇所押下される場合があるため、椅子の姿勢変更が実行されない。このため、利用者は、操作板１を踏込み操作して操作板１が沈み込んでいるにも関わらず椅子の姿勢が変更されないので、混乱してしまう。しかしながら、本実施形態では、例えば、操作板１の各突起部１２の間の領域（斜め方向）が踏込み操作された場合は、外筒部３７のガイド溝３７ａの角部がガイド突起３８に当接して傾動しないので、操作板１が沈み込まない。一方、操作板１の突起部１２から若干外れた領域が踏込み操作された場合は、ガイド突起３８が何れかのガイド溝３７ａに案内されて、操作板１のうち踏込み操作位置に最も近い突起部１２が沈み込む。その結果、利用者は、操作板１の沈み込みに対応して、確実に椅子の姿勢を変更させることができる。 By the way, when the region (oblique direction) between the protrusions 12 of the operation plate 1 is stepped on, the detection unit 4 may be pressed in two places, and therefore the chair posture is not changed. For this reason, the user is confused because the posture of the chair is not changed despite the operation plate 1 being depressed by operating the operation plate 1. However, in the present embodiment, for example, when the region (oblique direction) between the protrusions 12 of the operation plate 1 is stepped on, the corner portion of the guide groove 37a of the outer tubular portion 37 contacts the guide protrusion 38. Since it does not contact and tilt, the operation plate 1 does not sink. On the other hand, when a region slightly deviated from the protrusion 12 of the operation plate 1 is depressed, the guide protrusion 38 is guided by one of the guide grooves 37a and the protrusion of the operation plate 1 closest to the depression operation position. 12 sinks. As a result, the user can surely change the posture of the chair in response to the depression of the operation plate 1.

［その他の実施形態］
（１）上述した実施形態では、第一軸部材５１と第二軸部材５２との２軸で構成したが、１軸構造であっても良い。この場合、操作軸２と軸部材とは連動して傾動する構成にして、固定部材３の腕部３３に軸部材の移動を許容する長孔を設ければ良い。
（２）操作板１の踏込み方向を４方向で説明したが、２方向や６方向などで構成してもよい。この場合、踏込み方向の数に応じて、操作板１の突起部１２や規制機構Ｌの突出部としてのボルトＢｃなどの数量は適宜変更される。
（３）上述した実施形態では、操作軸２の凹部２４ｃに当接する当接体として球体６１で構成したが、凹部２４ｃに当接する部分を球状に構成していれば如何なる形態であっても構わない。例えば、先端面を球状に構成した柱状部材であっても良い。
（４）フットコントローラＸの操作対象物として椅子を例示したが、例えばベッドの姿勢を変更させるフットコントローラであっても良い。 [Other Embodiments]
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the first shaft member 51 and the second shaft member 52 are biaxial, but a uniaxial structure may be used. In this case, the operation shaft 2 and the shaft member may be tilted in association with each other, and the arm portion 33 of the fixing member 3 may be provided with a long hole that allows the movement of the shaft member.
(2) Although the stepping direction of the operation plate 1 is described as four directions, it may be configured as two directions or six directions. In this case, the numbers of the protrusions 12 of the operation plate 1 and the bolts Bc as the protrusions of the regulation mechanism L are appropriately changed according to the number of stepping directions.
(3) In the above-described embodiment, the spherical body 61 is used as the contact body that abuts the concave portion 24c of the operating shaft 2, but any shape may be used as long as the portion that abuts the concave portion 24c is spherical. Absent. For example, a columnar member having a spherical tip surface may be used.
(4) Although the chair is illustrated as the operation target of the foot controller X, a foot controller for changing the posture of the bed may be used, for example.

本発明は、利用者の足先の踏込み操作によって椅子などの姿勢を変更可能なフットコントローラに利用可能である。 INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a foot controller capable of changing the posture of a chair or the like by the stepping operation of the user's foot.

１操作板
２操作軸
２Ａ基部（一方の端部）
２０操作軸
２４ｃ凹部
３固定部材
３５ｂ収容部
３５ｂ１収容部
４検出部
５１第一軸部材
５２第二軸部材
５４第二環状部材（板状部材）
６１球体（当接体）
６２圧縮コイルバネ（付勢部材）
６３ｂ突起（ストッパ）
Ｂｃボルト（突出部）
Ｌ規制機構
Ｘフットコントローラ
Ｙ傾動軸
Ｙａ第一傾動軸
Ｙｂ第二傾動軸
Ｚ中心軸 1 Operation plate 2 Operation shaft 2A Base (one end)
20 Operation Shaft 24c Recess 3 Fixing Member 35b Housing 35b1 Housing 4 Detector 51 First Shaft Member 52 Second Shaft Member 54 Second Annular Member (Plate Member)
61 sphere (contact body)
62 Compression coil spring (biasing member)
63b Protrusion (stopper)
Bc bolt (projection)
L regulating mechanism X foot controller Y tilting axis Ya first tilting axis Yb second tilting axis Z central axis

Claims

A foot controller that operates an object by stepping on it with a foot,
An operation plate that can be stepped on with the foot,
An operation shaft, in which one end is connected to the center of the operation plate and a recess is formed on the tip surface of the other end, and the operation shaft tilts in conjunction with a stepping operation of the operation plate,
A tilting shaft that is disposed between the operation plate and the recess and that is parallel to the operation plate when the operation shaft is in a neutral posture;
An accommodating portion that accommodates an abutting member having a spherical portion that abuts the recess and a biasing member that biases the abutting member toward the recess.
A fixing member for fixing the housing portion,
A detector for detecting the tilting direction of the operation shaft,
A tilting mechanism for restricting the tilting of the operation shaft so that the spherical center of the contact body is located in the inner region of the recess when the operation shaft is tilted,
The restriction mechanism has a plate-shaped member connected in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the operation shaft, and a protruding portion protruding from the fixed member toward the plate-shaped member,
Off Tsu DOO controller you regulate the tilting of the operating shaft by when is tilted to the operating shaft, said plate-like member is brought into contact with the protrusion.

A foot controller that operates an object by stepping on it with a foot,
An operation plate that can be stepped on with the foot,
An operation shaft, in which one end is connected to the center of the operation plate and a recess is formed on the tip surface of the other end, and the operation shaft tilts in conjunction with a stepping operation of the operation plate,
A tilting shaft that is disposed between the operation plate and the recess and that is parallel to the operation plate when the operation shaft is in a neutral posture;
An accommodating portion that accommodates an abutting member having a spherical portion that abuts the recess and a biasing member that biases the abutting member toward the recess.
A fixing member for fixing the housing portion,
A detector for detecting the tilting direction of the operation shaft,
A tilting mechanism for restricting the tilting of the operation shaft so that the spherical center of the contact body is located in the inner region of the recess when the operation shaft is tilted,
The restriction mechanism has a stopper formed on the inner wall of the accommodation portion,
Wherein when the operation shaft is tilted, the full Tsu preparative controller regulate the tilting of the operating shaft by abutting member abuts on the stopper.

A foot controller that operates an object by stepping on it with a foot,
An operation plate that can be stepped on with the foot,
An operation shaft, in which one end is connected to the center of the operation plate and a recess is formed on the tip surface of the other end, and the operation shaft tilts in conjunction with a stepping operation of the operation plate,
A tilting shaft that is disposed between the operation plate and the recess and that is parallel to the operation plate when the operation shaft is in a neutral posture;
An accommodating portion that accommodates an abutting member having a spherical portion that abuts the recess and a biasing member that biases the abutting member toward the recess.
A fixing member for fixing the housing portion,
A detector for detecting the tilting direction of the operation shaft,
A tilting mechanism for restricting the tilting of the operation shaft so that the spherical center of the contact body is located in the inner region of the recess when the operation shaft is tilted,
The tilt axis is configured by a first tilt axis and a second tilt axis perpendicular to the first tilt axis,
The first tilting shaft has a first shaft member penetrating the operation shaft and pivotally supported by the fixing member,
It said second tilt axis is off Tsu preparative controller that has a second shaft member that penetrates the operating shaft and the first shaft member.

A foot controller that operates an object by stepping on it with a foot,
An operation plate that can be stepped on with the foot,
An operation shaft, in which one end is connected to the center of the operation plate and a recess is formed on the tip surface of the other end, and the operation shaft tilts in conjunction with a stepping operation of the operation plate,
A tilting shaft that is disposed between the operation plate and the recess and that is parallel to the operation plate when the operation shaft is in a neutral posture;
An accommodating portion that accommodates an abutting member having a spherical portion that abuts the recess and a biasing member that biases the abutting member toward the recess.
A fixing member for fixing the housing portion,
A detector for detecting the tilting direction of the operation shaft,
A tilting mechanism for restricting the tilting of the operation shaft so that the spherical center of the contact body is located in the inner region of the recess when the operation shaft is tilted,
The recess is off Tsu preparative controller said that have been formed in the spherical surface along the outer surface of the abutting member.