JPH0330909Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Summary] The XY coordinate input device of the present invention includes a holder equipped with rotation amount detection means for detecting the amount of rotation of a sphere and a plate-shaped pressure spring that presses a pressure roller in contact with the sphere. When the holder is placed on a support stand, the pressure spring presses the pressure roller and brings the sphere into contact with the rotating roller. This reduces assembly time and the number of parts, making it an inexpensive XY. It became possible to provide a coordinate input device.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an XY coordinate input device called a mouse, which is used as an input device for graphic information and cursor selection information in a main body device such as a graphic display device or a personal computer.

[Conventional technology]

“Utility Model Application Publication No. 138943” and “Utility Model Application No. 59-
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 138939, a conventional friction force applying means for pressing a sphere has a structure in which a pressing roller, a roller supporting member, and a coil spring are housed in a roller casing.

[Problem that the invention attempts to solve]

The structure of the conventional frictional force applying means described above has the disadvantage that there are many parts to be assembled into the roller casing, such as a pressure roller, a roller support member, and a coil spring, and the assembly work is complicated, such as compressing and incorporating the coil spring. .

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, the holder 7 integrally includes rotation amount detection means 8, 8' and a plate-shaped pressure spring 9 whose one end is fixed and the other end is a free end. It is characterized in that the free end of the pressure spring 9 is attached to the support base 1 so as to press the pressure roller 4 that presses the sphere 2.

[Effect]

In the configuration of the present invention, the built-in parts are a pressure roller and a pressure spring, and the number of parts can be reduced compared to the conventional one.

Also, by attaching the holder to the support stand,
A pressure spring contacts and presses the pressure roller placed on the support base, thereby achieving stable contact between the sphere and the rotating roller.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 11 are diagrams for explaining embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 a, b, and c are top, side, and bottom views of the external appearance of this input device, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the internal configuration of Figure 1, and Figure 3 a, b, and c.
are a top view, a side view, and a bottom view of the support base according to the present invention, and FIGS. 4a and 4b are a plan view and a side view of the support ball installation part according to the present invention before the support ball is attached, as seen from below, 5a and 5b are a plan view and a side view of the state after the support ball is installed in FIG. 4 as seen from below, and FIGS. Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of the rotating roller unit according to the present invention, Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of the pressure roller according to the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the installation state of the switch according to the present invention. Front view and side sectional view for
Fig. 0 is a side sectional view showing the switch in Fig. 9 in a depressed state, Figs. In the figures, b is a side view, c is a bottom view as seen from below, d is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow along the breaking line d...d' of a, and e is a perspective view of the pressure spring and the optical sensor attached.

First, the overall structure of this device will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In Figures 1 and 2, 1 is a support made of a synthetic resin molded body, 2 is a sphere made of a steel ball, etc., and 3 is a support made of a synthetic resin molded body.
and 3' are X/Y rotating roller units, and 4 is the sphere 2.
5 is a switch device for controlling display information, 6 is a support ball, 7 is a sensor holder made of a synthetic resin molded body, and 8, 8' are light emitting elements and light receiving elements. a pressure spring 9 made of a metal spring plate that presses the pressure roller 4;
0 is a printed circuit board mounted with a circuit that converts the mechanical rotational movement of the sphere 2 into an electrical movement pulse signal and sends it to the main unit, and 11 is a synthetic resin molded body that is picked and operated by the operator. case,
12 is a connection cable for transmitting and receiving signals with the main unit.

In this embodiment, an installation stand is integrally formed on the upper surface of the support stand 1 for installing various parts such as rotating roller units 3 and 3', a pressure roller 4, and a switch device 5. A rotatable sphere 2 whose part is exposed from the back surface is housed approximately in the center. Further, on the upper surface of the support base 1, there are two rotating roller units 3 arranged at almost right angles so as to contact the sphere 2 from two directions.
3' is attached. This rotating roller unit 3,
3' has two types of slit plates: rotating and fixed.

Furthermore, on the top surface of the support base 1, there is a rotating roller unit 3, 3' arranged at right angles on the bisector (45° direction).
A pressing roller 4 is provided for bringing the sphere 2 into contact with the two rotating rollers 3 and 3'.

Further, a switch device 5 having a push button switch is attached to the front part of the support base 1, and a rotatable support ball 6, which is a contact point with the running plane (operation table plane), is attached to the back side of the switch device 5 so as to surround the sphere 2. There are three installed. Next, the holder 7 is attached to the support base 1 on which the sphere 2, rotating roller units 3, 3', pressing roller 4, and switch device 5 are installed.

The holder 7 consists of a substantially right triangular platform member,
Optical sensors 8 and 8' having two sets of photocouplers are provided at the opposing apex corners, and a pressure spring 9 is attached to the inclined side.

When the holder 7 is attached, the optical sensors 8, 8' are attached so that the upper part of the rotating/fixing slit plate of the rotating roller units 3, 3' is interposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of each photocoupler.
In addition, the pressure spring 9 has a spring property that causes the pressure roller 4 to
Press the sphere in two directions.

Furthermore, a printed circuit board 10 is mounted on the holder 7 to which the lead terminals of the optical sensors 8 and 8' are connected. A cable 12 for connecting to an external main unit, for example, is output from the printed circuit board 10.

These support stand 1, holder 7, printed circuit board 10
The holder 7 is placed on the support base 1, and the printed circuit board 10 is placed on top of the holder 7, and is integrated with a fixing screw.

Finally, by attaching the case 11 to the support base 1 so as to cover each of the above-mentioned parts, the present invention is implemented.
An XY coordinate input device is manufactured.

Each switch (push button) of the switch device 5 is exposed through two holes provided in the case 11 so that it can be operated from the outside.

Next, the structure of each of the above-mentioned parts according to the present invention will be explained in detail.

First, FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show a support base 1 on which each component is attached.

As can be seen from figures a and c, a circular hole 1' is bored through the center of the support base 1. A sphere storage wall 1a for storing a part of the sphere 2 is erected around the hole 1' so as to face upward. A rotating roller unit mounting table 1b, 1b' supporting both ends of the rotating roller units 3, 3', and a pressing roller mounting table 1C on which the pressing roller 4 is mounted are formed integrally with the sphere housing wall 1a. The rotating roller unit mounting base 1b and the pressing roller mounting base 1C are arranged with a hole 1' in between.

Further, a dustproof wall 1d for dustproofing is formed integrally with the sphere storage wall 1a between the rotary roller unit installation bases 1b and 1b'.

Screw attachment protrusions 1e for positioning and integration with a holder 7 and a printed circuit board 10 to be attached later are erected at three locations around these formations. At the front of the support base 1, there is formed a switch device installation base 1f having a slope portion for attaching a switch device 5 having a push button switch mounted on a board.

Support ball storage portions 1g are formed in three places around the support base 1 that are open on the back side and store the support balls 6 from the back side, and four places in the vicinity are provided with case 1.
A screw hole 1h for attaching 1 is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, this support ball storage portion 1g is formed as a concave support ball storage hole with an open bottom surface, and a pair of elastic pieces A that sandwich the support ball 6 are provided on a part of its inner wall. It is integrally formed. FIGS. 5a and 5b show views when the support ball 6 is stored in such a support ball storage portion 1g. To install the support ball 6, place the support ball 6 on the support stand 1.
By pushing it into the storage section 1g from the back side of the
In the middle of this process, when the elastic pieces A are widely accommodated on both sides, they return to their original state, and the support ball 6 is rotatably clamped and attached. A part of this support ball 6 is exposed from the bottom surface and serves as a fulcrum for the support base 1.

Next, regarding the rotating roller units 3 and 3', the sixth
This will be explained with reference to the drawings and FIG.

In the figure, 3a is a contact portion that the sphere 2 of the metal rotating roller 3A comes into contact with, 3b is the both ends of the rotating roller 3A, 3c is a rotating slit plate made of a thin metal plate that is fixed integrally with the rotating roller 3A, and 3d is a metal 3e is a fixed slit plate made of a thin metal plate attached to the rotating roller 3A; 3f is a metal press-fit ring for fixing the rotating slit plate 3c to one end 3b; 3g is a A metal press-fit material is used to clamp and fix the fixed slit plate 3e together with the rotary roller support member 3d, and 3h is a bearing member that is a bearing member for making the rotary roller 3A rotatable.

To assemble the rotating roller units 3, 3', first insert the rotating slit plate 3c into one end 3b of the rotating roller 3A. Thereafter, a press-fit ring 3f is press-fitted into the one end 3b to fix the rotary slit plate 3c to the one end 3b of the rotary roller 3A.

The rotating roller support member 3d consists of a ring body,
A bearing member 3h is installed in the hole, and a press-fitting material 3g is press-fitted so that the fixed slit plate 3e abuts one end surface of the bearing member 3h.

Then, such a rotating roller support member 3d is integrated so that one end portion 3b of the rotating roller 3A is fitted into the bearing member 3h.

Note that during this fitting, the end face of the press-fit ring 3f that fixed the rotating slit plate 3c and the rotating roller support member 3
By abutting the bearing member 3h in the hole d, a desired distance between the rotating slit plate 3c and the fixed slit plate 3e is automatically set.

Also, the bearing member 3h is fitted into the other end 3b of the rotating roller 3A, thereby manufacturing the rotating roller units 3, 3'.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6b, the rotating slit plate 3c is provided with a large number of radial slits 3i at a predetermined pitch around its entire periphery, and the fixed slit plate 3e is provided with a number of radial slits 3i directed toward the center in two upper left and right areas. Several (for example, three) slits 3j and 3k having the same shape as the slit 3i are provided.

One of the slits 3j and 3k is formed so as to be slightly out of phase with the slit 3i.
That is, in a state where the rotating slit plate 3c and the fixed slit plate 3e are attached as shown in FIG. The slit 3k is set to be slightly offset from the opposing slit 3i (the slits 3i and 3k overlap by about 1/2 of their slit widths), and conversely, when the slit 3k coincides with the slit 3i, the slit 3j is the opposing slit 3i
Similarly to the above, it is set to be slightly shifted.

The rotational direction of the rotary roller 3A, that is, the running direction of the input device is detected by such a slit position shift of the fixed slit plate 3e.

This detection is performed separately by optical sensors having two sets of photocouplers installed on both sides of the slits 3j and 3i and the slits 3k and 3i, respectively, so that the input device detects the positive (+) It is detected whether the vehicle has traveled in the positive (+) direction or the negative (−) direction on the Y coordinate. At the same time, the optical sensors 8, 8' detect the number of slits 3i passing between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the photocoupler, and also detect the amount of rotation of the rotary roller 3A, that is, the amount of travel of the input device. Then, the coordinate position of the input device based on the travel distance and travel direction is output to the main device.

The slits 3j and 3k are formed in the upper two regions of the fixed slit plate 3e so as to be close to each other as described above, but according to this configuration, the slits 3j and 3k are formed in the upper two areas of the fixed slit plate 3e.
This is because even if there is some deviation in the mounting position of the fixed slit plate 3e and the fixed slit plate 3e, the positional relationship (degree of overlap) between the slits 3i, 3j, and 3k does not change much, and more accurate assembly can be realized.

As shown in a perspective view in FIG. 7, the rotating roller support member 3d is provided with a recess B in a part of its surface. Further, a convex portion C is provided on the inner wall of the rotating roller unit installation base 1b'. When the rotating roller units 3, 3' are installed, this recess B,
By engaging the convex portion C, the fixed slit plate 3
e is stopped from rotating and is prevented from shifting back and forth, so that its positional relationship with the rotary slit plate 3c is accurately determined.

Next, the assembly of the pressure roller 4 and the pressure spring 9 will be explained with reference to FIG.

First, the pressure roller 4 is made of a metal body, and includes a roller portion 4a that contacts the sphere 2, and a roller shaft 4 that supports the roller portion 4a and places it on the pressure roller installation stand 1c.
It has b integrally. Further, a bearing member is incorporated in the roller portion 4a, and is rotatable with respect to the roller shaft 4b. The pressure roller 4 is assembled into the support base 1 by placing the roller shaft 4b on the slope D in the recess of the pressure roller installation base 1c, and the lower end of the pressure spring 9 attached to the holder 7 supports the holder 7. By attaching it to the stand 1, the pressure roller 4 is held by pressing the roller portion 4a diagonally from above. At the same time, a portion of the pressed roller portion 4a protrudes into the interior of the sphere housing wall 1a, thereby bringing the sphere 2 into constant contact with the contact portion 3a of the rotating roller 3A.
According to such a spherical pressing means (frictional force applying means), the number of parts is reduced, and the pressing roller 4
need only be placed on the pressure roller installation base 1c of the support base 1, and the assembly work becomes simple.

Next, regarding the switch device 5, see FIGS. 9 and 1.
This will be explained using Figure 0.

In the figure, 5a is a key top made of a synthetic resin molded body integrally provided with protrusions E at both ends, 5b is a switch whose internal contacts are driven by pressing down on key top 5a, and 5c is a switch board.

Note that FIG. 9a is a front view of FIG. 9b with the case 11 removed.

Two switches 5b are attached to a switch board 5c as shown in FIG. 9a, and a key top 5a is attached to the upper part of the switch board 5c. Such a switch device 5 is attached to the slope portion of the switch device installation stand 1f of the support stand 1.

The key top 5a is exposed through two holes provided in the case 11 when the case 11 is attached, and the switch 5b is operated by the exposed portion of the key top 5a.

During this operation, even if the end of the key top 5a is pressed as shown in FIG. This can be confirmed by the sudden increase in the pressing force, giving the operator a sense of security regarding the switch operation.

By operating the switch device 5 in this way, a display information control signal is inputted, for example, to delete the display pattern above and below the cursor on the display device.

Next, the holder 7 attached to the support base 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 11.

In the figure, 7a is a sphere storage part, 7b is a connecting part, 7c and 7c' are X and Y optical sensor attachment parts,
7d is a pressure spring attachment part, and the holder 7 is formed by integrating these parts.

The main holder 7 is provided with a sphere storage part 7a in its center for storing the upper part of the sphere 2, and the sphere storage part 7a has a back surface that escapes contact with the sphere 2 so that the sphere 2 can freely move upward. It is formed into a dome shape. Further, three connecting portions 7b are provided around the sphere storage portion 7a to connect the screw attachment projections 1e of the support base 1 to the printed circuit board 10 attached to the upper portion. This connecting portion 7b is formed into a cylindrical shape so that a fixing screw can be inserted therethrough as shown in Fig. d, and a protrusion 1e is fitted into the lower hole 7e, and a mounting hole 10a (second (see figure)
By fitting, the support base 1, holder 7, and printed circuit board 10 are positioned, and they are connected together by a fixing screw (not shown).

Furthermore, when the holder 7 is attached to the support base 1, the two slit plates 3c and 3c of the rotating roller units 3 and 3'
X and Y optical sensor mounting portions 7c and 7c' are provided at positions corresponding to 3e, and a concave pressure spring mounting portion 7d having an inclined slope downward from the upper center of the sphere storage portion 7a is provided.

As shown in Figure C, the optical sensor mounting parts 7c and 7c' have a slit groove 7g in which the upper part of the slit plate 3c and 3e are located, and a through hole on both sides of which the light emitting element and light receiving element of each photocoupler are inserted and fixed. A facing hole 7h is formed. Further, as shown in Figure d, the pressure spring mounting portion 7d is integrally provided with a locking protrusion 7j having a fitting groove 7i opening upward at the upper part of the slope thereof. The optical sensors 8, 8' and the pressure spring 9 are attached to the optical sensor attachment parts 7c, 7c' and the pressure spring attachment part 7d of the holder 7, respectively, as shown in Fig. e. When the holder 7 is attached to the support base 1, the light emitting elements and light receiving elements of the optical sensors 8, 8' are set in positions such that they sandwich the rotating slit plate 3c and the fixed slit plate 3e. The lead terminals 8a of the set light emitting and light receiving elements protrude from the opposing holes 7h, and are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 10 to be attached later.

The pressure spring 9 is provided with a through hole 9a above it, and by inserting the hole 9a into the locking protrusion 7j and pulling it downward to fit into the fitting groove 7i, the pressure spring 9 can be attached to the slope inside the pressure spring mounting portion 7d. Mounted in close contact and in a cantilevered manner. When the holder 7 is attached to the support base 1, the pressure spring 9 presses the pressure roller 4 placed on the pressure roller installation base 1c of the support base 1 by its spring property.

After the support stand 1, holder 7, and printed circuit board 10 are integrally connected with the fixing screws as described above, the case 11 is attached to the support stand 1 so that the cable 12 is led out.
The sphere 2 is installed inside the sphere storage parts 1a and 7a.
The removable rotary lid 1 is placed on the underside of the support base 1.
3 (see FIG. 1(c)), the XY coordinate input device according to the present invention is completed.

This input device rotates the sphere 2 by running on the operation plane, and the X and Y
As the rotating roller units 3, 3' rotate, the rotating slit plate 3c rotates. The optical sensors 8 and 8' detect the number of slits 3i created by this rotation using the slits 3i and 3k of the fixed slit plate 3e as a reference, thereby detecting the travel distance and the travel direction of the input device. Thus, for example, the movement of a cursor on a display device is controlled.

〔effect〕

According to the friction force applying means of the XY coordinate input device of the present invention, it is only necessary to place the pressure roller for bringing the sphere into contact with the rotating roller on the pressure roller installation base, and the plate-shaped pressure spring attached to the holder Since pressure is applied to the pressure roller at the same time when the holder is mounted on the support base, the number of assembly steps and number of parts can be reduced, and an inexpensive XY coordinate input device can be provided.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 11 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 a, b, and c are top, side, and bottom views of the external appearance of the input device, and FIG. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the internal structure, Figures 3 a, b, and c are top, side, and bottom views of the support base according to the present invention, and Figures 4 a, b are according to the present invention. A plan view and a side view of the support ball installation section before the support ball is installed, as seen from below; FIGS. 6a and b are side and front views of the rotating roller unit according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of the rotating roller unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a pressure roller according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view and side sectional view for explaining the installation state of the switch according to the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the switch in FIG. 9. Side sectional view showing the pressed state, first
Figures 1 a, b, c, d, and e are views of the holder according to the present invention from various directions, where a is a top view seen from above, b is a side view, c is a bottom view seen from below, and d is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow along the breaking line d...d' of a, and e is a perspective view of the pressure spring and the optical sensor attached. Explanation of symbols, 1... Support stand, 2... Sphere, 3,
3'... Rotating roller unit, 3A... Rotating roller, 4... Pressing roller, 5... Switch device, 6
... Support ball, 7 ... Holder, 8, 8' ... Optical sensor, 9 ... Pressure spring, 10 ... Printed circuit board, 11 ... Case.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] A rotatable sphere 2, and a plurality of rotating rollers 3A that are in contact with the sphere 2 and rotate by the rotational force of the sphere 2, and that are arranged at approximately right angles.
A rotatable pressing roller 4 for bringing the sphere 2 into contact with the rotating roller 3A; A plurality of rotation amount detection means 8, 8' for detecting the amount of rotation of the rotating roller 3A; The sphere 2, the rotating roller 3A, a support base 1 on which the rotation amount detection means 8 is mounted; and an XY coordinate input means comprising at least the following: A holder 7 integrally provided with a spring 9 is positioned on the sphere 2, and the free end of the pressure spring 9 is connected to the pressure roller 4.
An XY coordinate input device, characterized in that the XY coordinate input device is attached to the support base 1 so as to be pressed diagonally from above.