JPH07334304A - Coordinate input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the coordinate input device which is variable in its outward shape as an operator desires as to a coordinate input device which can move the position of a pointer, cursor, etc., on the display of a computer to an optional position on the display. CONSTITUTION:An upper case 2 and a lower case 3 which contain a device main body 1 are coupled by a bellows member 4, and the distance between the upper case 2 and lower case 3 is variable. Then a movable arm 13 which holds the distance between the upper case 2 and lower case 3 constant according to their angle of rotation is provided, the arm shaft 14 of the movable arm 13 is projected out of the upper case 2, and the movable arm 13 is rotated by rotating the arm shaft 14 to adjust the distance between the upper and lower cases 2 and 3, thereby adjusting the height and inclination of the upper case 2 from and to the lower case 3.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coordinate input device, and more particularly to a coordinate input device for moving a position of a pointer or a cursor on a display of a computer to an arbitrary position on the display.

[0002] Conventionally, as a data input means in data processing, a digitizer, a mouse, a light pen, a trackball, a joystick, etc. are displayed in addition to a keyboard while displaying data in the form of characters and figures on the screen of a display such as a CRT of a computer. A method of creating data while performing an interactive operation via an input means is used. For example, it is often used in CAD and simulation fields that perform data processing by graphics.

In recent years, also in the fields of data processing and OA,
As data input / output devices, OSs and application software that perform interactive operations that require the use of pointing devices in addition to keyboards are increasing due to their good operability. Examples include window operation and icon operation.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional mouse.

The mouse 91 is provided with a ball 93 which is rotatable in any direction on the inner lower surface of the case 92. Reference numeral 94 denotes a printed board, and on the printed board 94, two sets of detectors 95 and 96 for detecting the rotation of the ball 93 in two directions, an IC 97, and a switch 98.
Etc. are installed. A key top 99 for pressing the switch 98 is provided on the top of the case 92.

When used, the ball 93 is rotated by sliding it on a desk, and the rotation is detected by two sets of detectors 95 and 96, and this pointing information is detected by an IC (integrated circuit) 97 and a cable. Send to computer via 100 to move pointer or cursor on display.

In the conventional mouse 91, a case 92 is composed of an upper case 92a and a lower case 92b.
2a and 92b were fixed and formed a predetermined appearance shape.

[0008]

However, since the external shape of the conventional mouse-type coordinate input device has been determined in consideration of a predetermined usage pattern, the operator should operate it according to his or her preference. If so, there was a problem such as remembering fatigue.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a coordinate input device capable of changing the appearance shape according to the operator's preference.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coordinate input device in which an apparatus main body for inputting coordinates is housed in a case including an upper cover and a lower cover. A structure is provided which is provided between the upper cover and the lower cover, and further has a connecting means which can freely set a distance between the cover and the lower cover.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a bellows member for joining the joining means to the upper cover and the lower cover continuously is provided.
A movable arm that is rotatably provided on the upper cover and that holds a distance between the upper cover and the lower cover at a predetermined distance according to a rotation angle, and an angle that adjusts the movable arm to a predetermined angle. And a adjusting means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the connecting means includes a bellows member which continuously connects the upper cover and the lower cover,
A movable arm that is rotatably provided on the lower cover and that maintains a distance between the upper cover and the lower cover at a predetermined distance according to a rotation angle; The angle adjusting means adjusts the rotation angle to a predetermined angle.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the angle control means comprises a rubber stopper provided between the movable arm and the upper case, and a pressing means for pressing the movable arm toward the upper case. .

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the distance between the upper and lower covers is increased by connecting the upper and lower covers to each other and providing the connecting means for freely setting the distance between the upper and lower covers. Since it can be freely set, the inclination, height, etc. of the upper cover can be freely set according to the preference of the operator.

According to the second aspect, the rotation angle of the movable arm is adjusted by adjusting the angle of the movable arm by the angle adjusting means, and the distance between the upper and lower covers can be adjusted. Therefore, the inclination of the upper cover with respect to the lower cover, Height can be adjusted.

According to the third aspect, by providing the angle adjusting means in the lower case, the adjusting means does not interfere with the operation when the hand is placed on the upper cover, and a good usability is obtained. Is obtained.

According to the fourth aspect, since the movable arm is pressed against the upper case via the rubber stopper, it can be held at an arbitrary position by the frictional force of the rubber stopper, so that the distance between the upper and lower covers can be adjusted steplessly. .

[0018]

1 and 2 are block diagrams showing a first embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a side view, and FIG.
Shows a sectional view. In the figure, 1 is an apparatus main body, 2 is an upper cover, 3 is a lower case, 4 is a bellows member, and 5 _{-1 to} 5 _-4 are tilt mechanisms.

The apparatus body 1 has rotary encoders 7a and 7b, rotary encoders 7a and 7b, and rotary encoders 7a, which detect the rotation direction and rotation amount of the balls 6 and 6 which determine the coordinate position according to the rotation direction and rotation amount.
The circuit board 9 mounted with an integrated circuit (IC) 8 for generating data to be supplied to the computer body in accordance with the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the ball 6 detected by 7b is connected to the circuit board 9 to perform various operations. Switch unit 10
It is composed of a connection cord 11 for connecting the circuit board 9 and the computer body.

The ball 6 is made of a material having a large frictional force such as rubber, is rotatably held by the upper cover 2 and the lower cover 3, and has a part of the hole 3a formed in the lower cover 3 outside. Is held exposed. The rotary encoder 7a and the rotary encoder 7b are arranged on the circuit board 9 so that their rotation axes are orthogonal to each other and the rotation axes come into contact with the balls 6.

The rotary encoder 7 is provided on the circuit board 9.
In addition to a and 7b, electronic parts such as IC8 are mounted,
Generates data to be supplied to the computer body. A connection cable 11 is connected to the circuit board 9. The connection cable 11 is connected to the computer body and supplies the data generated by the circuit board 9 to the computer body.

The switch unit 10 is composed of a switch substrate 10a, a switch body 10b, and a key top 10c, and is housed in a switch housing unit 2a formed on the upper surface of the upper cover 2.

The switch body 10b is a switch board 10a.
Is electrically connected to the key top 10c so that the operation portion is engaged with the key top 10c.

The switch board 10a is a switch housing 2a.
It is fixed inside and is connected to the circuit board 9 via the connection cord 10d. The connection cord 10d is set to a length that is sufficiently longer than the movement amount of the upper case 2 with respect to the lower case 3, and is configured not to be disconnected due to the movement of the upper case 2.

The upper case 2 and the lower case 3 are made of resin or the like and are joined together through a bellows member 4. The bellows member 4 is formed by folding a material such as a rubber material, and is expanded and contracted between the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 so as to expand and contract.
The upper case and the lower case 3 are coupled so that the distance between the lower case 3 and the lower case 3 can be freely set.

On the inner surface of the upper case 2, a tilt mechanism _5-1 .
_5-4 are provided.

[0027] shows a block diagram of a tilt mechanism 5 _-1 3. The tilt mechanism _5-1 includes a stopper 12, a movable arm 13, a rotary shaft 14, and a coil spring 15 formed on the inner surface of the upper case 2.
It is composed of

The movable arm 13 includes an arm portion 13a and a shaft portion 1.
3b, a claw portion 13c, and the arm shaft 14 is fixed to the shaft portion 13b. The arm shaft 14 is rotatably held by a bearing 16 formed on the side surface of the upper case 2 and a bearing 18 formed on a bearing rib 17 integrally formed inside the upper case 2.

The arm spring 14 is inserted and held in the center of the coil spring 15, and the coil spring 15 is disposed between the shaft portion 13 of the movable arm 13 and the bearing rib 17 while being compressed.
3 is urged in the direction of arrow A.

The stopper 12 is formed so as to project on the inner surface of the upper case 2, and engages with the claw portion 13c of the movable arm 13 to hold the movable arm 13 at a predetermined angle.

One end of the arm shaft 14 penetrates the bearing 16 and projects outward from the outer surface of the upper case 2.
a is formed. The angle of the movable arm 13 is changed by the operation of the knob 14a, and the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 are changed.
You can change the distance between and.

FIG. 4 shows an operation explanatory diagram when the angle of the movable arm 13 is adjusted. FIG. 4A shows the claw portion 13 of the movable arm 13.
FIG. 4B shows a state in which the movable arm 13 is held at a predetermined angle by engaging c with the stopper 12, and the movable arm 13 is rotated.

In a normal state, as shown in FIG. 4A, the movable arm 13 is biased in the direction of arrow A by the biasing force of the coil spring 15, and the claw portion 13c of the movable arm 13 is engaged between the stoppers 12. Since the claw portions 13c are held while being combined, the claw portion 13c engages with the stopper 12 in the rotation direction of the movable arm 13, and the movable arm 13 is held at a predetermined angle.

When the angle of the movable arm 13 is adjusted, the knob 14a is pushed in the direction of arrow B against the biasing force of the coil spring 15 as shown in FIG. 4B. Then, the movable arm 13 moves in the direction of the arrow B, the claw portion 13c of the movable arm 13 disengages from the stopper 12, and the movable arm 13 becomes rotatable. By rotating the knob 14c in this state, the movable arm 1
The angle of 3 can be changed.

Although the tilt mechanism 5 _-1 has been described above, the other tilt mechanisms 5 _{-2 to} 5 _-4 have the same structure, and the tilt mechanisms 5 _{-1 to} 5 _-4 are the upper case 2 and the upper case 2 respectively. The distance to the lower case 3 can be adjusted.

FIG. 5 shows an operation explanatory diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. 5 (A) and (B) are side views, and FIG.
(D) shows a front view.

The tilt mechanisms 5 _-1 , 5 _-3 are adjusted so that the distance between the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 is increased, and the tilt mechanisms 5 _-2 , 5 _-4 are adjusted by the upper case 2 and the lower case 3. By adjusting so that the distance between and becomes smaller, the front of the upper case 2 rises and the rear falls, so that the upper case 2 can be tilted as shown in FIG. 5 (A).

Also, the tilt mechanisms 5 _-1 , 5 _-3 are _attached to the upper case 2
And adjust so that the distance between the lower case 3 and
By adjusting the tilt mechanisms 5 _-2 and 5 _{-4 so} that the distance between the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 is increased, the front of the upper case 2 is lowered and the rear of the upper case 2 is raised. The upper case 2 can be inclined as shown in FIG.

In addition, the tilt mechanisms 5 _-1 , 5 _-2 are _attached to the upper case 2
Of the upper case 2 by adjusting the tilt mechanisms 5 _-3 and 5 _{-4 so} that the distance between the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 becomes large. Since the left side descends and the right side rises, it can be tilted to the left side as shown in FIG.

Further, the tilt mechanisms 5 _-1 , _5-2 are _attached to the upper case 2
Of the upper case 2 by adjusting the tilt mechanisms 5 _-3 and 5 _{-4 so} that the distance between the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 becomes smaller. Since the left side moves up and the right side moves down, it can be tilted to the left side as shown in FIG.

Further, by combining the states shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the upper case 2 can be tilted to the left front, the right front, the left rear, and the right rear.

Further, by selecting the number of steps of the stopper 12, the inclination angle can be set freely.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the height and inclination of the upper case 2 are changed by setting the distance between the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 by the tilt mechanisms 5 _{-1 to} 5 _-4. It is possible to use it according to the user's preference.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 6, the tilt mechanism 5 _-1 .
A rubber cap 17 is attached to the tip of the _5-4 movable arm 13.
By mounting, it is possible to prevent rattling between the movable arm 13 and the lower case 3, so that a good feeling of use can be obtained.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are block diagrams of the second embodiment of the present invention. 7 is an external configuration diagram, FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view, and FIG. 9 is a lateral sectional view. In the figure, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the structure of the tilt mechanism is different from that of the first embodiment, and the tilt mechanism which was independent in the front, rear, left and right in the first embodiment is operated by synchronizing the left and right tilt mechanisms. Only the front and back inclination is possible.

The front tilt mechanism 21 includes movable arms 22, 2
3, arm shaft 24, coil spring 25, stoppers 26, 2
It is composed of 7.

The movable arms 22 and 23 are formed by integrally forming an arm portion 28, a shaft portion 29, and a claw portion 30.
The shaft portion 29 is fixed by the arm shaft 24 so that they extend in the same direction, and is rotated synchronously.

The arm shaft 24 is rotatably held by a bearing 32 formed on the right side surface of the upper case 31 and bearings 35.36 formed on bearing ribs 33, 34 formed integrally in the upper case 31. .

The right side inner surface of the upper case 31 and the bearing rib 34
Stoppers 37 and 38 are integrally formed on the outer side surface. The stoppers 37, 38 are provided so as to engage with the claw portions 30 of the movable arms 22, 23 when the movable arms 22, 23 are pressed to the right.
The angle of is held at a predetermined angle.

The movable arms 22 and 23 are pressed in the direction of arrow C by a coil spring 39 arranged while being compressed between the shaft portion 29 of the movable arm 22 and the bearing rib 33. Therefore, in the normal state of the movable arms 22 and 23, the claw portions 30 of the movable arms 22 and 23 have the stoppers 37 and 38.
Is held at a predetermined angle by engaging with the movable arms 22, 2
The arm portion 28 of No. 3 abuts on the bottom surface of the lower case 3 to keep the distance between the upper case 31 and the lower case 3 constant.

When it is desired to adjust the distance between the upper case 31 and the lower case 3, the upper case 31 of the arm shaft 24 is adjusted.
The knob 40 protruding from the outside is pressed against the urging force of the coil spring 39 in the direction of the arrow D and rotated to rotate the claw portion 30 of the movable arms 22 and 23 and the stopper 37 ,.
38 is disengaged and the movable arms 22 and 23 are moved to the bearing 3
2, 35 and 36 can be rotated, and the distance between the upper case 31 and the lower case 3 can be adjusted by changing the angle of the arm portion 28 of the movable arms 22 and 23.

The above is the tilt mechanism 2 provided in front of the apparatus.
1 has been described, a tilt mechanism 41 having a similar configuration is provided on the rear side of the device, and the tilt mechanisms 21 and 41 are provided.
The height and inclination of the upper case 31 are adjusted by adjusting.

For example, if the tilt mechanisms 21 and 41 are both adjusted to have the same height, the upper case 31 moves in parallel to the lower case 3, and only the height of the upper case 31 is adjusted.

If the front of the upper case 31 is adjusted to be higher by the tilt mechanisms 21 and 41, the upper case 31 can be adjusted.
Can be tilted rearward, and the upper case 31 can be tilted forward if the rear of the upper case 31 is adjusted to be higher.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the height of the upper case 31 and the inclination in the front-rear direction can be adjusted by operating the two knobs.

10 to 12 are block diagrams of the third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is an external configuration diagram, FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view, and FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a main part. In the figure, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the tilt mechanism and allows stepless adjustment. As shown in FIG. 12, the tilt mechanisms 5 _{-1 to} 5 _-4 of this embodiment are composed of a movable arm 52, an arm shaft 53, a rubber stopper 54, and a coil spring 55.

The movable arm 52 has an arm portion 56 and a shaft portion 57, and the arm shaft 53 is fixed to the shaft portion 57.
It is configured to rotate about the arm shaft 53.

The arm shaft 53 is rotatably held by a bearing 59 penetrating the side surface of the upper case 58 and a bearing 61 of a bearing rib 60 integrally formed inside the upper case 58. A rubber stopper 54 is arranged between the shaft portion 57 of the movable arm 52 and the side surface of the upper case 58. The rubber stopper 54 has a ring shape, and an arm shaft 53 penetrates through a center hole of the rubber stopper 54 and is held by the arm shaft 53.

A coil spring 55 is disposed while being compressed between the shaft portion 57 of the movable arm 52 and the bearing rib 60. At this time, the coil spring 55 is centered on the arm shaft 53.
Is inserted and held.

Therefore, in a normal state, the movable arm 52 is
Is pressed in the direction of arrow E by the coil spring 55 and pressed against the rubber stopper 54.

Therefore, a large frictional force acts between the side surface of the movable arm 52 and the upper case 58 and the rubber stopper 54 to hold the movable arm 52 at a predetermined angle.

When it is desired to adjust the angle of the movable arm 52, the knob 62 protruding from the upper case 58 of the arm shaft 53 is pressed in the direction of arrow F against the biasing force of the coil spring 55 so that the rubber stopper 54 is formed. The contact with the inner surface of the upper case 58 is released, the movable arm 52 can be freely rotated, and the distance between the upper case 58 and the lower case 3 can be adjusted.

As described above, according to this embodiment, since the angle of the movable arm 52 is held at a predetermined position by the frictional force of the rubber stopper 54, the movable arm 52 can be held at an arbitrary angle. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a feeling of use more suited to the user's taste.

FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are block diagrams of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 13 is an external configuration diagram, FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view, and FIG. 15 is a lateral sectional view of a main part. In the figure, the same components as those in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the tilt mechanism is provided on the lower case side.

The tilt mechanism 71 _-1 of this embodiment is the lower case 7
2. Stopper 73 and movable arm 7 formed on the inner surface of 2
4, arm shaft 75, and coil spring 76.

The movable arm 74 includes an arm portion 77 and a shaft portion 7.
The arm shaft 75 is fixed to the shaft portion 78. The arm shaft 75 is rotatably held by a bearing 30 formed on the side surface of the lower case 72 and a bearing 82 formed on a bearing rib 81 integrally formed inside the lower case 72.

The arm spring 75 is inserted and held in the center of the coil spring 76, and the coil spring 76 is disposed while being compressed between the shaft portion 78 of the movable arm 74 and the bearing rib 81.
4 is urged in the direction of arrow A.

The stopper 73 is formed so as to project on the inner surface of the lower case 72, and engages with the claw 79 of the movable arm 75 to hold the movable arm 74 at a predetermined angle.

One end of the arm shaft 75 penetrates the bearing 80 and projects outward from the outer surface of the lower case 72.
3 is formed. By pressing this knob 83 in the direction of arrow B against the biasing force of the coil spring 76, the movable arm 74 moves in the direction of arrow B, the claw portion 79 of the movable arm 74 disengages from the stopper 73, and the movable arm 74 rotates. The movable arm 74 is movable, and the angle of the movable arm 74 is changed by rotating the knob 83 in this state.
The distance between 2 and the upper case 84 can be changed.

According to the present embodiment, since the knob can be provided on the lower case, the knob does not interfere with the use at the time of use, the feeling of use becomes good, and the operability can be improved.

[0074]

As described above, according to claim 1 of the present invention, the inclination of the upper cover with respect to the lower cover by the connecting means,
Since the height and the like can be freely set and the operator can adjust the outer shape according to his or her preference, the operability can be improved.

According to the second aspect, since the angle of the movable arm provided between the upper and lower covers can be adjusted by the angle adjusting means, the inclination and height of the upper cover with respect to the lower cover can be adjusted. Inclination according to the taste of the person,
It has features such as height adjustment and improved operability.

According to the third aspect, since the angle adjusting means is provided on the lower cover, the angle adjusting means does not interfere with the operation when the upper cover is placed with a hand, and a good usability is obtained. It is possible to obtain

According to the fourth aspect, since the movable arm is pressed against the upper case via the rubber stopper, it can be held at an arbitrary position by the frictional force of the rubber stopper, so that the distance between the upper and lower covers can be adjusted steplessly. It has features such as

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external configuration diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an essential part of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of a main part of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a modified example of the main part of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an external configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an external configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an external configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the main part of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Device Main Body 2 Upper Case 3 Lower Case 4 Bellows Member 5 _{-1 to} 5 _-4 Tilt Mechanism 12 Stopper 13 Movable Arm 14 Arm Axis 15 Coil Spring

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A coordinate input device in which a device body (1) for inputting coordinates is housed in a case consisting of an upper cover (2) and a lower cover (3), wherein the upper cover (2) and the lower cover are provided. It is provided between the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3) and is provided between the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3), and is provided between the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3). coordinate input apparatus characterized by comprising a setting can coupling means (4, 5 _-1 5 _-4). Wherein said a connecting means (4, 5 _-1 5 _-4) is bellows member (4) which is attached continuously and the upper cap (2) and the lower cover (3), the upper cap It is rotatably provided between (2) and the lower cover (3), and keeps a distance between the upper cover (2) and the lower cover (3) at a predetermined distance according to a rotation angle. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a movable arm (13) for adjusting, and an angle adjusting means (12, 15) for adjusting the movable arm (13) to a predetermined angle. 3. The bellows member (4) for continuously connecting the upper cover (84) and the lower cover (72) to each other by the connecting means (71 _{−1 to} 71 _-4 ), and the lower cover (72). ) Rotatably mounted on the movable arm (7) for holding the distance between the upper cover (84) and the lower cover (72) at a predetermined distance according to the rotation angle.
4) and the movable arm (7) provided on the lower cover (72).
4. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, further comprising angle adjusting means (73, 76) for adjusting the rotation angle of 4) to a predetermined angle. 4. The angle control means (5) includes a rubber stopper (54) provided between the movable arm (56, 74) and the upper case (2), and the movable arm (56, 74). The coordinate input device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a pressing unit (55) for pressing in a direction of the upper case (2).