JPH0816316A - X-y direction information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an X-Y direction information input device which can prolong the service life, can be miniaturized and does not cause any operational defect due to foreign materials such as trash or dust. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with an operation lever 1 to be operated in any arbitrary direction, supporting part 2 for supporting the operation lever 1 so as to freely move it in arbitrary direction, case 7 for housing the supporting part 2, light emitting element 3 provided at the lower part of the operation lever 1 and interlocked with the operation of the operation lever 1, light receiving element 4 provided with plural light receiving elements inside the case 7 so as to detect the X-Y direction position of light from the light emitting element 3 and to output signal with current or voltage changed corresponding to the range irradiated with light on a light receiving plane, and output means for inputting the signal of position information, which processes the position change of light emitted from the light emitting element moving in arbitrary direction while being interlocked with the operation of the operation lever 1, to an information processor based on the output signals of the light receiving elements 4 so that the signal of X-Y direction information can be generated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is suitable for moving the position of a pointer displayed on the display unit of an information processing device such as a personal computer and a word processor, and is used for inputting position information to the information processing device. The present invention relates to a Y-direction information input device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a basic internal structure of a joystick which is a conventional XY direction information input device. In FIG. 18, 1 is an operating lever and 31 is a signal processing and outputting device. A device main body accommodating means, control switches and the like, 32 is a control switch, 33a is a volume for detecting the positive and negative directions of the operation lever 1 in the X direction and the operation amount,
Reference numeral 33b is a volume for detecting the positive and negative directions of the operation lever 1 in the Y direction and the amount of movement, 34 is an arm for transmitting the movement of the operation lever 1 tilted in the X direction with the joint portion 35 as a fulcrum to the volume 33a, and 36 is the volume 33b. The shafts 37a and 37b for transmitting the operation of the operation lever 1 tilted in the Y direction to the fulcrum to the volume 33b are the volumes 33a and 33b.
Is a support portion for supporting. Reference numeral 6 is a printed circuit board provided with an electric circuit for processing and outputting signals.

19 and 20 are a schematic perspective view and a front view showing the basic internal structure of a mouse which is another conventional XY direction information input device.
38 is a device main body containing means for processing and outputting signals and a control switch, 32 is a control switch, 39 is a rotatably supported ball, and 40a and 40b are balls 3.
9 are two orthogonal encoders that are in contact with each other and operate in response to the rotation of the ball 39. 41a and 41b are encoder rotation detectors, and 42 is the encoder 4
A roller with a spring provided so as to be always in contact with the axes of 0a and 40b, and 6 is a printed circuit board provided with an electric circuit for processing and outputting a signal.

Next, the operation of the joystick which is the conventional XY direction information input device will be described. When the operator tilts the operation lever 1 in an arbitrary direction, the operation of the operation lever 1 is controlled by the arm 34 and the shaft 36 being adjusted to the volume 3 position.
3a, 33b, and the volume 33a, 33b outputs an electric signal corresponding to the operation of the operating lever 1, and this signal is processed by the electric circuit of the printed circuit board 6 to be converted into a signal of XY direction information. Output to the processing device.

Next, the operation of the mouse, which is another conventional XY direction information input device, will be described. When the operator operates the device body 38 on a desk or the like, the ball 39 rotates, and the two biaxial encoders 40a, 40a orthogonal to each other operate in response to the rotation of the ball 39.
An electric signal corresponding to the rotation operation of the ball 39 is output from b, and this signal is processed by the electric circuit of the printed circuit board 6 to be converted into a signal of XY direction information and output to the information processing device.

[0006]

In the joystick which is the conventional XY direction information input device, the operation direction and the operation amount of the operation lever 1 operated by the operator are controlled by the volume 33.
Since it is detected by a and 33b, the brush 33 moves while contacting the brush on the resistor film, and changes the resistance value.
For a and 33b, the change of the output signal becomes unstable over time due to deterioration due to contact between the resistor film and the brush, or X-
At least two volumes 33a, 3 for detecting the Y direction
Since 3b is required, there is a problem that there is a limit to miniaturization. Further, in the mouse which is another conventional XY direction information input device, when a foreign substance such as dust or dust is present during operation on a desk or the like, a ball 39 that rotates to engulf the foreign substance and cause it to move in two orthogonal axes. Encoders 40a, 4
0b has a malfunction in the mechanic part,
When the mouse is operated on a desk or the like having a slight unevenness, the unevenness adversely affects the rotation operation of the ball 39, the output signal becomes unstable, and the rotation operation of the ball 39 is performed to some extent. There was a problem that the operating range of the sun was necessary. In addition, the device main body is operated on the dedicated pad in which the reflective surface and the non-reflective surface are arranged in a grid pattern, and the presence or absence of return light of the light emitted from the light emitting element provided in the main body of the device toward the dedicated pad is checked. There is an optical mouse that counts with a light-receiving element provided in and outputs an XY direction information signal. However, this type of mouse requires a dedicated pad at all times, and it is very troublesome to handle. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and can detect the light from the light emitting element which is interlocked with the operation lever which can be operated in any direction and the position in the XY directions. By arranging a plurality of light receiving elements on the light receiving surface and combining them with a light receiving element that outputs an output signal whose current or voltage has changed according to the range of light on the light receiving surface, It is an object of the present invention to provide an XY direction information input device that inputs a position information signal processed for a position change to an information processing device.

[0008]

Means for Solving the Problems The first X according to the present invention
The Y-direction information input device includes an operation lever that can move in any direction, a support portion that supports the operation lever so as to be movable in any direction, a case that accommodates the support portion, and a lower portion of the operation lever. And a plurality of light emitting elements that are interlocked with the operation of the operation lever and a plurality of light emitting elements that are arranged in the case so as to detect the X-Y direction position of the light emitted from the light emitting elements. Irradiation from a light receiving element that outputs an output signal whose current or voltage has changed according to the range and a light emitting element that moves in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operating lever based on the output signal from the light receiving element. And an output unit for inputting a signal of position information obtained by processing the change in the position of the generated light to the information processing apparatus.

A second XY direction information input device according to the present invention includes an operation lever operable in any direction,
A light emitting element that is provided below the operation lever and that interlocks with the operation of the operation lever, a first support portion that supports the operation lever so as to be movable in one linear direction, and a support member that fits and supports the operation lever. A second support part that fits and supports the existing first support part so as to be movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction;
A case for housing the second support portion and a plurality of cases are arranged in the case so that the position of the light emitted from the light emitting element in the XY direction can be detected. A light receiving element that outputs an output signal with a changed current or voltage, and light emitted from a light emitting element that moves in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever based on the output signal from the light receiving element. And an output unit for inputting a position information signal obtained by processing the change in the position of No. 2 to the information processing apparatus.

Further, a third XY direction information input device according to the present invention has an operating lever which can be operated in any direction, an aperture, a movable plate to which the operating lever is attached, and the movable plate. The insertion part provided in is inserted,
A frame-shaped first supporting portion that fits and supports the movable plate so as to be movable in one linear direction, and a first supporting portion in which the insertion portion of the movable plate is inserted are linearly orthogonal to the one direction. A second support portion that is fitted and supported so as to be movable in various directions, and the second support portion.
A case for accommodating the support portion, a light emitting element fixedly provided in a position in the case where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the aperture of the movable plate, and X- of light emitted through the aperture. A plurality of light receiving elements, which are arranged in the case so as to detect the position in the Y direction, and which output an output signal in which a current or a voltage changes in accordance with the range of the light receiving surface irradiated with light, Output means for inputting a position information signal to the information processing device, which processes a change in the position of the light emitted through the aperture that operates in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever, based on the output signal It will be.

Furthermore, a fourth XY according to the present invention.
The direction information input device has two slits arranged in parallel.
The first movable plate having a portion and the slits of the first movable plate are vertically overlapped with each other, and
A second movable plate having the same size as the first movable plate having two slits whose longitudinal direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the slit of the movable plate, and the first and second movable plates. An operating lever provided so as to penetrate through one of the two square holes formed by the slits which are overlapped when overlapped with each other, and the operation lever, and the overlapped first and second movable plates are respectively provided with each other. When the rectangular frame-shaped support portion that fits and supports so as to be movable in the orthogonal direction, the case that accommodates the rectangular frame-shaped support portion, and the first and second movable plates that are stacked in the case It is possible to detect the light emitting element fixedly provided at a position where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the other square hole formed in the above, and the XY position of the light emitted through the other square hole. So in the case Based on the light receiving element that outputs several output signals whose current or voltage changes according to the range where the light is radiated on the light receiving surface, and the operation signal of the operating lever based on the output signal from the light receiving element. The information processing apparatus is provided with an output unit for inputting a position information signal, which processes a change in the position of the light radiated through the square hole which is interlocked and moves in an arbitrary direction, to the information processing apparatus.

[0012]

According to the present invention, when the operation lever movably supported in any direction on the support portion housed in the case is operated in any direction, the light emitting element interlocks with the operation of the operation lever, Among the light-receiving elements arranged in the case so that the position in the XY direction can be detected, the light-receiving element that has received the light emitted from the light-emitting element has a current depending on the range on the light-receiving surface where the light is emitted. Alternatively, the output means that outputs an output signal with a changed voltage, and the output means that receives the output signal moves in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operating lever, processes the change in the position of the light emitted from the light emitting element. Since the signal is input to the information processing device, it is suitable for the position movement of the pointer displayed on the display unit of the information processing device, and the XY direction information due to the mechanical movement of the operation lever is transmitted by the light emitting element and the light receiving element. It will be converted into an electric signal,
Like the joystick which is a conventional XY direction information input device, the change in the output signal from the volume becomes unstable with time, or at least two volumes are required to detect the XY direction, and the size is reduced. There are problems such as limitations in

Further, the XY direction information due to the mechanical movement of the operating lever is converted into an electric signal by the light emitting element and the light receiving element, so that the mouse is a conventional XY direction information input device. There is no malfunction due to foreign matter such as dust or dust, there is no need for a dedicated pad with grid lines, and the operating range has been reduced.

In addition, X due to mechanical movement of the operating lever
A mechanism for converting −Y direction information into an electric signal by a light emitting element and a light receiving element, an operation lever operable in any direction, and a light emitting element provided below the operation lever and interlocked with the operation of the operation lever, A first support part that fits and supports the operation lever so as to be movable in one linear direction, and a first support part that supports the operation lever so as to be movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction. A plurality of second supporting portions for supporting, a case for accommodating the second supporting portion, and a plurality of cases are arranged in the case so that the position of the light emitted from the light emitting element in the XY direction can be detected. Since it is composed of a light receiving element that outputs an output signal in which the current or voltage has changed according to the illuminated range, the light emitting element that interlocks with the operation of the operating lever operates in a cross shape, improving the operation accuracy, The first support part is Over the mating support allows thinner by the first support portion in which the second support portion is fitted and supported the operating lever is fitted and supported.

Further, a mechanism for converting XY direction information by mechanical movement of the operating lever into an electric signal by the light emitting element and the light receiving element has an operating lever operable in any direction and an aperture, A movable plate to which the operation lever is attached; a frame-shaped first support part into which an insertion portion provided in the movable plate is inserted and which fits and supports the movable plate so as to be movable in one linear direction; A second support part that fits and supports the first support part into which the insertion part of the plate is inserted so as to be movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction; a case that houses the second support part; A light emitting element fixedly provided in a position where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the aperture of the movable plate in the case, and the case so that the X-Y direction position of the light emitted through the aperture can be detected. Multiple in It is arranged between the fixed light emitting element and the light receiving element because it is arranged with a light receiving element that outputs an output signal in which the current or voltage changes according to the range of light irradiation on the light receiving surface. The movable plate having the aperture that allows the light of the light emitting element to pass through moves in a cross shape in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever, whereby the operation accuracy can be improved, and the operation lever is attached to the frame-shaped first support portion. The movable plate is supported with the insertion portion provided on the movable plate inserted, and the second support portion fits and supports the first support portion to enable thinning, and the light emitting element itself does not move. As a result, the cable for supplying power to the light emitting element does not hinder the operation.

Furthermore, the mechanism for converting the XY direction information by the mechanical movement of the operating lever into an electric signal by the light emitting element and the light receiving element has a first movable plate having two elongated slits arranged in parallel. And a first slit having two slits provided at positions overlapping with the respective slits of the first movable plate in the vertical direction and having a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slits of the first movable plate. An operation provided so as to penetrate into one of two square holes formed by a second movable plate having the same size as the movable plate and a slit that overlaps when the first and second movable plates are superposed on each other. A rectangular frame-shaped support portion that includes a lever and the operation lever, and that fits and supports the overlapping first and second movable plates so as to be movable in directions orthogonal to each other; and the rectangular frame. A case for accommodating the Jo of the support portion,
A light emitting element fixedly provided at a position where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the other square hole formed when the first and second movable plates are superposed in the case; A plurality of output signals are arranged in the case so that the position of the light radiated through the square hole can be detected, and the output signal in which the current or voltage is changed according to the range of the light radiated on the light receiving surface is detected. Since it is composed of a light receiving element that outputs,
The first and second movable plates, which are provided between the fixed light emitting element and the light receiving element and are formed when the square holes through which the light of the light emitting element passes are overlapped, interlock with the operation of the operation lever. The cruciform movement improves the stability of the linear movement and improves the movement accuracy, and is provided so that the operation lever penetrates one of the two square holes formed by the overlapping slits when they are overlapped. Since the first and second movable plates are fitted and supported so that the rectangular frame-shaped supporting portions are movable in the directions orthogonal to each other, the device can be made thin, and the light emitting element itself does not move. Therefore, the cable for supplying power to the light emitting element does not hinder the operation.

[0017]

【Example】

First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an assembled state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an assembled state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a part of the electric circuit of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a schematic view showing the light receiving element of FIG. Reference numeral 1 denotes an operation lever that can be operated in any direction, and an operation unit 9 for operating with a fingertip.
And a spherical portion 10 provided below the operating portion 9 so that the operating lever 1 itself can move in any direction, and a spherical portion 10
And a cable 11 for supplying electric power to the light emitting element 3. Reference numeral 2 is a support portion having a spherical hole portion 12 in the center for supporting the operation lever 1 so as to operate in an arbitrary direction, 3 is a light emitting element incorporated in the spherical portion 10 of the operation lever 1 and linked with the operation of the operation lever 1, 4 Is a light receiving element in which a current or voltage changes according to the range of the light on the light receiving surface illuminated by the light, and a plurality of light receiving elements 6 are arranged so that the position of the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 can be detected. A printed circuit board on which the element 4 is provided, and a position on the printed circuit board that has processed the change in the position of the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 that operates in any direction based on the output signal from the light receiving element 4. An electric circuit which is an output means for outputting a signal of information is provided. 7
Is a case for accommodating the printed circuit board 6 on which the supporting portion 2 for supporting the operating lever 1 and the light receiving element 4 is housed, 8 is a lid of a case 7 having a spherical hole 13 for pressing the operating lever 1, 1
Reference numeral 4 is the apparatus main body.

Next, the assembly and operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Operating lever 1
The spherical portion 10 is inserted into the spherical hole portion 12 of the support portion 2, and the spherical portion 10 of the operation lever 1 is sandwiched and pressed by the spherical hole portion 13 of the lid 8. By doing so, the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 by operating the operating lever 1 with a fingertip can operate with the center of the spherical portion 10 of the operating lever 1 as a fulcrum. Further, the plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged are the light emitting elements 3
When the light 5 emitted from the device is at the reference position in the operating range, it is fixed on the printed circuit board 6 so that the reference signal is output, and the support part 2 supporting the operation lever 1 in the case 7 is provided.
The device main body 14 is configured by incorporating. The cable 11 for supplying power to the light emitting element 3 and the light receiving element 4 are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 6.

In the above structure, when the operating lever 1 is operated by operating a fingertip, the light emitting element 3 moves in conjunction with the operating lever 1 and a plurality of lights 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 are arranged. XY in which the position change of the light 5 is processed by an electric circuit which is an output means on the printed circuit board 6 and moves the light receiving elements 4 on the light receiving elements 4 at this time. By inputting a signal of position information of the direction to an information processing device such as a personal computer or a word processor, the position of the pointer displayed on the display unit of the information processing device can be moved.

Next, the light receiving element 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 4 showing a part of an electric circuit on a printed circuit board and a position where a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged as an example of a processing method for deriving the XY direction information from the change in the position of light on the above. It will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, four light receiving elements 4a to 4d are used, and 15a is the light receiving element 4a,
4b is an adder for adding the output signals, 15b is an adder for adding the output signals of the light receiving elements 4c and 4d, 1
5c is an adder for adding the output signals of the light receiving elements 4a, 4d, 15d is an adder for adding the output signals of the light receiving elements 4b, 4c, and 16a is an output signal of the adder 15a and an adder 15b. The subtractor 16b is for subtracting the output signal of the adder 15c and the subtractor 16b is for subtracting the output signal of the adder 15c.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, light 5a is received on the light receiving element 4a, light 5b is received on the light receiving element 4b, and light receiving element 4 is received.
If the light 5c is irradiated on the light receiving element c and the light 5d is irradiated on the light receiving element 4d, the light receiving elements 4a to 4d change in current or voltage according to the amount of light received on the light receiving surface.
When the output signals from the respective light receiving elements 4a to 4d are calculated by the electric circuit shown above, it is determined which position of the plurality of light receiving elements 4a to 4d where the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 is located. It can be derived from the output signals of the subtracters 16a and 16b.

Therefore, the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 interlocking with the operation lever 1 which can move in any direction, and X-
A plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged to detect the Y direction position
XY of the electric circuit which is the output means on the printed circuit board 6 which processes the change of the position of the light 5 on the light receiving element 4 emitted from the light emitting element 3 interlocked with the operation lever 1 in combination with a to d. Since the signal of the position information of the direction can be input to the information processing device suitable for the position movement of the pointer displayed on the display unit, the volumes 33a, 33 are provided like the joystick which is the conventional XY direction information input device.
Since the change of the output signal becomes unstable with time due to the deterioration due to the contact between the resistor film and the brush of b, and at least two volumes 33a and 33b are used to detect the XY direction, the size is reduced. The problem that there was a limit was solved. Further, when a foreign substance such as dust or dust is present like a mouse, which is a conventional XY direction information input device, the ball 39 that rotates rotates the foreign substance and detects the two axis encoders 40a and 40b orthogonal to each other. When a mechanical operation occurs or a mouse operation is performed on a desk or the like with slight irregularities, the irregularities adversely affect the rotational movement of the ball 39 and the output signal becomes unstable. There is no longer a problem that a certain range of operation range is required to perform the rotating operation of No. 1 or a dedicated pad having a grid line is required.

The output signal from the light receiving element 4 is converted into XY.
The mounting position of the light receiving element 4 on the printed circuit board 6 on which the electric circuit for processing the direction information is provided is not limited to this example, and the point is that the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 can be received. It is sufficient if the light receiving element 4 is provided.

Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state configuration of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a partially cutaway showing an assembled state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an assembly view of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a state, and FIG. 9 is a front view showing an operating state of the operation lever according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes an operation lever, an operation portion 9 for operating with a fingertip, an insertion portion 19 provided at a lower portion of the operation portion 9, a portion provided with the light emitting element 3 provided in the insertion portion 19, and a light emitting element. 3 and a cable 11 for supplying electric power. 17
Is a rectangular frame-shaped first supporting portion that fits and supports the operation lever 1 so as to be movable in one linear direction, and a short side is a corner whose size allows the outer shape of the insertion portion 19 of the operation lever 1 to be inserted without rattling. It has a hole 20. Reference numeral 18 is a second support portion that fits and supports the first support portion 17 that fits and supports the operation lever 1 so as to be movable in a linear direction that is orthogonal to the one direction, and has an inner side dimension of the first support portion 17. It is provided with a rectangular frame-shaped portion 21 whose long side can be inserted without play.

A plurality of light receiving elements 4 are arranged so that the position of the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 can be detected in the XY directions, and the current or voltage changes according to the range of the light receiving surface illuminated by the light. An element, 6 is a printed circuit board on which the light receiving element 4 is provided, and based on the output signal from the light receiving element 4, the position of the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 operating in any direction is indicated on the printed circuit board. An electric circuit that is an output unit that outputs a position information signal that has processed a change is provided. 7
Is a case for accommodating the first support part 17 for fitting and supporting the operation lever 1, the second support part 18 for fitting and supporting the first support part 17, and the printed circuit board 6 provided with the light receiving element 4, and 8 is a light emitting element. The lid 22 of the second support 18 accommodating the element 3 and the first support 17 is the main body of the apparatus.

Next, the assembling and operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the insertion portion 19 of the operation lever 1 is inserted into the square hole 20 of the first support portion 17 having a rectangular frame shape. At this time, the outer shape of the insertion portion 19 of the operation lever 1 is inserted into the short side of the square hole 20 of the first support portion 17 without play. Next, the first support portion 17 into which the operation lever 1 is fitted and supported is put into the rectangular frame-shaped portion 21 of the second support portion 18. At this time, the long side of the first supporting portion 17 is inserted into the inner side of the frame-shaped portion 21 without play. Therefore, by operating the operation lever 1 with a fingertip, the operation lever 1 causes the operation lever 1 to have a long side range 23 of the square hole 20 of the first support portion 17 and the rectangular frame-shaped portion 21 of the second support portion 18.
It becomes possible to operate in a cross shape with the range 24 on the inner side of the light source, and the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 interlocking with the operation lever 1 also moves in a cross shape. Further, the plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged are
When the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 is at the reference position in the operating range, it is fixed on the printed circuit board 6 so that the reference signal is output, and the operation lever 1 is supported in the case 7. The device main body 22 is configured by incorporating the first support 17 and the second support 18 that supports the first support 17. The cable 11 for supplying power to the light emitting element 3 and the light receiving element 4 are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 6.

In the above structure, when the operating lever 1 is operated by operating the fingertip, the light emitting element 3 moves in conjunction with the operating lever 1 and a plurality of lights 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 are arranged. The light receiving element 4 thus moved is moved in a cross shape, and the output signals from the plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged at this time are processed by the electric circuit which is an output means on the printed circuit board 6 to change the position of the light 5. By inputting the signal of the position information in the XY direction to the information processing device, the position of the pointer displayed on the display unit of the information processing device can be moved. The processing method for deriving the XY direction information from the change in the position of the light 5 on the light receiving element 4 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment using the operation lever having a spherical portion, the light emitting element 3 interlocking with the operation of the operation lever 1 moves in a cross shape, thereby improving the operation accuracy, Further, the first support portion 17 fits and supports the operation lever 1, and the second support portion 18 fits and supports the first support portion 17 that fits and supports the operation lever 1 to realize a thin structure. The mounting position of the light receiving element 4 on the printed circuit board 6 provided with an electric circuit for processing the output signal from the light receiving element 4 into the XY direction information is not limited to this example, and the point is that the light is emitted. It suffices if the light receiving element 4 is provided at a position where the light 5 emitted from the element 3 can be received.

Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. 10 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially cutaway showing an assembled state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an assembled state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. And FIG. 13 is a front view showing the operating state of the operating lever and aperture according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 25 denotes a movable plate to which the operation lever 1 is attached.
Is attached. Reference numeral 26 is an aperture provided on the movable plate 25, and 17 is a frame-shaped first supporting portion that fits and supports the movable plate 25 so as to be movable in one linear direction, and the insertion portion 19 provided on the movable plate 25 is inserted therein. Has a square hole 20 formed therein, and the short side of the square hole 20 is dimensioned so that the outer shape of the insertion portion 19 of the movable plate 25 can be inserted without play.

Reference numeral 18 is a second support part for fitting and supporting the first support part 17 for fitting and supporting the movable plate 25 to which the operation lever 1 is attached, so as to be movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction. There is a square hole 21 that movably fits and supports the first support portion 17 in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction, and the inner side dimension of the square hole 21 is the long side of the first support portion 17. It is a size that can be inserted without play. Further, the second support portion 18 has an aperture 18 a larger than the aperture 26 at the same position as the aperture 26 of the movable plate 25. Reference numeral 3 denotes a light emitting element that is fixed so that the light 5 is emitted to the entire movable range of the aperture 26 provided on the movable plate 25, and 8 denotes a lid provided with the light emitting element 3, which is one turn from the movable range of the operation lever 1. A large operation lever window 8a is provided. Four
Is arranged in plural so as to detect the X-Y direction position of the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 which has passed through the aperture 26, and the current or voltage changes according to the range where the light is irradiated on the light receiving surface. A light receiving element 6 processes a change in the position of the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 which has passed through the aperture 26 operating in an arbitrary direction, based on the output signal from the light receiving element 4, and outputs a position information signal. A printed circuit board provided with an electric circuit which is an output means for outputting the movable plate 25 to which the operating lever 1 is attached, and a first plate for fitting and supporting the movable plate 25.
A case 27 for accommodating the support portion 17 and the second support portion 18 that fits and supports the first support portion 17 is a main body of the apparatus.

Next, assembling and operation of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the rectangular hole 20 of the first support portion 17 having a rectangular frame shape.
Then, the insertion portion 19 of the movable plate 25 is inserted. At this time, the first
At the short side of the square hole 20 of the support portion 17, the insertion portion 1 of the movable plate 25 is provided.
Insert the outer shape of 9 without play. Next, when the movable plate 25 is supported, the first support portion 17 is fixed to the square hole 21 of the second support portion 18.
Put in. At this time, the long side of the first support portion A17 is inserted into the inner side of the square hole 21 of the second support portion 18 without play. Therefore, by operating the operation lever 1 with a fingertip, the light emitting element 3 irradiated through the aperture 26 provided on the movable plate 25 and the aperture 18a of the second support portion 18 is irradiated.
The light 5 from can operate in a cross shape in the range 23 of the long side of the square hole 20 of the first support portion 17 and the range 24 of the inner side of the square hole 21 of the second support portion 18.

A plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged in the light receiving element 4 emit light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 through the aperture 26.
Is fixed to the printed circuit board 6 so that a reference signal is output when the control lever 1 is in the reference position of the operating range, and the movable plate 25 having the operation lever 1 attached to the case 7 is supported in the first support portion 17. Then, the device main body 27 is configured by incorporating the second support portion 18 that supports the first support portion 17. A cable 1 for supplying power to the light emitting element 3
1 and the light receiving element 4 are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 6.

In the above structure, the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 through the aperture 26 of the movable plate 25 which is interlocked with the operation of the operation lever 1 moves on the light receiving element 4 in which a plurality of the light 5 are arranged. The output signal from the plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged at this time moves in a cross shape in conjunction with the operation, and the change in the position of the light 5 is processed by an electric circuit which is an output means on the printed circuit board 6. By inputting a signal of position information in the X-Y directions to the information processing device, the position of the pointer displayed on the display unit of the information processing device can be moved.
The processing method for deriving the XY direction information from the change in the position of the light on the light receiving element 4 is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the method of incorporating the light emitting element 3 into the operation lever 1 shown in the first and second embodiments, the cable 11 for supplying power to the light emitting element 3 may hinder the operation, but the light emitting element 3 is fixed. In this embodiment, the problem can be improved.

Further, the fixed light emitting element 3 and light receiving element 4 are fixed.
The movable plate 25 having an aperture 26 that allows the light of the light emitting element 3 to pass therethrough is moved in a cross shape in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever 1, so that the operation accuracy can be improved. Further, the frame-shaped first support portion 17 supports the movable plate 25 with the insertion portion 19 provided on the movable plate 25 to which the operation lever 1 is attached inserted, and the second support portion 18 supports the first support portion. By fitting and supporting 17, it is possible to reduce the thickness.

The output signal from the light receiving element 4 is converted into XY.
The mounting position of the light receiving element 4 on the printed circuit board 6 on which the electric circuit for processing the direction information is provided is not limited to this example, and the point is that the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 can be received. It is sufficient if the light receiving element 4 is provided.

Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. 14 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a partially cutaway showing an assembled state of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is an assembled state of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a side sectional view showing the state of the operation lever, and FIG. 17 is a schematic front view showing the operating state of the operating lever and the aperture according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 25a denotes a first movable plate having two elongated slits 29a arranged in parallel, and 25b is provided at a position overlapping each slit 29a of the first movable plate 25a in the vertical direction, and a longitudinal direction of the slit 29a of the first movable plate 25a. It is a second movable plate having the same size as the first movable plate 25a having two slits 29b whose longitudinal direction is a direction orthogonal to the first movable plate 25a. Reference numeral 1 denotes an operation lever for operating the two movable plates 25a and 25b, which includes the first and second movable plates 25a and 25a.
Slits 2 that overlap when 25b are overlapped
Two square holes 30, 26 formed by 9a, 29b
Among them, it is provided so as to penetrate one of the square holes 30. Three
Of the two square holes 30 and 26 formed by the slits 29a and 29b that are overlapped when the two movable plates 25a and 25b are overlapped, the light 5 is irradiated to the entire movable range of the other square hole 26. Fixed light emitting element,
Reference numeral 8 is a lid provided with the light emitting element 3.

Reference numeral 28 is a rectangular frame-shaped supporting portion which is provided with the operating lever 1 and movably supports the superposed first and second movable plates 25a and 25b in directions orthogonal to each other. The inner side dimension of the frame 21 is such that the long sides of the movable plates 25a and 25b can be inserted without play. Reference numeral 28a denotes an aperture of the support portion 28 formed by measuring the long sides of the slits 29a and 29b of the first and second movable plates 25a and 25b, and 28b denotes a square hole formed by the overlapping slits 29a and 29b. Two
6 is another aperture of the supporting portion 28 having the same size as the entire movable range of 6. 4 is an overlapping slit 2
A plurality of light-emitting elements 3 are arranged so as to detect the position in the XY direction of the light 5 emitted from the light-emitting element 3 that passes through the square hole 26 formed by 9a and 29b. A light receiving element 6 whose current or voltage changes according to the output signal from the light receiving element 4 indicates the position of the light 5 from the light emitting element 3 which has passed through the square hole 26 operating in an arbitrary direction and is irradiated. A printed circuit board provided with an electric circuit which is an output means for processing a change and outputting a signal of position information, and 7 is a first and a second stacked operation levers 1 attached.
Reference numeral 31 denotes a main body of the apparatus, which houses a support portion 28 for fitting and supporting the movable plates 25a and 25b.

Next, the assembling and operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the slits 2 provided in the first and second movable plates 25a and 25b
The first and second movable plates 25a and 25b are arranged so that 9a and 29b are vertically overlapped with each other, and the slits 29 are overlapped with each other.
The operation lever 1 is inserted into one of the square holes 30 formed by a and 29b. At this time, the square holes 30 formed by the slits 29a and 29b of the movable plates 25a and 25b are dimensioned so that the outer shape of the operation lever 1 can be inserted without rattling. Next, the first and second movable plates 25 a and 25 b which are overlapped with each other and the operation lever 1 combined with each other are put into the support portion 28. At this time, the long sides of the movable plates 25a and 25b are inserted into the inner side of the rectangular frame-shaped portion 21 of the support portion 28 without play.

Therefore, by operating the operating lever 1 with a fingertip, one square hole 30 formed by one of the overlapping slits 29a, 29b provided in the first and second movable plates 25a, 25b is slit. The other square hole 26 that is formed by the other slits 29a and 29b that overlap with each other and that moves within the long side of 29a and 29b becomes a movable aperture through which light passes, and the light emitted through the aperture is emitted. The light 5 from the element 3 can move in a cross shape in the range 24 on the inner side of the rectangular frame 21 of the support portion 28. In addition, a plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged
Is fixed on the printed circuit board 6 so that a reference signal is output when the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 through the square hole 26 and the aperture 28b of the supporting portion 28 is in the reference position of the operating range. , A supporting portion 2 in which the first and second movable plates 25a and 25b, which are superposed in the case 7, are fitted and supported.
The device main body 31 is configured by incorporating 8 in the apparatus. The cable 11 and the light receiving element 4 for supplying electric power to the light emitting element 3
Are electrically connected to the printed circuit board 6.

In the above structure, the two movable plates 25
By using the two square holes 30 and 26 formed by a and 25b, the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 through the square hole 26 which is an aperture interlocked with the operation of the operation lever 1 is emitted. Operation lever 1 is provided on the plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged.
The movement of the light 5 from the plurality of light receiving elements 4 arranged at this time is processed by the electric circuit which is the output means on the printed circuit board 6 to process the change of the position of the light 5. By inputting the signal of the position information in the XY direction to the information processing device, the position of the pointer displayed on the display unit of the information processing device can be moved. The processing method for deriving the XY direction information from the change in the position of the light on the light receiving element 4 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

In the method of incorporating the light emitting element 3 into the operation lever 1 shown in Embodiments 1 and 2, the cable 11 for supplying power to the light emitting element 3 may hinder the operation, but the light emitting element 3 is fixed. The problem can be solved in this embodiment. In addition, as compared with the method of linearly moving the aperture using the small-sized first supporting portion as shown in the third embodiment,
By using the two movable plates 25a and 25b themselves, the cross movement of the aperture can be easily realized. That is, the first and second movable plates 25a, 25b formed when the square holes 26, which are provided between the fixed light emitting element 3 and the light receiving element 4 and allow the light of the light emitting element 3 to pass, are overlapped. By performing the cross-shaped movement in conjunction with the movement of the operation lever 1, the stability of the linear movement is improved and the movement accuracy can be improved. Further, the first and second movable plates 25a, 25b provided so that the operating lever 1 penetrates one square hole 30 formed by the slits 29a, 29b which are overlapped when they are overlapped, support the rectangular frame shape. By fitting and supporting the portions 28 so as to be movable in directions orthogonal to each other, it is possible to reduce the thickness.

The output signal from the light receiving element 4 is converted into XY.
The mounting position of the light receiving element 4 on the printed circuit board 6 on which the electric circuit for processing the direction information is provided is not limited to this example, and the point is that the light 5 emitted from the light emitting element 3 can be received. It is sufficient if the light receiving element 4 is provided.

[0043]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the operation lever movably supported in any direction on the support portion housed in the case is operated in any direction,
The light emitting element is linked to the operation of the operating lever, and X-
Among a plurality of light receiving elements arranged so that the position in the Y direction can be detected, the light receiving element that receives the light emitted from the light emitting element has a change in current or voltage depending on the range on the light receiving surface where the light is emitted. The output means that outputs the output signal and receives the output signal processes the signal of the position information obtained by processing the change in the position of the light emitted from the light emitting element that moves in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever. Since the data is input to the device, it is suitable for the position movement of the pointer displayed on the display unit of the information processing device, and the XY direction information due to the mechanical movement of the operation lever is converted into an electric signal by the light emitting element and the light receiving element. As a result, the change in the output signal from the volume becomes unstable with time like a joystick, which is a conventional XY direction information input device, or X-
At least two volumes are required to detect the Y direction, which has the effect of solving the problem that there is a limit to miniaturization.

Further, the XY direction information due to the mechanical movement of the operation lever is converted into an electric signal by the light emitting element and the light receiving element, so that the mouse is a conventional XY direction information input device. There is no malfunction due to foreign matter such as dust or dust, there is no need for a dedicated pad having a grid-like line, and the operation range can be miniaturized.

In addition, X by the mechanical movement of the operating lever
A mechanism for converting −Y direction information into an electric signal by a light emitting element and a light receiving element, an operation lever operable in any direction, and a light emitting element provided below the operation lever and interlocked with the operation of the operation lever, A first support part that fits and supports the operation lever so as to be movable in one linear direction, and a first support part that supports the operation lever so as to be movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction. A plurality of second supporting portions for supporting, a case for accommodating the second supporting portion, and a plurality of cases are arranged in the case so that the position of the light emitted from the light emitting element in the XY direction can be detected. Since it is configured with a light receiving element that outputs an output signal whose current or voltage changes according to the irradiated area, the light emitting element that interlocks with the operation of the operating lever moves in a cross shape, improving operation accuracy. With the first support The work lever is fitted and supported by the first support portion in which the second support portion is fitted and supported the operating lever fitted support, there is an effect that it is possible to thin.

Further, a mechanism for converting XY direction information by mechanical movement of the operating lever into an electric signal by the light emitting element and the light receiving element has an operating lever operable in any direction and an aperture, A movable plate to which the operation lever is attached; a frame-shaped first support part into which an insertion portion provided in the movable plate is inserted and which fits and supports the movable plate so as to be movable in one linear direction; A second support part that fits and supports the first support part into which the insertion part of the plate is inserted so as to be movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction; a case that houses the second support part; A light emitting element fixedly provided in a position where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the aperture of the movable plate in the case, and the case so that the X-Y direction position of the light emitted through the aperture can be detected. Multiple in Since it is arranged with a light receiving element that outputs an output signal in which the current or voltage changes according to the range of light irradiation on the light receiving surface, it is arranged between the fixed light emitting element and the light receiving element. The movable plate provided with an aperture that allows the light of the light-emitting element to pass through moves in a cross shape in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever, whereby the operation accuracy can be improved, and the frame-shaped first support part is attached to the operation lever. The movable plate is supported in a state where the insertion part provided in the movable plate is inserted, and the second support part fits and supports the first support part to enable thinning,
Moreover, since the light emitting element itself does not move, the cable for supplying power to the light emitting element does not hinder the operation.

Furthermore, the mechanism for converting the XY direction information by the mechanical movement of the operating lever into an electric signal by the light emitting element and the light receiving element has a first movable plate having two elongated slits arranged in parallel. And a first slit having two slits provided at positions overlapping with the respective slits of the first movable plate in the vertical direction and having a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slits of the first movable plate. An operation provided so as to penetrate into one of two square holes formed by a second movable plate having the same size as the movable plate and a slit that overlaps when the first and second movable plates are superposed on each other. A rectangular frame-shaped support portion that includes a lever and the operation lever, and that fits and supports the overlapping first and second movable plates so as to be movable in directions orthogonal to each other; and the rectangular frame. A case for accommodating the Jo of the support portion,
A light emitting element fixedly provided at a position where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the other square hole formed when the first and second movable plates are superposed in the case; A plurality of output signals are arranged in the case so that the position of the light radiated through the square hole can be detected, and the output signal in which the current or voltage is changed according to the range of the light radiated on the light receiving surface is detected. Since the light receiving element for outputting and the light receiving element for outputting are provided, the first and second light emitting elements are provided between the fixed light emitting element and the light receiving element, and are formed when the square holes through which the light of the light emitting element passes are overlapped. Since the second movable plate moves in a cross shape in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever, the stability of the linear operation is improved and the operation accuracy can be improved. When the second movable plate is overlapped, it is formed by the overlapping slits.
Thinning is possible by supporting the first and second movable plates, which are provided so that the operation lever penetrates through one of the two square holes, by movably fitting and supporting the rectangular frame-shaped support parts in directions orthogonal to each other. Moreover, since the light emitting element itself does not move, the cable for supplying power to the light emitting element does not hinder the operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an assembled state of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing an assembled state of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of an electric circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a light-receiving element of Example 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an assembled state of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing an assembled state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing an operating state of the operation lever according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an assembled state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing an assembled state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the operating states of the operating lever and the aperture according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an assembled state of embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing an assembled state of embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view showing the operating state of the operating lever and the aperture according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing a joystick which is a conventional XY direction information input device.

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view showing a mouse, which is a conventional XY direction information input device.

FIG. 20 is a schematic front view showing a mouse which is a conventional example of an XY direction information input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 operation lever, 2 support part, 3 light emitting element, 4 light receiving element, 5 irradiated light, 6 printed circuit board, 7 case, 8 lid, 9 operation part, 10 spherical part, 11 cable, 14 device body.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An XY for inputting position information in XY directions to a pointer displayed on a display unit of an information processing device.
In the directional information input device, an operation lever that can move in any direction, a support portion that movably supports the operation lever in any direction, a case that accommodates the support portion, and a lower portion of the operation lever. And a light emitting element that is interlocked with the operation of the operation lever, and XY of the light emitted from the light emitting element in the case.
Based on the output signal from the light receiving element, which is arranged so as to detect the directional position, and which outputs an output signal in which the current or voltage changes in accordance with the range on the light receiving surface illuminated by the light, An output unit for inputting a position information signal, which processes a change in the position of light emitted from a light emitting element that moves in an arbitrary direction in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever, to the information processing device, An XY direction information input device characterized by: 2. An XY for inputting position information in XY directions to a pointer displayed on a display unit of an information processing device.
In the direction information input device, an operation lever which can be operated in any direction, a light emitting element which is provided below the operation lever and which is interlocked with the operation of the operation lever, and the operation lever which can be moved in one linear direction. A first support part that fits and supports, a second support part that fits and supports the first support part that supports the operation lever so as to be movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction, 2 A case that accommodates the support part, and a plurality of cases are arranged in the case so that the position of the light emitted from the light emitting element in the XY direction can be detected. Alternatively, the position of the light emitted from the light receiving element that outputs the output signal with a changed voltage and the light emitting element that moves in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever based on the output signal from the light receiving element. How much of the change An XY direction information input device, comprising: an output unit for inputting a signal of position information to the information processing device. 3. An XY for inputting position information in XY directions to a pointer displayed on a display unit of an information processing device.
In the direction information input device, a movable plate having an operation lever that can be operated in any direction and an aperture, to which the operation lever is attached, and an insertion portion provided on the movable plate are inserted to linearly move the movable plate. A frame-shaped first support part that fits and supports so as to be movable in one direction, and a first support part into which the insertion part of the movable plate is inserted are movable in a linear direction orthogonal to the one direction. A second support part that fits and supports, a case that accommodates the second support part, and a light emitting device that is fixedly provided at a position where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the aperture of the movable plate in the case. And an output signal in which a plurality of currents or voltages are arranged in the case so that the position of the light irradiated through the aperture can be detected in the X-Y direction, and the current or voltage changes according to the range of the light irradiated on the light receiving surface. Output Based on the output signal from the light receiving element and the light receiving element, the position information signal obtained by processing the change in the position of the light emitted through the aperture that operates in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever is processed. An XY direction information input device, comprising: an output unit for inputting to the information processing device. 4. An XY for inputting position information in XY directions to a pointer displayed on a display unit of an information processing device.
In the direction information input device, a first movable plate having two parallel elongated slits is provided at a position vertically overlapping with each slit of the first movable plate, and a longitudinal direction of the slit of the first movable plate. Formed by a second movable plate having the same size as the first movable plate and having two slits whose longitudinal direction is a direction orthogonal to the first movable plate, and slits that overlap when the first and second movable plates are superposed on each other. The operation lever provided so as to penetrate one of the two square holes, and the first and second operation levers that are overlapped with each other.
Of the rectangular frame-shaped support portions for movably supporting the movable plates in the directions orthogonal to each other, a case accommodating the rectangular frame-shaped support portions, and the first and second movable plates in the case. A light-emitting element fixedly provided at a position where light is emitted to the entire movable range of the other square hole formed when they are overlapped with each other, and an X-Y direction of light emitted through the other square hole. A plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in the case so that the position can be detected, and a light receiving element that outputs an output signal in which a current or a voltage changes according to the range of the light receiving surface irradiated with light, and an output signal from the light receiving element. An output means for inputting a position information signal to the information processing device, which processes a change in the position of the light emitted through the square hole that operates in any direction in conjunction with the operation of the operation lever. It is characterized by X-Y direction information input device.