JPS6213145Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an X-Y direction input device, and relates to an X-Y direction input device suitable for, for example, a figure input device of a graphic display device.

A graphic display device basically consists of a display screen, a display controller, a data channel, and various input devices. One of these input devices is that when an operator tilts a lever supported by a gimbal mechanism in a desired direction, the direction and angle of tilt are detected, and the voltage or digital signal of each component in the X- and Y-axis directions is detected. There is a "Joystek" (registered trademark) that generates a signal. However, with this input device, the rotation range of the lever is limited and there are also problems with the stability of the input signal.

In order to overcome this drawback, an input device called a "mouse" has been developed in recent years. This input device includes a rotated sphere (hereinafter abbreviated as sphere) made of a rotatably arranged steel ball, for example, and a first driven roller that is in contact with the sphere and rotates by the rotational force of the sphere. , a second driven roller that is in contact with the sphere and rotates by the rotational force of the sphere and whose axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the first driven roller; and a rotation angle of the first and second driven rollers. first and second rotation angle detection means each individually detecting a variable resistor, an encoder, etc., and these spheres, first and second driven rollers, first and second rotation angle detection means, etc. It basically consists of a casing for housing.

An opening is provided in the lower surface of the casing, and a part of the sphere protrudes downward through the opening, and by holding the casing and rolling the sphere in any direction on a predetermined base, the first and second spheres can be moved. The two driven rollers each rotate in a predetermined direction. The rotation direction and rotation angle of these driven rollers are
The second rotation angle detection means extracts each component in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction as a voltage or digital signal, and these signals are input to a display device.

The present invention is directed to this type of input device, and aims to provide a highly reliable X-Y direction input device.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a graphic display device including an X-Y direction input device according to an embodiment.

On the table 1 are a display device 2 having a screen, a controller, a data channel, etc., an input device 3 having function keys, and an input device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
is placed. Note that the input device 4 is operated on a dedicated sheet 5 placed on the table 1,
By this operation, for example, the cursor 7 displayed on the screen 6 of the display device 2 can be moved to an arbitrary position.

Next, the structure and operating principle of this input device 4 will be explained. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the input device 4;
3 is a front view of the input device, FIG. 4 is a rear view of the input device, and FIG. 5 is a cutaway side view of the input device.

The casing 8 consists of a lower case 9 and an upper case 10 molded from hard synthetic resin, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower case end 11 of the upper case 10 touches the upper case end 12 of the lower case 9. It is fitted externally to cover it. This is to prevent dust, water, etc. from entering into the casing 8 from the joint between the lower case 9 and the upper case 10.

The upper case 10 is designed to have a size that allows the operator to hold and operate it with one hand, and has an upper wall 13, a left side,
The right side wall portions 14, 14 are inclined at an appropriate angle. An operating end 16 of the switch 15 is located at a predetermined position on the upper wall portion 13 of the upper case 10, that is, at a position opposite to the fingers when the upper case 10 is grasped by hand.
A rectangular insertion hole 17 into which the holder is inserted is formed. This switch 15 is of a push-button type, and as shown in FIG. It is used for deleting a part of the display pattern directly above the display pattern, moving it to another display position, and other controls. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the operating end 16 of the switch 15 slightly protrudes from the upper case 10. As shown in FIGS.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the upper case 10, showing the upper wall portion 13.
A cylindrical portion 18 is integrally provided at a predetermined position on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 18, and a short tubular elastic shock absorber 19 made of synthetic rubber or the like is inserted inside the cylindrical portion 18. Cylinder part 1
The buffer body 19 is fixed within the buffer body 8 by forcibly pushing it in using the elasticity of the buffer body 19, or by using an adhesive or the like. As shown in Figure 5,
In order to perform the function of the buffer body 19, its lower end protrudes slightly lower than the lower end of the cylindrical portion 18.

As shown in FIG. 6, the front wall 20 of the upper case 10
A bushing fitting notch 21 is provided approximately in the center of the bushing, and connecting holes 22, 22 are provided on both sides of the bushing fitting notch 21. Further, a screw insertion portion 25 into which a tapping screw 24 (see FIG. 5) is screwed is integrally provided at the center of the inner surface of the rear wall portion 23 of the upper case 10 in a protruding manner.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the lower case 9 to which the mounting plate 26 is attached, and FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lower case 9. A bushing fitting notch 28 is formed approximately in the center of the front wall 27 of the lower case 9, and connecting pawls 29, 29 are provided on both sides of the notch 28 to project forward.
A screw insertion portion 32 having an insertion hole 31 is integrally provided at the center of the inner surface of the rear wall portion 30 of the lower case 9 . As shown in FIG. 7, a mounting plate 26 made of metal or hard synthetic resin is connected with screws 33 on top of the lower case 9 with a slight gap between them. In addition to being used for attachment, it also serves as a reinforcing member for the lower case 9. Further, a plurality of pillars 34 (three in this embodiment) are integrally erected from the lower case 9, and a conductive pattern (not shown) of a predetermined shape is provided on the upper part of these pillars as shown in FIG. A printed circuit board 35 is attached with screws. In this embodiment, one support column 34 extends upward through the mounting plate 26, as shown in FIG.

The lower case 9 and the upper case 10 are joined by fitting the connecting claws 29, 29 of the lower case 9 into the connecting holes 22, 22 of the upper case 10, respectively, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, this is done by screwing the tapping 24 into the screw insertion portion 25 of the upper case 10 from the lower case 9 side. When joining the lower case 9 and the upper case 10, a rubber bushing 36 is fitted between the bushing fitting notches 21 and 28, and is clamped between the lower case 9 and the upper case 10. The bushing 36 is for protecting the signal line 37, one end of the signal line 37 is connected to the printed circuit board 35 as shown in FIG. 5, and the other end is the input of the display device 2 as shown in FIG. connected to the end. This signal line 37 has a length that does not interfere with operating the input device 4 on the seat 5.

As shown in FIG. 7, a circular opening 38 is formed at a predetermined position in the lower case 9, and the mounting plate 26
A through hole 39 having a slightly larger diameter than the opening 38 is provided at a position facing the opening 38 . 9th
The figure is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line of FIG. As shown in this figure, the peripheral edge of the opening 38 is tapered 4 so that the diameter becomes slightly smaller toward the bottom.
0, and an annular first jetty 41 is provided at the lower peripheral edge of the opening 38 so as to surround the opening 38. An annular second jetty 42 is provided at a predetermined interval on the outside of the first jetty 41 in the radial direction, and the first jetty 41 and the second jetty 42 are integrally protruded from the lower case 9, and both They are almost the same height.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first jetty 41 and the second
Since the jetty 42 is offset toward the rear of the lower case 9, correspondingly, balancing projections 43 are provided on both sides of the front. In the case of this example, the input device 4 is supported at three points by a sphere 44 (described later) that partially protrudes from the opening 38 of the lower case 9 and protrusions 43, 43 on both sides, and is balanced so that the input device 4 as a whole does not wobble. There is.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the lower case 9 in another example, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line of FIG. 10. In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, one balance protrusion 43 is provided at approximately the center of the front of the lower surface of the lower case 9, and two balance protrusions 43 are provided on both sides of the rear of the lower surface. These 3
It is supported at three points in a well-balanced manner by two protrusions 43. Note that the arrangement of the balance protrusions 43 is completely opposite to this example, that is, two balance protrusions 43 are placed on both sides of the front of the lower surface of the lower case 9, and one balance protrusion 43 is placed approximately in the center of the rear of the lower surface. Projection 43
You may also set

In any case, when supporting the input device 4 by the balance protrusion 43, the protrusion 43 protrudes slightly longer than the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42, as shown in FIG. When the base is operated, the lower surfaces of the jetties 41 and 42 do not directly contact the base, or even if they do, the contact is only slight.

The lower end of the balance protrusion 43 is rounded in order to minimize the contact resistance with the base. As a method of providing this rounded protrusion 43, there are, for example, the following two methods. That is, the first method is to form a rounded balance protrusion 43 at the lower end integrally with the lower case 9, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The second method, as shown in FIG. 12, is to embed a small-diameter steel ball in a predetermined position of the lower case 9 so that the lower end thereof slightly protrudes. If you use steel balls like this,
This is preferable because the balance protrusion 43 does not wear out and can perform its function for a long period of time.

A sphere 44 made of a steel ball and having a predetermined weight is arranged above the opening 38 formed in the lower case 9, and a part of the sphere 44 protrudes downward from the opening 38 to attach to the base (seat 5 or other surface) so that it rolls on top of the surface.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of the operating section during assembly of the input device. The spherical surface of the sphere 44 has a first
The driven roller 45 and the second driven roller 46 are in contact with each other, and both rollers 45 and 46 are each mounted on a bearing 47.
It is rotatably attached to the mounting plate 26 via. In this example, although not shown, each bearing 4
7 is screwed to the mounting plate 26. Said first
The driven roller 45 and the second driven roller 46 are molded from polyacetal resin mixed with glass fiber in a predetermined proportion. On the other hand, the bearing 47 is made of, for example, fluororesin or polyacetal resin, which has a small coefficient of friction.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the operating section is viewed from a plane, the first driven roller 45 and the second driven roller 46 are arranged so that their axial directions are perpendicular to each other, and both rollers 45 and 46 are rotated by the rotation of the sphere 44. Each is rotated individually by a force. The rotation direction and rotation angle of the first driven roller 45 are detected by a first variable resistor 49 connected via a rotation shaft 48. On the other hand, the rotation direction and rotation angle of the second driven roller 46 are as follows:
It is detected by the second variable resistor 51 connected via the rotating shaft 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, changes in the rotation direction and rotation angle of the first driven roller 45 appear as the slide direction and the amount of movement of the slider 52 in the first variable resistor 49. Similarly, changes in the rotation direction and rotation angle of the second driven roller 46 appear as the slide direction and the amount of movement of the slider 53 in the second variable resistor 51. Therefore, the rotational state of the sphere 44 is divided into the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction.
It can be divided into each component in the axial direction and detected as the respective voltage values of the first variable resistor 49 and the second variable resistor 51. For this reason, the variable resistors 49 and 51 need to be able to respond appropriately even to small torques.

The terminal group 54 of the first variable resistor 49 and the second
The terminal group 55 of the variable resistor 51 extends upward and is connected to the printed circuit board 35, respectively.

FIG. 15 shows a sphere 44 and driven rollers 45, 46.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the respective arrangement states of the elastic urging rollers 56 and 56. FIG. As shown in this figure and FIG. 13, the elastic biasing roller 56 is placed in contact with the sphere 44 and facing the first driven roller 45 and the second driven roller 46 via it. The elastic biasing roller 56 is provided to ensure power transmission between the spherical body 44 and the first driven roller 45 as well as between the spherical body 44 and the second driven roller 46. The roller 56 is freely rotated by the rotational force of the sphere 44 and elastically urges the sphere 44 toward the first driven roller 45 and the second driven roller 46 side.

As shown in FIG. 15, the sphere 44 is rotated so that the contact pressure between the sphere 44 and the first driven roller 45 is equal to the contact pressure between the sphere 44 and the second driven roller 46.
4 and the contact point P of the elastic biasing roller 56 and the rotation center O of the sphere 44 is the straight line Q connecting the contact point P of the elastic biasing roller 56
The elastic biasing roller 56 is arranged so as to pass through the center point between the second driven roller 46 and the second driven roller 46, that is, Θ ₁ =Θ ₂ .

After the first driven roller 45, the second driven roller 46, the first variable resistor 49, the second variable resistor 51, and the elastic biasing roller 56 are attached to the mounting plate 26, the mounting plate 26 is attached to the lower case 9. It is designed to be fixed to the inner surface of the

In addition to metals such as steel balls, glass and synthetic resin are also conceivable materials for the sphere 44, but since these materials alone have a lower specific gravity than metal, they do not provide sufficient frictional force with the base and may not slip. I can't get a proper input signal. For these reasons, the metal sphere 44 is preferable, but it is also necessary to control the roughness of the spherical surface within a predetermined range.

Changes in the coefficient of friction were tested when the surface roughness of the sphere 44 was varied, and the results are shown in FIG.
In this test, the coefficient of friction was measured for five types of materials that would be used as the base of the input device 4: general-purpose glass, frosted glass, desk, polyurethane sheet, and acrylic resin plate. That is, in the figure, the horizontal axis represents the surface roughness of the sphere 44, and the vertical axis represents the coefficient of friction. Curve A in the figure represents the change in the coefficient of friction for general-purpose glass with a flat surface, and curve B represents the change in the coefficient of friction for general-purpose glass with a flat surface. Curve C shows the change in the coefficient of friction against frosted glass with fine irregularities, Curve C shows the change in the coefficient of friction against the surface of a desk covered with a melamine resin decorative board, and Curve D shows the coefficient of friction against a polyurethane sheet with fine irregularities on the surface. Curve E shows the change in the coefficient of friction against the acrylic resin plate.

In addition, in this test, for example, "surface roughness 5μ"
This means that in the unevenness of the surface of the sphere 44, there is a difference of 5 μ between the lowest point of the concave portion and the highest point of the convex portion.

As is clear from this figure, the surface roughness of the sphere 44 is 1.7μ (the leftmost measurement point in the figure).
If it is as small as 2.2 μ (second measurement point from the left in the figure), the overall coefficient of friction is small, and slips may occur between the sphere 44 when it rolls on the base. Yes, not desirable. Therefore, in order to obtain the desired frictional torque with the base, the surface roughness of the sphere 44 must be approximately 5 μm or more. In order to obtain a large frictional torque, it is necessary to increase the surface roughness of the sphere 44, but if the surface roughness becomes too large, the following problems will occur.

In other words, the metal sphere 44 is finished by gradually finely polishing the surface of a ball-shaped rough material in several stages. It depends on. Therefore, if the surface roughness is large, it means that the surface is not sufficiently finished, and as a result, the desired roundness cannot be obtained. Sphere 4
If the roundness of 4 is not obtained, the rotational states of the first and second driven rollers 45 and 46 will vary, and an appropriate input signal will not be obtained.

Also, if the surface roughness of the sphere 44 is too large, it will generate noise especially when rolling on a hard base.
Product value decreases. Furthermore, if the surface roughness is large, if drinking water such as coffee or ink has been spilled on the base and the sphere 44 rolls over it, the drinking water or ink will enter the recesses on the surface of the sphere 44, causing rust. It causes When rust occurs on the surface of the sphere 44, the contact state with the base and the driven rollers 45, 46 changes, and the input signal may become unstable. For this reason,
The surface roughness of the sphere 44 must be kept at about 20μ, preferably within the range of about 10 to 15μ.

As the sphere 44, it is particularly preferable that the sphere be subjected to soft nitriding treatment (tuftride treatment) to improve wear resistance, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance. Note that even if this treatment is performed, the surface roughness of the sphere 44 must be regulated within the range of about 5 to 20 microns as described above.

As a dedicated seat 5 for operating the input device 4,
It is preferable that the sphere 44 be soft enough that the vicinity of the surface is slightly depressed. If such a sheet 5 is used, the contact area between the two increases, and since the spheres 44 have a predetermined surface roughness, a relatively large frictional force can be obtained. The polyurethane sheet having fine irregularities on its surface, which is shown by curve D in FIG. Therefore, it is suitable as a dedicated sheet 5. 17 and 18 are enlarged sectional views of this sheet 5. FIG. FIG. 17 shows an example in which a polyurethane sheet 57 whose surface has been processed into a satin finish to form minute irregularities is used alone as the dedicated sheet 5. FIG. 18 shows a composite sheet 5 in which a non-slip sheet 58 made of soft synthetic rubber or the like is laminated on the underside of the polyurethane sheet 57.
An example is shown below. In the latter case, since the anti-slip sheet 58 is provided on the lower side, the sheet 5 placed on a table or the like does not move during operation of the input device 4, making it easier to operate.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19, if a partition line 59 indicating the operation area of the input device 4 is printed on the surface slightly inside the outer circumference of the dedicated sheet 5, the input device 4 can be operated within the partition line 59. This prevents the sphere 44 from accidentally falling off the seat 5.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the driven rollers 45, 46, and FIG. 21 is a cutaway front view thereof. The first and second driven rollers 45 and 46 are both molded from synthetic resin mixed with a fiber reinforcing material such as glass fiber, and have an inner cylindrical portion 61 having an oval-shaped through hole 60 through which the rotating shafts 48 and 50 are inserted. and an outer cylindrical portion 6 provided at a predetermined interval radially outward from the cylindrical portion 6.
2, a plurality of connecting parts 63 extending radially from the inner circumferential cylinder part 61 toward the outer circumferential cylinder part 62, and the inner circumferential cylinder part 61.
and an end face portion 64 connecting one end portion of the outer circumferential tube portion 62 to one end portion of the outer circumferential cylinder portion 62. The inner cylindrical part 61, the outer cylindrical part 62, the connecting part 63, and the end surface part 64 have approximately the same wall thickness, and the inner cylindrical part 61 and the outer cylindrical part 62 are separated by the connecting part 63. A plurality of arcuate recesses 65 are formed.

The driven rollers 45 and 46 having such a configuration
Since the ball 44 is lightweight, almost no internal distortion occurs due to molding, and roundness is obtained, power transmission from the sphere 44 is properly performed.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a modification of the driven rollers 45, 46, in which fine irregularities are formed on the outer surfaces in contact with the sphere 44 to prevent slipping between the rollers and the sphere 44.

FIG. 23 is a partial front view of the rotating shafts 48 and 50 that support the driven rollers 45 and 46. Rotating axis 4
Two flat portions 66 are provided on the outer periphery of the rollers 8 and 50 to support the driven rollers 45 and 46, thereby forming an oval cross-sectional shape. Driven rollers 45, 46 on the outer peripheries forming flat portions 66 of rotating shafts 48, 50 as shown by dashed lines
is fitted, and a retaining washer 67 is attached to the rotating shafts 48, 50.
The distance L ₁ between the roller 7 and the other end of the flat portion 66 is designed to be slightly longer than the roller width L ₂ of the driven rollers 45 and 46 . Therefore, the driven rollers 45 and 46
It is designed to be able to move along the axial direction of the rotating shafts 48 and 50 by the difference between L ₁ and L ₂ , and when the sphere 44 moves somewhat in the horizontal direction during operation of the input device 4, the driven roller 45 and 46 are now able to follow it.

24 is a side view of the elastic biasing means 68 including the elastic biasing roller 56, FIG. 25 is a rear view of the elastic biasing means 68, and FIG. 26 is a wire spring 69 used in the elastic biasing means 68. FIG.

The elastic biasing means 68 includes an elastic biasing roller 56 made of synthetic resin or hard rubber, a support shaft 70 that rotatably supports the elastic bias roller 56, and a support shaft 70 for rotatably supporting the elastic bias roller 56.
A support stand 71 that slidably supports both ends of the
and a wire spring 69 for elastically urging the elastic urging roller 56 toward the sphere 44. As shown in FIG. 25, movement preventing portions 72 are provided at both ends of the support shaft 70 to prevent the wire spring 69 from moving in the axial direction and coming off.
On the support stand 71, hand-held protrusions 73, 73 that respectively support both ends of the support shaft 70 are installed at a predetermined interval, and grooves are cut in the upper portions of the protrusions toward the sphere 44 side. 74 are respectively formed, and both ends of the support shaft 70 are slidably inserted into the cut grooves 74, and the elastic biasing roller 56 supported by the support shaft 70 is rotated between the support protrusions 73, 73. Possibly inserted.

As shown in FIG. 26, the wire spring 69 has two base end portions 75 extending in the horizontal direction;
The base end portion 75 and the pressing portion 76 are easily formed integrally by bending a single spring wire. Ru. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the base end 75 is connected to the support base 7.
The wire springs 69 are positioned by being inserted from both sides of the shaft 1, while the pressing portions 76 are brought into elastic contact with both ends of the support shaft 70, respectively. Due to this elastic contact, the elastic biasing roller 56 is brought into elastic contact with the sphere 44, and the sphere 44 is also brought into equal elastic contact with the first and second driven rollers 45, 46, so that there is a gap between the sphere 44 and the first driven roller 45. Also, a desired contact pressure is obtained between the sphere 44 and the second driven roller 46.

In order to efficiently make elastic contact between the sphere 44 and the first and second driven rollers 45 and 46 by the elastic biasing means 68, as shown in FIG. The contact point R with the roller 45, the contact point S between the sphere 44 and the second driven roller 46, and the contact point P between the sphere 44 and the elastic biasing roller 56 are designed to be on the same plane.

As mentioned above, the sphere 44 is located in the opening 3 of the lower case 9.
8, the sphere 44 moves up and down while the input device 4 is being handled, and therefore the sphere 44 moves around the opening edge of the opening 38 of the lower case 9 or the through hole of the mounting plate 26. The ball 44 may collide with the opening edge of the ball 39, causing noise or damage to the ball 44.

To solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 27, an elastic spherical protection member 77 is disposed near the inner edge of the opening 38 in the lower case 9. The spherical protection member 77 is made of synthetic rubber or soft synthetic resin, and has an annular shape surrounding the edge of the opening 38 . The sphere protection member 77 may be fixed by being clamped between the lower case 9 and the mounting plate 26 as shown in this example, or by being glued to the lower case 9 or the mounting plate 26. By arranging the elastic spherical protection member 77 near the opening 38 in this way, the above-mentioned problem can be solved by its cushioning effect. Furthermore, when an annular spherical protection member 77 is used,
The gap between the opening 38 and the sphere 44 is almost eliminated, preventing dust from entering into the casing 8 through the gap, and all the various troubles caused by the intrusion of dust can be solved.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged plan view of the operating portion when the mounting plate 26 is not used, and FIG. 29 is a side view partially taken in section along the line of FIG. 28. In the case of this input device, the aforementioned mounting plate 26 is used to reduce the number of parts.
are not used, and therefore the bearings 47 of the first and second driven rollers 45, 46, the first and second variable resistors 49, 51, and the elastic biasing means 6
8 and the like are directly attached to the lower case 9 by suitable means such as screws. Since the rotating shafts 48 and 50 must be inserted into each bearing 47, it cannot be molded integrally with the lower case 9.
As shown in FIG. 29, they are attached by screws 78 inserted from the bottom surface of the lower case 9.

If this input device 4 falls, for example, with the first or second driven rollers 45, 46 on the bottom and the sphere 44 on the top, the weight of the sphere 44 will cause the first or second driven rollers 45, 46 to fall, A large impact force is applied to 46. This impact force is transmitted to the rotating shafts 48, 50 and the respective bearings 47 via them, and the rotating shafts 48, 50 may be deformed, or the bearings 47 may rattle or come off from the lower case 9.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
Two shaft deformation prevention protrusions 79 are integrally provided on the side opposite to the sphere 44 near the shaft 50 and protrude from the lower case 9, and these shaft deformation prevention protrusions 79 are similar to the normal rotating shaft 4.
The rotation shafts 48, 5 are arranged so as not to interfere with the rotation of the
It is slightly far from 0. Also, Figures 28 and 2
As shown in FIG. 9, a bearing support portion 80 is integrally provided on the anti-spherical body 44 side of each bearing 47 and protrudes from the lower case 9, and a step portion 81 (see FIG. 28) formed on each bearing support portion 80 is provided. By abutting the corners of the bearing 47, the bearing 47 can be positioned on the lower case 9.

Furthermore, this input device 4 is designed so that the axis U of the elastic biasing roller 56 is slightly above the rotation center O of the sphere 44, as shown in FIG.
Therefore, the contact point T between the spherical body 44 and the elastic biasing roller 56 is also located above the rotation center O of the spherical body 44. With this structure, the lower case 9 is supported by the upper hemisphere of the sphere 44 via the support base 71 of the elastic biasing means 68, the spindle 70, and the elastic bias roller 56. Specifically, most of the total weight of the other parts of the input device 4 excluding the sphere 44 and the force of the operator's hand are the sphere 44 and the base (seat 5).
etc.) will be concentrated at the point of contact V. Therefore, the balance protrusion 43 provided on the lower case 9
The contact pressure on the base is reduced, making it easier to operate the input device 4 on the base,
The concentration of the load at the contact point V ensures that almost no slip occurs between the sphere 44 and the base.

Note that the angle Θ in Fig. 30 is approximately 10 to 30 degrees,
Preferably it is 20 to 30 degrees.

The pressing force between the sphere 44 and the first and second driven rollers 45 and 46 by the elastic biasing means 68 greatly affects the transmission performance of rotational force and is extremely important for obtaining a stable input signal. However, in the case of the elastic biasing means 68 having the above-described structure, there are variations in the spring elasticity of the wire spring 69 itself, variations in the diameter dimensions of the sphere 44 and the elastic biasing roller 56, variations in the mounting position of the handheld base 71, etc. For,
It may be difficult to obtain the desired contact force.

To this end, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, an elongated hole 82 extending toward the sphere 44 is formed in the lower case 9 or the above-mentioned mounting plate 26, and the adjustment screw 83 is tightened. It is sufficient if the block of the urging means 68 can be slightly adjusted in position with respect to the sphere 44. In addition, 8 in the figure
Reference numeral 4 denotes a guide member that engages with the support base 71 to regulate the sliding direction of the elastic biasing means 68.

In addition, the sphere 44 and the first and second driven rollers 4
The methods shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 are also effective as means for automatically adjusting the pressure contact forces 5 and 46 within a desired range.

That is, the first and second driven rollers 45, 4
As shown in FIG. 34, a horizontally long oblong shaft insertion hole 85 is formed in the bearing 47a on which the distal ends of the rotating shafts 48, 50 supporting the rotating shafts 48, 50 are supported. The tip is slidably inserted. Therefore, each rotating shaft 48, 50 is
Each of them can rotate slightly in the horizontal direction about a bearing 47b on the base side as a fulcrum. Furthermore, the rotation axis 4
Near the tips of 8 and 50, one elastic receiving pin 86 is erected on the anti-spherical body 44 side,
It is in contact with the circumferential surfaces of the rotating shafts 48 and 50. Therefore, if the biasing force of the elastic biasing means 68 is too strong, the receiving pin 86 will bend accordingly, whereas if the biasing force of the elastic biasing means 68 is too weak, the receiving pin 86 will bend accordingly.
Since the elastic force of 6 is added, the pressing force between the sphere 44 and the first and second driven rollers 45, 46 is automatically adjusted to a desired range. It is even more effective to combine this automatic adjustment means with the position adjustment of the elastic biasing means 68 explained in FIGS. 31 and 32.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a modification of the operating end 16 of the switch 15. In this example, one end 87 of the operating end 16 molded from synthetic resin is supported by a support member such as the printed circuit board 35, and is rotatable about the one end 87 as a fulcrum, so that the switch can be pushed to a position opposite to the switch 15. A portion 88 is integrally formed. In addition, the upper case 10 is
An annular groove 88 is formed in a portion facing the opening edge of the insertion hole 17, and when the input device 4 is accidentally exposed to water, the groove 88 collects water and prevents water from entering the interior. It's getting old.

In the embodiment described above, the rotation angle of the driven roller is detected by a variable resistor, but an encoder or the like may be used instead.

As described above, the present invention includes a rotatably arranged sphere, a first driven roller that is in contact with the rotated sphere and rotates by the rotational force of the rotated sphere, and a first driven roller that is in contact with the rotated sphere and rotates by the rotational force of the rotated sphere. a second driven roller that is rotated by the rotational force of the rotated sphere and whose axial direction is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the first driven roller; and a first driven roller that detects the rotation angle of the first driven roller. In the X-Y direction input device comprising a rotation angle detection means and a second rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the second driven roller, the driven roller has a through hole through which the rotation shaft is inserted. an outer circumferential cylinder part provided at a predetermined interval radially outward from the inner circumferential cylinder part, and a plurality of connecting parts extending radially from the inner circumferential cylinder part toward the outer circumferential cylinder part. and a plurality of arcuate recesses partitioned by connecting parts between the inner circumferential cylinder part and the outer circumferential cylinder part.

The driven roller configured in this manner is lightweight and has roundness with almost no internal distortion caused by molding, so there is no irregularity in rotation and power is properly transmitted from the rotated sphere. As a result, the signal output state is stable, and a highly reliable X-Y direction input device can be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The figures are all for explaining the X-Y direction input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a graphic display device including the input device, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the input device. Figure 3 is a front view of the input device, Figure 4 is a rear view of the input device, Figure 5 is a cutaway side view of the input device, Figure 6 is a bottom view of the upper case, and Figure 7 shows the mounting plate. A plan view of the attached lower case, Figure 8 is a bottom view of the lower case, and Figure 9 is a bottom view of the lower case.
The figures are Fig. 8 - an enlarged sectional view on the line, Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the lower case in another example, Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view on the line of Fig. 10, and Fig. 12 is a deformation of the balance protrusion. FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of the operating section of the input device, FIG. 14 is a principle diagram of the operating section, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the sphere, driven roller, and urging roller. , FIG. 16 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the surface roughness of a sphere and the coefficient of friction,
17 and 18 are enlarged sectional views of the dedicated sheet, FIG. 19 is a plan view of the dedicated sheet, FIG. 20 is a side view of the driven roller, FIG. 21 is a cutaway front view of the driven roller, and FIG. 22 is a top view of the dedicated sheet. FIG. 23 is a front view showing a modified example of the driven roller; FIG. 23 is a partial front view of the rotating shaft; FIG.
25 is a rear view of the elastic biasing means, FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the wire spring used in the elastic biasing means, and FIG. 27 shows the state in which the spherical protection member is attached. 28 is an enlarged plan view of the operating section of the input device, and FIG. 29 is a sectional view of the main parts shown in FIG.
FIG. 30 is a side view of the elastic biasing means, FIG. 31 is a plan view of the elastic biasing means, and FIG. 32 is a cross-section of the main part of the elastic biasing means. 33 is an enlarged plan view of the operating section of the input device, FIG. 34 is a side view of the vicinity of the bearing in the operating section, and FIG. 35 is an enlarged sectional view showing a modification of the switch operating end. 4...Input device, 5...Seat, 8...Casing, 9...Lower case, 10...Upper case, 38
... Opening, 44 ... Sphere, 45 ... First driven roller, 46 ... Second driven roller, 48, 50 ...
Rotating shaft, 49...first variable resistor, 51...second
Variable resistor, 60...Through hole, 61...Inner circumference cylinder part, 62...Outer circumference cylinder part, 63...Connection part, 65...
...Arc-shaped recess.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] (1) A rotated sphere arranged to be freely rotatable, a first driven roller that contacts the rotated sphere and rotates by the rotational force of the rotated sphere, and the rotated sphere. a second driven roller that is in contact with and rotates by the rotational force of the rotated sphere and whose axial direction is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the first driven roller; and detecting the rotation angle of the first driven roller. X-Y comprising a first rotation angle detection means and a second rotation angle detection means for detecting the rotation angle of the second driven roller.
In the direction input device, the driven roller includes an inner circumferential cylindrical portion having a through hole through which the rotating shaft is inserted, an outer circumferential cylindrical portion provided at a predetermined interval outside the inner circumferential cylindrical portion, and an inner circumferential cylindrical portion. It is characterized by comprising a plurality of connecting portions extending radially from the circumferential tube portion toward the outer circumferential tube portion, and a plurality of arcuate recesses partitioned by the connecting portions between the inner circumferential tube portion and the outer circumferential tube portion. An X-Y direction input device. (2) In the utility model registration claim (1), the X-
Y direction input device. (3) The X-Y direction input device according to claim (1) of the utility model registration, characterized in that fine irregularities are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer circumferential cylindrical portion. (4) Utility model registration Claim (1), characterized in that the driven roller is molded from synthetic resin mixed with fiber reinforcing material.
Y direction input device.