WO2009119729A1 - Input device and electronic apparatus provided with the input device - Google Patents

Input device and electronic apparatus provided with the input device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009119729A1
WO2009119729A1 PCT/JP2009/056100 JP2009056100W WO2009119729A1 WO 2009119729 A1 WO2009119729 A1 WO 2009119729A1 JP 2009056100 W JP2009056100 W JP 2009056100W WO 2009119729 A1 WO2009119729 A1 WO 2009119729A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
elastic member
input device
annular portion
elastic
peripheral annular
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2009/056100
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
智行 鷲頭
岳志 宮坂
勝幸 室田
Original Assignee
オムロン株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by オムロン株式会社 filed Critical オムロン株式会社
Publication of WO2009119729A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009119729A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0338—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H2025/048—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a separate central push, slide or tumbler button which is not integral with the operating part that surrounds it
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2225/00—Switch site location
    • H01H2225/01—Different switch sites under one actuator in same plane
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2225/00—Switch site location
    • H01H2225/03—Different type of switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/024—Miscellaneous with inductive switch

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an input device, in particular, an input device that can be employed in various electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, an MP3 player, a remote controller, and the like.
  • the present invention relates to an electronic apparatus provided with this input device.
  • Patent Document 1 a device that is slidable in various directions along the surface of a curved base by supporting an operation unit with a spiral coil spring is known (for example, Patent Document 1). (See FIG. 29).
  • the conventional input device has the following problems because the operation unit is supported by the coil spring.
  • the coil spring is processed by deforming a wire made of one elastic material into a spiral shape, the inner diameter, the outer diameter, the height, and the inclination (substantially conical, the conical surface It is difficult to obtain sufficient dimensional accuracy for the input device, such as the inclination of the angle and the roundness.
  • the operation part is supported by the inner peripheral part of the coil spring, and the coil spring is supported by the outer peripheral part, but the coil spring is spiral and has both ends. For this reason, the inner peripheral part and outer peripheral part of a coil spring cannot be formed in a perfect circle, and a support state is not stabilized. As a result, it is impossible to make the operation feeling of the operation unit constant and stable.
  • an object of the present invention to provide an input device that can obtain stable operability with a simple configuration and an electronic device including the input device.
  • the present invention provides: Input device, A support member; An elastic member supported by the support member; The elastic member is elastically supported by the elastic member, and includes an operation member operable in a pushing direction and a direction intersecting the pushing direction, The elastic member is An outer peripheral annular portion supported by the support member; An inner peripheral annular portion that supports the operation member; The outer peripheral annular portion and an elastic support portion connecting the inner peripheral annular portion are included.
  • the elastic member can have a simple structure including only the outer peripheral annular portion, the inner peripheral annular portion, and the elastic support portion, and can be thinned.
  • the operation member can be supported by the inner peripheral annular portion and the outer peripheral annular portion can be supported by the support member, the support state can be stabilized and the operability of the operation member can be significantly improved.
  • the elastic member is formed by various methods such as pressing a metal plate material or molding a synthetic resin, or by electroforming or etching a silicon wafer. Any material can be used as long as it has elasticity.
  • the elastic support portion of the elastic member is formed so as to make at least one round around the inner peripheral annular portion.
  • the support member includes a cylindrical case, and the cylindrical case includes a support piece that supports an outer peripheral annular portion of the elastic member on an inner peripheral surface.
  • This configuration makes it possible to accurately position the elastic member at a desired position simply by forming a support piece on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case.
  • the operation range of the operation member can be determined by the inner diameter dimension of the cylindrical case and the outer diameter dimension of the top holder, and the design can be easily performed.
  • the top holder includes a protruding portion that passes through an inner circumferential annular portion of the elastic member, A base plate that closes a lower end opening of the cylindrical case; An annular magnet that engages with the protrusion and is integrated with the elastic member together with the top holder; It is preferable to include a printed circuit board mounted on the base plate and mounted with position detection means for detecting the movement position of the annular magnet.
  • the operation member and the annular magnet can be integrated with the elastic member only by providing the top holder, and the structure can be simplified.
  • an electronic device is provided as an input device having the above-described configuration as means for solving the above-described problems.
  • the present invention provides a means for solving the above-described problems, Electronics An electronic device body, An elastic member supported by the electronic device body; An operation member that is elastically supported by the elastic member and is capable of pushing and swinging;
  • the elastic member is An outer peripheral annular portion supported by the support member; An inner peripheral annular portion that supports the operation member;
  • the outer peripheral annular portion and the elastic support portion connecting the inner peripheral annular portion are formed by press working.
  • the elastic member since the elastic member has a simple configuration including the outer peripheral annular portion, the inner peripheral annular portion, and the elastic support portion, the support state of the operation member can be stabilized, and the operability is remarkably improved. It becomes possible to improve.
  • FIG. 1 It is a disassembled perspective view of the input device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which looked at the input device of FIG. 1 from the bottom face side.
  • (A) is a plan view of the input device shown in FIG. 1,
  • (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA, and
  • (c) is a sectional view taken along line BB.
  • (A) is a perspective view of the elastic member shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a top view.
  • Supporting piece 24 Outer periphery annular part 25 ... Inner circumference annular part 26 ... Elastic support part 27 ... Holding part 28 ... 1st protrusion part 29 ... 2nd protrusion part 30 ... Pressing protrusion 31 ... Opening 32 ... Upper surface side notch 33 ... Protrusion
  • the input device 1 generally includes a base plate 2, a printed board 3, a cylindrical case 4, an elastic member 5, a top holder 6, a top plate 7, and operation buttons 8.
  • the base plate 2 is made of a metal material (for example, stainless steel) in a plate shape having a substantially circular shape in plan view.
  • the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 2 is formed with extending portions 9 extending toward the outer diameter side at two symmetrical positions.
  • Each extending portion 9 is formed with a positioning hole 10a and a mounting hole 11, and a positioning hole 10b and a mounting hole 11, respectively.
  • the base plate 2 can be screwed to the housing (not shown) of the mobile phone, for example, using the mounting holes 11 and 11.
  • One positioning hole 10a is circular, while the other positioning hole 10b is a long hole. Therefore, if the housing is provided with pins having cross-sectional shapes respectively corresponding to these holes, it can be reliably attached to a desired position.
  • a lower surface side notch 12 is formed in four equal parts on the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 2. These lower surface side notches 12 are used when a cylindrical case 4 described later is attached. Furthermore, the first through holes 13 are formed in the base plate 2 in the vicinity of two symmetrical positions of the lower surface side cutouts 12.
  • the printed circuit board 3 is an FPC (Flexible PrinteditsCircuits) composed of a detection portion 14 having a substantially circular shape in plan view and a lead portion 15 extending from the detection portion 14.
  • a switch 16 protruding in a dome shape is provided at the center of the detection unit 14.
  • Hall elements 17 are mounted in four equal parts around the switch 16. Each Hall element 17 outputs, as an electric signal, that the annular magnet 18 integrated there moves and the magnetic field changes in accordance with the operation of the operation button 8 described later.
  • second through holes 19 are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the first through holes 13 of the base plate 2.
  • Positioning pins (not shown) are inserted into the through holes 13 and 19 so that the printed circuit board 3 is positioned with respect to the base plate 2.
  • an IC (Integrated (Circuit) 20 is mounted on the lead portion 15. The IC 20 calculates the operation direction and the operation amount of the operation button 8 based on the electric signal input from each Hall element 17 and executes predetermined control.
  • the cylindrical case 4 is made of a synthetic resin material in a substantially cylindrical shape.
  • Upper locking claws 21 are formed in four equal parts at the annular upper end of the cylindrical case 4.
  • lower side locking claws 22 are formed at four positions corresponding to the upper side locking claws 21, respectively.
  • support pieces 23 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 4 in the vicinity of the lower locking claws 22. However, this support piece may be provided not only equally in the circumferential direction but also over the entire circumference.
  • the elastic member 5 is obtained by pressing an elastic metal plate material.
  • the elastic member 5 includes an outer peripheral annular portion 24, an inner peripheral annular portion 25, and a spiral elastic support portion 26 connecting them. It is a flat thing.
  • the outer peripheral annular portion 24 is supported by the support piece 23 of the cylindrical case 4. Since the elastic member 5 can be formed by press working, the outer diameter and roundness of the outer ring portion 24 and the inner ring portion 25 can be obtained with very high accuracy as long as the mold accuracy is increased. Can do. And since it can form with the same metal mold
  • the top holder 6 has a disk shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical case 4.
  • a holding portion 27 protruding in an annular shape is formed on the upper surface of the central portion of the top holder 6 so that an operation button 8 described later can be attached.
  • a first protrusion 28 that slightly protrudes and a second protrusion that has a smaller diameter than the first protrusion 28 and holds the annular magnet 18 are formed on the lower surface of the center portion of the top holder 6. 29 and a pressing protrusion 30 disposed at the center of the second protrusion 29 are formed.
  • the pressing protrusion 30 presses the switch 16 formed on the printed circuit board 3 to turn it on / off.
  • the top plate 7 has a disk shape, a circular opening 31 is formed at the center, and an upper surface side cutout 32 is formed at the outer peripheral edge at four equal parts.
  • Each upper surface side notch portion 32 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower surface side notch portion 12 of the base plate 2, and the upper side locking claws 21 of the cylindrical case 4 are respectively locked.
  • the operation button 8 has a disk shape and is disposed in the opening 31 of the top plate 7 so as to be movable in both the vertical and outer diameter directions. As shown in FIG. 2, a projecting portion 33 is formed on the lower surface of the operation button 8 for fitting and integrating with the holding portion 27 of the top holder 6.
  • the printed circuit board 3 is placed on the base plate 2 formed by pressing. At this time, a positioning pin (not shown) is inserted into the first through hole 13 of the base plate 2 and the second through hole 19 of the printed board 3 to position the printed board 3 with respect to the base plate 2. Then, the cylindrical case 4 is attached to the base plate 2. When the cylindrical case 4 is mounted, the lower side locking claw 22 is locked to the lower surface side cutout 12 of the base plate 2 (heat caulking, adhesion, or the like may be used).
  • the base plate 2 can be assembled with good workability if it is fixed to a jig or the like (not shown) using the mounting holes 11.
  • the elastic member 5 is previously formed by press working. By increasing the mold accuracy, post-processing is not required, and the elastic member 5 can be formed in one step.
  • the top holder 6 is arrange
  • the annular magnet 18 is fitted into the second projecting portion 29 of the top holder 6 from the lower side of the elastic member 5. Accordingly, the three members are integrated with the elastic member 5, specifically, the inner peripheral annular portion 25, sandwiched between the top holder 6 and the annular magnet 18.
  • the three integrated members (the top holder 6, the elastic member 5, and the annular magnet 18) are disposed in the cylindrical case 4 attached to the base plate 2.
  • the outer peripheral annular portion 24 of the elastic member 5 is supported by the support piece 23 in the cylindrical case 4, and the pressing protrusion 30 faces the switch 16 of the printed circuit board 3.
  • the top holder 6 can move within the range limited by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 4 with the annular magnet 18 sandwiching the inner peripheral annular portion 25 of the elastic member 5.
  • the top plate 7 is mounted from above the cylindrical case 4, and the operation button 8 is attached to the top holder 6 through the opening 31 of the top plate 7.
  • the operation button 8 may be attached to the top holder 6 in advance.
  • the operation button 8 and the top holder 6 may be integrated.
  • the top plate 7 is attached by locking the upper side locking claw 21 of the cylindrical case 4 to the upper surface side cutout 32 (may be heat caulking, bonding, etc.). Thereby, the input device 1 is completed.
  • the base plate 2 is positioned by, for example, inserting pins provided on the casing of the mobile phone or the like into the positioning holes 10a and 10b, and using the mounting holes 11, the casing and the like. It is used by fixing to.
  • the operation button 8 is elastically supported by the elastic member 5 via the top holder 6 before the force is applied.
  • the elastic member 5 is formed by pressing, and the roundness of the inner circumferential annular portion 25 and the outer circumferential annular portion 24 is formed with high accuracy. Therefore, the operation button 8 supported via the top holder 6 is accurately arranged at the center position.
  • the operation button 8 when the operation button 8 is pushed against the elastic force of the elastic support portion 26 of the elastic member 5, the pressing protrusion 30 formed on the lower surface of the top holder 6 pushes down the switch 16 that bulges on the printed circuit board 3. . As a result, the switch 16 changes from the off state to the on state.
  • the operation button 8 when the operation button 8 is moved in the radial direction against the elastic force of the elastic support portion 26 of the elastic member 5, the operation button 8 is integrated with the second projecting portion 29 of the top holder 6 and sandwiches the inner peripheral annular portion 25.
  • the annular magnet 18 moves in accordance with the movement of the operation button 8.
  • the changed magnetic field is detected by the Hall element 17 mounted on the printed circuit board 3, and the moving direction and moving amount of the operation button 8 are calculated by the IC 20 based on the detection signal.
  • the movement range of the top holder 6 is limited by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 4.
  • the input device 1 can be used by being incorporated into a mobile phone. For example, by moving the operation button 8 in the radial direction, the movement is detected, and one of a plurality of items displayed on a monitor (not shown) is displayed so as to be distinguishable from others (for example, highlighted display). Can do. If the desired item is displayed so as to be distinguishable from others and the operation button 8 is pressed, the selected item is executed. Specifically, it is possible to display a list of names registered in the telephone directory and select the name by making an operation with the operation dial 8 to make a call. In addition, it can be used when the pointer displayed on the map is moved to a desired position by starting the browser, displaying a map on the monitor, and moving the operation button 8 in the radial direction.
  • the elastic support portion of the elastic member has a spiral shape, it may be configured to be supported in a plurality of locations in a radial manner, or each elastic support portion may have a corrugated shape.
  • the thickness, width dimension, etc. of the elastic support portion and the like do not have to be uniform and can be freely designed (that is, the degree of freedom in design is high). In short, any configuration may be used as long as the operation member can be operated so that the inner circumferential annular portion can be pushed and moved in the radial direction.
  • the elastic member may be formed by molding a synthetic resin material in addition to pressing, or by electroforming, or by etching that etches a silicon wafer or the like. May be. That is, the processing method and the material to be used are not limited to those described in the embodiment.
  • the input device 1 is used by being incorporated in a mobile phone.
  • other electronic devices such as PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), digital camera, MP3 player, remote controller Etc. can also be incorporated.
  • the base plate 2 can be made of a synthetic resin material and formed integrally with the cylindrical case 4 by molding.
  • the base plate 2 can be constituted by a part of a casing of a mobile phone or the like. In other words, it is also possible to provide a pin on the base plate 2 in a part of the housing, assemble the printed circuit board 3 at a predetermined position using the pin, and then assemble other components sequentially.
  • the input device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described electronic apparatus, but can be applied to other electronic apparatuses.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

Disclosed is an input device simply configured to obtain a stable operability. An input device is provided with a support member (4), an elastic member (5) supported by the support member (4), and an operation member (8) elastically supported by the elastic member (5) to make pushing-into and swing operations available. The elastic member (5) is comprised of an outer circular circumference portion (24) supported by the support member (4), an inner circular circumference portion (25) for supporting the operation member (8), an elastic support member (26) for connecting the outer circular circumference portion (25) with the inner circular circumferential portion (26).

Description

入力装置及び該入力装置を備えた電子機器INPUT DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING THE INPUT DEVICE
　本発明は、入力装置、特に、携帯電話、ＰＨＳ（Personal Handy-phone System）、ＰＤＡ（Personal Digital Assistant）、デジタルカメラ、ＭＰ３プレーヤー、リモコン等、種々の電子機器に採用可能な入力装置、及び、この入力装置を備えた電子機器に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an input device, in particular, an input device that can be employed in various electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, an MP3 player, a remote controller, and the like. The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus provided with this input device.
　従来、入力装置として、操作部を渦巻状のコイルスプリングによって支持することにより、曲面状の基台の表面に沿って種々の方向にスライド移動可能としたものが公知である（例えば、特許文献１　図２９参照）。 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an input device, a device that is slidable in various directions along the surface of a curved base by supporting an operation unit with a spiral coil spring is known (for example, Patent Document 1). (See FIG. 29).
特開平１０－２０７６１６号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-207616
　しかしながら、前記従来の入力装置では、操作部をコイルスプリングによって支持しているため、次のような問題がある。 However, the conventional input device has the following problems because the operation unit is supported by the coil spring.
　すなわち、コイルスプリングの加工は１本の弾性材料からなる線材を渦巻状に変形させることにより行っているため、内径、外径、高さ、傾き（略円錐状となっているので、その円錐面の傾き）、真円度等、入力装置用として十分な寸法精度を得ることが難しい。 That is, since the coil spring is processed by deforming a wire made of one elastic material into a spiral shape, the inner diameter, the outer diameter, the height, and the inclination (substantially conical, the conical surface It is difficult to obtain sufficient dimensional accuracy for the input device, such as the inclination of the angle and the roundness.
　また、操作部はコイルスプリングの内周部分によって支持され、コイルスプリングは外周部分を支持されるが、コイルスプリングは渦巻状であり、両端部が存在する。このため、コイルスプリングの内周部分と外周部分を真円に形成することができず支持状態が安定しない。この結果、操作部の操作感触を一定の安定したものとすることは不可能である。 Also, the operation part is supported by the inner peripheral part of the coil spring, and the coil spring is supported by the outer peripheral part, but the coil spring is spiral and has both ends. For this reason, the inner peripheral part and outer peripheral part of a coil spring cannot be formed in a perfect circle, and a support state is not stabilized. As a result, it is impossible to make the operation feeling of the operation unit constant and stable.
　しかも、コイルスプリングの両端部は切断されているので、バリやカエリが発生することは避けられない。そして、操作部の操作により、このバリやカエリが他の部材に接触して損傷させる恐れがある。このため、バリやカエリを別工程により除去しなければならず、余分な労力とコストがかかってしまう。また、このようにバリやカエリを除去しても、端部が他の部材に摺接し、損傷させる可能性がなくなるわけではない。 Moreover, since both ends of the coil spring are cut, it is inevitable that burrs and burrs will occur. Then, the operation of the operation unit may cause the burrs and burrs to come into contact with other members and cause damage. For this reason, burrs and burrs must be removed in a separate process, and extra labor and cost are required. Further, even if burrs and burrs are removed in this way, the end portions do not lose the possibility of being in contact with other members and being damaged.
　そこで、本発明は、安定した操作性を、簡単な構成で得ることができる入力装置及び該入力装置を備えた電子機器を提供することを課題とする。 Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an input device that can obtain stable operability with a simple configuration and an electronic device including the input device.
　本発明は、前記課題を解決するための手段として、
　入力装置を、
　支持部材と、
　前記支持部材に支持される弾性部材と、
　前記弾性部材に弾性支持されて、押込方向と、押込方向に交差する方向とに操作可能な操作部材と、を備え、
　前記弾性部材は、
　　前記支持部材に支持される外周環状部と、
　　前記操作部材を支持する内周環状部と、
　　前記外周環状部と前記内周環状部を接続する弾性支持部と、からなるようにしたものである。 As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides:
Input device,
A support member;
An elastic member supported by the support member;
The elastic member is elastically supported by the elastic member, and includes an operation member operable in a pushing direction and a direction intersecting the pushing direction,
The elastic member is
An outer peripheral annular portion supported by the support member;
An inner peripheral annular portion that supports the operation member;
The outer peripheral annular portion and an elastic support portion connecting the inner peripheral annular portion are included.
　この構成により、弾性部材は、外周環状部、内周環状部、及び、弾性支持部のみからなる簡単な構造とすることができる上、薄型化を実現できる。しかも、操作部材を内周環状部で支持し、外周環状部を支持部材で支持することができるので、支持状態を安定させることができ、操作部材の操作性を格段に向上させることが可能となる。 With this configuration, the elastic member can have a simple structure including only the outer peripheral annular portion, the inner peripheral annular portion, and the elastic support portion, and can be thinned. In addition, since the operation member can be supported by the inner peripheral annular portion and the outer peripheral annular portion can be supported by the support member, the support state can be stabilized and the operability of the operation member can be significantly improved. Become.
　なお、前記弾性部材は、金属製板材をプレス加工したり、合成樹脂を成形加工したりするほか、電鋳や、シリコン製のウェハをエッチングすること等によって形成する等、種々の方法により形成することができ、しかも、弾性を有するものであれば、材質も問わない。 The elastic member is formed by various methods such as pressing a metal plate material or molding a synthetic resin, or by electroforming or etching a silicon wafer. Any material can be used as long as it has elasticity.
　前記弾性部材の弾性支持部は、前記内周環状部の周囲を少なくとも１周するように形成するのが好ましい。 It is preferable that the elastic support portion of the elastic member is formed so as to make at least one round around the inner peripheral annular portion.
　この構成により、簡単に加工できるだけでなく、限られた領域であるにも拘わらず、弾性支持部による内周環状部の支持状態を、弾性に優れたものとすることができ、操作部材の操作性を向上させることが可能となる。 With this configuration, not only can processing be performed easily, but the support state of the inner peripheral annular portion by the elastic support portion can be made excellent in elasticity despite being a limited region, and the operation member can be operated. It becomes possible to improve the property.
　前記支持部材は、円筒ケースからなり、前記円筒ケースは、内周面に前記弾性部材の外周環状部を支持する支持片を備えるのが好ましい。 It is preferable that the support member includes a cylindrical case, and the cylindrical case includes a support piece that supports an outer peripheral annular portion of the elastic member on an inner peripheral surface.
　なお、支持片は、円筒ケースの内周面に、全周又は複数箇所に等分に設けるようにすればよい。 In addition, what is necessary is just to make it provide a support piece equally in the perimeter or several places in the internal peripheral surface of a cylindrical case.
　この構成により、円筒ケースの内周面に支持片を形成しただけで、弾性部材を正確に所望の位置に位置決めすることが可能となる。 This configuration makes it possible to accurately position the elastic member at a desired position simply by forming a support piece on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case.
　前記操作部材及び前記弾性部材に一体化され、前記円筒ケース内を移動可能な円盤状のトップホルダを備えるのが好ましい。 It is preferable to provide a disc-shaped top holder that is integrated with the operation member and the elastic member and is movable in the cylindrical case.
　この構成により、操作部材の操作範囲を、円筒ケースの内径寸法とトップホルダの外径寸法とによって決定することができ、設計を容易に行うことが可能となる。 With this configuration, the operation range of the operation member can be determined by the inner diameter dimension of the cylindrical case and the outer diameter dimension of the top holder, and the design can be easily performed.
　前記トップホルダは、前記弾性部材の内周環状部を挿通する突出部を備え、
　前記円筒ケースの下端開口部を閉鎖するベースプレートと、
　前記突出部に係合し、前記トップホルダと共に前記弾性部材に一体化される環状マグネットと、
　前記ベースプレートに載置され、前記環状マグネットの移動位置を検出する位置検出手段を実装されたプリント基板と、を備えるのが好ましい。 The top holder includes a protruding portion that passes through an inner circumferential annular portion of the elastic member,
A base plate that closes a lower end opening of the cylindrical case;
An annular magnet that engages with the protrusion and is integrated with the elastic member together with the top holder;
It is preferable to include a printed circuit board mounted on the base plate and mounted with position detection means for detecting the movement position of the annular magnet.
　この構成により、トップホルダを設けただけで、操作部材及び環状マグネットを弾性部材に一体化することができ、構造を簡素化することが可能となる。 With this configuration, the operation member and the annular magnet can be integrated with the elastic member only by providing the top holder, and the structure can be simplified.
　また、本発明は、前記課題を解決するための手段として、電子機器を、前記各構成の入力装置として備えるようにしたものである。 In addition, according to the present invention, an electronic device is provided as an input device having the above-described configuration as means for solving the above-described problems.
　また、本発明は、前記課題を解決するための手段として、
　電子機器を、
　電子機器本体と、
　前記電子機器本体に支持される弾性部材と、
　前記弾性部材に弾性支持されて、押込及び揺動操作可能な操作部材と、を備え、
　前記弾性部材は、
　　前記支持部材に支持される外周環状部と、
　　前記操作部材を支持する内周環状部と、
　　前記外周環状部と前記内周環状部を接続する弾性支持部と、からなり、プレス加工により形成されるようにしたものである。 Further, the present invention provides a means for solving the above-described problems,
Electronics
An electronic device body,
An elastic member supported by the electronic device body;
An operation member that is elastically supported by the elastic member and is capable of pushing and swinging;
The elastic member is
An outer peripheral annular portion supported by the support member;
An inner peripheral annular portion that supports the operation member;
The outer peripheral annular portion and the elastic support portion connecting the inner peripheral annular portion are formed by press working.
　本発明によれば、弾性部材を、外周環状部、内周環状部、及び、弾性支持部からなる簡単な構成としたので、操作部材の支持状態を安定させることができ、操作性を格段に向上させることが可能となる。 According to the present invention, since the elastic member has a simple configuration including the outer peripheral annular portion, the inner peripheral annular portion, and the elastic support portion, the support state of the operation member can be stabilized, and the operability is remarkably improved. It becomes possible to improve.
本実施形態に係る入力装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the input device which concerns on this embodiment. 図１の入力装置を底面側から見た状態を示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which looked at the input device of FIG. 1 from the bottom face side. （ａ）は図１に示す入力装置の平面図、（ｂ）はそのＡ－Ａ線断面図、（ｃ）はＢ－Ｂ線断面図である。(A) is a plan view of the input device shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA, and (c) is a sectional view taken along line BB. （ａ）は図１に示す弾性部材の斜視図、（ｂ）は平面図である。(A) is a perspective view of the elastic member shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a top view.
符号の説明Explanation of symbols
　１…入力装置
　２…ベースプレート
　３…プリント基板
　４…円筒ケース（支持部材）
　５…弾性部材
　６…トップホルダ
　７…トッププレート
　８…操作ボタン（操作部材）
　９…延設部
　１０ａ、１０ｂ…位置決め孔
　１１…取付孔
　１２…下面側切欠部
　１３…第１貫通孔
　１４…検出部
　１５…リード部
　１６…スイッチ
　１７…ホール素子（位置検出手段）
　１８…環状マグネット
　１９…第２貫通孔
　２０…ＩＣ
　２１…上方側係止爪
　２２…下方側係止爪
　２３…支持片
　２４…外周環状部
　２５…内周環状部
　２６…弾性支持部
　２７…保持部
　２８…第１突出部
　２９…第２突出部
　３０…押圧突部
　３１…開口部
　３２…上面側切欠部
　３３…突出部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Input device 2 ... Base plate 3 ... Printed circuit board 4 ... Cylindrical case (support member)
5 ... Elastic member 6 ... Top holder 7 ... Top plate 8 ... Operation button (operation member)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 ... Extension part 10a, 10b ... Positioning hole 11 ... Mounting hole 12 ... Lower surface side notch part 13 ... 1st through-hole 14 ... Detection part 15 ... Lead part 16 ... Switch 17 ... Hall element (position detection means)
18 ... annular magnet 19 ... second through hole 20 ... IC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Upper side latching claw 22 ... Lower side latching claw 23 ... Supporting piece 24 ... Outer periphery annular part 25 ... Inner circumference annular part 26 ... Elastic support part 27 ... Holding part 28 ... 1st protrusion part 29 ... 2nd protrusion part 30 ... Pressing protrusion 31 ... Opening 32 ... Upper surface side notch 33 ... Protrusion
　以下、本発明に係る実施形態を添付図面に従って説明する。なお、以下の説明では、必要に応じて特定の方向や位置を示す用語（例えば、「上」、「下」、「側」、「端」及びそれらの用語を含む別の用語）を用いるが、それらの用語の使用は図面を参照した発明の理解を容易にするためであって、それらの用語の意味によって本発明の技術的範囲が限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions and positions (for example, “up”, “down”, “side”, “end” and other terms including those terms) are used as necessary. These terms are used for easy understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the meaning of these terms.
　図１から図３は、本実施形態に係る入力装置１を示す。この入力装置１は、大略、ベースプレート２、プリント基板３、円筒ケース４、弾性部材５、トップホルダ６、トッププレート７、及び、操作ボタン８を備える。 1 to 3 show an input device 1 according to the present embodiment. The input device 1 generally includes a base plate 2, a printed board 3, a cylindrical case 4, an elastic member 5, a top holder 6, a top plate 7, and operation buttons 8.
　ベースプレート２は、金属材料（例えば、ステンレス鋼）を平面視略円形の板状としたものである。ベースプレート２の外周縁は対称位置２箇所に外径側に向かって延びる延設部９が形成されている。各延設部９には位置決め孔１０ａ及び取付孔１１と、位置決め孔１０ｂ及び取付孔１１がそれぞれ形成されている。取付孔１１、１１を利用してベースプレート２を、例えば、携帯電話の筐体（図示せず）にネジ止めすることが可能となっている。一方の位置決め孔１０ａは円形であるが、他方の位置決め孔１０ｂは長孔となっている。したがって、前記筐体に、これらの孔にそれぞれ対応する断面形状のピンを設ければ、確実に所望の位置に取り付けることが可能となる。また、ベースプレート２の外周縁には４箇所等分に下面側切欠部１２が形成されている。これら下面側切欠部１２は、後述する円筒ケース４を取り付ける際に利用される。さらに、ベースプレート２には、前記下面側切欠部１２のうち、対称位置の２箇所のものの近傍に第１貫通孔１３がそれぞれ形成されている。 The base plate 2 is made of a metal material (for example, stainless steel) in a plate shape having a substantially circular shape in plan view. The outer peripheral edge of the base plate 2 is formed with extending portions 9 extending toward the outer diameter side at two symmetrical positions. Each extending portion 9 is formed with a positioning hole 10a and a mounting hole 11, and a positioning hole 10b and a mounting hole 11, respectively. The base plate 2 can be screwed to the housing (not shown) of the mobile phone, for example, using the mounting holes 11 and 11. One positioning hole 10a is circular, while the other positioning hole 10b is a long hole. Therefore, if the housing is provided with pins having cross-sectional shapes respectively corresponding to these holes, it can be reliably attached to a desired position. In addition, a lower surface side notch 12 is formed in four equal parts on the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 2. These lower surface side notches 12 are used when a cylindrical case 4 described later is attached. Furthermore, the first through holes 13 are formed in the base plate 2 in the vicinity of two symmetrical positions of the lower surface side cutouts 12.
　プリント基板３は、平面視略円形の検出部１４と、この検出部１４から延びるリード部１５とからなるＦＰＣ（Flexible Printed Circuits）である。検出部１４の中央部には、ドーム状に突出したスイッチ１６が設けられている。検出部１４には、スイッチ１６の周囲４箇所等分にホール素子１７がそれぞれ実装されている。各ホール素子１７は、後述する操作ボタン８の操作に伴い、そこに一体化した環状マグネット１８が移動して磁界が変化したことを電気信号として出力する。また、プリント基板３には、前記ベースプレート２の第１貫通孔１３に対応する位置に第２貫通孔１９がそれぞれ形成されている。両貫通孔１３、１９には位置決めピン（図示せず）が挿通され、プリント基板３がベースプレート２に対して位置決めされるようになっている。一方、リード部１５には、ＩＣ（Integrated Circuit）２０が実装されている。ＩＣ２０は、前記各ホール素子１７から入力された電気信号に基づいて操作ボタン８の操作方向及び操作量を演算し、所定の制御を実行する。 The printed circuit board 3 is an FPC (Flexible PrinteditsCircuits) composed of a detection portion 14 having a substantially circular shape in plan view and a lead portion 15 extending from the detection portion 14. A switch 16 protruding in a dome shape is provided at the center of the detection unit 14. In the detection unit 14, Hall elements 17 are mounted in four equal parts around the switch 16. Each Hall element 17 outputs, as an electric signal, that the annular magnet 18 integrated there moves and the magnetic field changes in accordance with the operation of the operation button 8 described later. In the printed circuit board 3, second through holes 19 are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the first through holes 13 of the base plate 2. Positioning pins (not shown) are inserted into the through holes 13 and 19 so that the printed circuit board 3 is positioned with respect to the base plate 2. On the other hand, an IC (Integrated （Circuit) 20 is mounted on the lead portion 15. The IC 20 calculates the operation direction and the operation amount of the operation button 8 based on the electric signal input from each Hall element 17 and executes predetermined control.
　円筒ケース４は、合成樹脂材料を略円筒状としたものである。円筒ケース４の環状上端部には４箇所等分に上方側係止爪２１がそれぞれ形成されている。また、円筒ケース４の環状下端部には、前記上方側係止爪２１に対応する位置の４箇所に下方側係止爪２２がそれぞれ形成されている。そして、２箇所の下方側係止爪２２の間は、プリント基板３のリード部１５を引き出すために、下縁部が若干上方に位置している。さらに、円筒ケース４の内周面には、前記各下方側係止爪２２の近傍に支持片２３がそれぞれ形成されている。但し、この支持片は、周方向に等分に設けるだけでなく、全周に亘って設けるようにしても構わない。 The cylindrical case 4 is made of a synthetic resin material in a substantially cylindrical shape. Upper locking claws 21 are formed in four equal parts at the annular upper end of the cylindrical case 4. Further, at the annular lower end portion of the cylindrical case 4, lower side locking claws 22 are formed at four positions corresponding to the upper side locking claws 21, respectively. And between the two lower side latching claws 22, in order to pull out the lead part 15 of the printed circuit board 3, the lower edge part is located slightly above. Further, support pieces 23 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 4 in the vicinity of the lower locking claws 22. However, this support piece may be provided not only equally in the circumferential direction but also over the entire circumference.
　弾性部材５は、図４に示すように、弾性を有する金属性板材をプレス加工したもので、外周環状部２４と、内周環状部２５と、これらを結ぶ渦巻状の弾性支持部２６とからなる平坦状のものである。外周環状部２４は、前記円筒ケース４の支持片２３に支持される。弾性部材５は、プレス加工により形成することができるので、金型精度さえ高めておけば、外周環状部２４と内周環状部２５の外径寸法、真円度を非常に高精度に得ることができる。しかも、同一の金型により形成することができるので、形成される各弾性部材５の間での製品誤差が発生しにくい。また、金型精度を高めることにより、プレス加工後にバリ等が発生することもなく、後加工は不要となる。 As shown in FIG. 4, the elastic member 5 is obtained by pressing an elastic metal plate material. The elastic member 5 includes an outer peripheral annular portion 24, an inner peripheral annular portion 25, and a spiral elastic support portion 26 connecting them. It is a flat thing. The outer peripheral annular portion 24 is supported by the support piece 23 of the cylindrical case 4. Since the elastic member 5 can be formed by press working, the outer diameter and roundness of the outer ring portion 24 and the inner ring portion 25 can be obtained with very high accuracy as long as the mold accuracy is increased. Can do. And since it can form with the same metal mold | die, it is hard to produce the product error between each elastic member 5 formed. Further, by increasing the die accuracy, no burrs or the like are generated after press working, and post-working is unnecessary.
　トップホルダ６は、前記円筒ケース４の内径寸法よりも小径の外径寸法を有する円盤状である。トップホルダ６の中央部上面には環状に突出する保持部２７が形成され、後述する操作ボタン８を装着可能となっている。また、トップホルダ６の中央部下面には、図２に示すように、若干突出した第１突出部２８と、この第１突出部２８よりも小径で、環状マグネット１８を保持する第２突出部２９と、この第２突出部２９の中心に配置される押圧突部３０とが形成されている。押圧突部３０は、前記プリント基板３に形成したスイッチ１６を押圧してオン・オフさせる。 The top holder 6 has a disk shape having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical case 4. A holding portion 27 protruding in an annular shape is formed on the upper surface of the central portion of the top holder 6 so that an operation button 8 described later can be attached. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a first protrusion 28 that slightly protrudes and a second protrusion that has a smaller diameter than the first protrusion 28 and holds the annular magnet 18 are formed on the lower surface of the center portion of the top holder 6. 29 and a pressing protrusion 30 disposed at the center of the second protrusion 29 are formed. The pressing protrusion 30 presses the switch 16 formed on the printed circuit board 3 to turn it on / off.
　トッププレート７は、円盤状で、中央部に円形状の開口部３１が形成され、外周縁には４箇所等分で上面側切欠部３２が形成されている。各上面側切欠部３２は、前記ベースプレート２の下面側切欠部１２に対応する位置に設けられ、前記円筒ケース４の上方側係止爪２１がそれぞれ係止されるようになっている。 The top plate 7 has a disk shape, a circular opening 31 is formed at the center, and an upper surface side cutout 32 is formed at the outer peripheral edge at four equal parts. Each upper surface side notch portion 32 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower surface side notch portion 12 of the base plate 2, and the upper side locking claws 21 of the cylindrical case 4 are respectively locked.
　操作ボタン８は円盤状で、前記トッププレート７の開口部３１内に上下及び外径方向のいずれの方向にも移動可能に配置される。操作ボタン８の下面には、図２に示すように、前記トップホルダ６の保持部２７に嵌合一体化するための突出部３３が形成されている。 The operation button 8 has a disk shape and is disposed in the opening 31 of the top plate 7 so as to be movable in both the vertical and outer diameter directions. As shown in FIG. 2, a projecting portion 33 is formed on the lower surface of the operation button 8 for fitting and integrating with the holding portion 27 of the top holder 6.
　続いて、前記構成からなる入力装置１の製造方法について説明する。 Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the input device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
　プレス加工により形成したベースプレート２上にプリント基板３を載置する。このとき、ベースプレート２の第１貫通孔１３とプリント基板３の第２貫通孔１９に位置決めピン（図示せず）を挿通し、ベースプレート２に対してプリント基板３を位置決めする。そして、ベースプレート２に円筒ケース４を装着する。円筒ケース４の装着では、その下方側係止爪２２を、ベースプレート２の下面側切欠部１２に係止する（熱カシメや接着等であってもよい。）。なお、前記ベースプレート２は、取付孔１１を利用して図示しない治具等に固定しておけば、作業性よく組み付けることができる。 The printed circuit board 3 is placed on the base plate 2 formed by pressing. At this time, a positioning pin (not shown) is inserted into the first through hole 13 of the base plate 2 and the second through hole 19 of the printed board 3 to position the printed board 3 with respect to the base plate 2. Then, the cylindrical case 4 is attached to the base plate 2. When the cylindrical case 4 is mounted, the lower side locking claw 22 is locked to the lower surface side cutout 12 of the base plate 2 (heat caulking, adhesion, or the like may be used). The base plate 2 can be assembled with good workability if it is fixed to a jig or the like (not shown) using the mounting holes 11.
　一方、予めプレス加工により弾性部材５を形成する。金型精度を高めておくことにより、後加工も不要となり、弾性部材５を１工程で形成することができる。そして、弾性部材５の上方にトップホルダ６を配置し、トップホルダ６の第１突出部２８を弾性部材５の内周環状部２５に挿通させ、下面から第２突出部２９及び押圧突部３０を突出させる。また、弾性部材５の下方側から環状マグネット１８をトップホルダ６の第２突出部２９に嵌合する。これにより、トップホルダ６と環状マグネット１８の間に弾性部材５、詳しくは内周環状部２５を挟持した状態で、これら３部材が一体化される。 On the other hand, the elastic member 5 is previously formed by press working. By increasing the mold accuracy, post-processing is not required, and the elastic member 5 can be formed in one step. And the top holder 6 is arrange | positioned above the elastic member 5, the 1st protrusion part 28 of the top holder 6 is penetrated to the inner peripheral cyclic | annular part 25 of the elastic member 5, and the 2nd protrusion part 29 and the press protrusion part 30 are provided from the lower surface. To protrude. Further, the annular magnet 18 is fitted into the second projecting portion 29 of the top holder 6 from the lower side of the elastic member 5. Accordingly, the three members are integrated with the elastic member 5, specifically, the inner peripheral annular portion 25, sandwiched between the top holder 6 and the annular magnet 18.
　次に、一体化された３部材（トップホルダ６、弾性部材５、及び、環状マグネット１８）を、ベースプレート２に装着した円筒ケース４内に配置する。この状態では、円筒ケース４内で、弾性部材５の外周環状部２４が支持片２３によって支持され、押圧突部３０がプリント基板３のスイッチ１６に対向する。また、トップホルダ６は、環状マグネット１８とで弾性部材５の内周環状部２５を挟持した状態で、円筒ケース４内をその内周面によって制限された範囲内で移動可能となる。 Next, the three integrated members (the top holder 6, the elastic member 5, and the annular magnet 18) are disposed in the cylindrical case 4 attached to the base plate 2. In this state, the outer peripheral annular portion 24 of the elastic member 5 is supported by the support piece 23 in the cylindrical case 4, and the pressing protrusion 30 faces the switch 16 of the printed circuit board 3. Further, the top holder 6 can move within the range limited by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 4 with the annular magnet 18 sandwiching the inner peripheral annular portion 25 of the elastic member 5.
　さらに、円筒ケース４の上方からトッププレート７を装着し、トッププレート７の開口部３１を介してトップホルダ６に操作ボタン８を取り付ける。但し、この操作ボタン８は、予めトップホルダ６に取り付けておいてもよい。また、操作ボタン８とトップホルダ６は一体物としておいてもよい。トッププレート７は、その上面側切欠部３２に円筒ケース４の上方側係止爪２１を係止することにより（熱カシメや接着等であってもよい。）取り付ける。これにより、入力装置１が完成する。 Further, the top plate 7 is mounted from above the cylindrical case 4, and the operation button 8 is attached to the top holder 6 through the opening 31 of the top plate 7. However, the operation button 8 may be attached to the top holder 6 in advance. Further, the operation button 8 and the top holder 6 may be integrated. The top plate 7 is attached by locking the upper side locking claw 21 of the cylindrical case 4 to the upper surface side cutout 32 (may be heat caulking, bonding, etc.). Thereby, the input device 1 is completed.
　このようにして完成した入力装置１は、ベースプレート２を、例えば、携帯電話の筐体等に設けたピンを位置決め孔１０ａ、１０ｂに挿通して位置決めし、取付孔１１を利用して筐体等に固定して使用する。 In the input device 1 thus completed, the base plate 2 is positioned by, for example, inserting pins provided on the casing of the mobile phone or the like into the positioning holes 10a and 10b, and using the mounting holes 11, the casing and the like. It is used by fixing to.
　次に、前記構成からなる入力装置１の動作について説明する。 Next, the operation of the input device 1 having the above configuration will be described.
　操作ボタン８は、力を付与する前の状態では、弾性部材５によってトップホルダ６を介して弾性支持されている。弾性部材５は、前述の通り、プレス加工で形成され、内周環状部２５と外周環状部２４の真円度が高精度に形成されている。したがって、トップホルダ６を介して支持される操作ボタン８は、中心位置に正確に配置される。 The operation button 8 is elastically supported by the elastic member 5 via the top holder 6 before the force is applied. As described above, the elastic member 5 is formed by pressing, and the roundness of the inner circumferential annular portion 25 and the outer circumferential annular portion 24 is formed with high accuracy. Therefore, the operation button 8 supported via the top holder 6 is accurately arranged at the center position.
　ここで、操作ボタン８を弾性部材５の弾性支持部２６の弾性力に抗して押し込むと、トップホルダ６の下面に形成した押圧突部３０がプリント基板３上に膨出するスイッチ１６を押し下げる。これにより、スイッチ１６がオフ状態からオン状態となる。 Here, when the operation button 8 is pushed against the elastic force of the elastic support portion 26 of the elastic member 5, the pressing protrusion 30 formed on the lower surface of the top holder 6 pushes down the switch 16 that bulges on the printed circuit board 3. . As a result, the switch 16 changes from the off state to the on state.
　また、操作ボタン８を弾性部材５の弾性支持部２６の弾性力に抗して径方向に移動させると、トップホルダ６の第２突出部２９に一体化され、内周環状部２５を挟持する環状マグネット１８が操作ボタン８の動きに合わせて移動する。これにより、変化した磁界がプリント基板３に実装したホール素子１７によって検出され、その検出信号に基づいてＩＣ２０により操作ボタン８の移動方向及び移動量が演算される。なお、操作ボタン８の操作では、トップホルダ６が円筒ケース４の内周面によって移動範囲を制限される。 Further, when the operation button 8 is moved in the radial direction against the elastic force of the elastic support portion 26 of the elastic member 5, the operation button 8 is integrated with the second projecting portion 29 of the top holder 6 and sandwiches the inner peripheral annular portion 25. The annular magnet 18 moves in accordance with the movement of the operation button 8. Thereby, the changed magnetic field is detected by the Hall element 17 mounted on the printed circuit board 3, and the moving direction and moving amount of the operation button 8 are calculated by the IC 20 based on the detection signal. In the operation of the operation button 8, the movement range of the top holder 6 is limited by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical case 4.
　前記入力装置１は、携帯電話に組み込んで使用することができる。例えば、操作ボタン８を径方向に移動させることにより、その動きを検出し、図示しないモニターに表示させた複数の項目のいずれかを、他と識別可能に表示（例えば、ハイライト表示）させることができる。そして、所望の項目が他と識別可能に表示されて、操作ボタン８が押し込まれれば、選択された項目を実行する。具体的には、電話帳に登録してある氏名を一覧表示させ、操作ダイヤル８の操作により、その氏名を選択して電話をかける場合等に利用できる。また、ブラウザを起動してモニターに地図を表示させ、操作ボタン８を径方向に移動させることにより、地図上に表示させるポインタを所望の位置に移動させる場合等にも利用できる。 The input device 1 can be used by being incorporated into a mobile phone. For example, by moving the operation button 8 in the radial direction, the movement is detected, and one of a plurality of items displayed on a monitor (not shown) is displayed so as to be distinguishable from others (for example, highlighted display). Can do. If the desired item is displayed so as to be distinguishable from others and the operation button 8 is pressed, the selected item is executed. Specifically, it is possible to display a list of names registered in the telephone directory and select the name by making an operation with the operation dial 8 to make a call. In addition, it can be used when the pointer displayed on the map is moved to a desired position by starting the browser, displaying a map on the monitor, and moving the operation button 8 in the radial direction.
　なお、本発明は、前記実施形態に記載の構成に限定されることなく種々の変更が可能である。 It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
　例えば、前記弾性部材の弾性支持部は渦巻状としたが、放射状として複数箇所で支持するように構成したり、各弾性支持部を波形としたりすることも可能である。また、弾性支持部等の厚みや幅寸法等は一様でなくてもよく、自由に設計することが可能である（つまり、設計上の自由度が高い。）。要は、操作部材を操作して、内周環状部を押込、及び、径方向に移動できるように支持可能な構成であればよい。 For example, although the elastic support portion of the elastic member has a spiral shape, it may be configured to be supported in a plurality of locations in a radial manner, or each elastic support portion may have a corrugated shape. Moreover, the thickness, width dimension, etc. of the elastic support portion and the like do not have to be uniform and can be freely designed (that is, the degree of freedom in design is high). In short, any configuration may be used as long as the operation member can be operated so that the inner circumferential annular portion can be pushed and moved in the radial direction.
　また、前記弾性部材は、プレス加工のほか、合成樹脂材料を成形加工することにより形成したり、電鋳加工により形成したり、あるいは、シリコンウェハ等をエッチングするエッチング加工により形成したりするようにしてもよい。つまり、加工方法及び使用する材質についても、前記実施形態に記載のものに限定されるものではない。 The elastic member may be formed by molding a synthetic resin material in addition to pressing, or by electroforming, or by etching that etches a silicon wafer or the like. May be. That is, the processing method and the material to be used are not limited to those described in the embodiment.
　また、前記入力装置１を携帯電話に組み込んで利用する場合について説明したが、他の電子機器、例えば、ＰＨＳ（Personal Handy-phone System）、ＰＤＡ（Personal Digital Assistant）、デジタルカメラ、ＭＰ３プレーヤー、リモコン等に組み込むことも可能である。 Further, the case where the input device 1 is used by being incorporated in a mobile phone has been described. However, other electronic devices such as PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), digital camera, MP3 player, remote controller Etc. can also be incorporated.
　また、前記ベースプレート２を合成樹脂材料で構成し、成形加工により円筒ケース４と一体的に形成することも可能である。 Further, the base plate 2 can be made of a synthetic resin material and formed integrally with the cylindrical case 4 by molding.
　また、前記ベースプレート２は、携帯電話等の筐体の一部で構成することも可能である。すなわち、筐体の一部に、前記ベースプレート２にピンを設け、このピンを利用して所定位置にプリント基板３を組み付け、その後、他の部品を順次組み付けるように構成することも可能である。 Further, the base plate 2 can be constituted by a part of a casing of a mobile phone or the like. In other words, it is also possible to provide a pin on the base plate 2 in a part of the housing, assemble the printed circuit board 3 at a predetermined position using the pin, and then assemble other components sequentially.
　本発明に係る入力装置は、前述の電子機器に限らず、他の電子機器に採用できることは勿論である。 Of course, the input device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described electronic apparatus, but can be applied to other electronic apparatuses.

Claims (7)

  1. 　支持部材と、
    　前記支持部材に支持される弾性部材と、
    　前記弾性部材に弾性支持されて、押込方向と、押込方向に交差する方向とに操作可能な操作部材と、を備え、
    　前記弾性部材は、
    　　前記支持部材に支持される外周環状部と、
    　　前記操作部材を支持する内周環状部と、
    　　前記外周環状部と前記内周環状部を接続する弾性支持部と、からなることを特徴とする入力装置。     A support member;
    An elastic member supported by the support member;
    The elastic member is elastically supported by the elastic member, and includes an operation member operable in a pushing direction and a direction intersecting the pushing direction,
    The elastic member is
    An outer peripheral annular portion supported by the support member;
    An inner peripheral annular portion that supports the operation member;
    An input device comprising: the outer peripheral annular portion and an elastic support portion connecting the inner peripheral annular portion.
  2. 　前記弾性部材の弾性支持部は、前記内周環状部の周囲を少なくとも１周するように形成したことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の入力装置。 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic support portion of the elastic member is formed to make at least one round around the inner peripheral annular portion.
  3. 　前記支持部材は、円筒ケースからなり、
    　前記円筒ケースは、内周面に前記弾性部材の外周環状部を支持する支持片を備えたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の入力装置。     The support member comprises a cylindrical case,
    The input device according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical case includes a support piece that supports an outer peripheral annular portion of the elastic member on an inner peripheral surface.
  4. 　前記操作部材及び前記弾性部材に一体化され、前記円筒ケース内を移動可能な円盤状のトップホルダを備えたことを特徴とする請求項３に記載の入力装置。 4. The input device according to claim 3, further comprising a disk-shaped top holder that is integrated with the operation member and the elastic member and is movable in the cylindrical case.
  5. 　前記トップホルダは、前記弾性部材の内周環状部を挿通する突出部を備え、
    　前記円筒ケースの下端開口部を閉鎖するベースプレートと、
    　前記突出部に係合し、前記トップホルダと共に前記弾性部材に一体化される環状マグネットと、
    　前記ベースプレートに載置され、前記環状マグネットの移動位置を検出する位置検出手段を実装されたプリント基板と、を備えたことを特徴とする請求項４に記載の入力装置。     The top holder includes a protruding portion that passes through an inner circumferential annular portion of the elastic member,
    A base plate that closes a lower end opening of the cylindrical case;
    An annular magnet that engages with the protrusion and is integrated with the elastic member together with the top holder;
    The input device according to claim 4, further comprising: a printed circuit board mounted on the base plate and mounted with a position detection unit that detects a moving position of the annular magnet.
  6. 　前記請求項１から５のいずれか１項に記載の入力装置を備えたことを特徴とする電子機器。 An electronic apparatus comprising the input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
  7. 　電子機器本体と、
    　前記電子機器本体に支持される弾性部材と、
    　前記弾性部材に弾性支持されて、押込及び揺動操作可能な操作部材と、を備え、
    　前記弾性部材は、
    　　前記支持部材に支持される外周環状部と、
    　　前記操作部材を支持する内周環状部と、
    　　前記外周環状部と前記内周環状部を接続する弾性支持部と、からなり、プレス加工により形成されることを特徴とする電子機器。     An electronic device body,
    An elastic member supported by the electronic device body;
    An operation member that is elastically supported by the elastic member and is capable of pushing and swinging;
    The elastic member is
    An outer peripheral annular portion supported by the support member;
    An inner peripheral annular portion that supports the operation member;
    An electronic apparatus comprising: the outer peripheral annular portion and an elastic support portion that connects the inner peripheral annular portion, and is formed by pressing.
PCT/JP2009/056100 2008-03-28 2009-03-26 Input device and electronic apparatus provided with the input device WO2009119729A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2008087102A JP2009244920A (en) 2008-03-28 2008-03-28 Input device and electronic apparatus with the same
JP2008-087102 2008-03-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009119729A1 true WO2009119729A1 (en) 2009-10-01

Family

ID=41113917

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2009/056100 WO2009119729A1 (en) 2008-03-28 2009-03-26 Input device and electronic apparatus provided with the input device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2009244920A (en)
WO (1) WO2009119729A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011096133A1 (en) * 2010-02-05 2011-08-11 ミツミ電機株式会社 Operation input device
JP2012104482A (en) * 2010-11-09 2012-05-31 Innochip S Technology Co Ltd Multi-direction input device
WO2013136540A1 (en) * 2012-03-13 2013-09-19 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント Operating device

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005321963A (en) * 2004-05-07 2005-11-17 Fujitsu Component Ltd Pointing device and terminal device

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2005321963A (en) * 2004-05-07 2005-11-17 Fujitsu Component Ltd Pointing device and terminal device

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011096133A1 (en) * 2010-02-05 2011-08-11 ミツミ電機株式会社 Operation input device
JP2011165380A (en) * 2010-02-05 2011-08-25 Mitsumi Electric Co Ltd Operation input device
JP2012104482A (en) * 2010-11-09 2012-05-31 Innochip S Technology Co Ltd Multi-direction input device
WO2013136540A1 (en) * 2012-03-13 2013-09-19 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント Operating device
JPWO2013136540A1 (en) * 2012-03-13 2015-08-03 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント Operation device
US9993725B2 (en) 2012-03-13 2018-06-12 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Operating device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2009244920A (en) 2009-10-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8143981B2 (en) Input device and electronic apparatus using same
KR100931434B1 (en) Operation input device and electronic device using the same
KR101022964B1 (en) Operation input device and electronic equipment employing the same
JP4100409B2 (en) Operation input device and electronic apparatus using the same
JP4737197B2 (en) Operation input device and electronic apparatus using the same
JP4301312B2 (en) Operation input device and electronic apparatus using the same
US20110120849A1 (en) Operation input device and electronic device using the same
WO2009119729A1 (en) Input device and electronic apparatus provided with the input device
EP1944783A1 (en) Manipulation input device and electronic instrument using the same
KR20060095562A (en) Rotating and pressing operation type electronic component and electronic device using the same
JP4325727B1 (en) INPUT DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING THE INPUT DEVICE
US20010045320A1 (en) Speaker unit
KR101085291B1 (en) Operation input device
JP4349462B2 (en) INPUT DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING THE INPUT DEVICE
JP2010161020A (en) Operating input device and electronic device using the same
JP2007299037A (en) Coordinate input device
JP4619879B2 (en) Multi-directional switch and electronic device using the same
KR20100070286A (en) Operation input unit and electronic device using the same
TW201206316A (en) Input device and electronic device
JP2013093132A (en) Multi-directional slide type electronic component

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 09726411

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 09726411

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1