以下、本発明の一実施形態に係る多方向入力装置について、図１～図９を参照して説明する。本実施形態に係る多方向入力装置１００は、ハウジング１と、前記ハウジング１から突出して傾倒操作可能な操作部材５と、操作部材５の傾倒操作に応じて第１方向に回動可能にハウジング１に保持された第１回動部材２と、操作部材５の傾倒操作に応じて第１方向と直交する第２向に回動可能にハウジング１に保持された第２回動部材３と、第１回動部材２及び第２回動部材３の回動をそれぞれ検出する第１検出部及び第２検出部と、第１方向及び第２方向とは異なる第３方向に回動可能にハウジング１に保持された第３回動部材４とを備え、操作部材５は、第３方向と直交する第４方向に回動可能に第３回動部材４に保持されていることを特徴とするもので、操作部材５の押圧荷重が検出部に伝わらないため、検出部の寿命が短くなるのを抑えることができ、寿命が短くなるのを抑えることができる多方向入力装置である。なお、「回動」は、回転角度が所定範囲に限定された回転に相当する。この多方向入力装置１は、例えば、家庭用ゲーム機のコントローラに利用され得るものであるが、多方向入力装置の用途はこれに限られない。
A multi-directional input device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The multi-directional input device 100 according to this embodiment includes a housing 1, an operating member 5 that protrudes from the housing 1 and can be tilted, a first rotating member 2 held by the housing 1 so as to be rotatable in a first direction in response to tilting of the operating member 5, a second rotating member 3 held by the housing 1 so as to be rotatable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in response to tilting of the operating member 5, a first detection unit and a second detection unit that detect the rotation of the first rotating member 2 and the second rotating member 3, respectively, and a third rotating member 4 held by the housing 1 so as to be rotatable in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, and the operating member 5 is held by the third rotating member 4 so as to be rotatable in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction. Since the pressure load of the operating member 5 is not transmitted to the detection unit, it is possible to prevent the life of the detection unit from being shortened, and this is a multi-directional input device that can prevent the life of the detection unit from being shortened. Note that "rotation" corresponds to rotation in which the rotation angle is limited to a predetermined range. This multi-directional input device 1 can be used, for example, as a controller for a home game machine, but the uses of the multi-directional input device are not limited to this.
本実施形態に係る多方向入力装置１００においては、第１検出部は、第１回動部材２に係合連結されて第１回動部材２と連動可能にハウジング１に保持された第１検出部材７１の移動方向及び移動量を検出し、第２検出部は、第２回動部材３に係合連結されて第２回動部材３と連動可能にハウジング１に保持された第２検出部材７２の移動方向及び移動量を検出する。
In the multi-directional input device 100 according to this embodiment, the first detection unit detects the direction and amount of movement of the first detection member 71, which is engaged and connected to the first rotating member 2 and held in the housing 1 so as to be interlocked with the first rotating member 2, and the second detection unit detects the direction and amount of movement of the second detection member 72, which is engaged and connected to the second rotating member 3 and held in the housing 1 so as to be interlocked with the second rotating member 3.
本実施形態に係る多方向入力装置１００においては、第３回動部材４は、操作部材５の押圧操作に応じて下方に移動可能にハウジング１に保持され、操作部材５に対する押圧操作に応じた第３回動部材４の下方への移動により押圧される第３検出部材７３を備える。
In the multi-directional input device 100 according to this embodiment, the third rotating member 4 is held in the housing 1 so as to be movable downward in response to the pressing operation of the operating member 5, and includes a third detection member 73 that is pressed by the downward movement of the third rotating member 4 in response to the pressing operation on the operating member 5.
本実施形態に係る多方向入力装置１００においては、操作部材５を操作前の初期状態に復帰させる復帰機構６を備える。
The multi-directional input device 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a return mechanism 6 that returns the operating member 5 to its initial state before operation.
本実施形態に係る多方向入力装置１００においては、復帰機構６は、操作部材５の軸方向に延びる軸部６１１であって、操作部材５の軸方向に移動可能に操作部材５の内側に挿入された軸部６１１と、軸部６１１の一端に形成され、ハウジング１の底面側に当接する底部６１２とを有する作動部材６１と、操作部材５と作動部材６１との間に配置されて作動部材６１をハウジング１の底面側に付勢する弾性部材６２とを備える。
In the multi-directional input device 100 according to this embodiment, the return mechanism 6 includes an actuating member 61 having a shaft portion 611 extending in the axial direction of the operating member 5 and inserted inside the operating member 5 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the operating member 5, a bottom portion 612 formed at one end of the shaft portion 611 and abutting against the bottom side of the housing 1, and an elastic member 62 disposed between the operating member 5 and the actuating member 61 to bias the actuating member 61 toward the bottom side of the housing 1.
図１は、本実施形態に係る多方向入力装置１００の外観斜視図である。図２は、図１の多方向入力装置１００の分解斜視図である。図３は、図１の多方向入力装置１００の平面図である。図４は、図１の多方向入力装置１００のハウジング１を透明化した状態での平面図である。図５は、図１の多方向入力装置１００のＡ－Ａ線断面図である。図６は、図１の多方向入力装置１００のＢ－Ｂ線断面図である。図７は、図１の多方向入力装置１００のＣ－Ｃ線断面図である。図８は、図１の多方向入力装置１００のＤ－Ｄ線断面図である。図９は、図１の多方向入力装置１００のハウジング１、第１回動部材２及び第２回動部材３を透明化した状態での平面図である。
1 is an external perspective view of the multi-directional input device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1 in a state in which the housing 1 is made transparent. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line B-B. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line D-D. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the multi-directional input device 100 of FIG. 1 in a state in which the housing 1, the first rotating member 2, and the second rotating member 3 are made transparent.
以下、図に示す（Ｘ１、Ｘ２、Ｙ１、Ｙ２、Ｚ１、Ｚ２、Ｖ１、Ｖ２、Ｗ１、Ｗ２）を基準として多方向入力装置１００を説明する。Ｘ１、Ｘ２方向をＸ方向、Ｙ１、Ｙ２方向をＹ方向、Ｚ１、Ｚ２方向をＺ方向、Ｖ１、Ｖ２方向をＶ方向、Ｗ１、Ｗ２方向をＷ方向と総称する。Ｘ、Ｙ、Ｚ方向は互いに直交する。Ｘ１方向及びＸ２方向をそれぞれ左方向及び右方向、Ｘ方向を左右方向、Ｙ１方向及びＹ２方向をそれぞれ前方向及び後方向、Ｙ方向を前後方向、Ｚ１方向及びＺ２方向をそれぞれ上方向及び下方向、Ｚ方向を上下方向という場合がある。Ｚ、Ｖ、Ｗ方向は互いに直交する。Ｖ、Ｗ方向はそれぞれＸ、Ｙ方向とは異なる斜め方向（Ｘ、Ｙ方向に対して任意の角度を成す方向）であって、Ｘ方向とＹ方向の間の斜め方向である。本実施形態においてＶ、Ｗ方向はそれぞれＸ、Ｙ方向に対して４５度を成す方向であるが、それに限定されず、それ以外の任意の角度（例えばＸ方向に対して３０度、Ｙ方向に対して６０度）を成す方向であってもよい。
The multi-directional input device 100 will be described below based on the (X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2, V1, V2, W1, W2) shown in the figure. The X1 and X2 directions are collectively referred to as the X direction, the Y1 and Y2 directions as the Y direction, the Z1 and Z2 directions as the Z direction, the V1 and V2 directions as the V direction, and the W1 and W2 directions as the W direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other. The X1 and X2 directions may be referred to as the left and right directions, the X direction as the left-right direction, the Y1 and Y2 directions as the front and rear directions, the Y direction as the front-back direction, the Z1 and Z2 directions as the up and down directions, and the Z direction as the up-down direction. The Z, V, and W directions are perpendicular to each other. The V and W directions are diagonal directions (directions that form any angle with the X and Y directions) different from the X and Y directions, and are diagonal directions between the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the V and W directions form 45 degrees with the X and Y directions, respectively, but are not limited to this and may form any other angle (for example, 30 degrees with respect to the X direction and 60 degrees with respect to the Y direction).
図１～図９に示すように、多方向入力装置１００は、ハウジング１と、第１回動部材２と、第２回動部材３と、第３回動部材４と、操作部材５と、復帰機構６と、検出機構７と、基板８と、を備える。
As shown in Figures 1 to 9, the multi-directional input device 100 includes a housing 1, a first rotating member 2, a second rotating member 3, a third rotating member 4, an operating member 5, a return mechanism 6, a detection mechanism 7, and a substrate 8.
ハウジング１は、多方向入力装置１００の各構成を収納する部材である。ハウジング１は、ケース１１と、フレーム１２と、により構成される。
The housing 1 is a member that houses each component of the multi-directional input device 100. The housing 1 is composed of a case 11 and a frame 12.
ケース１１は、ハウジング１の上部を構成する部材である。ケース１１は、樹脂により形成される。ケース１１は、中空のドーム形状であり、下面をフレーム２２の上面に固定される。ケース１１は、開口１１１を有する。図５～図７に示すように、ケース１１は、軸受部１１２～１１７を有する。
The case 11 is a member that constitutes the upper part of the housing 1. The case 11 is made of resin. The case 11 has a hollow dome shape, and its lower surface is fixed to the upper surface of the frame 22. The case 11 has an opening 111. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the case 11 has bearing portions 112 to 117.
開口１１１は、ケース１１の頂部に形成され、操作部材５の後述する軸部５１をケース１１の内部から上方に突出する部分である。
The opening 111 is formed at the top of the case 11 and is the portion through which the shaft portion 51 of the operating member 5, which will be described later, protrudes upward from inside the case 11.
軸受部１１２は、第１回動部材２の後述する軸部２２を保持する部分である。図５に示すように、軸受部１１２は、ケース１１のＹ１側の内周面に形成される。図の例では、軸受部１１２は貫通孔であるが、貫通していない凹部であってもよい。
The bearing portion 112 is a portion that holds the shaft portion 22 of the first rotating member 2, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5, the bearing portion 112 is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the Y1 side of the case 11. In the example shown in the figure, the bearing portion 112 is a through hole, but it may also be a recessed portion that does not penetrate through.
軸受部１１３は、第１回動部材２の後述する軸部２３を収納する部分である。図５に示すように、軸受部１１３は、ケース１１のＹ２側の内周面に形成される。軸受部１１３は、軸受部１１２とは異なり、軸部を下方から支持する部分を有しない。
The bearing portion 113 is a portion that houses the shaft portion 23 of the first rotating member 2, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5, the bearing portion 113 is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the Y2 side of the case 11. Unlike the bearing portion 112, the bearing portion 113 does not have a portion that supports the shaft portion from below.
軸受部１１４は、第２回動部材３の後述する軸部３２を保持する部分である。図６に示すように、軸受部１１４は、ケース１１のＸ１側の内周面に形成される。図の例では、軸受部１１４は貫通孔であるが、貫通していない凹部であってもよい。
The bearing portion 114 is a portion that holds the shaft portion 32 of the second rotating member 3, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 6, the bearing portion 114 is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the X1 side of the case 11. In the example shown in the figure, the bearing portion 114 is a through hole, but it may also be a recess that does not penetrate through.
軸受部１１５は、第２回動部材３の後述する軸部３３を収納する部分である。図６に示すように、軸受部１１５は、ケース１１のＸ２側の内周面に形成される。軸受部１１５は、軸受部１１４とは異なり、軸部を下方から支持する部分を有しない。
The bearing portion 115 is a portion that houses the shaft portion 33 of the second rotating member 3, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 6, the bearing portion 115 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the case 11 on the X2 side. Unlike the bearing portion 114, the bearing portion 115 does not have a portion that supports the shaft portion from below.
軸受部１１６は、第３回動部材４の後述する軸部４２を収納する部分である。図７に示すように、軸受部１１６は、ケース１１のＷ１側の内周面に形成される。軸受部１１６は、軸受部１１３、１１５と同様に、軸部を下方から支持する部分を有しない。
The bearing portion 116 is a portion that houses the shaft portion 42 of the third rotating member 4, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 7, the bearing portion 116 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the W1 side of the case 11. Like the bearing portions 113 and 115, the bearing portion 116 does not have a portion that supports the shaft portion from below.
軸受部１１７は、第３回動部材４の後述する軸部４３を収納する部分である。図７に示すように、軸受部１１７は、ケース１１のＷ２側の内周面に形成される。軸受部１１７は、軸受部１１６と同様に、軸部を下方から支持する部分を有しない。
The bearing portion 117 is a portion that houses the shaft portion 43 of the third rotating member 4, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 7, the bearing portion 117 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the W2 side of the case 11. Like the bearing portion 116, the bearing portion 117 does not have a portion that supports the shaft portion from below.
フレーム１２は、ハウジング１の底面を構成する部材である。フレーム１２は、例えば、金属板により形成される。フレーム１２は、図５、図６に示すように、底面部１２１と、支持部１２２、１２３と、を有する。
The frame 12 is a member that constitutes the bottom surface of the housing 1. The frame 12 is formed, for example, from a metal plate. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the frame 12 has a bottom surface portion 121 and support portions 122 and 123.
底面部１２１は、ハウジング１の底面を構成する部分である。底面部１２１は、矩形の平板状であり、上面にケース１１を固定される。
The bottom surface portion 121 is the portion that constitutes the bottom surface of the housing 1. The bottom surface portion 121 is a rectangular flat plate, and the case 11 is fixed to the upper surface.
支持部１２２、１２３は、ケース１１の側面を支持する部分である。支持部１２２は、図５に示すように、底面部１２１のＹ１側から上方に延びるように形成される。支持部１２２と、ケース１１のＹ１側の側面と、が当接することにより、ケース１１のＹ１方向の位置ずれが規制される。支持部１２３は、図６に示すように、底面部１２１のＸ１側及びＸ２側から上方に延びるように形成される。支持部１２３と、ケース１１のＸ１側及びＸ２側の側面と、が当接することにより、ケース１１のＸ方向に位置ずれが規制される。
The support portions 122 and 123 are portions that support the side surfaces of the case 11. The support portion 122 is formed to extend upward from the Y1 side of the bottom surface portion 121 as shown in FIG. 5. The support portion 122 comes into contact with the side surfaces of the Y1 side of the case 11, thereby restricting misalignment of the case 11 in the Y1 direction. The support portion 123 is formed to extend upward from the X1 and X2 sides of the bottom surface portion 121 as shown in FIG. 6. The support portion 123 comes into contact with the side surfaces of the X1 and X2 sides of the case 11, thereby restricting misalignment of the case 11 in the X direction.
第１回動部材２は、操作部材５をＸ方向（第１方向）に傾倒操作可能に保持する部材である。第１回動部材２は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。第１回動部材２は、Ｙ方向を回転軸として回動可能なように、ケース１１に保持される。図５に示すように、第１回動部材２は、挟持部２１と、軸部２２、２３と、脚部２４と、駆動部２５と、を有する。
The first rotating member 2 is a member that holds the operating member 5 so that it can be tilted in the X direction (first direction). The first rotating member 2 is formed, for example, from resin. The first rotating member 2 is held in the case 11 so that it can rotate around the Y direction as a rotation axis. As shown in FIG. 5, the first rotating member 2 has a clamping portion 21, shaft portions 22 and 23, legs 24, and a drive portion 25.
挟持部２１は、操作部材５を挟持する部分である。挟持部２１は、操作部材５の後述する基部５２の上面を覆う、中央が開口した球面状に形成され、開口部に操作部材５の後述する軸部５１を軸方向に移動可能に挿入される。挟持部２１は、操作部材５のＸ１側及びＸ２側に当接し、操作部材５のＹ１側及びＹ２側から離間するように形成される。
The clamping portion 21 is a portion that clamps the operating member 5. The clamping portion 21 is formed in a spherical shape with an opening in the center that covers the upper surface of the base portion 52 (described later) of the operating member 5, and the shaft portion 51 (described later) of the operating member 5 is inserted into the opening so as to be movable in the axial direction. The clamping portion 21 is formed so as to abut against the X1 and X2 sides of the operating member 5 and to be spaced apart from the Y1 and Y2 sides of the operating member 5.
軸部２２は、挟持部２１のＹ１側からＹ１方向に延びる、第１回動部材２の回転軸である。軸部２２は、軸部２３と同軸上に配置される。軸部３２は、ケース１１の軸受部１１２により回動可能に保持される。
The shaft portion 22 is a rotation axis of the first rotating member 2 that extends in the Y1 direction from the Y1 side of the clamping portion 21. The shaft portion 22 is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 23. The shaft portion 32 is rotatably held by the bearing portion 112 of the case 11.
軸部２３は、挟持部２１のＹ２側からＹ２方向に延びる、第１回動部材２の回転軸である。軸部２３は、軸部２２と同軸上に配置される。軸部２３は、ケース１１の軸受部１１３により回動可能に保持される。
The shaft portion 23 is a rotation axis of the first rotating member 2 that extends in the Y2 direction from the Y2 side of the clamping portion 21. The shaft portion 23 is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 22. The shaft portion 23 is rotatably held by the bearing portion 113 of the case 11.
脚部２４は、軸部２３をケース１１の軸受部１１３に回動可能に保持する部分である。脚部２４は、軸部２３から下方に延び、下端部がフレーム１２の底面部１２１に当接（摺接）した状態で、軸部２３と一体に回動するように形成される。脚部２４の下端部とフレーム１２の底面部１２１が当接（摺接）することにより、軸部２３の下方への移動が規制され、軸部２３がケース１１の軸受部１１３に回動可能に保持される。
The legs 24 are parts that rotatably hold the shaft 23 in the bearing 113 of the case 11. The legs 24 extend downward from the shaft 23, and are formed so as to rotate integrally with the shaft 23 with their lower ends abutting (sliding) against the bottom surface 121 of the frame 12. The abutment (sliding) between the lower ends of the legs 24 and the bottom surface 121 of the frame 12 restricts the downward movement of the shaft 23, and the shaft 23 is rotatably held in the bearing 113 of the case 11.
駆動部２５は、後述する第１検出部材を駆動する部分である。駆動部２５は、挟持部２１のＹ１側から下方に延び、第１検出部材７１の後述する凸部７１２をＸ１側及びＸ２側から挟持するように形成される。
The drive unit 25 is a part that drives the first detection member, which will be described later. The drive unit 25 extends downward from the Y1 side of the clamping unit 21 and is formed so as to clamp the convex portion 712, which will be described later, of the first detection member 71 from the X1 side and the X2 side.
以上のような構成により、第１回動部材２は、ケース１１によって、Ｙ方向を回転軸として可動可能に保持される。また、第１回動部材２は、操作部材５をＸ１側及びＸ２側から挟持する。したがって、操作部材５がＸ方向に傾倒すると、第１回動部材２は、操作部材５と共にＸ方向に回動する。すなわち、第１回動部材２は、操作部材５をＸ方向に傾倒可能に保持する。また、操作部材５がＹ方向に傾倒した場合、操作部材５は、挟持部２１の開口部の内側を移動する。したがって、第１回動部材２は、操作部材５のＹ方向の傾倒を妨げない。
With the above-described configuration, the first rotating member 2 is held by the case 11 so as to be movable with the Y direction as the rotation axis. The first rotating member 2 also clamps the operating member 5 from the X1 side and the X2 side. Therefore, when the operating member 5 is tilted in the X direction, the first rotating member 2 rotates in the X direction together with the operating member 5. That is, the first rotating member 2 holds the operating member 5 so as to be tiltable in the X direction. Furthermore, when the operating member 5 is tilted in the Y direction, the operating member 5 moves inside the opening of the clamping portion 21. Therefore, the first rotating member 2 does not prevent the operating member 5 from tilting in the Y direction.
第２回動部材３は、操作部材５をＸ方向（第１方向）と直交するＹ方向（第２方向）に傾倒可能に保持する部材である。第２回動部材３は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。第２回動部材３は、第１回動部材２の下方側において、Ｘ方向を回転軸として可動可能なように、ケース１１に保持される。図６に示すように、第２回動部材３は、挟持部３１と、軸部３２、３３と、脚部３４と、駆動部３５と、を有する。
The second rotating member 3 is a member that holds the operating member 5 so that it can be tilted in the Y direction (second direction) perpendicular to the X direction (first direction). The second rotating member 3 is formed, for example, from resin. The second rotating member 3 is held in the case 11 below the first rotating member 2 so that it can move around the X direction as a rotation axis. As shown in FIG. 6, the second rotating member 3 has a clamping portion 31, shaft portions 32 and 33, legs 34, and a drive portion 35.
挟持部３１は、操作部材５を挟持する部分である。挟持部３１は、操作部材５の後述する基部５２の上面を覆う、中央が開口した球面状に形成され、開口部に操作部材５の後述する軸部５１を軸方向に移動可能に挿入される。挟持部３１は、操作部材５のＹ１側及びＹ２側に当接し、操作部材５のＸ１側及びＸ２側から離間するように形成される。
The clamping portion 31 is a portion that clamps the operating member 5. The clamping portion 31 is formed in a spherical shape with an opening in the center that covers the upper surface of the base portion 52 (described later) of the operating member 5, and the shaft portion 51 (described later) of the operating member 5 is inserted into the opening so as to be movable in the axial direction. The clamping portion 31 is formed so as to abut against the Y1 side and Y2 side of the operating member 5 and to be spaced apart from the X1 side and X2 side of the operating member 5.
軸部３２は、挟持部３１のＸ１側からＸ１方向に延びる、第２回動部材３の回転軸である。軸部３２は、軸部３３と同軸上に配置される。軸部３２は、ケース１１の軸受部１１４により回動可能に保持される。
The shaft portion 32 is a rotation axis of the second rotating member 3 that extends in the X1 direction from the X1 side of the clamping portion 31. The shaft portion 32 is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 33. The shaft portion 32 is rotatably held by the bearing portion 114 of the case 11.
軸部３３は、挟持部３１のＸ２側からＸ２方向に延びる、第２回動部材３の回転軸である。軸部３３は、軸部３２と同軸上に配置される。軸部３３は、ケース１１の軸受部１１５により可動可能に保持される。
The shaft portion 33 is a rotation axis of the second rotating member 3 that extends in the X2 direction from the X2 side of the clamping portion 31. The shaft portion 33 is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 32. The shaft portion 33 is movably held by the bearing portion 115 of the case 11.
脚部３４は、軸部３３をケース１１の軸受部１１５に回動可能に保持する部分である。脚部３４は、軸部３３から下方に延び、下端部がフレーム１２の底面部１２１に当接（摺接）した状態で、軸部３３と一体に回動するように形成される。脚部３４の下端部とフレーム１２の底面部１２１が当接（摺接）することにより、軸部３３の下方への移動が規制され、軸部３３がケース１１の軸受部１１５に回動可能に保持される。
The legs 34 are parts that rotatably hold the shaft 33 in the bearing 115 of the case 11. The legs 34 extend downward from the shaft 33, and are formed so as to rotate integrally with the shaft 33 with their lower ends abutting (sliding) against the bottom surface 121 of the frame 12. The abutment (sliding) between the lower ends of the legs 34 and the bottom surface 121 of the frame 12 restricts the downward movement of the shaft 33, and the shaft 33 is rotatably held in the bearing 115 of the case 11.
駆動部３５は、後述する第２検出部材７２を駆動する部分である。駆動部３５は、挟持部３１のＸ１側から下方に延び、第２検出部材７２の後述する凸部７２２をＹ１側及びＹ２側から挟持するように形成される。
The drive unit 35 is a part that drives the second detection member 72 described later. The drive unit 35 extends downward from the X1 side of the clamping unit 31 and is formed so as to clamp the convex portion 722 described later of the second detection member 72 from the Y1 side and the Y2 side.
以上のような構成により、第２回動部材３は、ケース１１によって、Ｘ方向を回転軸として可動可能に保持される。また、第２回動部材３は、操作部材５をＹ１側及びＹ２側から挟持する。したがって、操作部材５がＹ方向に傾倒すると、第２回動部材３は、操作部材５と共にＹ方向に回動する。すなわち、第２回動部材３は、操作部材５をＹ方向に傾倒可能に保持する。また、操作部材５がＸ方向に傾倒した場合、操作部材５は、挟持部３１の開口部の内側を移動する。したがって、第２回動部材３は、操作部材５のＸ方向の傾倒を妨げない。
With the above-described configuration, the second rotating member 3 is held by the case 11 so as to be movable with the X direction as the rotation axis. The second rotating member 3 also clamps the operating member 5 from the Y1 side and the Y2 side. Therefore, when the operating member 5 is tilted in the Y direction, the second rotating member 3 rotates in the Y direction together with the operating member 5. That is, the second rotating member 3 holds the operating member 5 so as to be tiltable in the Y direction. Furthermore, when the operating member 5 is tilted in the X direction, the operating member 5 moves inside the opening of the clamping portion 31. Therefore, the second rotating member 3 does not prevent the operating member 5 from tilting in the X direction.
第３回動部材４は、操作部材５をＸ方向（第１方向）及びＹ方向（第２方向）とは異なるＶ方向（第３方向）に傾倒可能に保持する部材である。第３回動部材４は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。第３回動部材４は、Ｖ方向と直交するＷ方向（第４方向）を回転軸として回動可能なように、ケース１１に保持される。図７に示すように、第３回動部材４は、挟持部４１Ａ、４１Ｂと、軸部４２、４３と、脚部４４と、を有する。
The third rotating member 4 is a member that holds the operating member 5 so that it can be tilted in a V direction (third direction) that is different from the X direction (first direction) and the Y direction (second direction). The third rotating member 4 is formed, for example, from resin. The third rotating member 4 is held in the case 11 so that it can rotate around a rotation axis in a W direction (fourth direction) that is perpendicular to the V direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the third rotating member 4 has clamping portions 41A and 41B, shaft portions 42 and 43, and legs 44.
挟持部４１Ａは、操作部材５を挟持する部分である。挟持部４１Ａは、操作部材５の後述する基部５２のＶ１側の側面を覆う、中央が開口した球面状に形成され、開口部に操作部材５の後述する凸部を挿入される。
The clamping portion 41A is a portion that clamps the operating member 5. The clamping portion 41A is formed in a spherical shape with an opening in the center that covers the side surface on the V1 side of the base portion 52 (described later) of the operating member 5, and a convex portion (described later) of the operating member 5 is inserted into the opening.
挟持部４１Ｂは、操作部材５を挟持する部分である。挟持部４１Ｂは、操作部材５の後述する基部５２のＶ２側の側面を覆う、中央が開口した球面状に形成され、開口部に操作部材５の後述する凸部を挿入される。
The clamping portion 41B is a portion that clamps the operating member 5. The clamping portion 41B is formed in a spherical shape with an opening in the center that covers the side surface on the V2 side of the base portion 52 of the operating member 5, which will be described later, and into which a convex portion of the operating member 5, which will be described later, is inserted.
挟持部４１Ａ、４１Ｂは、一体に形成されており、Ｗ１側及びＷ２側が接続されている。以下、挟持部４１Ａ、４１Ｂにより構成される球面状の部分を挟持部４１という。挟持部４１は、この内側に挿入された操作部材５の後述する基部５２のＶ１側及びＶ２側に当接し、Ｗ１側及びＷ２側から離間するように形成される。
The clamping parts 41A and 41B are formed integrally, and the W1 side and the W2 side are connected. Hereinafter, the spherical part formed by the clamping parts 41A and 41B will be referred to as the clamping part 41. The clamping part 41 is formed so as to abut against the V1 side and the V2 side of the base part 52 (described later) of the operating member 5 inserted inside it, and to be spaced apart from the W1 side and the W2 side.
軸部４２は、挟持部４１のＷ１側からＷ１方向に延びる、第３回動部材４の回転軸である。軸部４２は、軸部４３と同軸上に配置される。軸部４２は、ケース１１の軸受部１１６により回動可能に保持される。
The shaft portion 42 is the rotation axis of the third rotating member 4, which extends in the W1 direction from the W1 side of the clamping portion 41. The shaft portion 42 is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 43. The shaft portion 42 is rotatably held by the bearing portion 116 of the case 11.
脚部４４は、軸部４２をケース１１の軸受部１１６に回動可能に保持する部分である。脚部４４は、軸部４２から下方に延び、下端部がフレーム１２の底面部１２１に当接（摺接）した状態で、軸部４２と一体に回動するように形成される。脚部４４の下端部とフレーム１２の底面部１２１とが当接（摺接）することにより、軸部４２の下方への移動が規制され、軸部４２がケース１１の軸受部１１６に回動可能に保持される。
The legs 44 are parts that rotatably hold the shaft 42 in the bearing 116 of the case 11. The legs 44 extend downward from the shaft 42, and are formed so as to rotate integrally with the shaft 42 with their lower ends abutting (sliding) against the bottom surface 121 of the frame 12. The abutment (sliding) of the lower ends of the legs 44 against the bottom surface 121 of the frame 12 restricts the downward movement of the shaft 42, and the shaft 42 is rotatably held in the bearing 116 of the case 11.
軸部４３は、挟持部４１のＷ２側からＷ２方向に延びる、第３回動部材４の回転軸である。軸部４３は、軸部４２と同軸上に配置される。軸部４３は、ケース１１の軸受部１１７により回動可能に保持される。軸部４３は、下方から後述する第３検出部材７３により支持される。これにより、軸部４３は、ケース１１の軸受部１１７に回動可能に保持される。
The shaft portion 43 is the rotation axis of the third rotating member 4, which extends in the W2 direction from the W2 side of the clamping portion 41. The shaft portion 43 is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 42. The shaft portion 43 is rotatably held by the bearing portion 117 of the case 11. The shaft portion 43 is supported from below by the third detection member 73, which will be described later. As a result, the shaft portion 43 is rotatably held by the bearing portion 117 of the case 11.
以上のような構成により、第３回動部材４は、ケース１１によって、Ｗ方向を回転軸として回動可能に保持される。また、第３回動部材４は、操作部材５をＶ１側及びＶ２側から挟持する。したがって、操作部材５がＶ方向に傾倒すると、第３回動部材４は、操作部材５と共にＶ方向に回動する。すなわち、第３回動部材４は、操作部材５をＶ方向に傾倒可能に保持する。また、操作部材５がＷ方向に傾倒した場合、操作部材５は、挟持部４１の開口部（Ｗ１側とＷ２側との間）の内側を移動する。したがって、第３回動部材３は、操作部材５のＷ方向の傾倒を妨げない。
With the above-mentioned configuration, the third rotating member 4 is held by the case 11 so as to be rotatable around the W direction as the rotation axis. The third rotating member 4 also clamps the operating member 5 from the V1 side and the V2 side. Therefore, when the operating member 5 is tilted in the V direction, the third rotating member 4 rotates together with the operating member 5 in the V direction. That is, the third rotating member 4 holds the operating member 5 so as to be tiltable in the V direction. Furthermore, when the operating member 5 is tilted in the W direction, the operating member 5 moves inside the opening of the clamping portion 41 (between the W1 side and the W2 side). Therefore, the third rotating member 3 does not prevent the operating member 5 from tilting in the W direction.
操作部材５は、ユーザからの操作を受ける部材である。操作部材５は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。操作部材５は、筒状に形成され、内側に復帰機構６を収納する。操作部材５は、初期位置において、軸方向がＺ方向になるように、第１回動部材２、第２回部材３及び第３回動部材４により保持される。操作部材５の初期位置とは、操作部材５の非操作時の位置である。以下、操作部材５の構成について、非操作時の状態を基準に説明する。操作部材５は、軸部５１と、基部５２と、凸部５３、５４と、を有する。
The operating member 5 is a member that receives operation from the user. The operating member 5 is formed, for example, from resin. The operating member 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape and houses a return mechanism 6 inside. In the initial position, the operating member 5 is held by the first rotating member 2, the second rotating member 3, and the third rotating member 4 so that the axial direction is in the Z direction. The initial position of the operating member 5 is the position of the operating member 5 when it is not being operated. Below, the configuration of the operating member 5 will be described based on the non-operation state. The operating member 5 has an axis portion 51, a base portion 52, and protrusions 53 and 54.
軸部５１は、軸方向に延びる筒状の部分である。軸部５１は、基部５２からＺ１方向に延びるように形成され、第１回動部材２及び第２回動部材３の開口部に挿入され、ケース１１の開口１１１を通して、ハウジング１の内部から上方に突出する。軸部５１とケース１１の開口１１１の縁部とが当接することにより、操作部材５の傾倒角度が所定範囲に規制される。軸部５１の上端には、例えば、円盤状の操作ノブ（図示省略）が取り付けられる。操作ノブの形状は、ユーザが操作しやすい任意の形状とすることができる。操作ノブは、軸部５１の上端に一体に形成されてもよい。軸部５１の内周面には、軸方向と垂直な下向きの段面からなり、復帰機構６の後述する弾性部材６２の上端を当接される上部ばね坐部５５が形成される。
The shaft portion 51 is a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction. The shaft portion 51 is formed to extend in the Z1 direction from the base portion 52, is inserted into the openings of the first rotating member 2 and the second rotating member 3, and protrudes upward from inside the housing 1 through the opening 111 of the case 11. The tilt angle of the operating member 5 is restricted to a predetermined range by the abutment of the shaft portion 51 with the edge of the opening 111 of the case 11. For example, a disk-shaped operating knob (not shown) is attached to the upper end of the shaft portion 51. The shape of the operating knob can be any shape that is easy for the user to operate. The operating knob may be formed integrally with the upper end of the shaft portion 51. The inner peripheral surface of the shaft portion 51 is formed with an upper spring seat portion 55, which is made of a downward step surface perpendicular to the axial direction and abuts against the upper end of the elastic member 62 of the return mechanism 6 described later.
基部５２は、軸部５１の下端部に形成された略球面状の部分である。基部５２は、第３回動部材４の挟持部４１の内側に挿入され、Ｖ１側及びＶ２側を挟持部４１に当接され、Ｗ１側及びＷ２側を挟持部４１から離間される。基部５２の内周面には、復帰機構６の後述する作動部材６１の雄スプライン６１１Ｂと嵌合される雌スプライン５６が形成される。
The base 52 is a generally spherical portion formed at the lower end of the shaft 51. The base 52 is inserted inside the clamping portion 41 of the third rotating member 4, with the V1 and V2 sides abutting against the clamping portion 41 and the W1 and W2 sides being spaced apart from the clamping portion 41. The inner circumferential surface of the base 52 is formed with a female spline 56 that engages with a male spline 611B of the actuating member 61 of the return mechanism 6, which will be described later.
凸部５３は、基部５２のＶ１側からＶ１方向に突出した部分である。凸部５３は、挟持部４１Ａの開口部に挿入される。凸部５３は、挟持部４１Ａの開口部の内側で、Ｗ方向に回動可能なように形成される。
The protrusion 53 is a portion that protrudes in the V1 direction from the V1 side of the base 52. The protrusion 53 is inserted into the opening of the clamping part 41A. The protrusion 53 is formed so as to be rotatable in the W direction inside the opening of the clamping part 41A.
凸部５４は、基部５２のＶ２側からＶ２方向に突出した部分である。凸部５４は、挟持部４１Ｂの開口部に挿入される。凸部５４は、挟持部４１Ｂの開口部の内側で、Ｗ方向に回動可能なように形成される。
The protrusion 54 is a portion that protrudes in the V2 direction from the V2 side of the base 52. The protrusion 54 is inserted into the opening of the clamping part 41B. The protrusion 54 is formed so as to be rotatable in the W direction inside the opening of the clamping part 41B.
以上のような構成により、操作部材５は、凸部５３、５４によって、Ｖ方向を回転軸として回動可能に第３回動部材４に保持される。第３回動部材４は、軸部４２、４３によって、操作部材５をＷ方向を回転軸として回動可能にケース１１に保持する。したがって、操作部材５は、Ｖ方向の回転軸及びＷ方向の回転軸を基準として、初期位置から周囲の任意の方向（３６０度全方向）に傾倒可能にケース１１に保持される。
With the above configuration, the operating member 5 is held by the third rotating member 4 via the convex portions 53 and 54 so that it can rotate around the V direction as a rotation axis. The third rotating member 4 holds the operating member 5 in the case 11 via the shaft portions 42 and 43 so that it can rotate around the W direction as a rotation axis. Therefore, the operating member 5 is held by the case 11 so that it can be tilted from the initial position in any direction around it (all 360 degrees) based on the V direction rotation axis and the W direction rotation axis.
復帰機構６は、傾倒操作された操作部材５を初期位置に向かって付勢し、操作部材５を自動で初期位置に復帰させる機構である。復帰機構６は、筒状の操作部材５の内側に配置される。復帰機構６は、作動部材６１と、弾性部材６２と、を備える。
The return mechanism 6 is a mechanism that biases the tilted operating member 5 toward its initial position, and automatically returns the operating member 5 to its initial position. The return mechanism 6 is disposed inside the cylindrical operating member 5. The return mechanism 6 includes an actuating member 61 and an elastic member 62.
作動部材６１は、軸部６１１と、底部６１２と、を有する。
The actuating member 61 has a shaft portion 611 and a bottom portion 612.
軸部６１１は、底部６１２の上面から操作部材５の軸方向（Ｚ１方向）に延びる部分である。軸部６１１は、操作部材５の内側に軸方方向（Ｚ方向）に移動可能に挿入される。軸部６１１は、下部６１１Ａと、上部６１１Ｂと、雄スプライン６１１Ｃと、下部ばね坐部６１１Ｄと、を有する。
The shaft portion 611 is a portion that extends from the upper surface of the bottom portion 612 in the axial direction (Z1 direction) of the operating member 5. The shaft portion 611 is inserted inside the operating member 5 so as to be movable in the axial direction (Z direction). The shaft portion 611 has a lower portion 611A, an upper portion 611B, a male spline 611C, and a lower spring seat portion 611D.
下部６１１Ａは、底部６１２の上面から操作部材５の軸方向（Ｚ１方向）に延びる軸状の部分である。
The lower portion 611A is an axial portion that extends from the upper surface of the bottom portion 612 in the axial direction (Z1 direction) of the operating member 5.
上部６１１Ｂは、下部６１１Ａの上端からさらに操作部材５の軸方向（Ｚ１方向）に延びる軸状の部分である。上部６１１Ｂは、下部６１１Ａよりも細くなるように形成される。上部６１１Ｂは、弾性部材６２に挿入される。
The upper part 611B is an axial part that extends from the upper end of the lower part 611A in the axial direction (Z1 direction) of the operating member 5. The upper part 611B is formed to be thinner than the lower part 611A. The upper part 611B is inserted into the elastic member 62.
雄スプライン６１１Ｃは、操作部材５の雌スプライン５６と嵌合される部分である。雄スプライン６１１Ｃは、下部６１１Ａの外周面に形成される。操作部材５の雌スプライン５６と作動部材６１の雄スプライン６１１Ｃとの嵌合（スプライン嵌合）によって、操作部材５に対する作動部材６１の回り止めが行われる。
The male spline 611C is the part that fits with the female spline 56 of the operating member 5. The male spline 611C is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion 611A. The female spline 56 of the operating member 5 fits with the male spline 611C of the actuating member 61 (spline fit), preventing the actuating member 61 from rotating relative to the operating member 5.
下部ばね坐部６１１Ｄは、弾性部材６２の下端に当接される部分である。下部ばね坐部６１１Ｄは、下部６１１Ａと上部６１１Ｂの外周面の間に形成される、軸方向と垂直な上向きの段面からなり、上部ばね坐部５５の下方に対向して位置する。
The lower spring seat 611D is the portion that comes into contact with the lower end of the elastic member 62. The lower spring seat 611D is formed between the outer circumferential surfaces of the lower portion 611A and the upper portion 611B, and is composed of an upward step surface perpendicular to the axial direction, and is located below and opposite the upper spring seat 55.
底部６１２は、ハウジング１の底面（フレーム１２の上面）に当接する円盤状の部分である。底部６１２は、軸部６１の下端（一端）に形成される。作動部材６１は、非操作時において、底部６１２がハウジング１の底面の中央部に位置するように配置される。操作部材５の傾倒によって作動部材６１が傾倒すると、底部６１２は、作動部材６１が傾倒に伴ってハウジング１の底面上を摺動する。
The bottom 612 is a disk-shaped portion that contacts the bottom surface of the housing 1 (the upper surface of the frame 12). The bottom 612 is formed at the lower end (one end) of the shaft portion 61. The actuating member 61 is positioned so that the bottom 612 is located at the center of the bottom surface of the housing 1 when not in operation. When the actuating member 61 is tilted by tilting the operating member 5, the bottom 612 slides on the bottom surface of the housing 1 as the actuating member 61 tilts.
なお、作動部材６１は、軸部６１１の上部６１１Ｂ以外の部分が樹脂により形成され、軸部６１１の上部６１１Ｂは金属により形成される。ここで、軸部６１１の上部６１１Ｂは、例えば、金属棒６３の上部により形成される。軸部６１１の下部６１１Ａを筒状に形成し、この筒状の下部６１１Ａの内側に金属棒６３の下部が挿入固定され、下部６１１Ａの上端から金属棒６３の上部が操作部材５の軸方向（Ｚ１方向）に突出される。また、金属棒６３には、下部と上部の間の外周面にフランジ部６３１が形成される。フランジ部６３１は、樹脂の下部ばね坐部６１１Ｄに上方から当接し、下部ばね坐部６１１Ｄを金属で覆う。作動部材６１は、これに限られず、全体を樹脂で形成されてもよい。
The actuating member 61 is formed of resin except for the upper part 611B of the shaft part 611, and the upper part 611B of the shaft part 611 is formed of metal. Here, the upper part 611B of the shaft part 611 is formed of, for example, the upper part of the metal rod 63. The lower part 611A of the shaft part 611 is formed into a cylindrical shape, and the lower part of the metal rod 63 is inserted and fixed inside the cylindrical lower part 611A, and the upper part of the metal rod 63 protrudes from the upper end of the lower part 611A in the axial direction (Z1 direction) of the operating member 5. In addition, a flange part 631 is formed on the outer circumferential surface between the lower part and the upper part of the metal rod 63. The flange part 631 abuts against the lower spring seat part 611D of resin from above, and covers the lower spring seat part 611D with metal. The actuating member 61 is not limited to this, and may be formed entirely of resin.
弾性部材６２は、作動部材６１に対して下向きの付勢力を加える弾性部材である。弾性部材６２は、例えば、金属製の圧縮コイルばねである。弾性部材６２は、操作部材５と作動部材６１との間に配置され、作動部材６１の軸部６１１の上部６１１Ｂを挿入される。弾性部材６２は、上端を操作部材５の上部ばね坐部５５に支持され、下端を作動部材６１の下部ばね坐部６１１Ｄに支持される。
The elastic member 62 is an elastic member that applies a downward biasing force to the actuating member 61. The elastic member 62 is, for example, a metallic compression coil spring. The elastic member 62 is disposed between the operating member 5 and the actuating member 61, and the upper part 611B of the shaft part 611 of the actuating member 61 is inserted into the elastic member 62. The upper end of the elastic member 62 is supported by the upper spring seat part 55 of the operating member 5, and the lower end is supported by the lower spring seat part 611D of the actuating member 61.
検出機構７は、ユーザによる操作部材５の操作を検出する機構である。検出機構７は、第１検出部材７１と、第２検出部材７２と、第３検出部材７３と、を備える。
The detection mechanism 7 is a mechanism that detects the operation of the operating member 5 by the user. The detection mechanism 7 includes a first detection member 71, a second detection member 72, and a third detection member 73.
第１検出部材７１は、操作部材５のＸ方向（第１方向）への傾倒操作を検出するための部材である。第１検出部材７１は、保持部７１１と、凸部７１２と、可動接点７１３と、を有する。
The first detection member 71 is a member for detecting the tilt operation of the operating member 5 in the X direction (first direction). The first detection member 71 has a holding portion 711, a convex portion 712, and a movable contact 713.
保持部７１１は、可動接点７１３を保持する部分である。保持部７１１は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。保持部７１１は、Ｘ方向に延びるように形成され、下面に可動接点７１３を固定される。保持部７１１は、基板８上のＹ１側の端部に配置される。
The holding portion 711 is a portion that holds the movable contact 713. The holding portion 711 is formed, for example, from resin. The holding portion 711 is formed so as to extend in the X direction, and the movable contact 713 is fixed to the lower surface. The holding portion 711 is disposed at the end on the Y1 side on the substrate 8.
凸部７１２は、保持部７１１のＹ２側の側面からＹ２方向に突出した部分である。凸部７１２は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。凸部７１２は、第１回動部材２の駆動部２５によりＸ１側及びＸ２側から挟持される。保持部７１１は、駆動部２５が凸部７１２を挟持可能なように配置される。
The protruding portion 712 is a portion that protrudes in the Y2 direction from the Y2 side surface of the holding portion 711. The protruding portion 712 is formed, for example, from a resin. The protruding portion 712 is clamped from the X1 side and the X2 side by the driving portion 25 of the first rotating member 2. The holding portion 711 is positioned so that the driving portion 25 can clamp the protruding portion 712.
可動接点７１３は、保持部７１１に中央部を固定された弾性を有するばね接点である。可動接点７１３は、例えば、金属により形成される。可動接点７１３は、両端部が基板８の上面と当接可能なように形成される。
The movable contact 713 is a spring contact having elasticity and fixed at its center to the holding portion 711. The movable contact 713 is formed, for example, from a metal. The movable contact 713 is formed so that both ends can abut against the upper surface of the substrate 8.
操作部材５がＸ方向に傾倒操作されると、操作部材５の傾倒に伴って第１回動部材２がＸ方向に回動し、駆動部２５がＸ方向に回動する。駆動部２５がＸ方向に回動すると、駆動部２５に挟持された凸部７１２がＸ方向に駆動され、保持部７１１がＸ方向に駆動される。保持部７１１がＸ方向に駆動されると、保持部７１１に保持された可動接点７１３が基板８上をＸ方向に摺動する。すなわち、可動接点７１３は、操作部材５のＸ方向の傾倒に伴って、Ｘ方向に摺動する。したがって、基板８の上面に設けられた回路、例えば、第１抵抗回路により、可動接点７１３の位置（抵抗値）を検出することにより、操作部材５のＸ方向の傾倒を検出することができる。第１検出部材７１は、基板８の第１抵抗回路とで、第１可変抵抗器を構成し、第１回動部材２のＸ方向における回動方向（Ｘ１方向及びＸ２方向）及び回動量を検出することができる。すなわち、操作部材５のＸ方向における傾倒方向（Ｘ１方向及びＸ２方向）及び傾倒量を検出することができる。
When the operating member 5 is tilted in the X direction, the first rotating member 2 rotates in the X direction in response to the tilt of the operating member 5, and the drive unit 25 rotates in the X direction. When the drive unit 25 rotates in the X direction, the convex portion 712 clamped by the drive unit 25 is driven in the X direction, and the holding unit 711 is driven in the X direction. When the holding unit 711 is driven in the X direction, the movable contact 713 held by the holding unit 711 slides in the X direction on the substrate 8. That is, the movable contact 713 slides in the X direction in response to the tilt of the operating member 5 in the X direction. Therefore, the tilt of the operating member 5 in the X direction can be detected by detecting the position (resistance value) of the movable contact 713 using a circuit provided on the upper surface of the substrate 8, for example, a first resistor circuit. The first detection member 71, together with the first resistance circuit of the substrate 8, constitutes a first variable resistor, and can detect the rotation direction (X1 direction and X2 direction) and amount of rotation in the X direction of the first rotating member 2. In other words, it can detect the tilt direction (X1 direction and X2 direction) and amount of tilt in the X direction of the operating member 5.
第２検出部材７２は、操作部材５のＹ方向への傾倒操作を検出するための部材である。第２検出部材７２は、保持部７２１と、凸部７２２と、可動接点７２３と、を有する。
The second detection member 72 is a member for detecting the tilt operation of the operating member 5 in the Y direction. The second detection member 72 has a holding portion 721, a convex portion 722, and a movable contact 723.
保持部７２１は、可動接点７２３を保持する部分である。保持部７２１は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。保持部７２１は、Ｙ方向に延びるように形成され、下面に可動接点７２３を固定される。保持部７２１は、基板８上のＸ１側の端部に配置される。
The holding portion 721 is a portion that holds the movable contact 723. The holding portion 721 is formed, for example, from resin. The holding portion 721 is formed so as to extend in the Y direction, and the movable contact 723 is fixed to the lower surface. The holding portion 721 is disposed at the end on the X1 side on the substrate 8.
凸部７２２は、保持部７２１のＸ２側の側面からＸ２方向に突出した部分である。凸部７２２は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。凸部７２２は、駆動部３５によりＹ１側及びＹ２側から挟持される。保持部７２１は、駆動部３５が凸部７２２を挟持可能なように配置される。
The protruding portion 722 is a portion that protrudes in the X2 direction from the X2 side surface of the holding portion 721. The protruding portion 722 is formed, for example, from a resin. The protruding portion 722 is clamped from the Y1 side and the Y2 side by the driving portion 35. The holding portion 721 is positioned so that the driving portion 35 can clamp the protruding portion 722.
可動接点７２３は、保持部７２１の下面に中央部を固定された弾性を有するばね接点である。可動接点７２３は、例えば、金属により形成される。可動接点７２３は、両端部が基板８の上面と当接可能なように形成される。
The movable contact 723 is a spring contact having elasticity and fixed at its center to the lower surface of the holding portion 721. The movable contact 723 is formed, for example, from a metal. The movable contact 723 is formed so that both ends can abut against the upper surface of the substrate 8.
操作部材５がＹ方向に傾倒操作されると、操作部材５の傾倒に伴って第２回動部材３がＹ方向に回動し、駆動部３５がＹ方向に回動する。駆動部３５がＹ方向に回動すると、駆動部３５に挟持された凸部７２２がＹ方向に駆動され、保持部７２１がＹ方向に駆動される。保持部７２１がＹ方向に駆動されると、保持部７２１に保持された可動接点７２３が基板８上をＹ方向に摺動する。すなわち、可動接点７２３は、操作部材５のＹ方向の傾倒に伴って、Ｙ方向に摺動する。したがって、基板８の上面に設けられた回路、例えば、第２抵抗回路により、可動接点７２３の位置（抵抗値）を検出することにより、操作部材５のＹ方向の傾倒を検出することができる。第２検出部材７２は、基板８の第２抵抗回路とで、第２可変抵抗器を構成し、第２回動部材３のＹ方向における回動方向（Ｙ１方向及びＹ２方向）及び回動量を検出することができる。すなわち、操作部材５のＹ方向における傾倒方向（Ｙ１方向及びＹ２方向）及び傾倒量を検出することができる。
When the operating member 5 is tilted in the Y direction, the second rotating member 3 rotates in the Y direction in response to the tilt of the operating member 5, and the drive unit 35 rotates in the Y direction. When the drive unit 35 rotates in the Y direction, the convex portion 722 clamped by the drive unit 35 is driven in the Y direction, and the holding unit 721 is driven in the Y direction. When the holding unit 721 is driven in the Y direction, the movable contact 723 held by the holding unit 721 slides in the Y direction on the substrate 8. That is, the movable contact 723 slides in the Y direction in response to the tilt of the operating member 5 in the Y direction. Therefore, the tilt of the operating member 5 in the Y direction can be detected by detecting the position (resistance value) of the movable contact 723 using a circuit provided on the upper surface of the substrate 8, for example, a second resistor circuit. The second detection member 72, together with the second resistance circuit of the substrate 8, constitutes a second variable resistor, and can detect the rotation direction (Y1 direction and Y2 direction) and amount of rotation of the second rotating member 3 in the Y direction. In other words, it can detect the tilt direction (Y1 direction and Y2 direction) and amount of tilt of the operating member 5 in the Y direction.
第３検出部材７３は、操作部材５のＺ方向（軸方向）への押圧操作を検出するための部材である。第３検出部材７３は、例えば、樹脂により形成される。第３検出部材７３は、支持部７３１と、押圧部７３２と、を有する。
The third detection member 73 is a member for detecting a pressing operation of the operating member 5 in the Z direction (axial direction). The third detection member 73 is formed, for example, from resin. The third detection member 73 has a support portion 731 and a pressing portion 732.
支持部７３１は、第３回動部材４の軸部４３を下方から支持する部分である。支持部７３１は、第３回動部材４の軸部４３の下に配置される。第３回動部材４の軸部４３は、支持部７３１上で回動する。
The support portion 731 is a portion that supports the shaft portion 43 of the third rotating member 4 from below. The support portion 731 is disposed below the shaft portion 43 of the third rotating member 4. The shaft portion 43 of the third rotating member 4 rotates on the support portion 731.
押圧部７３２は、後述する可動接点８３を押圧する部分である。押圧部７３２は、可動接点８３の上に配置される。操作部材５が軸方向に押圧操作されると、第３回動部材４の軸部４３が下方に移動し、第３検出部材７３が下方に移動し、可動接点８３が押圧される。したがって、基板８の上面に設けられた回路、例えば、スイッチ回路により、可動接点８３の押圧を検出することにより、操作部材５の押圧操作を検出することができる。
The pressing portion 732 is a portion that presses the movable contact 83, which will be described later. The pressing portion 732 is disposed on the movable contact 83. When the operating member 5 is pressed in the axial direction, the shaft portion 43 of the third rotating member 4 moves downward, the third detection member 73 moves downward, and the movable contact 83 is pressed. Therefore, a circuit provided on the upper surface of the substrate 8, for example a switch circuit, detects the pressing of the movable contact 83, thereby detecting the pressing of the operating member 5.
基板８は、ユーザによる操作部材５の操作を検出する回路、例えば、第１抵抗回路、第２抵抗回路及びスイッチ回路を備えたプリント基板である。基板８は、例えば、フレキシブル基板である。基板８は、ハウジング１の底面（フレーム１２の上面）上に配置され、端子がハウジング１の外部に露出する。
The substrate 8 is a printed circuit board equipped with a circuit for detecting the operation of the operating member 5 by the user, for example, a first resistor circuit, a second resistor circuit, and a switch circuit. The substrate 8 is, for example, a flexible substrate. The substrate 8 is disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 1 (the upper surface of the frame 12), and the terminals are exposed to the outside of the housing 1.
基板８の上面には、ユーザによる操作部材５の操作を検出するための回路、例えば、第１抵抗回路、第２抵抗回路及びスイッチ回路が実装される。具体的には、基板８における可動接点７１３の摺動路上には、可動接点７１３のＸ方向の位置を検出するための固定接点８１が実装される。また、基板８における可動接点７２３の摺動路上には、可動接点７２３のＹ方向の位置を検出するための固定接点８２が実装される。また、基板８における押圧部７３２に対応する部分には、操作部材５の押圧操作を検出するための可動接点８３と、可動接点８３の押圧を検出するための固定接点８４と、が実装される。可動接点８３は、例えば、ドーム状金属板からなるスナッププレートであり、片面粘着テープ８５により固定接点８４上に固定される。
Circuits for detecting the operation of the operating member 5 by the user, such as a first resistor circuit, a second resistor circuit, and a switch circuit, are mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 8. Specifically, a fixed contact 81 for detecting the X-direction position of the movable contact 713 is mounted on the sliding path of the movable contact 713 on the substrate 8. A fixed contact 82 for detecting the Y-direction position of the movable contact 723 is mounted on the sliding path of the movable contact 723 on the substrate 8. A movable contact 83 for detecting the pressing operation of the operating member 5 and a fixed contact 84 for detecting the pressing of the movable contact 83 are mounted on the portion of the substrate 8 corresponding to the pressing portion 732. The movable contact 83 is, for example, a snap plate made of a dome-shaped metal plate, and is fixed on the fixed contact 84 by a single-sided adhesive tape 85.
次に、本実施形態に係る多方向入力装置１００の動作について説明する。
Next, the operation of the multi-directional input device 100 according to this embodiment will be described.
まず、操作部材５の傾倒操作時の多方向入力装置１００の動作について説明する。
First, we will explain the operation of the multi-directional input device 100 when the operating member 5 is tilted.
図１、図３～図８に示すように、傾倒操作前には、操作部材５は初期位置に位置する。このとき、操作部材５の軸方向は、Ｚ方向と一致している。また、作動部材６１の底部６１２の下面は、全面がフレーム１２の上面に当接している。
As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 8, before the tilting operation, the operating member 5 is located in the initial position. At this time, the axial direction of the operating member 5 coincides with the Z direction. In addition, the entire lower surface of the bottom 612 of the actuating member 61 abuts against the upper surface of the frame 12.
ユーザが、操作ノブを介して、操作部材５を、Ｖ１方向に傾倒操作すると、操作部材５は、第３回動部材４のＷ方向の軸部４２、４３を回転軸として、第３回動部材４をＶ１方向に回動させながら、Ｖ１方向に傾倒する。この操作部材５の傾倒に伴って、第１回動部材２がＹ方向の軸部２２、２３を回転軸としてＸ２方向に回動すると共に、第２回動部材３がＸ方向の軸部３２、３３を回転軸としてＹ１方向に回動する。この結果、第１検出部材７１によって、操作部材５のＸ２方向への傾倒方向及び傾倒量が検出され、第２検出部材７２によって、操作部材５のＹ１方向への傾倒方向及び傾倒量が検出される。また、操作部材５の傾倒に伴って、復帰機構６がＶ１方向に傾倒する。
When the user tilts the operating member 5 in the V1 direction via the operating knob, the operating member 5 tilts in the V1 direction while rotating the third rotating member 4 in the V1 direction around the W-direction shafts 42, 43 of the third rotating member 4 as the rotation axis. As the operating member 5 tilts, the first rotating member 2 rotates in the X2 direction around the Y-direction shafts 22, 23 as the rotation axis, and the second rotating member 3 rotates in the Y1 direction around the X-direction shafts 32, 33 as the rotation axis. As a result, the first detection member 71 detects the tilt direction and tilt amount of the operating member 5 in the X2 direction, and the second detection member 72 detects the tilt direction and tilt amount of the operating member 5 in the Y1 direction. In addition, as the operating member 5 tilts, the return mechanism 6 tilts in the V1 direction.
操作部材５が傾倒し、復帰機構６が傾倒すると、作動部材６１の底部６１２のＶ１側は、フレーム１２の上面上をＶ２方向に摺動する。また、作動部材６１の底部６１２のＶ２側は、フレーム１２の上面から離間する。この結果、作動部材６１は、操作部材５の内側に押し込まれ、弾性部材６２をさらに圧縮する。
When the operating member 5 is tilted and the return mechanism 6 is tilted, the V1 side of the bottom 612 of the actuating member 61 slides in the V2 direction on the upper surface of the frame 12. Also, the V2 side of the bottom 612 of the actuating member 61 moves away from the upper surface of the frame 12. As a result, the actuating member 61 is pushed into the inside of the operating member 5, further compressing the elastic member 62.
操作部材５が傾倒した状態で、ユーザが操作ノブから指を離すと、操作部材５は、弾性部材６２の付勢力により、第３回動部材４の軸部４２、４３を軸として、第３回動部材４をＶ２方向に回動させながら、Ｖ２方向に傾倒し、初期位置に復帰する。すなわち、操作部材５は、ユーザが操作ノブから指を離すと、自動的に初期位置に復帰する。この操作部材５の初期位置への復帰に伴って、第１回動部材２がＹ方向の軸部２２、２３を回転軸としてＸ１方向に回動すると共に、第２回動部材３がＸ方向の軸部３２、３３を回転軸としてＹ２方向に回動し、第１回動部材２及び第２回動部材３のそれぞれが図１、図３～図８に示す初期位置に復帰する。また、操作部材５の初期位置への復帰に伴って、復帰機構６も図１、図３～図８に示す初期位置に復帰する。
When the user releases his/her finger from the operation knob while the operation member 5 is tilted, the operation member 5 tilts in the V2 direction while rotating the third rotating member 4 in the V2 direction around the shafts 42 and 43 of the third rotating member 4 due to the biasing force of the elastic member 62, and returns to the initial position. That is, when the user releases his/her finger from the operation knob, the operation member 5 automatically returns to the initial position. With this return of the operation member 5 to the initial position, the first rotating member 2 rotates in the X1 direction around the shafts 22 and 23 in the Y direction as the rotation axis, and the second rotating member 3 rotates in the Y2 direction around the shafts 32 and 33 in the X direction as the rotation axis, and the first rotating member 2 and the second rotating member 3 each return to their initial positions shown in Figures 1, 3 to 8. With the return of the operation member 5 to its initial position, the return mechanism 6 also returns to its initial position shown in Figures 1, 3 to 8.
なお、操作部材５を他の方向（Ｖ２、Ｗ１、Ｗ２、Ｘ１、Ｘ２、Ｙ１、Ｙ２も含む全方向）に傾倒操作した場合についても、上記と同様に、操作部材５が、操作部材５のＶ方向の回転軸（凸部５３、５４）及び第３回動部材４のＷ方向の回転軸（軸部４２、４３）を基準にして、操作方向に傾倒し、第１検出部材７１によって、操作部材５のＸ方向における傾倒方向及び傾倒量が検出され、第２検出部材７２によって、操作部材５のＹ方向における傾倒方向及び傾倒量が検出される。また、復帰機構６が操作方向に傾倒する。
When the operating member 5 is tilted in other directions (all directions including V2, W1, W2, X1, X2, Y1, and Y2), similarly to the above, the operating member 5 tilts in the operating direction based on the V-direction rotation axis (convex portions 53, 54) of the operating member 5 and the W-direction rotation axis (shaft portions 42, 43) of the third rotating member 4, and the first detection member 71 detects the tilt direction and amount of tilt of the operating member 5 in the X direction, and the second detection member 72 detects the tilt direction and amount of tilt of the operating member 5 in the Y direction. The return mechanism 6 also tilts in the operating direction.
次に、操作部材５の押圧操作時の多方向入力装置１００の動作について説明する。
Next, we will explain the operation of the multi-directional input device 100 when the operating member 5 is pressed.
図１、図３～図８に示すように、押圧操作前には、操作部材５は初期位置に位置する。
As shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 8, before the pressing operation, the operating member 5 is located in the initial position.
ユーザが、操作ノブを介して、操作部材５を、下方に押圧操作すると、凸部５３、５４で連結された第３回動部材４が下方に移動する。すなわち、第３回動部材４は、脚部４４の下端部とフレーム１２の底面部１２１との当接部を支点として回動（傾動）する。これに伴い、第３回動部材４の軸部４３が下方に移動し、この軸部４３を下方から支持する第３検出部材７３も下方に移動し、第３検出部材７３によって可動接点８３が押圧される。この結果、可動接点８３が駆動され、可動接点８３によって基板８のスイッチ回路が閉じられることにより、操作部材５の押圧操作が検出される。
When the user presses the operating member 5 downward via the operating knob, the third rotating member 4 connected by the convex portions 53 and 54 moves downward. That is, the third rotating member 4 rotates (tilts) around the abutment point between the lower end of the leg portion 44 and the bottom surface portion 121 of the frame 12 as a fulcrum. As a result, the shaft portion 43 of the third rotating member 4 moves downward, and the third detection member 73, which supports the shaft portion 43 from below, also moves downward, and the third detection member 73 presses the movable contact 83. As a result, the movable contact 83 is driven, and the switch circuit of the board 8 is closed by the movable contact 83, thereby detecting the pressing operation of the operating member 5.
操作部材５を軸方向に押圧操作すると、復帰機構６の作動部材６１は、操作部材５の内側に押し込まれ、弾性部材６２をさらに圧縮する。
When the operating member 5 is pressed in the axial direction, the actuating member 61 of the return mechanism 6 is pushed into the inside of the operating member 5, further compressing the elastic member 62.
操作部材５を押圧した状態で、ユーザが操作ノブから指を離すと、操作部材５は、弾性部材６２の付勢力により、凸部５３、５４で連結された第３回動部材４を上方に移動させながら、上方に移動し、初期位置に復帰する。すなわち、操作部材５は、ユーザが操作ノブから指を離すと、自動的に初期位置に復帰する。
When the user releases his/her finger from the operation knob while pressing the operation member 5, the operation member 5 moves upward while moving the third rotating member 4 connected by the convex portions 53 and 54 upward due to the biasing force of the elastic member 62, and returns to its initial position. In other words, when the user releases his/her finger from the operation knob, the operation member 5 automatically returns to its initial position.
このように操作部材５に対して押圧操作が行われる場合において、操作部材５の押圧荷重が第１回動部材２及び第２回動部材３のいずれにも伝わることはない。このため、操作部材５の押圧荷重が第１検出部材７１及び第２検出部材７２のいずれにも伝わらない。この結果、第１検出部材７１及び第２検出部材７２の寿命が短くなるのを抑えることができ、多方向入力装置１００の寿命が短くなるのを抑えることができる。
When a pressing operation is performed on the operating member 5 in this manner, the pressing load of the operating member 5 is not transmitted to either the first rotating member 2 or the second rotating member 3. Therefore, the pressing load of the operating member 5 is not transmitted to either the first detection member 71 or the second detection member 72. As a result, it is possible to prevent the lifespan of the first detection member 71 and the second detection member 72 from being shortened, and it is possible to prevent the lifespan of the multi-directional input device 100 from being shortened.
