JPH09101856A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of improving its operability. SOLUTION: An operation means 16 instructs coordinates in accordance with its position. The means 16 is operated and moved by operator's finger tip. A switch means 17 is substantially integrated with the means 16 and moved together with the means 16. A prescribed function can be instructed to a computer by operating these means 16, 17.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device suitable for inputting coordinate data to electronic equipment such as a computer (OA equipment, etc.).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a CAD / CAM system,
In video games and the like, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, etc. are used for inputting coordinate data to a computer or the like. The appearances of these mice, trackballs and joysticks are shown in FIGS.
Shown in

In FIG. 22, a mouse 1 has a casing 2 having a hole at the bottom and a part of the casing 2 protruding from the casing 1
It is composed of a sphere (not shown) rotatably installed inside, and switches 3 and 3 provided at appropriate positions on the upper surface of the housing. Inside the housing 2, a detection unit for detecting the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the sphere, and A for converting an analog signal detected by the detection unit into digital data
A / D converter and the like are provided.

The mouse 1 is gripped by the operator's hand so as to cover the upper part of the housing 2, and in the gripped state, the index finger and the middle finger of the operator are placed on the switches 3 and 3, respectively. Has become. In this state, when the operator manually moves the mouse 1 placed on a flat surface such as a desk, the sphere provided under the housing 2 rotates on the flat surface as the housing 2 moves. The rotation direction and the rotation amount of the sphere are detected by the detection means and supplied to the computer as predetermined serial data. In the computer, the software calculates the rotation direction and the rotation amount based on the serial data, and moves a cursor, a figure, or the like on the screen according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount. The switches 3 and 3 are appropriately operated to instruct the computer to execute a specific program or select and execute a specific function such as selection of a figure.

Next, referring to FIG. 23, the trackball 4
Is a housing 5 having a hole at the top, a sphere 6 partly protruding from the hole and rotatably installed in the housing, and a switch 7 provided at an appropriate position on the upper surface of the housing. 7 and 7. Inside the housing 5, there are provided detection means for detecting the rotation direction and rotation amount of the sphere 6, an A / D converter for converting an analog signal detected by the detection means into digital data, and the like. ing.

In the above structure, when the operator rotates the protruding portion of the sphere 6 with a finger, the detecting means detects the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the sphere 6 and supplies them to the computer as predetermined serial data. . In the computer, the software calculates the rotation direction and the rotation amount based on the serial data, and moves a cursor, a figure, or the like on the screen according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount. The functions of the switches 7 and 7 are the same as those of the mouse.

Further, in FIG. 24, the joystick 8 includes a casing 9, a rod 10 provided to project vertically from the upper surface of the casing 9, and a switch 11 provided at the tip of the rod 10. Composed of. The rod 10 can be tilted in all directions around the joint with the housing 9. Inside the housing 9, like the mouse 1 and the trackball 4, a detection means for detecting the inclination direction and the inclination amount (inclination angle) of the rod body 10, and an analog detected by the detection means. An A / D converter or the like for converting a signal into digital data is provided.

In the above structure, the operator operates the rod 10
When is gripped and tilted in an arbitrary direction, the above-mentioned detection means detects the tilt direction and tilt amount of the rod 10 and supplies it to the computer as predetermined serial data. In the computer, the software calculates the tilt direction and the tilt amount based on the serial data, and a cursor on a screen or a cursor is displayed according to the tilt direction and the tilt amount.
Move figures, etc. The function of the switch 11 is as described above.

[0009]

By the way, the above-mentioned various input devices have the following problems due to their structural features.

First, in the mouse 1, by moving the housing 2 itself, the sphere provided under the housing 2 is rotated to input coordinate information. Therefore, in order to move the mouse 1. Space is needed and must be reserved. Also, in order to obtain accurate coordinate information, the surface on which the mouse 1 is moved must be as flat as possible. Further, if the friction between the sphere and the surface to be moved is too small, the sphere slips, smooth rotation cannot be obtained, and accurate coordinate information cannot be supplied to the computer. As described above, in the mouse 1 described above, there is a problem in that a place for moving the mouse needs to be secured, and various restrictions are imposed on the condition of the surface for moving the mouse.

Further, with the above-mentioned trackball 4, there is no problem as seen with the mouse 1, but when operating with one hand, it is relatively easy to operate only the sphere 6 or only the switches 7 and 7. There is a sphere 6 and a switch 7,
When operating 7 and 7 at the same time, it is necessary to rotate the sphere 6 with another finger of the same hand while pressing the switches 7 and 7 with a finger, and the operability is significantly deteriorated. In the input work of a computer, a situation in which the sphere 6 and the switches 7 and 7 are operated at the same time often occurs, and if it is unavoidable, one hand must operate the sphere 6 and the other hand must operate the switches 7 and 7. However, there is a problem that both hands are required for inputting coordinates.

Further, in the joystick 8, since the switch 11 is provided at the tip of the rod body 10, the rod body 1
It is relatively easy to operate 0 and the switch 11 at the same time, and the problem as seen in the trackball 4 does not occur. However, since the rod 10 projects from the housing 9, there is a problem that it interferes with other work and that an installation place must be secured.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an input device capable of improving operability.

[0014]

An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an operator, a detector for detecting movement of the operator, and a switch means, and the operator has According to an external force applied to the operator by pointing the coordinates according to the position and projecting to the outside of the housing, and by touching the operator with a fingertip of the operator. The switch means is configured to move substantially together with the manipulator so that the switch means moves together with the manipulator, thereby instructing the computer to perform a predetermined function. Has been done.

An input device according to a second aspect is the input device according to the first aspect, further including a return mechanism for returning the operating element to an initial position when an external force is removed from the operating element. There is.

An input device according to a third aspect is the input device according to the first aspect, wherein a recess is formed in an upper portion of the operator, and a finger of an operator can be inserted into the recess. It is what

An input device according to a fourth aspect is the input device according to the first aspect, wherein the switch means surrounds the periphery of the operator, and the switch means is operated by an operator. It is configured to include the operation unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the input device according to the fourth aspect, the switch means has an annular shape that is turned on when the operation section is operated, regardless of the position of the operation section. It is configured to have contacts.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the input device according to the fourth aspect, the switch means has a plurality of discontinuous contacts, one of which is turned on according to an operating position of the annular switch. It is configured to have.

An input device according to a seventh aspect is an input device for supplying coordinate data to a computer, wherein the input device includes an operator and a detector for detecting movement of the operator. A plurality of switch means, the operator is for indicating coordinates according to the position thereof, and is projected to the outside of the housing, and the operator's fingertip is the operator. Is configured to move in accordance with an external force applied to the operating element by contacting with the operating element, and the plurality of switch means move together with the operating element by being provided substantially integrally with the operating element. And is configured to instruct the computer to perform a predetermined function.

An input device according to an eighth aspect is the input device according to the first or fourth aspect, wherein the operating element is formed integrally with the operating portion, and the operating element is tilted. The switch means is supported so as to be tiltable in the forward and reverse directions so that the switch means is turned on.

An input device according to a ninth aspect is the input device according to the first or fourth aspect, wherein the manipulator is provided in an intermediate portion so that the switch means is turned on by tilting the manipulator. It is configured to be supported by a shaft having a fulcrum.

An input device according to a tenth aspect is the input device according to the second aspect, wherein the return mechanism has an X-direction guide portion that guides the operator along the X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction. A Y-direction guide portion that guides the operator is provided, and the Y-direction guide portion includes a frame body that surrounds the X-direction guide portion, and the Y-direction guide portion between the frame body and the housing.
And a first elastic member arranged in a direction, whereby the Y-direction guide portion is configured to return the frame body to an initial position when an external force does not act on the frame body. The X-direction guide section includes a block section connected to the operator and a second elastic member arranged in the X direction between the block section and the frame body. According to the configuration, when the external force does not act on the block portion, the block portion is returned to the initial position.

An input device according to an eleventh aspect is the input device according to the first aspect, wherein the detector is provided with a relative position indicating means for detecting a moving direction and a moving amount of the operator. There is.

The input device according to claim 12 is the input device according to claim 11.
In the input device described above, the relative position indicating means is attached to the operating element and a plurality of switches disposed inside the housing and arranged in at least four directions within a moving range of the operating element. And a contact that constitutes the plurality of switches, wherein the contact is provided in a moving direction of the operator such that the contact is turned on when the operator moves according to an external force. Has been done.

An input device according to a thirteenth aspect is the input device according to the first aspect, wherein the detector is provided with an absolute position indicating means for detecting the position of the operator.

The input device according to claim 14 is the input device according to claim 13.
In the input device described above, the absolute position indicating means includes a position detector which is arranged in the housing and which is arranged at two positions in a direction orthogonal to a moving range of the operator. There is.

An input device according to claim 15 is the input device according to claim 11.
In the input device described above, the relative position detecting means is a variable resistor.

The input device according to claim 16 is the input device according to claim 13.
In the input device described above, the absolute position detecting means is a variable resistor.

The input device according to claim 17 is the input device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the switch means is
It is characterized in that it is provided with an operating portion which is inclined in two directions by an operation of an operator, and is provided with a contact which is turned on depending on the inclination direction of the operating portion.

An input device according to claim 18 is the input device according to claim 17.
In the input device described, the operation unit is annular,
In addition, it is characterized in that two said contacts are provided.

An input device according to claim 19 is the input device according to claim 17.
Alternatively, in the input device described in Item 18, the operation unit is configured to be inclined in two directions about an axis that rotatably and rotatably penetrates the operator.

The input device according to claim 20 is the input device according to claim 17.
Alternatively, in the input device described in Item 18, the operating portion is supported so as to incline in two directions by a protrusion that is formed below the annular operating member and supports the operating member.

An input device according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the input device according to the first aspect, in which slip is reduced on the upper surface of the operator for reducing slip between the upper surface of the operator and the fingertip of the operator. It is characterized by comprising means.

[0035]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an external structure of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view thereof. In the figure, reference numeral 15 is a housing, and a through hole 15a is provided at the center of the upper portion. Reference numeral 16 denotes an operator having a concave portion 16a having a concave upper portion, which is arranged at the center of the upper portion outside the housing 15. In addition, the operator 16 is
The lower part thereof has a collar portion 16b.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a switch operating portion corresponding to a conventional switch, which has a through hole 17 provided at the center.
It is arranged around the manipulator 16 by fitting a into the manipulator 16. The operation portion 17 and the collar portion 16b are opposed to each other with a predetermined gap. A plurality of coil springs (elastic members) 18, 18, ... Are provided between them,
The operation unit 17 can be moved up and down. Further, switch contacts 19a and 19b are provided on the surfaces of the operating portion 17 and the flange portion 16b of the operating element 16 that face each other, and when the operating portion 17 is pressed, the switch contact 19 is provided.
a and 19b are in contact with each other.

Here, the collar portion 16a is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to A and B. FIG. 2A is a plan view showing a configuration example of the collar portion 16a, and FIG. 2B is a plan view showing another configuration example of the collar portion 16a. In FIG. 2A, the collar portion 16a
Is provided with the operating element 16 at the center thereof, coil springs 18, 18, ..., 18 outside thereof, and switch contacts 19b concentrically outside thereof. Switch contact 1
9b is formed of an annular conductor. In addition, the switch contacts 19b are not formed as annular conductors, but conductors 19b ₁ and 19 provided at predetermined intervals as shown in FIG. 2B.
b ₂ , ..., 19b ₈ may be used. In this case, the operation unit 17
Is pressed, the conductors 19b ₁ , 19b ₂ , ..., 19b ₈ are pressed.
Among them, the conductor corresponding to the pressed position is turned on. In addition, a switch contact 19a provided on the operation unit 17
As for the above, the same shape as the switch contact 19b may be used. Even if any of the conductors 19b ₁ , 19b ₂ , ..., 19b ₈ is turned on, even if the same function is instructed to the computer, the conductor 19 turned on is turned on.
Different functions may be instructed according to b ₁ , 19b ₂ , ..., 19b ₈ .

1A and 1B, the operating element 16 is fixed to the operation detecting portion 21 provided inside the housing 15 via the shaft 20. The operation detection unit 21
The moving direction of the manipulator 16 is detected, and the guide portion 22
And a moving direction detector 23. The guide portion 22 has a function of allowing the operation element 16 to move in all directions and returning the operation element 16 to the center when no external force is applied. In addition, the moving direction detection unit 23
Has a function of detecting the moving direction of the manipulator 16.

Next, the guide portion 22 described above is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the structure of the guide portion 22. The guide portion 22 includes an X-direction guide portion that allows free movement in the X-axis direction and a Y-direction guide portion that allows free movement in the Y-axis direction.

The Y-direction guide portion, the the frame 22a ₁ which surrounds the X-direction guide portion, between the frame body 22a ₁ and the housing 15, two coil springs (elastic members) provided on the Y-axis direction 22a ₂ and 22a ₃ . The frame 22
a ₁ is movable in the Y-axis direction due to the expansion and contraction of the coil springs 22 a ₂ and 22 a ₃ , and returns to the center position of the housing 15 when no external force is applied. The X-direction guide portion includes the block portion 22b ₁ to which the shaft 20 is joined, the block portion 22b ₁ and the frame body 2 described above.
2b ₁ and two coil springs (elastic members) 22b ₂ and 22b ₃ provided in the X-axis direction. The block portion 22b ₁ includes coil springs 22b ₂ and 22b.
by expansion and contraction of the b _3, together with a movable frame 22a ₁ in the X-axis direction, to return to the center position of the frame 22a ₁ when the external force is not applied.

In the guide portion 22 described above, when an external force acts on the operator 16 in either direction, the external force is transmitted to the block portion 22b ₁ via the shaft 20 and moves the block portion 22b _1. Try to. Block part 22b ₁
Is surrounded by the frame 22a ₁ , the component of the external force in the Y-axis direction is transmitted to the frame 22a ₁ . Therefore, the block portion 22b ₁ moves in the Y-axis direction together with the frame body 22a ₁ . Further, the component of the external force transmitted to the block portion 22b ₁ in the X-axis direction directly moves the block portion 22b ₁ in the X-axis direction. When the force applied to the manipulator 16 disappears, the expansion / contraction force of the coil springs 22a ₂ and 22a ₃ returns the frame body 22a ₁ to its original position, that is, the center point, and the expansion / contraction force of the coil springs 22b ₂ and 22b ₃ blocks the block. Part 22
Return b ₁ to its original position, the center point.

Next, the moving direction detecting section 23 described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows the moving direction detector 23.
It is a top view which shows the structure of. In FIG., 23a is a cylindrical block portion joined to the block portion 22b ₁ described above, and is movable along with the movement of the block portion 22b ₁ in all directions. The inner wall surface of the housing 15 around the block portion 22a is concentric with the outer peripheral surface of the block portion 22a at a predetermined interval, and the inner wall surface recognizes eight directions at equal intervals. Switch 23
b ₁ , 23b ₂ , ..., 23b ₈ are provided.

Direction recognition switches 23b ₁ , 23b ₂ , ...,
Each 23b ₈ is a first contact point 23c ₁ formed on the inner wall surface of the housing 15, the second contact 23c ₂ which is opposed to the contact 23c ₁ of the first is constituted by providing the block portion 23a side There is. Although not shown in the figure, the second contact 23c ₂ is supported by the housing 15 by an appropriate elastic member so as not to fall off.

In the moving direction detecting section 23 described above,
When the block portion 23a moves, the outer peripheral surface of the block portion 23a causes
Direction recognition switch 23bi (i = 1, 1,
The second contact 23c _{2 of} 2, ..., 8) is pressed to contact the first contact 23c ₁ . Therefore, the moving direction of the block portion 23a, that is, the moving direction of the manipulator 16 can be detected by detecting whether the direction recognition switch 23bi is turned on or off.

Next, the operation mode of the input device having the above-mentioned configuration and the operation of the input device will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. 5A and 5B are perspective views each showing an example of the operation mode of the input device according to the present embodiment. FIG.
8A to 8C are cross-sectional views showing the internal state of the input device during operation. As shown in FIG. 5A, the operator inserts the middle finger of the right hand into the concave portion 16a of the operator 16, puts the index finger and the ring finger on the operation unit 17, and operates the input device. Further, in FIG. 5B, the operator uses the index finger of the right hand to operate the operator 1.
6 into the recess 16a, and the thumb and the middle finger into the operating portion 17
Place it on top and operate the input device. The operation mode of the input device may be determined according to the feeling of use of the operator, and may be any operation mode illustrated or an operation mode other than that illustrated.

When the operator holds the input device in the above-described form and moves (slides) the operating element 16 in any desired direction, for example, the X-axis direction, as shown in FIGS. With the movement of 16, the shaft 20, the block portion 22b ₁ and the block portion 23a move in the same direction.
As shown in FIG. 6, the outer wall surface of the block portion 23a turns on the direction recognition switch 23b _{4 in} the moving direction, and the moving direction of the block portion 23a, that is, the operator 16
Is detected. Further, since the switch operation unit 17 also moves in accordance with the movement of the operator 16, the operator depresses the switch operation unit 17 in the state of FIG. 5A or 5B without moving the finger. be able to. When the operation unit 17 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 6A,
The switch contacts 19a and 19b contact each other, and the computer is instructed that the switch has been operated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the operating element 16 of the input device is provided with the concave portion 16a, the operating element 16 can be operated very easily and the operating element 16 can be operated.
Since the switch operation unit 17 also moves in accordance with the movement of, the switch can be operated without changing the gripping form of the input device.

[Modification 1] Next, Modification 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A shows a first modification.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a moving direction detection unit of FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view (overall) taken along the line AB in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view along the line CD in FIG.
It is. In the figure, the difference from the above-described embodiment is that the direction recognition switch 2 in the movement direction detection unit 23 described above is used.
In place of 3b ₁ , 23b ₂ , ..., 23b ₈ , rotation amount detectors 30a, 30b such as variable resistors are used.
The rotation amount detector 30a uses the rotation shaft 30a ₁ for the frame 22.
The rotation amount detector 30b is arranged so as to be in contact with one side surface of the a ₁ and the rotation shaft 30b 1 is connected to the block portion 22
It is arranged so as to contact one side surface of b ₁ . In addition,
The contact surface between the rotating shaft 30a ₁ and the frame 22a ₁ and the contact surface between the rotating shaft 30b ₁ and the block portion 22b ₁ may be rubber surfaces with increased frictional resistance or gears that do not cause slippage or the like. In the configuration described above, the rotation amount detector 30a detects the amount of movement of the frame 22a _{1 in} the Y-axis direction, and the rotation amount detector 30b detects the amount of movement of the block portion 22b _{1 in} the X-axis direction. ing. As the rotation amount detectors 30a and 30b, an encoder of an optical type or a magnetic type may be used in addition to the variable resistor. Further, the rotation amount detectors 30a and 30b may be configured to detect a relative movement amount or may be configured to detect an absolute coordinate position.

[Modification 2] Next, Modification 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the second modification of the input device. In the figure, the point different from the above-described embodiment is that the operation unit 17 that was movable in conjunction with the operation unit 16 is an operation unit 31 that is provided independently of the operation unit 16 and is fixed to the housing 15. It is in. That is, in the second modification, the manipulator 16 is the same as the operation unit 3 described above.
It is movable only inside the gap region 32 with 1. The switch contact 19b installed inside the operation unit 31 may have any of the ring shape and the circular shape shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In addition, the moving direction detector 23 is also shown in FIG.
Alternatively, any of the methods shown in FIGS.

[Modification 3] Next, Modification 3 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the modified example 3 of the input device. In the figure, the difference from the above-described embodiment is that a pedestal 33 is provided on the operating element 16, and switch operation parts 34a and 34b are provided at two positions of the pedestal 33.
Is provided. Since the pedestal 33 moves together with the manipulator 16, the manipulating portions 34a and 34b are
It is possible to move with it. The operation unit 34a,
The same function or different functions may be assigned to each of 34b. Further, the shape of the pedestal 33 and the positions of the operation portions 34a and 34b are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9, and may be determined according to the ease of operation. Further, in the third modification, the number of operation units is two, but the number is not limited to this, and the number may be increased or decreased as necessary.
In addition, the moving direction detection unit 23 may be the same as that shown in FIG.
Any of the methods shown in FIG.

[Modification 4] Next, Modification 4 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of Modification 4 of the input device. In the figure, the point different from the above-described embodiment is that the operating portions 34a and 34b of the switch in the modified example 3 are provided independently of the operating element 16 and are fixed to the housing 15. The operation unit 34a,
The same function or different functions may be assigned to each of 34b. Further, the positions of the operation units 34a and 34b are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10, and may be determined according to the ease of operation. In addition, in this modification 4,
Although the number of operation units is two, the number is not limited to this and may be increased or decreased as necessary. Furthermore, the moving direction detection unit 23 may be any method shown in FIG. 4 or FIGS.

[Fifth Modification] Next, a fifth modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of Modification 5 of the input device. In the figure, the difference from the above-described embodiment is that the switch operation unit 34 in Modification 3 shown in FIG. 9 or Modification 4 shown in FIG.
Each of a and 34b is in the shape of a meniscus and is provided annularly adjacent to the periphery of the manipulator 16 so as to face each other. The same function or different functions may be assigned to each of the operation units 34a and 34b. Even if the operating element 16 and the operating portions 34a and 34b are interlocked as in the example shown in FIG. 1 or 9, the operating element 16 and the operating portions 34a and 34b are separately provided in the housing 15 as in the example shown in FIG. 8 or 10. You may fix it. Furthermore, the moving direction detection unit 23 may be any method shown in FIG. 4 or FIGS.

[Modification 6] Next, Modification 6 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG.
1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a modification 6 of the input device, and FIG.
3 is a perspective view showing an operation mode of the input device shown in FIG. 11 is different from the above-described embodiment in that FIG.
Of the switch shown in FIG.
It is located where b is fixed to one side of the housing 15 (in this case, the right side of the operator). In this input device, as shown in FIG. 13, the operator is grasped by both hands, one of the hands (the right hand in the drawing) operates the operation portions 34a and 34b, and the other hand (the left hand in the drawing) operates the thumbs. The child 16 is intended to be operated, and is particularly applicable to a keypad used in a video game or the like.

It should be noted that each of the operation parts 34a and 34b has
Different functions may be assigned. In addition, the operation units 34a, 3
The position of 4b is not limited to the example shown in FIG.
It may be determined according to the ease of operation. Further, in the sixth modification, the number of operation units is two, but the number is not limited to this, and the number may be increased or decreased as necessary. Furthermore, the moving direction detection unit 23 may be any method shown in FIG. 4 or FIGS. Further, since the operator of the key pad used for the video game or the like is generally designed to be movable only in the X and Y axis directions, the operator 16 of the input device in the modification 6 is also movable in all directions. Do not do, X
It may be movable only in the axial direction and the Y-axis direction.

[Modification 7] Next, Modification 7 of the present embodiment.
Will be described with reference to FIG. 14A and 14
9B is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the input device of Modification 7. FIG.
In these drawings, the operating element 16 is separated from the collar portion 16b, and the operating element 16 is the operating portion 1 of the switch.
It is integrated with 7. Further, a pivot 50 is formed in the center of the manipulator 16. Therefore, the operation unit 17
Can move up and down about the pivot 50. Other configurations in this modification are similar to those of the input device shown in FIG.

[Modification 8] Next, Modification 8 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the input device according to the modified example 8. Axis 55
Is for transmitting the force applied to the operator 16 to the block 23a. The shaft 55 has a pivot 56 in its middle portion.
The axis 55 can move in all directions around the pivot 56. That is, the operator 16 can move in all directions while inclining.

[Modification 9] Next, FIG. 16 and FIG.
Modification Example 9 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A
FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the input device of this example, and FIG.
It is sectional drawing which follows the EF line in 6A. 16A and 16B, the shaft 60 penetrates the center of the operator 16 horizontally and rotatably. Both ends of the shaft 60 project from the operating element 16 and are fixed to the operating portion 17. Therefore, the shaft 60 is fixed only to the operation unit 17. FIG. 16C is a plan view showing the configuration of the collar portion 16b. Two switch contacts 19b1 and 19b2 are arranged on the collar portion 16b at positions orthogonal to the shaft 60. Also, switch contacts 19b1 and 19b2
Two switch contacts 19a1 and 19a2 are arranged on the inner side surface of the operating portion 17 above the. Operation part 17
Two coil springs 18 are provided between the and the collar portion 16b.
And 18 are arranged. According to this configuration, the operation unit 17 can be tilted in two directions about the shaft 60. As a result, the switch contact 19a1 contacts the switch contact 19b1, or the switch contact 19a2 contacts the switch contact 19b2. Therefore, modification 9
In, the input device can send two instructions to the computer. That is, one is the switch contact 19
It depends on whether a1 and 19b1 are in contact, the other one is switch contacts 19a2 and 19b2.
Depending on whether they are in contact.

Next, FIG. 17A is a perspective view showing the structure of another example of the switch section in the modification 9. FIG. 17A
In, in place of the shaft 60, two rod members 61 and 61 are arranged on the flange portion 16b in a straight line. The cross-sectional shape of the two rod members 61 and 61 is arched or elliptical. Two bar members 61 and 61
Supports the operation portion 17 on its upper surface. The switch contacts 19b1 and 19b2 and the coil springs 18 and 18 have the same configurations as those in FIG. 16C described above. According to this configuration, the operating portion 17 is in contact with the two rod members 61 and 61 that serve as fulcrums,
It can be tilted in two directions. As a result, the switch contact 19a1 contacts the switch contact 19b1, or the switch contact 19a2 contacts the switch contact 19b2.
Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 17A, the input device can send two instructions to the computer.
That is, one is the switch contacts 19a1 and 19b1.
Are in contact with each other, and the other is whether switch contacts 19a2 and 19b2 are in contact.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view showing still another modification of the ninth modification. In FIG. 17B, in place of the shaft 60, two protrusions 62 and 62 are provided as switch contacts 19
It is arranged on the collar portion 16b in a direction orthogonal to b1 and 19b2. The two protrusions 62 and 62 are formed in a hemispherical shape, and on the upper surface thereof, the operating portion 17
Has come to support. The switch contacts 19b1 and 19b2 and the coil springs 18 and 18 are configured in the same manner as in FIG. 16C described above. According to this configuration, the operation portion 17 can be tilted in two directions while being in contact with the two protrusions 62 and 62 that serve as fulcrums. As a result, the switch contact 19a1 contacts the switch contact 19b1, or the switch contact 19a2 contacts the switch contact 19b2. Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 17B, the input device can send two instructions to the computer. That is, one depends on whether the switch contacts 19a1 and 19b1 are in contact, and the other one is based on the switch contacts 19a2 and 1b.
This is because 9b2 is in contact.

Generally, in an input device, position information and two supports are supplied to a computer, such as a conventional mouse. In the input device of this example, it is sufficient that the operating portion 17 is inclined only in two directions, and only two sets of contacts 19a1, 19b1, 19a2, 19b are provided.
2 and has two coil springs 18 and 1
Such an operation is possible by providing 8 in the above. As a result, the input device of this example can have an extremely simple configuration.

However, the modification 9 described above, in particular, FIG.
7A and FIG. 17B, instead of the collar portion 16b,
The rod members 61 and 61 and the protrusions 62 and 62 can be arranged below the operating portion 17.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the manipulator 16 is substantially flat, and a plurality of small protrusions 160 are formed. The plurality of small protrusions 160 are provided on the operator's fingertip and the operator 1.
The slip of the upper surface of 6 is reduced. Other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment described in FIGS. 1A to 6C.

FIG. 19 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the manipulator 16 is substantially flat and has a narrow groove 161. The narrow groove 161 reduces the slip between the fingertip of the operator and the upper surface of the operator 16. Other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment described in FIGS. 1A to 6C.

FIG. 20 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the operator 16 has a flat upper surface 1
It has 62. Another configuration of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
It is similar to the first embodiment described in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the manipulator 16 is substantially flat and has a plurality of small holes 163. The small hole 163 reduces slippage between the operator's fingertip and the upper surface of the operator 16. Other configurations of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment described in FIGS. 1A to 6C.

In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification,
Although the concave portion 16a of the operator 16 has a concave shape that draws an appropriate curve, the concave shape is not limited to this as long as it is a shape in which a finger can be easily inserted. Further, although the input device is an independent device in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the input device is not limited to this, and may be provided on a keyboard of a computer, for example, and in a portable computer. ,
It may be provided directly on the main body.

Further, the shape of the operating portion 17 is not limited to the annular shape, but any shape such as a semi-circular shape or a U-shape can be adopted according to its function.

[0068]

The input device according to claim 1 includes an operator and
A detector for detecting the movement of the manipulator and a switch means are provided, and the manipulator indicates the coordinates in accordance with the position of the manipulator and protrudes to the outside of the housing. And a fingertip of the operator is configured to move in accordance with an external force applied to the operator when the operator's fingertip contacts the operator, and the switch means is substantially integrated with the operator. Since it is configured to move with the operation element by being provided in the computer, thereby instructing the computer to perform a predetermined function, the operator can easily operate the switch means while operating the operation element. can do. As a result, the operability of the input device can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a sectional view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a plan view showing one configuration example of the collar portion 16a, and FIG. 2B is a plan view showing another configuration example of the collar portion 16a.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a guide portion in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of a moving direction detection unit in the same embodiment.

5A and 5B are perspective views each showing an example of an operating method of the input device of the embodiment.

6A to 6C are cross-sectional views showing the internal state of the input device during operation.

7A is a plan view showing the configuration of a moving direction detection unit of Modification 1, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AB of FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C is CD of FIG. 7A. It is sectional drawing in a line.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a modified example 2 of the input device according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a modified example 3 of the input device according to the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a modified example 4 of the input device according to the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a modified example 5 of the input device according to the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a modification 6 of the input device according to the invention.

13 is a perspective view showing a holding form of the input device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to Modification 7. FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of this input device.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to Modification 8.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to Modification 9. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EF in FIG. 16A. FIG. 16C is a plan view showing the structure of the collar portion.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view showing another modification of Modification 9. FIG. FIG. 17B is a perspective view showing still another modification of Modification 9.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an input device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an input device according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a mouse, which is one of conventional input devices.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a trackball which is one of conventional input devices.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of a joystick which is one of conventional input devices.

[Explanation of symbols]

15 Housing 16 Operator 16a Recessed portion 17,31 Operation part (annular switch) 19b Contact (annular contact) 19b _{1 to} 19b ₈ contacts (discontinuous plural contacts) 33 Pedestal 34a, 34b Operation part (plural switches) )

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An input device for supplying coordinate data to a computer, the input device comprising an operator, a detector for detecting movement of the operator, and a switch means. , The operator is to indicate the coordinates according to the position, and is projected to the outside of the housing, and the operator's fingertip touches the operator to cause the operator to touch the operator. The switch means is configured to move according to an external force applied,
An input device, wherein the input device is configured to be provided integrally with the operating element so as to move together with the operating element, thereby instructing the computer to perform a predetermined function. 2. The input device further includes a return mechanism for returning the operating element to an initial position when an external force is removed from the operating element. Input device. 3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in an upper portion of the operator, and a finger of an operator can be inserted into the recess. 4. The switch means surrounds the periphery of the operation element, and the switch means includes an annular operation portion operated by an operator. Input device. 5. The switch means is provided with an annular contact which is turned on when the operation section is operated, regardless of the position of the operation section. Input device. 6. The input device according to claim 4, wherein the switch means is provided with a plurality of discontinuous contacts, one of which is turned on according to an operation position of the annular switch. 7. An input device for supplying coordinate data to a computer, the input device comprising an operator, a detector for detecting movement of the operator, and a plurality of switch means. The operating element indicates coordinates according to the position of the operating element, and the operating element protrudes to the outside of the housing, and the fingertip of the operator touches the operating element to perform the operation. The switch means is configured to move according to an external force applied to the child, and the plurality of switch means are configured to move together with the operator by being provided substantially integrally with the operator. And an input device configured to instruct the computer to perform a predetermined function. 8. The operating element is configured integrally with the operating portion, and the operating element is tiltable in forward and reverse directions so that the switch means is turned on by inclining the operating element. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is supported. 9. The manipulator is arranged so that the switch means is turned on by tilting the manipulator.
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is supported by a shaft having a fulcrum at an intermediate portion. 10. The return mechanism includes an X-direction guide portion that guides the operator along the X-axis direction, and a Y-direction guide portion that guides the operator along the Y-axis direction. The Y-direction guide portion includes a frame body that surrounds the X-direction guide portion, and a first elastic member that is arranged in the Y direction between the frame body and the housing. The Y-direction guide portion is configured to return the frame body to an initial position when an external force does not act on the frame body, and the X-direction guide portion includes a block portion connected to the operator. A second elastic member arranged in the X direction between the block portion and the frame body, whereby the block portion is moved to the initial position when an external force does not act on the block portion. Configured to wake up Input device according to claim 2, wherein the door. 11. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the detector includes relative position indicating means for detecting a moving direction and a moving amount of the operator. 12. The relative position indicating means is arranged inside the housing, and is attached to the manipulator, and a plurality of switches arranged in at least four directions within a movement range of the manipulator, And a contact that constitutes the plurality of switches, wherein the contact is provided in a moving direction of the operator such that the contact is turned on when the operator moves according to an external force. The input device according to claim 11. 13. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the detector includes an absolute position indicating means for detecting the position of the operator. 14. The absolute position indicating means comprises a position detector which is arranged in the housing and which is arranged at two positions in a direction orthogonal to a moving range of the operation element. The input device according to claim 13. 15. The input device according to claim 11, wherein the relative position detecting means is a variable resistor. 16. The input device according to claim 13, wherein the absolute position detecting means is a variable resistor. 17. The switch means includes an operation portion that is inclined in two directions by an operation of an operator, and is provided with a contact that is turned on depending on the inclination direction of the operation portion. The input device according to 1 or 4. 18. The input device according to claim 17, wherein the operation portion has an annular shape, and two contact points are provided. 19. The operation unit is configured to be inclined in two directions about an axis that rotatably and horizontally penetrates the operator.
Or the input device according to item 18. 20. The operation section is supported so as to be inclined in two directions by a protrusion formed below the annular operation element and supporting the operation element. The input device described. 21. The input according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the operator is provided with a slip reducing means for reducing a slip between the upper surface of the operator and a fingertip of an operator. apparatus.