WO2021075194A1 - Pointing device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention proposes a new pointing device which can be reduced in size and thickness and which excels in operability.　The pointing device is characterized by being provided with: a housing having a bottom base plate and an upper surface plate in which a first through-hole is formed; an operation frame positioned between the bottom base plate and the upper surface plate so as to be capable of moving in a two-dimensional direction that is parallel to the bottom base plate and the upper surface plate; a first elastic member for supporting the operation frame, the first elastic member being connected at one end to the housing and being connected at other end to the operation frame; and a sensor for detecting the relative position of the operation frame in the housing.

Description

Pointing devices and electronic devices

The present invention relates to a pointing device and an electronic device. The present invention claims the priority of application number 2019-188746 of the Japanese patent filed on October 15, 2019, and for designated countries that are permitted to be incorporated by reference to the literature, the contents described in the application are as follows. Incorporated into this application by reference.

Conventionally, a mouse, a pointing stick, a trackball, a touch pad, etc. are known as a pointing device used when operating an electronic device such as a personal computer.

These pointing devices are being miniaturized in order to improve operability and portability. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a miniaturized mouse.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-131806

However, each conventional pointing device still has the following problems.

As for the mouse, it is not portable because it is separate from the computer itself, it is easy to drop when carrying it because of its curved shape, it is necessary to replace the dry battery in the case of the wireless type, and the cable is operated in the case of the wired type. There are problems such as obstruction, the operation place is limited to a flat surface, and a mouse pad is required depending on the state of the flat surface.

As for the pointing stick, it takes time to get used to it, it is difficult to find the pointing stick when you take your hand off the keyboard because it exists in the keyboard, you feel tired easily because you have less freedom to put your finger on it, and you can operate it when you make it smaller. It is difficult to use because the movable range of time is narrowed, and there are problems such as the need for height to widen the movable range.

Regarding trackballs, there are problems such as it is difficult to make the trackball thinner because of the structure equipped with the ball, and if the ball is made smaller due to the thinnerness, the operability deteriorates.

The touchpad has problems such as low operability, unintended operation by the user due to touching the palm when operating the keyboard, and inability to operate with gloves.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to propose a new pointing device that can be miniaturized and thinned and has excellent operability.

The present application includes a plurality of means for solving at least a part of the above problems, and examples thereof are as follows.

In order to solve the above problems, the pointing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having a bottom substrate and a top plate on which a first through hole is formed, and a housing having a bottom substrate and a top plate parallel to the top plate. A first elastic body that is movably movable in a dimensional direction and is arranged between the bottom substrate and the top plate, one end of which is connected to the housing, and the other end of which is connected to the operation frame to support the operation frame. It is characterized by including a body and a sensor that detects a relative position of the operation frame in the housing.

An operation hole for inserting a finger into the operation frame can be formed in the operation frame, and the operation hole has a diameter smaller than that of the first through hole of the top plate and is not operated by the user. It can be arranged inside the first through hole in the initial position.

The pointing device is a guide that is partially connected to the operation frame and guides the movement of a second elastic body that supports the operation frame and a part of the second elastic body that accompanies the movement of the operation frame. A board and can be provided.

The first elastic body can be a coil spring, and the second elastic body can be a leaf spring.

The pointing device can include a first switch, which is inside the operation hole and is arranged below the operation frame.

The pointing device can include a second switch, which is arranged at a position different from the first through hole of the top plate.

The pointing device can be provided with an operation hole changing member that is removable from the operation frame and changes at least one of the diameter and shape of the operation hole.

The electronic device according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the pointing device is incorporated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to propose a new pointing device that can be miniaturized and thinned and has excellent operability.

Issues, configurations and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the explanation of the following embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device equipped with a pointing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of the appearance of the pointing device. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the internal structure of the pointing device. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing an example of the internal structure of the pointing device. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the operation frame. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation hole changing member. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example in which the pointing device is an external type.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings for explaining one embodiment, in principle, the same members are designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted. Further, in the following embodiments, it goes without saying that the components (including element steps and the like) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or clearly considered to be essential in principle. No. In addition, when saying "consisting of A", "consisting of A", "having A", and "including A", other elements are excluded unless it is clearly stated that it is only that element. It goes without saying that it is not something to do. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when the shape, positional relationship, etc. of a component or the like is referred to, the shape, etc. It shall include those similar to or similar to.

<Electronic device 10 equipped with the pointing device 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device 10 in which a pointing device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated.

In the case of the figure, the electronic device 10 is a notebook PC (personal computer), and the pointing device 20 is, for example, the center of the upper surface of the electronic device 10 on the front side (a touch pad is mounted on the existing notebook PC). It is installed in the position where it is. The position of the pointing device 20 is not limited to the illustrated example, and can be arranged at any position such as, for example, the right end on the front side of the upper surface of the main body of the electronic device 10.

Next, a configuration example of the pointing device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of the appearance of the pointing device 20, FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the internal structure of the pointing device 20, and FIG. 4 is an example of the internal structure of the pointing device 20. It is an exploded view which shows.

First, the appearance of the pointing device 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the pointing device 20 has a top plate 21 arranged on the same plane as the upper surface of the main body of the electronic device 10. The top plate 21 is formed with a circular first through hole 22. Further, the upper surface plate 21 is formed with a rectangular second through hole 26 on the front side (lower side in FIG. 2) for the user. The shapes of the first through hole 22 and the second through hole 26 are not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the first through hole 22 may be oval and the second through hole 26 may be circular or oval.

An operation frame 23 having a circular operation hole 24 is arranged below the first through hole 22 formed in the upper surface plate 21. A first switch 25 is arranged below the operation hole 24 formed in the operation frame 23. Therefore, when the pointing device 20 is viewed from above, the operation frame 23 and the operation hole 24 can be seen inside the first through hole 22 of the top plate 21, and the first switch 25 can be seen inside the operation hole 24. become.

It is desirable that the diameter of the operation hole 24 is large enough for the user to insert a finger to move the operation frame 23 and click the first switch 25. The shape of the operation hole 24 is not limited to a circle, but may be an ellipse or a polygon.

Inside the second through hole 26 in the upper surface plate 21, the second switch 27 is arranged on the same plane as the upper surface of the main body of the electronic device 10.

The first switch 25 and the second switch 27 detect a click operation from the user and output a detection signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 37.

Next, the internal structure of the pointing device 20 will be described. The pointing device 20 has a top plate 21, a bottom substrate 31, and a side wall 32 as a housing 30 thereof.

An operation frame 23 supported by a tension type coil spring 33 is arranged between the top plate 21 and the bottom substrate 31. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation frame 23 is formed in a rectangular shape, and each of the two opposing sides of the operation frame 23 parallel to the y-axis is fixed to the side wall 32 via two coil springs 33. As a result, the operation frame 23 can be flexibly moved in the two-dimensional direction parallel to the top plate 21 and the bottom substrate 31. For example, in the initial state in which the user is not operating the operation frame 23, the operation frame 23 is arranged at an initial position where the center of the operation hole 24 substantially coincides with the center of the first through hole 22. Then, when the user inserts a finger into the operation hole 24 and moves the operation frame 23, a restoring force (tension) of the coil spring 33 is generated, and when the user loosens the force of the finger or pulls out the finger from the operation hole 24. , The operation frame 23 returns to the initial position. The coil spring 33 corresponds to the first elastic body of the present invention. In the case of the present embodiment, two coil springs 33 are provided on each side parallel to the y-axis, but one coil spring 33 or three or more coil springs may be provided.

Further, one end (fixed end) of the leaf spring 34 is connected to each of the two opposing sides of the operation frame 23 parallel to the x-axis. The leaf spring 34 corresponds to the second elastic body of the present invention.

A guide plate 41 arranged so as to sandwich the operation frame 23 from the + y-axis direction and the −y-axis direction is provided between the top plate 21 and the bottom substrate 31, and the other end (free end) of the leaf spring 33. Is in contact with or close to the guide plate 41 in the initial position of the operation frame 23. The side surface of the guide plate 41 on the operation frame 23 side is formed in an arc shape so as to guide the other end of the leaf spring 34 that moves with the movement of the operation frame 23. By providing the leaf spring 34 and the guide plate 41, it is possible to give an operation feeling (repulsive force) when the user moves the operation frame 23. Further, the leaf spring 34 can suppress the vibration when the operation frame 23 returns to the initial position.

A light reflection region 42 having a random pattern or fine irregularities is provided on the lower surface of the operation frame 23. An x-axis sensor 35, a y-axis sensor 36, and a control unit 37 are provided below the region of the operation frame 23 below the operation hole 24.

The x-axis sensor 35 and the y-axis sensor 36 include, for example, an optical sensor. The x-axis sensor 35 irradiates the light reflection region 42 provided on the lower surface of the operation frame 23 with light, detects the relative movement amount of the operation frame 23 in the x-axis direction based on the reflected light, and detects the detection result. Is output to the control unit 37. Similarly, the y-axis sensor 36 irradiates the light reflection region 42 provided on the lower surface of the operation frame 23 with light, and detects the relative movement amount of the operation frame 23 in the y-axis direction based on the reflected light. , A detection signal representing the detection result is output to the control unit 37.

The control unit 37 transmits the detection signals from the first switch 25, the second switch 27, the x-axis sensor 35, and the y-axis sensor 36 to the driver program for the pointing device 20 that is pre-installed in the electronic device 10. Output to (shown).

In the driver program, the detection signal from the control unit 37 is converted into a control signal for the electronic device 10 and output to the OS (Operation System) program of the electronic device 10. This makes it possible to operate the electronic device 10 using the pointing device 20.

<Operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding to the operation of the pointing device 20>
Next, an example of the operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding to the operation of the pointing device 20 will be described in comparison with the conventional mouse.

The movement of the operation frame 23 corresponds to the movement of the mouse body, and the pointer such as the cursor displayed on the screen of the electronic device 10 can be moved. The first switch 25 corresponds to the left button of the mouse, and by clicking the first switch 25, an icon or the like pointed to by the pointer can be selected. The second switch 27 corresponds to the right button of the mouse, and by clicking the second switch 27, a menu related to the icon pointed to by the pointer or the like can be displayed.

When the operation frame 23 is quickly reciprocated two times back and forth (y-axis direction) or left and right (x-axis direction), the electronic device 10 can be shifted to the scroll mode. In the scroll mode, the operation frame 23 corresponds to a wheel provided on the mouse. That is, by moving the operation frame 23, the screen can be scrolled according to the moving direction while moving. In addition, the scroll speed can be adjusted according to the amount of movement. In the scroll mode, the scroll mode can be canceled by quickly reciprocating the operation frame 23 back and forth or left and right twice while clicking the first switch 25.

When the operation frame 23 is quickly reciprocated back and forth or left and right twice while the second switch 27 is clicked, the electronic device 10 can be transitioned to the auto scroll mode (a mode in which the mouse wheel is pressed to transition). In the auto-scroll mode, the operation frame 23 corresponds to the main body of the mouse, and the pointer on the screen is changed to the auto-scroll mark. That is, by moving the operation frame 23 (the operation frame 23 may be returned to the initial position after the movement), scrolling of the screen can be continued according to the moving direction. In addition, the scroll speed can be adjusted according to the amount of movement. In the auto-scroll mode, the auto-scroll mode can be canceled by quickly reciprocating the operation frame 23 back and forth or left and right twice with the first switch 25 clicked.

The operation of the electronic device 10 corresponding to the operation of the pointing device 20 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and can be appropriately changed by using the driver program for the pointing device 20.

<About the movement of the operation frame 23>
Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the operation frame 23, in which the upper surface plate 21 is removed from the pointing device 20, and the operation frame 23, the coil spring 33, the leaf spring 34, and the guide plate 41 are viewed from above. It shows the state. The operation frame 23 is in the initial position in the figure (A), the operation frame 23 is moved from the initial position to the right in the drawing in the figure (B), and the operation frame 23 is in the initial position in the figure (C). A state in which the operation frame 23 is moved diagonally upward to the right of the drawing from the initial position in the state of being moved upward in the drawing from the position, FIG. It shows the case where it is not.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the user moves the operation frame 23 from the initial position to the right, the stretched side fixed to the left side of the two sides parallel to the y-axis of the operation frame 23. A tension is generated in the two coil springs 33 to pull the operation frame 23 back to the left. Therefore, the operation frame 23 is moved to the right while receiving the force M1 that pulls it back to the left without rotating. The same applies to the case where the user moves the operation frame 23 from the initial position to the left.

As shown in FIG. 3C, when the user moves the operation frame 23 upward from the initial position, the operation frame 23 is lowered to the four stretched coil springs 33 fixed to the operation frame 23. Generates tension equal to the direction of pulling back. Therefore, the operation frame 23 is moved upward while receiving the downward pulling force M2 without rotating. The same applies to the case where the user moves the operation frame 23 downward from the initial position.

As shown in FIG. 3D, when the user moves the operation frame 23 diagonally upward to the right of the drawing from the initial position, a counterclockwise rotational force M3 is applied to the operation frame 23 by the action of the coil spring 33 on the left side. appear. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3E, if the leaf spring 34 and the guide plate 41 are not provided, the operation frame 23 is rotated by the generated rotational force M3, which makes the user feel and operability. It may give a feeling of strangeness. The same applies to the case where the user moves the operation frame 23 from the initial position in another diagonal direction.

However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3D, the leaf spring 34 and the guide plate 41 formed in an arc shape are provided, so that the other end of the leaf spring 34 on the upper right hits the arc. The downward repulsive force generated when moving while in contact can cancel the rotational force M3 generated in the operation frame 23, and the rotation of the operation frame 23 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable with the touch and operability. Similarly, when the user moves the operation frame 23 from the initial position in another diagonal direction, the rotation of the operation frame 23 can be suppressed.

<First modification>
Next, a first modification of the pointing device 20 will be described.

As described above, it is desirable that the diameter of the operation hole 24 is such that the user can insert a finger to move the operation frame 23 and click the first switch 25. However, the thickness of the fingers varies from person to person, with some being extremely thick and others being thin. Therefore, a plurality of operation hole changing members 51 having different inner peripheral diameters and shapes may be prepared so as to correspond to the thickness of the user's finger.

6A and 6B are views for explaining the operation hole changing member 51, FIG. 6A shows an example of the operation hole changing member 51, and FIG. 6B shows the operation hole changing member 51 having an operation hole. It shows the state of being attached to 24.

The operation hole changing member 51 is formed in an annular shape, the outer circumference thereof coincides with the operation hole 24, and the inner circumference is formed to have a diameter smaller than that of the operation hole 24. Then, a recess is formed around the widely formed operation hole 24 so that the operation hole changing member 51 can be attached to and detached from the operation hole 24, and the outer circumference of the operation hole changing member 51 is convex. Try to form a part.

The user selects the operation hole changing member 51 that suits the thickness and preference of his / her finger and attaches it to the operation hole 24. As a result, operability suitable for the user can be realized. The shape of the inner circumference of the operation hole changing member 51 is not limited to a circle, but may be an ellipse or a polygon. Further, the attachment / detachment structure of the operation hole changing member 51 with respect to the operation frame 23 is not limited to unevenness.

<Second modification>
Next, FIG. 7 shows a second modification of the pointing device 20.

In the above description, the pointing device 20 has been described as being incorporated in the electronic device 10, but as shown in FIG. 7, the pointing device 20 may be externally attached to the electronic device 10.

Communication between the electronic device 10 and the pointing device 20 may be performed by, for example, a wired connection via USB (Universal Serial Bus), or may be performed by a wireless connection using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (trademark). ..

<Summary>
According to the pointing device 20 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

Since the pointing device 20 has only an operation frame 23 in which the movable portion inside thereof moves in the two-dimensional direction, it can be easily made thinner than a mouse, a pointing stick, a trackball, or the like. Further, since the operated operation frame 23 to be moved does not come into contact with other components and is supported by the coil spring 33 and floats, it is possible to prevent the operation frame 23 from being worn. Further, since the user's operation on the operation frame 23 does not generate a downward load, it is not necessary to design the strength in consideration of the downward load.

In the pointing device 20, since the moving range of the operation frame 23 can be provided relatively wide, the user can easily move the fingertip, and the moving direction and moving speed of the pointer can be easily adjusted.

Since the first switch 25 is arranged inside the operation frame 23, the user can easily perform operations such as dragging with one finger.

Since the second switch 27 is provided at a position away from the operation frame 23, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation on the other when operating on one.

The effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limited, and other effects may be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. For example, each of the above-described embodiments has been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all the components described above. Further, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, it is possible to add / delete / replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration.

10 ... Electronic equipment, 20 ... Pointing device, 21 ... Top plate, 22 ... First through hole, 23 ... Operation frame, 24 ... Operation hole, 25 ... No. 1 switch, 26 ... 2nd through hole, 27 ... 2nd switch, 30 ... housing, 31 ... bottom board, 32 ... side wall, 33 ... coil spring, 34 ... leaf spring, 35 ... x-axis sensor, 36 ... y-axis sensor, 37 ... control unit, 41 ... guide plate, 42 ... light reflection area, 51 ... operation hole Change member

Claims (8)

1. A housing having a bottom substrate and a top plate on which a first through hole is formed,
   An operation frame arranged between the bottom substrate and the top plate so as to be movable in a two-dimensional direction parallel to the bottom substrate and the top plate.
   A first elastic body having one end connected to the housing and the other end connected to the operation frame to support the operation frame.
   A sensor that detects the relative position of the operation frame in the housing, and
   A pointing device characterized by being equipped with.
2. The pointing device according to claim 1.
   The operation frame is formed with an operation hole for a user to insert a finger.
   The pointing device is characterized in that the operation hole has a diameter smaller than that of the first through hole of the top plate and is arranged inside the first through hole at an initial position not operated by the user. ..
3. The pointing device according to claim 1 or 2.
   A second elastic body that is partially connected to the operation frame and supports the operation frame, and
   A guide plate that guides the movement of a part of the second elastic body accompanying the movement of the operation frame, and
   A pointing device characterized by being equipped with.
4. The pointing device according to claim 3.
   The first elastic body is a coil spring.
   The second elastic body is a pointing device characterized by being a leaf spring.
5. The pointing device according to claim 2.
   A first switch located inside the operation hole and below the operation frame,
   A pointing device characterized by being equipped with.
6. The pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
   A second switch located at a position different from the first through hole of the top plate,
   A pointing device characterized by being equipped with.
7. The pointing device according to claim 2.
   An operation hole changing member that is removable from the operation frame and changes at least one of the diameter and shape of the operation hole.
   A pointing device characterized by being equipped with.
8. An electronic device comprising the pointing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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