JP2004014158A

JP2004014158A - Multi-directional inputting device

Info

Publication number: JP2004014158A
Application number: JP2002162377A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa; 石川　新治
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-04
Filing date: 2002-06-04
Publication date: 2004-01-15

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-directional inputting device which improves the operability of a multi-directional inputting member operable from multiple directions and enables highly-accurate inputting. <P>SOLUTION: The multi-directional inputting device of the present invention comprises a first inputting member 3 having a hollow portion 4a which can be inputted by rotational operations and a second inputting member 8 which can be inputted by operations from multiple directions. The first inputting member 3 is coupled to a rotationally-operable first operating member 12, and the first operating member 12 forms a cavity portion 12d capable of housing the second inputting member 8. The second inputting member 8 is coupled to a rotationally-operable second operating member 13, and is positioned above the first inputting member 3. The second operating member 13 is exposed from an opening portion 12e which opens the upper portion of the cavity portion 12d of the first operating member 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、多方向入力装置に係り、特に、ホーム用や車載用の各種電子機器などに使用される多方向入力可能な多方向入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
ホーム用及び車載用の各種電子機器などに使用される従来の多方向入力装置３１は、図３に示すように、電子機器（図示せず）側の回路基板３２に取り付けられている。この回路基板３２に取り付けた従来の多方向入力装置３１は、例えばロータリースイッチ３３と、このロータリスイッチ３３の中空内部には、多方向入力スイッチ３４が配設されている。
前記多方向入力スイッチ３４は、ケース３４ａから垂直方向に立設する操作軸３４ｂを有し、ケース３４ａ内部に位置する操作軸３４ｂの端部が、ケース３４ａ内部の基板（図示せず）に取り付けられている。そして、基板の操作軸３４ｂを取り付けた周囲の４方向に４個スイッチ（図示せず）が取り付けられている。
そして、後述する傾倒操作つまみ３８を矢印Ａ方向に回動させると、操作軸３４ｂが傾倒して、傾倒方向に配置されたスイッチがＯＮして、操作軸の傾倒方向を検知可能になっている。
【０００３】
また、ロータリースイッチ３３の外周側には、検出スイッチ３５が配設されており、この検出スイッチ３５は、操作レバー３５ａを押圧操作することによりスイッチＯＮするようになっている。
また、ロータリースイッチ３３の上部には、円環状の回転板３６が配設されており、この回転板３６は、回転可能で且つ上下動可能になっている。
また、回転板３６には、この回転板３６を回転操作、および上下動操作可能な外形が円形状の回転操作つまみ３７が取り付けられている。この回転操作つまみ３７は、操作者が把持可能な外形が円形状で厚さ寸法Ｔの操作部３７ａと、この操作部３７ａの内部に空洞部３７ｂとが形成され、空洞部３７ｂの上方が開放されて開口部３７ｃが形成されている。
【０００４】
また、多方向入力スイッチ３４の操作軸３４ａには、傾倒操作つまみ３８が取り付けられており、この傾倒操作つまみ３８は、操作軸３４ｂに圧入等で連結するための長尺状で棒状の連結部３８ａと、この連結部３８ａの上部側に操作部３８ｂが形成されている。
また、傾倒操作つまみ３８は、操作部３８ｂが回転操作つまみ３７の開口部３７ｃから露出して、断面形状が略Ｔ字状に形成されている。
そして、傾倒操作つまみ３８は、操作軸３４ｂを支点として操作部３８ｂを矢印Ａ方向に回動操作すると、操作軸３４ｂが操作部３８ｂの回動量に対応して傾倒して、傾倒方向に配置したスイッチがＯＮするようになっている。
【０００５】
このような構成の従来の多方向入力装置３１の操作は、回転操作つまみ３７を回転操作すると、回転板３６を介してロータリスイッチ３３の可動接点（図示せず）が回転してスイッチ回路を切り換えるようになっている。
また、回転操作つまみ３７を押圧操作して下方に降下させると、回転板３６の同時に降下して、検出スイッチ３５がＯＮされる。
また、傾倒操作つまみ３８の操作部３８ｂを、矢印Ａ方向に回動操作することにより、この回動に連動して操作軸３４ｂが傾倒し、ケース３４ａ内部の基板に取り付けたスイッチＯＮして、操作軸３４ｂの傾倒方向が検出されるようになっている。
そして、多方向入力スイッチ３４は、操作軸３４ｂの傾倒量が大きいほど、確実にスイッチをＯＮさせることができるので、傾倒操作つまみ３７の矢印Ａ方向の回動量は大きな方が良い。
【０００６】
このような構成の従来の多方向入力装置３１においては、電子機器側の回路基板３２にロータリースイッチ３３、多方向入力スイッチ３４、検出スイッチ３５を取り付けていた。
また、回転操作つまみ３７は、操作者が把持しやすいような厚さ寸法Ｔに厚くしていたので、傾倒操作つまみ３８の連結部３８ａの長さが長くなっていた。
あるいは、操作者の操作性を考慮して、回転操作つまみ３７の回路基板３２からの取り付け高さを高くすることもある。このような回路基板３２から回転操作つまみ３７までの高さが高くなっても、多方向入力スイッチ３４の取り付け高さは変わらないので、傾倒操作つまみ３８の連結部３８ａの長さが、更に長くなっていた。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上述した従来の多方向入力装置３１においては、傾倒操作つまみ３８の連結部３８ａの長さが長くなればなるほど、傾倒操作つまみ３８の操作部３８ｂの矢印Ａ方向の回動量を大きくしないと、多方向入力スイッチ３４の操作軸３４ｂの傾倒量を大きくできなかったので操作性が悪くなる問題があった。
また、操作軸４ｂの傾倒量を大きくするためには、回転操作つまみ３７の開口部３７ｃを大きくしなければならず、多方向入力装置３１が大型になる問題があった。
また、操作部がロール状あるいはボール状の多方向入力スイッチ（図示せず）用いる場合は、回路基板３２からロール状あるいはボール状操作部までの高さが低いために、操作部を開口部３７ｃから露出させることができず、操作できなくなる問題があった。
【０００８】
本発明は前述したような問題点に鑑みてなされたもので、多方向からの操作が可能な多方向入力部材の操作性を向上させて、高精度な入力が可能な多方向入力装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するための第１の解決手段として本発明の多方向入力装置は、回転操作により入力可能な回転軸心方向に中空部を有する第１の入力部材と、多方向からの操作により入力可能な第２の入力部材とを備え、前記第１の入力部材は、回転操作可能な第１の操作部材に連結され、この第１の操作部材は、前記第２の入力部材を収納可能な空洞部を形成し、前記第２の入力部材は、前記多方向からの操作が可能な第２の操作部材に連結され、
前記第２入力部材を前記第１の入力部材より上方に位置させると共に、前記第１操作部材の前記空洞部の上部を開放する開口部から前記第２の操作部材を露出させたことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、上記課題を解決するための第２の解決手段として、前記第１の入力部材の前記中空部にスペーサ部材を配設し、このスペーサ部材は、一端部側が前記中空部より上方に突出して配置され、前記スペーサ部材の前記一端部側に前記第２の入力部材を取り付けたことを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、上記課題を解決するための第３の解決手段として、前記第２の入力部材は、前記第２の操作部材に連結する操作軸を有し、前記第１の操作部材の前記開口部から露出する前記第２の操作部材を回動操作することにより前記操作軸が傾倒するようにしたことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、上記課題を解決するための第４の解決手段として、前記第１の操作部材は、前記回転操作および押圧操作が可能とし、前記第１の入力部材の外周部に第３の入力部材を配設し、この第３の入力部材は、前記第１の操作部材の前記押圧操作により入力可能としたことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、上記課題を解決するための第５の解決手段として、前記第１の操作部材は、前記スペーサ部材の前記一端部側にガイドされて、前記回転操作および前記押圧操作が可能になっていることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、上記課題を解決するための第６の解決手段として、前記第１、第３の入力部材、および前記第２の入力部材を取り付けた前記スペーサ部材を同一の回路基板に取り付けたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、上記課題を解決するための第７の解決手段として、前記第２の操作部材は、透明材料あるいは半透明材料からなり、前記第２の操作部材の下方側で前記第２の入力部材を取り付けた近傍に照光部材を配設したこと特徴とする。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施の形態を図１、図２に示す。図１は本発明に関する多方向入力装置の要部断面図であり、図２は本発明に関する多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である。
まず、本発明の多方向入力装置１は、電子機器、例えば車載用のカーナビゲーション（図示せず）等を操作する操作部の回路基板２に取り付けられている。
【００１７】
この回路基板２に取り付けた本発明の多方向入力装置１は、例えばロータリーエンコーダからなる略円筒状の第１の入力部材３が配設されている。この第１の入力部材３は、回転可能な円筒状の回転体４と、この回転体４を回転可能に軸支するケース部材５とからなっている。
前記回転体４は、回転軸心方向に中空部４ａが形成され、外周面の円周方向にＮ極、Ｓ極からなる複数の磁極が分割形成されている。また、回転体４の外周部には、上下方向に複数の凸条部４ｂが所定の高さと幅寸法で形成されている。
また、回転体４を軸支するケース部材５は、内部にホール素子（図示せず）が配設され、回転体４の回転角度を検出可能になっている。
【００１８】
また、第１の入力部材３の中空部４ａ内の回路基板２上には、径寸法が異なる２つの筒状の第１、第２支持部６ａ、６ｂを有する所定高さのスペーサ部材６が配設されている。
このスペーサ部材６は、径寸法の小さな筒状の第１支持部６ａが中空部４ａ内に位置し、この第１支持部６ａの一端部側が、中空部４ａより上方に突出した状態になっており、この中空部４ａから突出した一端部側に、第１支持部６ａより径寸法の大きな筒状の第２支持部６ｂが形成されている。
【００１９】
また、第２支持部６ｂの筒状内部で、第１支持部６ａの一端部側には、取付板７を介して第２の入力部材８が取り付けられている。即ち、第１の入力部材３より上方に第２の入力部材８が配設されている。
前記第２の入力部材８は、多方向からの操作により入力可能とされ、ケース部材８ａとこのケース部材８ａから垂直方向の上方側に立設する柱状の操作軸８ｂとを有している。
そして、ケース部材８ａ内部に位置する操作軸８ｂの一端部が、操作軸８ｂと直交する方向に配設した板状で弾性変形可能な基台（図示せず）に固着されている。
【００２０】
そして、ケース部材８ａ内部の基台は、例えば操作軸８ｂを固着した固着部分を中心と四方の表面、または裏面のいずれか一方の面に、基台の歪みを検出可能な４個の歪み検出センサ（図示せず）が接着剤等により取り付けられている。
このような第２の入力部材８は、例えば操作軸８ｂを任意の方向（多方向）に所定量傾倒操作することにより基台が歪み、この基台の歪み量を４個の歪みセンサが検出し、この検出信号が制御部（図示せず）に出力されるようになっている。
また、ケース部材８ａ内部の基台の下部には、スイッチ部材（図示せず）が配設されており、操作軸８ｂを押圧操作することにより、基台が下方に撓んで下部のスイッチ部材の回路を切り換えるようになっている。
【００２１】
また、第１の入力部材３を取り付けた外周側の４方向の回路基板２には、押圧操作により入力可能な、例えば検出スイッチからなる第３の入力部材９が配設されている。
この第３の入力部材９は、ケース９ａとこのケース９ａ内部のスイッチ回路を切り換え可能な操作レバー９ｂとを有し、この操作レバー９ｂは、内部に配設した弾性部材（図示せず）により常に上方側に弾性付勢されている。
【００２２】
また、第１の入力部材３の回転体４の外周部には、回転体４に回転伝達可能な円環状の第１の回転板１０が配設され、この第１の回転板１０は、回転体４の外周部にガイドされて昇降自在になっている。
前記第１の回転板１０は、内周側に所定の直径と高さ寸法のボス部１０ａが形成され、このボス部１０ａの内周側には、第１の入力部材３の回転体４が挿通可能な貫通穴１０ｂが形成されている。
また、貫通穴１０ｂの内周面の一部には、図示上下方向にキー溝状のガイド溝（図示せず）が形成され、回転体４に形成した凸条部４ｂにガイド溝を係合させることにより、回転体４に第１の回転板１０が昇降自在に支持されると共に、第１の回転板１０が回転することにより、回転体４も追従して回転するようになっている。
【００２３】
また、第１の回転板１０には、外周部寄りの下面に第２の回転板１１がネジ止め等で取り付けられている。この第２の回転板１１には、第３の入力部材９の操作レバー９ｂが弾性付勢している。
また、第１の入力部材３には、回転体４に上下動自在に支持される第１の回転体１０を介して第１の操作部材１２が連結されている。この第１の操作部材１２は、樹脂材料等からなり、操作者が把持可能な略円形状の操作部１２ａが形成されている。
この操作部１２ａの外周部で上部のコーナ部には、面取り状の傾斜面が形成され、この傾斜面に、複数のＵ字状の溝からなる滑り止め部１２ｂが形成されており、操作者が操作部１２ａを把持して回転操作するときの滑り止めになっている。
【００２４】
また、第１の操作部材１２には、操作部１２ａの外径寸法より小さい連結部１２ｃが図示下方側に延出形成されている。
そして、連結部１２ｃから操作部１２ａにかけた内部に、下方が開放された所定深さの空洞部１２ｄが形成され、この空洞部１２ｄにスペーサ部材６の一端部側である第２の支持部６ｂが挿入可能になっている。
このような第１の操作部材１２は、空洞部１２ｄにスペーサ部材６の第２支持部６ｂを挿入することにより、第２支持部６ｂに空洞部１２ｄがガイドされて、回転および昇降自在になっている。
【００２５】
即ち、第１の操作部材１２は、スペーサ部材６の一端部側である第２支持部６ｂにガイドされて、回転操作および押圧操作が可能になっている。
また、空洞部１２ｄは、上方が開放されて開口部１２ｅが形成され、この開口部１２ｅに後述する第２の操作部材１５が位置すると共に、開口部１２ｅから上方に露出するようになっている。
また、第１の操作部材１２は、連結部１２ｃの下端部が第１の回転板１０がネジ止め等で取り付けられて、一体化されている。
【００２６】
そのために、第１の操作部材１２を矢印Ｂ方向に回転操作すると、回転体４が第１の回転板１０を介して回転するようになっている。
また、第１の操作部材１２を矢印Ｃ方向に押圧操作して降下させると、第１、第２の回転板１３、１４を介して第３の入力部材９の操作レバー９ｂが押圧して内部のスイッチがＯＮするようになっている
【００２７】
また、スペーサ部材６の一端部側である第２支持部６ｂ側に取り付けた第２の入力部材８の操作軸８ｂには、外形が椀状で内部がドーム状の空洞になった第２の操作部材１３が連結されて取り付けられている。
この第２の操作部材１３は、透明、または所望の色に着色された半透明の樹脂材料で形成されている。
そして、第２の操作部材１３は、天井部分を含む椀状の外周部側が操作部１３ａとなっている。また、操作部１３ａのドーム状の空洞内部の天井部からは、下方に向けて突出する棒状の連結部１３ｂが形成されている。
また、ドーム状の操作部１３ａの下方側の外周部には、所定の厚さと寸法で外方に突出する鍔部１３ｃが形成されている。
【００２８】
そして、連結部１３ｂを第２入力部材８の操作軸８ｂに圧入等で取り付けることにより、第２の入力部材８に第２の操作部材１３が連結されている。このような第２の入力部材８に連結した第２の操作部材１３は、操作軸８ｂを支点として操作部１３ａを矢印Ｄの任意の方向（多方向）に回動操作すると、この回動量に対応して操作軸８ｂが同方向に傾倒するようになっている。
また、第２の操作部材１３の下方側で、第２の入力部材８を取り付けた近傍には、ＬＥＤ等からなる照光部材１４が配設されている。
このような構成の本発明の多方向入力装置１は、各種の電子機器、例えば車載用のカーナビゲーション等の回路基板２にネジ止めおよびハンダ付けで取り付けられている。
【００２９】
このような構成の本発明の多方向入力装置１の操作は、操作者が第１の操作部材１２を矢印Ｂ方向、または反対方向に回転操作すると、第１の回転板１０を介して第１の入力装置３の回転体４が回転する。この回転体４の回転をケース部材５内部のホール素子（図示せず）が検出することにより、検出信号が制御部（図示せず）に出力され、回転体４の回転角度が検出される。
そして、この回転体４の回転角度に対応して、例えばカーナビゲーション等のディスプレーに表示されたメニュウ等を選択できるようになっている。
また、第１の操作部材１２を矢印Ｃ方向に押圧操作して下方に降下させると、第１、第２の回転板１０、１１を介して第３の入力部材９の操作レバー９ｂが押圧される。
このことにより、第３の入力部材９のスイッチ回路が切り替わり、選択したメニュウを決定できるようになっている。
【００３０】
また、第２の操作部材１３を矢印Ｄ方向に回動操作すると、操作軸８ｂが傾倒し、ケース部材８ａ内部の基台（図示せず）が歪む。この基台の歪み量を４個の歪みセンサ（図示せず）が検出して、検出信号が制御部（図示せず）に出力される。この検出信号により操作軸８ｂの傾倒方向および傾倒量が制御部で検出され、例えばカーナビゲーション等のディスプレーに表示される画面をスクロール等できるようになっている。あるいは、カーソル等を操作軸８ｂの傾倒方向に移動させることができる。
その後、第２の操作部材１３を押圧操作すると、ケース部材８ａ内部のスイッチ部材（図示せず）がＯＮして、移動させたカーソルを決定することができるようになっている。
また、周囲が暗くなった夜間等に操作するときは、照光部材１４を点灯することにより、照光部材１３の光が、透明あるいは半透明の第２の操作部材１３を透過して、夜間等でも第１、第２の操作部材１２、１３の操作性を向上させることができる。
【００３１】
このような本発明の多方向入力装置１は、第２の入力部材８が第１の入力部材３より上方に位置させているので、第１の操作部材１２の開口部１２ｅから第２の入力部材８までの距離を小さくできる。
そのために、操作軸８ｂを支点として回動する第２の操作部材１３の回動量を大きくすることができ、第２の入力部材８の操作軸８ｂの傾倒量を大きくすることができる。
このような、操作軸８ｂの傾倒量が大きくなることにより、第２入力部材８の入力を高精度に行うことができる。
また、スペーサ部材６の第１支持部６ａを、回転体４より更に上方に突出させることにより、第２操作部材１３の矢印Ｄ方向の回動量が小さくても、操作軸８ｂの傾倒量を大きくすることができ、第２の入力部材８の操作性を更に向上することができる。
【００３２】
本発明の実施の形態の説明では、第２の入力部材８を、歪みセンサを用いたもので説明したが、基台の４方向の面上に４個のスイッチを取り付けて、操作軸８ｂを４方向のいずれか１方向に傾倒させることにより、いずれか１個のスイッチ回路を切り換えて、操作軸８ｂの傾倒方向を検出するようにしたものでも良い。
また、本発明に係わる第２の操作部材１３は、操作軸８ｂを支点として回動するもので説明したが、回転操作可能なロール状、あるいはボール状の操作部材（図示せず）を備え、この操作部材の回転数等を検出することにより入力可能とした多方向入力部材でも良い。
【００３３】
このような操作部材がロール状あるいはボール状の多方向入力部材（図示せず）は、入力部から操作部材までの高さが低くいが、スペーサ部材６の第１支持部６ａの高さを調整することにより、操作部材を第１の操作部材１２の開口部１２ｅから露出させることができる。
【００３４】
また、本発明の実施の形態の説明では、第１の入力部材３を、ロータリーエンコーダ等の非接触式のの回転検出機構で説明したが、第１の入力部材３は、摺動子と導体パターンとを摺接させる接触式の回転検出機構でも良く、例えば第１の操作部材１２の回転角度を検出可能なロータリースイッチ（図示せず）で構成することも可能である。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明の多方向入力装置は、第２入力部材を第１の入力部材より上方に位置させると共に、第１操作部材の空洞部の上部を開放する開口部から第２の操作部材を露出させたので、第２の入力部材から開口部までを距離を小さくすることができ、第２の操作部材の操作量を大きくすることができ、操作性の良い多方向入力装置を提供できる。
また、第２の入力部材の操作部材がロール状あるいはボール状のものでも、第２入力部材を第１の入力部材より上方に位置させることにより、操作部材を開口部から露出させて、確実に操作することができる。
【００３６】
また、第１の入力部材の中空部にスペーサ部材を配設し、このスペーサ部材は、一端部側が中空部より上方に突出して配置され、スペーサ部材の一端部側に第２の入力部材を取り付けたので、スペーサ部材の長さを調整することにより、第２の入力部材から開口部までの距離を、更に小さくすることができ、更に操作性を良くすることができる。
【００３７】
また、第２の入力部材は、第２の操作部材に連結する操作軸を有し、第１の操作部材の開口部から露出する第２の操作部材を回動操作することにより操作軸が傾倒するようにしたので、操作軸の傾倒量を大きくすることができ、操作性の良い多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００３８】
また、第１の操作部材は、回転操作および押圧操作が可能とし、第１の入力部材の外周部に第３の入力部材を配設し、この第３の入力部材は、第１の操作部材の押圧操作により入力可能としたので、第１の入力部材を回転操作する第１の操作部材で第３の入力部材も入力でき、部品点数を少なくすることができる。
【００３９】
また、第１の操作部材は、スペーサ部材の一端部側にガイドされて、回転操作および押圧操作が可能になっているので、第１の操作部材をガタ付きなく操作することができ、第１の操作部材の操作性が良い。
【００４０】
また、第１、第３の入力部材、および第２入力部材を取り付けたスペーサ部材を同一の回路基板に取り付けたので、組立性の良い多方向入力装置を提供できる。
【００４１】
また、第２の操作部材は、透明材料あるいは半透明材料からなり、第２の操作部材の下方側で第２の入力部材を取り付けた近傍に照光部材を配設したので、夜間でも確実に第１、第２の操作部材を操作することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に関する多方向入力装置の要部断面図である。
【図２】本発明に関する多方向入力装置の分解斜視図である。
【図３】従来の多方向入力装置の要部断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１　多方向入力装置
２　回路基板
３　第１の入力部材
４　回転体
４ａ　中空部
５　ケース部材
６　スペーサ部材
６ａ　第１支持部
６ｂ　第２支持部
７　取付板
８　第２の入力部材
８ｂ　操作軸
９　第３の入力部材
１０　第１の回転板
１１　第２の回転板
１２　第１の操作部材
１２ａ　操作部
１２ｂ　滑り止め部
１２ｃ　連結部
１２ｄ　空洞部
１３　第２の操作部材
１３ａ　操作部
１３ｂ　連結部
１３ｃ　鍔部
１４　照光部材[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device, and more particularly to a multi-directional input device capable of performing multi-directional inputs for use in various types of home and vehicle electronic devices.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 3, a conventional multidirectional input device 31 used for various home and vehicle-mounted electronic devices is mounted on a circuit board 32 on an electronic device (not shown). The conventional multidirectional input device 31 attached to the circuit board 32 includes, for example, a rotary switch 33 and a multidirectional input switch 34 provided inside the hollow of the rotary switch 33.
The multi-directional input switch 34 has an operation shaft 34b that stands vertically from the case 34a, and an end of the operation shaft 34b located inside the case 34a is attached to a substrate (not shown) inside the case 34a. Have been. Four switches (not shown) are attached in four directions around the operation shaft 34b of the substrate.
When a tilt operation knob 38 described later is rotated in the direction of arrow A, the operation shaft 34b is tilted, and a switch disposed in the tilt direction is turned on, so that the tilt direction of the operation shaft can be detected. .
[0003]
A detection switch 35 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the rotary switch 33. The detection switch 35 is turned on by pressing the operation lever 35a.
An annular rotary plate 36 is disposed above the rotary switch 33, and the rotary plate 36 is rotatable and vertically movable.
The rotating plate 36 is provided with a rotating operation knob 37 having a circular outer shape, which is capable of rotating the rotating plate 36 and vertically operating the rotating plate 36. The rotary operation knob 37 has an operating portion 37a having a circular outer shape and a thickness T that can be gripped by an operator, and a hollow portion 37b formed inside the operating portion 37a, and the upper portion of the hollow portion 37b is open. Thus, an opening 37c is formed.
[0004]
A tilt operation knob 38 is attached to the operation shaft 34a of the multi-directional input switch 34. The tilt operation knob 38 is a long and rod-shaped connecting portion for connecting to the operation shaft 34b by press fitting or the like. An operation portion 38b is formed on the upper side of the connecting portion 38a.
Further, the tilting operation knob 38 has an operation part 38b exposed from the opening 37c of the rotation operation knob 37, and has a substantially T-shaped cross section.
When the operation unit 38b is rotated in the direction of arrow A about the operation shaft 34b as a fulcrum, the tilt operation knob 38 is tilted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the operation unit 38b, and is disposed in the tilt direction. The switch is turned on.
[0005]
In the operation of the conventional multidirectional input device 31 having such a configuration, when the rotary operation knob 37 is rotated, the movable contact (not shown) of the rotary switch 33 is rotated via the rotary plate 36 to switch the switch circuit. It has become.
Further, when the rotary operation knob 37 is pressed and lowered downward, the rotating plate 36 is simultaneously lowered and the detection switch 35 is turned on.
Further, by rotating the operation portion 38b of the tilting operation knob 38 in the direction of arrow A, the operation shaft 34b is tilted in conjunction with this rotation, and the switch attached to the substrate inside the case 34a is turned on. The tilt direction of the operation shaft 34b is detected.
Since the switch of the multi-directional input switch 34 can be reliably turned on as the tilt amount of the operation shaft 34b is larger, it is better that the tilt amount of the tilt operation knob 37 in the direction of arrow A is larger.
[0006]
In the conventional multidirectional input device 31 having such a configuration, the rotary switch 33, the multidirectional input switch 34, and the detection switch 35 are mounted on the circuit board 32 on the electronic device side.
Further, since the rotary operation knob 37 is thick to the thickness T so that the operator can easily grip it, the length of the connecting portion 38a of the tilt operation knob 38 is long.
Alternatively, in consideration of the operability of the operator, the mounting height of the rotary operation knob 37 from the circuit board 32 may be increased. Even if the height from the circuit board 32 to the rotary operation knob 37 is increased, the mounting height of the multi-directional input switch 34 does not change, so that the length of the connecting portion 38a of the tilt operation knob 38 is further increased. Had become.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional multidirectional input device 31, as the length of the connecting portion 38a of the tilting operation knob 38 increases, the amount of rotation of the operating portion 38b of the tilting operation knob 38 in the direction of arrow A must be increased. However, since the amount of tilt of the operation shaft 34b of the multi-directional input switch 34 cannot be increased, there is a problem that operability is deteriorated.
Further, in order to increase the amount of tilt of the operation shaft 4b, the opening 37c of the rotary operation knob 37 must be increased, and there is a problem that the multidirectional input device 31 becomes large.
When the operation unit uses a roll-shaped or ball-shaped multi-directional input switch (not shown), the height of the operation unit from the circuit board 32 to the roll-shaped or ball-shaped operation unit is low. There was a problem that it could not be exposed from the camera and could not be operated.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a multidirectional input device capable of performing highly accurate input by improving the operability of a multidirectional input member that can be operated from multiple directions. The purpose is to do.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a first solving means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a multidirectional input device of the present invention comprises: a first input member having a hollow portion in a rotation axis direction which can be input by a rotation operation; A second input member capable of inputting, wherein the first input member is connected to a first operation member capable of rotating operation, and the first operation member is capable of storing the second input member. Forming a hollow portion, the second input member is connected to the second operation member that can be operated from the multiple directions,
The second input member is positioned above the first input member, and the second operation member is exposed from an opening that opens an upper part of the cavity of the first operation member. I do.
[0010]
As a second solution to solve the above problem, a spacer member is provided in the hollow portion of the first input member, and one end of the spacer member projects upward from the hollow portion. And the second input member is attached to the one end side of the spacer member.
[0011]
As a third solution for solving the above-mentioned problem, the second input member has an operation shaft connected to the second operation member, and is provided through the opening of the first operation member. The operation shaft is tilted by rotating the exposed second operation member.
[0012]
As a fourth solution for solving the above-mentioned problem, the first operation member enables the rotation operation and the pressing operation, and a third input member is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first input member. The third input member is provided, and input can be performed by the pressing operation of the first operation member.
[0013]
As a fifth solution for solving the above-mentioned problem, the first operation member is guided by the one end side of the spacer member so that the rotation operation and the pressing operation can be performed. It is characterized by the following.
[0014]
As a sixth solution for solving the above-mentioned problem, the spacer member to which the first, third input members and the second input member are attached is attached to the same circuit board. And
[0015]
As a seventh solution for solving the above-mentioned problem, the second operation member is made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and the second input member is provided below the second operation member. An illumination member is provided in the vicinity of the attachment.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention.
First, the multidirectional input device 1 of the present invention is mounted on a circuit board 2 of an operation unit for operating an electronic device, for example, a car navigation system (not shown) mounted on a vehicle.
[0017]
The multidirectional input device 1 of the present invention mounted on the circuit board 2 is provided with a substantially cylindrical first input member 3 composed of, for example, a rotary encoder. The first input member 3 includes a rotatable cylindrical rotator 4 and a case member 5 that rotatably supports the rotator 4.
The rotating body 4 has a hollow portion 4a formed in the direction of the axis of rotation, and a plurality of magnetic poles including N poles and S poles are formed separately in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface. A plurality of ridges 4b are formed on the outer periphery of the rotating body 4 in a vertical direction with a predetermined height and width.
The case member 5 that supports the rotating body 4 is provided with a Hall element (not shown) therein so that the rotation angle of the rotating body 4 can be detected.
[0018]
On the circuit board 2 in the hollow portion 4a of the first input member 3, a spacer member 6 having a predetermined height and having two cylindrical first and second support portions 6a and 6b having different diameters is provided. It is arranged.
In the spacer member 6, a cylindrical first support portion 6a having a small diameter is located in the hollow portion 4a, and one end side of the first support portion 6a projects upward from the hollow portion 4a. A cylindrical second support part 6b having a larger diameter than the first support part 6a is formed on one end side protruding from the hollow part 4a.
[0019]
In addition, a second input member 8 is attached via a mounting plate 7 to one end of the first support 6a inside the cylindrical shape of the second support 6b. That is, the second input member 8 is disposed above the first input member 3.
The second input member 8 is capable of being input by operations from multiple directions, and has a case member 8a and a column-shaped operation shaft 8b that stands vertically above the case member 8a.
One end of the operation shaft 8b located inside the case member 8a is fixed to a plate-like elastically deformable base (not shown) arranged in a direction orthogonal to the operation shaft 8b.
[0020]
The base inside the case member 8a has, for example, four distortion detectors capable of detecting the distortion of the base on one of four front surfaces or a rear surface around a fixing portion to which the operation shaft 8b is fixed. A sensor (not shown) is attached with an adhesive or the like.
The base of such a second input member 8 is distorted by, for example, tilting the operation shaft 8b in an arbitrary direction (multi-direction) by a predetermined amount, and four distortion sensors detect the amount of distortion of the base. The detection signal is output to a control unit (not shown).
A switch member (not shown) is provided below the base inside the case member 8a, and when the operation shaft 8b is pressed, the base bends downward and the lower switch member is turned. The circuit is switched.
[0021]
Further, on the circuit board 2 in four directions on the outer peripheral side to which the first input member 3 is attached, a third input member 9 which can be input by a pressing operation and is formed of, for example, a detection switch is provided.
The third input member 9 has a case 9a and an operation lever 9b capable of switching a switch circuit inside the case 9a. The operation lever 9b is formed by an elastic member (not shown) provided inside. It is always elastically biased upward.
[0022]
In addition, an annular first rotating plate 10 capable of transmitting rotation to the rotating body 4 is disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 4 of the first input member 3, and the first rotating plate 10 is configured to rotate. It is guided by the outer periphery of the body 4 and can be moved up and down freely.
The first rotary plate 10 has a boss 10a of a predetermined diameter and height dimension formed on the inner peripheral side, and the rotating body 4 of the first input member 3 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the boss 10a. A penetrable through hole 10b is formed.
A key groove-like guide groove (not shown) is formed in a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 10b in the vertical direction in the figure, and the guide groove is engaged with the ridge 4b formed on the rotating body 4. By doing so, the first rotating plate 10 is supported by the rotating body 4 so as to be able to move up and down, and when the first rotating plate 10 rotates, the rotating body 4 also follows and rotates.
[0023]
Further, a second rotating plate 11 is attached to the first rotating plate 10 on the lower surface near the outer peripheral portion by screwing or the like. The operation lever 9b of the third input member 9 elastically urges the second rotary plate 11.
Further, a first operating member 12 is connected to the first input member 3 via a first rotating body 10 supported by the rotating body 4 so as to be vertically movable. The first operation member 12 is made of a resin material or the like, and has a substantially circular operation portion 12a that can be gripped by an operator.
A chamfered inclined surface is formed in an upper corner portion of the outer peripheral portion of the operation portion 12a, and a non-slip portion 12b formed of a plurality of U-shaped grooves is formed on the inclined surface. Is a non-slip when the operation unit 12a is gripped and rotated.
[0024]
The first operating member 12 has a connecting portion 12c which is smaller than the outer diameter of the operating portion 12a and extends downward in the drawing.
A hollow portion 12d having a predetermined depth and an open bottom is formed inside the connection portion 12c to the operation portion 12a, and the hollow portion 12d has a second support portion 6b on one end side of the spacer member 6. Can be inserted.
By inserting the second support portion 6b of the spacer member 6 into the cavity portion 12d, the first operation member 12 is guided by the second support portion 6b so that the first operation member 12 can rotate and move up and down. ing.
[0025]
That is, the first operation member 12 is guided by the second support portion 6b on one end side of the spacer member 6, so that the rotation operation and the pressing operation can be performed.
The cavity 12d is opened at the top to form an opening 12e. A second operation member 15 described below is located in the opening 12e, and is exposed upward from the opening 12e. .
In addition, the first operating member 12 is integrated with the lower end portion of the connecting portion 12c by attaching the first rotating plate 10 with a screw or the like.
[0026]
Therefore, when the first operation member 12 is rotated in the direction of arrow B, the rotating body 4 is rotated via the first rotating plate 10.
When the first operating member 12 is pressed down in the direction of arrow C and lowered, the operating lever 9b of the third input member 9 is pressed via the first and second rotary plates 13 and 14 to move the internal member. Switch is turned on.
The operation shaft 8b of the second input member 8 attached to the second support portion 6b, which is one end side of the spacer member 6, has a bowl-shaped outside and a dome-shaped cavity inside. The operation member 13 is connected and attached.
The second operation member 13 is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material colored in a desired color.
The second operation member 13 has an operation portion 13a on the outer peripheral side of the bowl shape including the ceiling portion. Further, a rod-shaped connecting portion 13b protruding downward is formed from the ceiling inside the dome-shaped cavity of the operation portion 13a.
Further, a flange portion 13c is formed on an outer peripheral portion on a lower side of the dome-shaped operation portion 13a so as to protrude outward with a predetermined thickness and size.
[0028]
The second operating member 13 is connected to the second input member 8 by attaching the connecting portion 13b to the operating shaft 8b of the second input member 8 by press fitting or the like. The second operation member 13 connected to the second input member 8 is operated by rotating the operation portion 13a in an arbitrary direction (multi-direction) indicated by an arrow D with the operation shaft 8b as a fulcrum. Correspondingly, the operation shaft 8b is tilted in the same direction.
An illuminating member 14 made of an LED or the like is provided below the second operation member 13 and in the vicinity where the second input member 8 is attached.
The multidirectional input device 1 of the present invention having such a configuration is attached to various electronic devices, for example, a circuit board 2 for a car navigation system mounted on a vehicle by screwing and soldering.
[0029]
When the multidirectional input device 1 of the present invention having such a configuration is operated by the operator to rotate the first operation member 12 in the direction of arrow B or in the opposite direction, the first operation member 12 is rotated via the first rotating plate 10. Of the input device 3 rotates. When the rotation of the rotating body 4 is detected by a Hall element (not shown) inside the case member 5, a detection signal is output to a control unit (not shown), and the rotation angle of the rotating body 4 is detected.
Then, for example, a menu displayed on a display such as a car navigation system can be selected according to the rotation angle of the rotating body 4.
When the first operation member 12 is pressed down in the direction of arrow C and lowered, the operation lever 9b of the third input member 9 is pressed via the first and second rotating plates 10 and 11. You.
As a result, the switch circuit of the third input member 9 is switched, so that the selected menu can be determined.
[0030]
When the second operation member 13 is rotated in the direction of arrow D, the operation shaft 8b is tilted, and the base (not shown) inside the case member 8a is distorted. The distortion amount of the base is detected by four distortion sensors (not shown), and a detection signal is output to a control unit (not shown). The control unit detects the tilt direction and tilt amount of the operation shaft 8b based on the detection signal, and scrolls a screen displayed on a display such as a car navigation system. Alternatively, the cursor or the like can be moved in the tilt direction of the operation shaft 8b.
Thereafter, when the second operation member 13 is pressed, a switch member (not shown) inside the case member 8a is turned ON, and the moved cursor can be determined.
In addition, when operating at night or the like when the surroundings are dark, the illumination member 14 is turned on, so that the light of the illumination member 13 passes through the transparent or translucent second operation member 13, and even at night or the like. Operability of the first and second operation members 12 and 13 can be improved.
[0031]
In such a multidirectional input device 1 of the present invention, since the second input member 8 is located above the first input member 3, the second input member 8 is opened from the opening 12e of the first operation member 12. The distance to the member 8 can be reduced.
Therefore, the amount of rotation of the second operation member 13 that rotates about the operation shaft 8b can be increased, and the amount of tilt of the operation shaft 8b of the second input member 8 can be increased.
The input of the second input member 8 can be performed with high accuracy by increasing the tilt amount of the operation shaft 8b.
Further, by projecting the first support portion 6a of the spacer member 6 further above the rotating body 4, even if the amount of rotation of the second operation member 13 in the direction of arrow D is small, the amount of tilt of the operation shaft 8b is increased. Therefore, the operability of the second input member 8 can be further improved.
[0032]
In the description of the embodiment of the present invention, the second input member 8 is described using a strain sensor. However, four switches are mounted on the surface of the base in four directions, and the operation shaft 8b is connected. By tilting in any one of the four directions, any one of the switch circuits may be switched to detect the tilt direction of the operation shaft 8b.
Further, the second operation member 13 according to the present invention has been described as rotating about the operation shaft 8b as a fulcrum. However, the second operation member 13 includes a roll-shaped or ball-shaped operation member (not shown) that can be rotated. A multi-directional input member which can be input by detecting the number of rotations of the operation member or the like may be used.
[0033]
Such a multi-directional input member (not shown) in which the operation member has a roll shape or a ball shape has a low height from the input portion to the operation member, but the height of the first support portion 6a of the spacer member 6 is reduced. By performing the adjustment, the operation member can be exposed from the opening 12 e of the first operation member 12.
[0034]
Further, in the description of the embodiment of the present invention, the first input member 3 has been described as a non-contact type rotation detecting mechanism such as a rotary encoder, but the first input member 3 includes a slider and a conductor. A contact-type rotation detection mechanism that makes a sliding contact with the pattern may be used. For example, a rotary switch (not shown) that can detect the rotation angle of the first operation member 12 may be used.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the multidirectional input device of the present invention, the second input member is positioned above the first input member, and the second input member is opened from the opening that opens the upper part of the cavity of the first operation member. Since the operation member is exposed, the distance from the second input member to the opening can be reduced, the operation amount of the second operation member can be increased, and a multidirectional input device with good operability can be provided. Can be provided.
Further, even if the operation member of the second input member is a roll or a ball, the second input member is positioned above the first input member, so that the operation member is exposed from the opening, thereby ensuring the operation. Can be operated.
[0036]
In addition, a spacer member is provided in the hollow portion of the first input member, and the spacer member is disposed so that one end side protrudes above the hollow portion, and the second input member is attached to one end side of the spacer member. Therefore, by adjusting the length of the spacer member, the distance from the second input member to the opening can be further reduced, and the operability can be further improved.
[0037]
The second input member has an operation shaft connected to the second operation member, and the operation shaft is tilted by rotating the second operation member exposed from the opening of the first operation member. Therefore, the amount of tilt of the operation shaft can be increased, and a multidirectional input device with good operability can be provided.
[0038]
Further, the first operating member enables a rotating operation and a pressing operation, and a third input member is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first input member. The third input member is a first operating member. Can be input by the pressing operation, so that the third input member can also be input by the first operation member that rotates the first input member, and the number of parts can be reduced.
[0039]
Further, since the first operation member is guided by one end side of the spacer member and can perform a rotation operation and a pressing operation, the first operation member can be operated without play without any play. The operability of the operation member is good.
[0040]
In addition, since the spacer member to which the first, third, and second input members are mounted is mounted on the same circuit board, a multidirectional input device with good assemblability can be provided.
[0041]
Further, the second operating member is made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and the illuminating member is disposed below the second operating member and in the vicinity where the second input member is attached, so that the second operating member can be reliably used even at night. First, the second operation member can be operated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a multidirectional input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of a conventional multidirectional input device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multi-directional input device 2 Circuit board 3 First input member 4 Rotary body 4a Hollow part 5 Case member 6 Spacer member 6a First support part 6b Second support part 7 Mounting plate 8 Second input member 8b Operation shaft 9 3 input members 10 first rotating plate 11 second rotating plate 12 first operating member 12a operating portion 12b non-slip portion 12c connecting portion 12d hollow portion 13 second operating member 13a operating portion 13b connecting portion 13c flange portion 14 Illumination member

Claims

A first input member having a hollow portion in a rotation axis direction that can be input by a rotation operation; and a second input member that can be input by an operation from multiple directions, wherein the first input member has a rotation operation. Coupled to a possible first operating member, the first operating member forming a cavity capable of accommodating the second input member, wherein the second input member is operable from multiple directions Connected to the second operating member,
The second input member is positioned above the first input member, and the second operation member is exposed from an opening that opens an upper part of the cavity of the first operation member. Multi-directional input device.

A spacer member is disposed in the hollow portion of the first input member, and the spacer member is disposed such that one end thereof protrudes above the hollow portion, and the second end is provided on the one end side of the spacer member. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein an input member is attached.

The second input member has an operation shaft connected to the second operation member, and the second input member is turned by operating the second operation member exposed from the opening of the first operation member. 3. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1, wherein the operation shaft is tilted.

The first operating member enables the rotation operation and the pressing operation, and a third input member is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the first input member. 4. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein input can be performed by the pressing operation of an operation member.

5. The multidirectional input device according to claim 4, wherein the first operation member is guided by the one end side of the spacer member to enable the rotation operation and the pressing operation. 6.

6. The multidirectional input device according to claim 4, wherein the spacer member to which the first, third, and second input members are attached is attached to the same circuit board.

The second operation member is made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and an illuminating member is disposed below the second operation member and near the position where the second input member is attached. Item 7. The multidirectional input device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.