Operating device

Abstract

The problem is to provide an operating device that can efficiently impart a response force to an operating unit from a response force imparting mechanism. The solution is that, in a support mechanism portion provided between the operating unit and the support member, a connecting shaft portion (51) is provided on one side of the operating unit and the support member, and a connecting bearing portion is provided on the other side, the connecting shaft portion (51) is supported by the connecting bearing portion in a manner that it can move in a first direction, and a restoring portion is provided to restore the operating unit forward. The connecting bearing portion is provided with: a first elastic component (53a) that continuously supports the connecting shaft portion (51) from both sides of a second direction intersecting the first direction while the connecting shaft portion (51) moves in the first direction as the front-back direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device capable of efficiently applying a response force to an operating unit from a response force applying mechanism when an operating portion provided on the operating unit is operated by a user. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an operating device, an operating device having a response force imparting mechanism that imparts a response force to a user is widely used. In the operating device, an operating unit is supported by a supporting member via an elastic supporting portion, and the operating device is provided with: a detection portion that detects that the operating unit has been operated; and a response force imparting mechanism that imparts a response force to the user when the detection portion detects that the operating unit has been operated.

[0003] The operating device described in the following patent document 1 is as follows Figure 3 As shown, an actuator is fixed to the back of the touch screen, and a double rigid suspension system is provided to connect the touch screen and the housing component. The touch screen is supported by the double rigid suspension in a manner that the touch screen can move only in the Z direction orthogonal to the surface of the touch screen relative to the housing component. The double rigid suspension system has two components, a first component with a first rigidity and a second component with a second rigidity, in a manner that the housing is sandwiched, and the first rigidity of the first component is greater than the second rigidity of the second component.

[0004] In the double rigid suspension system, when the user presses the touch screen in the Z-axis direction with a finger, the first component with greater rigidity provides a large deformation resistance to the user's finger, so that the user can feel that the touch screen is firmly installed. In addition, in the tactile feedback provided to the user, as described in paragraph

[0017] , the actuator applies a force to the touch screen in a linear manner in the Z-axis direction. When the actuator applies a response force to the touch panel, the second component with lower rigidity is easy to deform, so that a large response force can be applied to the touch panel.

[0005] The operating device described in the following patent document 2 is as follows Figure 6 As shown, the touch panel having a vibration unit fixed on the back, an upper case, a lower case, a first elastic member between the upper case and the touch panel, and a second elastic member between the touch panel and the lower case. The elastic coefficient of the first elastic member is lower than that of the second elastic member.

[0006] Therefore, in a state where the upper housing and the lower housing are combined, the first elastic member is compressed to a greater extent than the second elastic member, so that the touch panel can vibrate more freely and the attenuation of the vibration can be further reduced.

[0007] Prior Art Literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 6426446

[0010] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 5805571 Summary of the invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, if the touch screen is pressed in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to its surface and this is detected, tactile feedback is given to the touch screen in the Z direction. With this structure, the pressing operation direction on the touch screen and the vibration direction of the tactile feedback given to the touch screen are the same Z direction, so tactile feedback cannot be effectively given to the finger that operates the touch screen.

[0013] In contrast, in the operating device described in Patent Document 2, the touch panel is sandwiched and fixed by the first elastic member and the second elastic member, and the touch panel can move not only in the Z direction orthogonal to the surface of the touch panel, but also in the X direction and the Y direction. However, when moving in the X direction and the Y direction, the support rigidity of the touch panel becomes the rigidity of the first elastic member and the second elastic member combined, which has the problem of giving a large attenuation to the vibration of the tactile feedback.

[0014] The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device capable of effectively imparting a response force from a response force imparting mechanism to an operating unit.

[0015] Means for solving problems

[0016] The present invention relates to an operating device, comprising: an operating unit having an operating portion; a supporting member supporting the operating unit; a supporting mechanism provided between the operating unit and the supporting member; an operation detecting portion detecting that the operating unit is pressed backward; and a response force imparting mechanism imparting a response force in a second direction intersecting a first direction as a front-rear direction to the operating unit,

[0017] The operating device is characterized in that

[0018] In the support mechanism, a connecting shaft is provided on one of the operating unit and the supporting member, and a connecting receiving portion is provided on the other of the operating unit and the supporting member, wherein the connecting shaft is supported by the connecting receiving portion so as to be movable in the first direction.

[0019] The operating device is provided with a restoring member for restoring the operating unit forward.

[0020] The connection receiving portion is provided with a first elastic member that continuously supports the connection shaft portion from both sides in the second direction while the connection shaft portion moves in the first direction.

[0021] In the operating device of the present invention, when the first elastic member is pressed in the second direction by the connecting shaft portion, it is preferably deformed by bending in the second direction and then deformed by compression, and a force required for the compression deformation is greater than a force required for the bending deformation.

[0022] The operating device of the present invention is preferably configured such that the connection receiving portion is provided with first restricting portions spaced apart from the connection shaft portion on both sides in the second direction, and the first elastic member protrudes toward the connection shaft portion more than the first restricting portions.

[0023] In the operating device of the present invention, it is preferable that the first restriction portion is arranged at a position where the first restriction portion does not come into contact with the connecting shaft portion when the first elastic member is flexurally deformed.

[0024] The operating device of the present invention can be configured as follows: in the first elastic component, a first elastic protrusion and a second elastic protrusion protruding in the second direction are provided at intervals in the first direction on the outer side opposite to the side supporting the connecting shaft portion, a limiting wall for the first elastic protrusion and the second elastic protrusion to collide is provided on the connecting bearing portion, and the first elastic component is configured to be able to bend and deform at least between the first elastic protrusion and the second elastic protrusion,

[0025] While the connecting shaft portion moves in the first direction, the connecting shaft portion and the first elastic member are in continuous contact between the first elastic protrusion and the second elastic protrusion.

[0026] In the operating device of the present invention, it is preferable that the connection receiving portion is provided with a second elastic member against which the connection shaft portion collides when the connection shaft portion moves forward and backward along the first direction.

[0027] In the operating device of the present invention, for example, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are parts of the same elastic body. However, in the connection receiving portion, the first elastic member and the second elastic member may be formed of different elastic bodies independent of each other.

[0028] In the operating device of the present invention, it is preferable that the connection receiving portion is provided with a second restriction portion that is opposed to the connection shaft portion in the front-rear direction, and the second elastic member protrudes toward the connection shaft portion more than the second restriction portion.

[0029] In the operating device of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the support mechanism portion, a relative position of the connection shaft portion and the connection receiving portion is restricted in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction.

[0030] In the operating device of the present invention, it is preferable that the operating unit is provided with a display device and a housing holding the display device.

[0031] In the operating device of the present invention, it is preferable that the operating unit is provided on a display screen of the display device.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] The operating device of the present invention is supported by a supporting mechanism so that the operating unit can not only move in the first direction, which is the front-to-back direction, but also can move in the second direction intersecting the first direction. In addition, a response force can be given to the operating unit in a direction intersecting the first direction, which is the pressing operation direction, by a response force imparting mechanism. Therefore, a large operational reaction force can be given to a finger or the like touching the operating unit. Moreover, by the supporting mechanism, the connecting shaft is continuously supported from both sides of the second direction while moving in the first direction. Therefore, even an operating unit with a large mass can be firmly supported in the direction to which the response force is imparted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the operating device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear of the operating device.

[0036] Figure 3 It means in Figure 2 A perspective view of the operating device shown in FIG. 1 with the rear case removed.

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded oblique view of the operating device shown.

[0038] Figure 5 This is an exploded view in which a part of the support mechanism is exploded.

[0039] Figure 6 Yes Figure 2 A portion of the operating device is shown in a partial rear view enlarged and viewed from the rear.

[0040] Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 The operating device shown is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0041] Figure 8 Yes Figure 6 The operating device shown is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0042] Fig. 9 Yes Figure 6 The operating device shown is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC.

[0043] Description of reference numerals:

[0044] 1 Operating device

[0045] 2 Operating unit

[0046] 3 Response force imparting mechanism

[0047] 4 Support components

[0048] 5 Support mechanism

[0049] 21 Display device

[0050] 21a Display screen

[0051] 21b Operation section

[0052] 22 Housing

[0053] 23 Back cover

[0054] 24 Movable side bracket

[0055] 24a Connecting protrusion fixing surface

[0056] 24b Detecting faces

[0057] 24c Movable side hook

[0058] 24d Connecting protrusion fixing hole

[0059] 41 Cabinet

[0060] 42 Support side bracket

[0061] 42a Connection bearing fixed surface

[0062] 42b Bracket hole

[0063] 42c Support side hook portion

[0064] 5 Support mechanism

[0065] 51 Connecting shaft

[0066] 51a Flange body

[0067] 51b Protrusion

[0068] 52 Connection receiving part

[0069] 53 Elastomer

[0070] 53a First elastic member

[0071] 53b Second elastic member

[0072] 53c Elastic body hole

[0073] 53d First elastic protrusion

[0074] 53e Second elastic protrusion

[0075] 53f Third elastic protrusion

[0076] 53g 4th elastic protrusion

[0077] 54 Restriction

[0078] 54a Section 1 Restriction

[0079] 54b Section 2 Restriction

[0080] 54c Connecting shaft movable hole

[0081] 54d Elastic body retaining recess

[0082] 54e Restriction Wall

[0083] 54f Third limiting recess

[0084] 54g 4th limiting recess

[0085] 55 Recovery Parts

[0086] G Gap

[0087] Z1-Z2 1st direction

[0088] X1-X2: second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the overall structure of the operating device 1 of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The operating device 1 of the embodiment is used as a vehicle-mounted display device. In the operating device 1, the Z1-Z2 direction is the front-rear direction (the first direction). The Z1 direction is the front, and the Z2 direction is the rear. When used as a vehicle-mounted display device, the Z1 direction is toward the inside of the vehicle, and the Z2 direction is toward the front of the vehicle's travel direction. The X1-X2 direction is the left-right direction (the second direction). The X1 direction is the left direction and the X2 direction is the right direction, and the Y1 direction is the upper direction and the Y2 direction is the lower direction.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, the operating device 1 includes an operating unit 2 , a response force applying mechanism 3 , a supporting member 4 , and a supporting mechanism portion 5 .

[0091] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the operating unit 2 has a display device 21, a housing 22, a back cover 23, a movable side bracket 24 and a connecting shaft 51. The housing 22 is formed of a synthetic resin material or a light metal material. The housing 22 has a support body 22a and an outer edge body 22b. The outer edge body 22b is formed to protrude forward (Z1 direction) from the outer periphery of the support body 22a. The display device 21 is fixed to the inner side of the outer edge body 22b of the housing 22 and on the front face of the support body 22a facing forward (Z1 direction). The display device 21 is a color liquid crystal display panel or an electroluminescent display panel, and the front face facing forward (Z1 direction) of the display device 21 becomes a display screen 21a.

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, the display screen 21a becomes an operating part 21b with a transparent touch sensor. The touch sensor is an electrostatic capacitive sensor formed by arranging a plurality of transparent electrodes on a transparent substrate. If the operator's finger touches the display screen 21a, the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrode changes, and the coordinate position touched by the finger is detected based on the change in the distribution of the electrostatic capacitance at this time. Alternatively, the touch sensor is a resistive sensor in which a transparent film having transparent electrodes formed on the entire surface is overlapped on a transparent substrate having transparent electrodes formed on the entire surface. In the resistive sensor, if a certain position of the transparent film is pressed, the transparent electrode formed on the transparent film is short-circuited with the transparent electrode formed on the transparent substrate, and the change in the resistance value from the electrode portion arranged at the edge of the transparent electrode to the short-circuited portion is detected to determine the coordinate position touched by the finger.

[0093] In addition, when the display device 21 is a color liquid crystal display panel, a backlight unit is provided inside the housing 22 and behind the color liquid crystal display panel (in the Z2 direction). The backlight unit is composed of a light source such as an LED, and a light guide member that transmits illumination light emitted from the light source to the color liquid crystal display panel forward (in the Z1 direction).

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown, the back cover 23 and the rear face of the support body 22a of the housing 22 facing backward (Z2 direction) are fixed via a concave-convex fitting structure. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the movable side bracket 24 is fixed by screws on the rear surface of the housing 22 above the back cover 23 (Y1 direction) and facing backward (Z2 direction). The movable side bracket 24 is formed with a connecting protrusion fixing surface 24a whose bending surface faces the up-down direction (Y1-Y2 direction) and a detection surface 24b whose bending surface faces the front-back direction (Z1-Z2 direction), and a movable side hook portion 24c is formed at the rear end. The connecting shaft portion 51 is pressed into a hole formed in the connecting protrusion fixing surface 24a of the movable side bracket 24 and is fixed in a manner with the axis facing the up-down direction (Y1-Y2 direction). In the present embodiment, the connecting shaft portion 51 constitutes a part of the operating unit 2 and constitutes a part of the supporting mechanism portion 5.

[0095] The response force applying mechanism 3 is fixed to the surface of the support body 22 a of the housing 22 that faces rearward (in the Z2 direction). Figure 4 The response force imparting mechanism 3 shown is provided with two electromagnetic solenoids, and is provided in a manner that a movable weight can move back and forth in the left and right directions (X1-X2 directions) inside the two electromagnetic solenoids. Based on the signal of the control unit, it is operated so that after the movable weight is attracted in the left and right directions (X1-X2 directions) of the response force generation direction by one solenoid, the movable weight is attracted in the left and right directions (X1-X2 directions) of the response force generation direction by the other solenoid, and the force when the movable weight is driven or the force when the movable weight collides is transmitted to the housing 22, and the response force in the left and right directions (X1-X2 directions) is imparted to the display device 21 fixed to the housing 22.

[0096] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a support member 4 is arranged at the rear (Z2 direction) of the operating unit 2. The support member 4 is fixed to the instrument panel, dashboard, etc. in the vehicle. The support member 4 has a box 41, a support side bracket 42, a sub-base 43, a main base 44, and a connection receiving portion 52. The front (Z1 direction) of the box 41 is open, and the support side bracket 42 is fixed inside the box 41 and at the front side facing the front (Z1 direction). Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the support side bracket 42 has a connection receiving fixed surface 42a with a folded surface facing the up-down direction (Y1-Y2 direction), a bracket hole 42b formed along the up-down direction (Y1-Y2 direction), and a support side hook 42c protruding forward (Z1 direction). The connection receiving portion 52 is arranged to abut against the upper side (Y1 direction) of the connection receiving fixed surface 42a of the support side bracket 42. In the present embodiment, the connection receiving portion 52 constitutes a part of the support member 4 and constitutes a part of the support mechanism portion 5.

[0097] like Figure 4As shown, a sub-substrate 43 is fixed on the front side of the support side bracket 42 facing the front (Z1 direction). An operation detection unit 43a is provided on the front side of the sub-substrate 43 facing the front (Z1 direction). The operation detection unit 43a is a proximity sensor. When the operation unit 2 is pressed backward (Z2 direction), the detection surface 24b of the movable side bracket 24 gradually approaches the operation detection unit 43a of the sub-substrate 43 and becomes within a predetermined distance, the proximity sensor is activated and a detection output can be obtained. As the operation detection unit 43a, it is not limited to a proximity sensor, and a force sensor or a mechanical switch can also be used. In addition, it is also possible that the area of ​​the finger in contact is detected by a touch sensor provided on the display device 21, and when the detection area becomes larger than a threshold value, it is detected that the operation unit 2 is pressed backward (Z2 direction). A main substrate 44 with a power connector is fixed on the surface of the support side bracket 42 facing the rear (Z2 direction).

[0098] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the support mechanism 5 is provided between the operating unit 2 and the support member 4. The support mechanism 5 includes a connecting shaft 51, a connecting receiving portion 52, and a restoring member 55. The connecting shaft 51 constitutes a part of the operating unit 2 and a part of the support mechanism 5. The connecting receiving portion 52 constitutes a part of the support member 4 and a part of the support mechanism 5. The restoring member 55 is formed by a tension coil spring. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, one end of the recovery component 55 is connected to the movable side hook portion 24c of the movable side bracket 24, and the other end is connected to the support side hook portion 42c of the support side bracket 42. The movable side hook portion 24c is located further back (Z2 direction) and above (Y1 direction) than the support side hook portion 42c, and the recovery component 55 is initially set in an extended state. Therefore, through the elastic contraction force of the recovery component 55, the operating unit 2 is always acted upon by a force to restore it forward (Z1 direction), that is, a force to separate it forward relative to the support component 4. Moreover, the operating unit 2 is forced downward relative to the support component 4, and the relative position of the connecting shaft portion 51 and the connecting bearing portion 52 is restricted in the up and down direction (Y1-Y2 direction).

[0099] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the connection bearing portion 52 has an elastic body 53 and a limiting body 54. The elastic body 53 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The elastic body 53 is formed with an elastic body hole portion 53c along the up and down direction (Y1-Y2 direction). The elastic body hole portion 53c is formed so that the diameter in the front and back direction (Z1-Z2 direction) is larger than the diameter in the left and right direction (X1-X2 direction). The connection shaft portion 51 is inserted into the inside of the elastic body hole portion 53c and is supported. The limiting body 54 is formed of a plastic or metal material with a large elastic coefficient. As shown in FIG. Figure 7 As also shown in FIG. 1 , a connecting shaft movable hole 54c and an elastic body holding recess 54d located below the connecting shaft movable hole 54c are formed in the restricting body 54 along the up-down direction (Y1-Y2 direction). The connecting shaft movable hole 54c and the elastic body holding recess 54d are formed so that the diameter in the front-back direction (Z1-Z2 direction) is larger than the diameter in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction).

[0100] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the elastic body 53 is inserted into the elastic body holding recess 54d of the restricting body 54 from bottom to top and is fixed. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , a third elastic protrusion 53f protruding in the Z1 direction is formed at the front end of the elastic body 53, and a fourth elastic protrusion 53g protruding in the Z2 direction is formed at the rear end thereof. A third limiting recess 54f is formed at a position corresponding to the third elastic protrusion 53f of the elastic body 53, and a fourth limiting recess 54g is formed at a position corresponding to the fourth elastic protrusion 53g of the elastic body 53 in the limiting body 54.

[0101] The third elastic protrusion 53f of the elastic body 53 is engaged with the third limiting recess 54f of the limiting body 54. In addition, the fourth elastic protrusion 53g of the elastic body 53 is engaged with the fourth limiting recess 54g of the limiting body 54. Fig. 9 Even when the force of rotation in the direction of the paper surface is applied, the elastic body 53 does not rotate, but maintains the correct position and is held inside the limiting body 54.

[0102] like Fig. 9As shown, on the elastic body 53, a first elastic protrusion 53d and a second elastic protrusion 53e are integrally formed on both outer sides in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction), that is, on the outer side opposite to the elastic body hole portion 53c supporting the connecting shaft portion 51. A pair of first elastic protrusions 53d are located further forward (Z1 direction) than the center of gravity of the elastic body 53 and protrude in the X1 direction and the X2 direction, respectively, and a pair of second elastic protrusions 53e are located further rearward (Z2 direction) than the center of gravity of the elastic body 53 and protrude in the X1 direction and the X2 direction, respectively. On each side of the outer side in the X1 direction and the outer side in the X2 direction of the elastic body 53, the first elastic protrusion 53d and the second elastic protrusion 53e are arranged in the front-to-back direction (Z1-Z2 direction) with the inner dimensions separated by a distance S1. As shown Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the distance S1 is greater than the distance S2 that the connecting shaft portion 51 moves backward (in the Z2 direction) inside the elastic body hole portion 53c when the operating unit 2 is normally operated. The distance S2 is the distance that the connecting shaft portion 51 moves backward from the time when the operator starts to move the operating unit 2 backward until the operation detection portion 43a detects that the operating unit 2 is pressed backward (in the Z2 direction).

[0103] like Fig. 9 As shown, inside the elastic body retaining recess 54d of the limiting body 54, a planar limiting wall 54e extending in the front-to-back direction (Z1-Z2 direction) is formed on each of the left and right sides. The first elastic protrusion 53d and the second elastic protrusion 53e protruding from the two outer sides in the left and right directions (X1-X2) of the elastic body 53 are slightly pressed and abutted by the limiting wall 54e, respectively. In the area surrounded by the first elastic protrusion 53d, the second elastic protrusion 53e and the limiting wall 54e, a gap portion G is formed in the left and right directions. Therefore, in the elastic body 53, the area of ​​the distance S1 between the first elastic protrusion 53d and the second elastic protrusion 53e is a flexural deformation area. As shown Fig. 9 As shown, when the response force is applied to the operating unit 2 from the response force applying mechanism 3 and the operating unit 2 moves in the left-right direction, if the movement amount of the axial center O of the connecting shaft portion 51 from its neutral position to the left and right respectively is set to δ2, then the distance δ1 of the gap portion G in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) is set to be larger than the movement amount δ2.

[0104] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, a flange 51a and a fixed shaft 51b protruding upward from the flange 51a are integrally formed at the upper end of the connecting shaft 51. The flange 51a protrudes in the outer diameter direction of the connecting shaft 51 and is formed in a disc shape. The fixed shaft 51b is formed to have a smaller diameter than the flange 51a.

[0105] like Figure 7As shown, the fixed shaft portion 51b is inserted into the connecting protrusion fixing hole 24d formed in the connecting protrusion fixing surface portion 24a of the movable side bracket 24, and riveted, so that the connecting shaft portion 51 is fixed to the connecting protrusion fixing surface portion 24a. The flange body 51a is arranged to abut against the lower side (Y2 direction) of the connecting protrusion fixing surface portion 24a of the movable side bracket 24. The connecting shaft portion 51 is inserted downward into the connecting shaft portion movable hole 54c of the restricting body 54 and the elastic body hole portion 53c of the elastic body 53, and then the lower end portion of the connecting shaft portion 51 is inserted into the bracket hole portion 42b formed in the supporting side bracket 42.

[0106] The movable side bracket 24 as a part of the operating unit 2 is urged downward by the spring force of the restoring member 55. Therefore, the flange body 51a arranged below the movable side bracket (in the Y2 direction) is pressed downward against the upper surface of the restricting body 54 of the connecting receiving portion 52. Thus, the relative position of the connecting shaft portion 51 and the connecting receiving portion 52 in the up-down direction (in the Y1-Y2 direction) is restricted.

[0107] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a part of the elastic body 53 becomes the first elastic component 53a, and the other part becomes the second elastic component 53b. The connecting shaft portion 51 is located inside the elastic body hole portion 53c of the elastic body 53, and while the connecting shaft portion 51 moves in the front-to-back direction (Z1-Z2 direction), the left and right outer sides of the connecting shaft portion 51 and the contact portion P1 of the elastic body 53 move in the front-to-back direction. At least the area of ​​the elastic body 53 for the contact portion P1 to move forward and backward is the first elastic component 53a. Alternatively, in the elastic body 53, the area of ​​the distance S2 between the first elastic protrusion 53d and the second elastic protrusion 53e is the flexural deformation area, and the part having the flexural deformation area is the first elastic component 53a. The first elastic component 53a continuously supports the connecting shaft portion 51 from both sides in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) while the connecting shaft portion 51 moves in the front-to-back direction.

[0108] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, if the connecting shaft portion 51 moves forward (Z1 direction), the connecting shaft portion 51 contacts the elastic body 53 at the contact portion P2, and if the connecting shaft portion 51 moves backward (Z2 direction), the connecting shaft portion 51 contacts the elastic body 53 at the contact portion P3. In the elastic body 53, the area including the front of the contact portion P2 and the area including the rear of the contact portion P3 are the second elastic member 53b.

[0109] like Figure 8As shown, the connecting shaft portion 51 is located in a freely movable position inside the connecting shaft portion movable hole 54c of the limiting body 54. A part of the inner edge of the connecting shaft portion movable hole 54c is the first limiting portion 54a, and the other part is the second limiting portion 54b. The first limiting portion 54a is opposed to the contact portions P1, P2 from the left and right at a distance while the contact portions P1, P1 between the connecting shaft portion 51 and the elastic body hole portion 53c move in the front-back direction. The second limiting portions 54b, 54b are opposed to the contact portion P2 between the connecting shaft portion 51 and the elastic body hole portion 53c at a distance in front, and are opposed to the contact portion P3 at a distance from the back.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, each first limiting portion 54a is separated from each contact portion P1 by a maximum distance δ11, and the first elastic member 53a contacting the connecting shaft portion 51 at the contact portion P1 protrudes from the first limiting portion 54a to the connecting shaft portion 51 side by a maximum distance δ11. Each second limiting portion 54b is separated from the contact portions P2 and P3 by a maximum distance δ12, respectively, and the second elastic member 53b contacting the connecting shaft portion 51 at the contact portions P2 and P3 protrudes from the second limiting portion 54b to the connecting shaft portion 51 side by a maximum distance δ12.

[0111] Next, the operation of the operating device 1 will be described.

[0112] In an operating device 1 used as a vehicle-mounted display device, if a user's finger touches a certain position of an operating portion 21b while referring to an image displayed on a display screen 21a of a display device 21 provided on an operating unit 2, it is determined which part of the image is touched by the user's finger through the coordinate detection output from the touch sensor.

[0113] If the display screen 21a is pressed backward (in the Z2 direction) by the operator's finger, the pressing operation force acts on the movable side bracket 24 from the housing 22, and the restoring member 55 provided between the movable side bracket 24 and the supporting side bracket 42 is further tensilely deformed from the initial state in which it is initially extended, and the operating unit 2 is moved backward (in the Z2 direction) toward the supporting member 4. At this time, the operation reaction force applied from the display screen 21a to the operator's finger is determined by the spring constant of the tensile deformation of the restoring member 55.

[0114] When the distance between the detection surface 24b of the movable side bracket 24 provided on the operation unit 2 and the operation detection portion 43a provided on the sub-board 43 provided on the support member 4 is within a predetermined distance, it is detected that the display screen 21a has been pressed. The main body control portion (not shown) determines what operation has been performed based on the detection output of the touch sensor and the detection output of the operation detection portion 43a, and further based on the image signal of the image displayed on the display screen 21a, and starts a processing action based on the desired operation.

[0115] If the operation detection unit 43a detects that the operation unit 2 is pressed backward (in the Z2 direction), an action command for generating a response force is issued from the main body control unit, and the response force imparting mechanism 3 is driven. The response force (acceleration) in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) generated by the response force imparting mechanism 3 is imparted to the operation unit 2. The response force at this time is a single force that causes the operation unit 2 to move back and forth in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) in one cycle, or a vibration force that moves back and forth in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) in multiple cycles.

[0116] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, by the user's pressing operation, while the connecting shaft portion 51 of the supporting mechanism portion 5 moves backward (in the Z2 direction), the connecting shaft portion 51 is continuously supported from both sides in the left-right direction (in the X1-X2 direction) by the first elastic member 53a of the elastic body 53 constituting the connecting receiving portion 52. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the connecting shaft portion 51 moves backward (in the Z2 direction), the axial center O of the connecting shaft portion 51 is located further back than the first elastic protrusion 53d and further forward than the second elastic protrusion 53e. Fig. 9 The distance δ1 of the gap G in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) is set to be larger than the movement amount δ2 of the operation unit 2 to the left and right from the neutral position when the response force applying mechanism 3 applies the response force to the operation unit 2 .

[0117] Therefore, when the response force is applied to the operation unit 2 by the response force applying mechanism 3 and the first elastic member 53a of the connection receiving portion 52 is pressed in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) by the connection shaft portion 51, the first elastic member 53a is deformed in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction) in the deflection deformation region between the first elastic protrusion 53d and the second elastic protrusion 53e by an amount corresponding to the distance of the gap portion G. By appropriately setting the elastic coefficient of the deflection deformation in the deflection deformation region in advance and increasing the rigidity, the connection shaft portion 51 is reliably held in the X1-X2 direction by the left and right first elastic members 53a, and even the heavy operation unit 2 having the display device 21 and the backlight unit built in the housing 22 does not become loose due to the vibration of the vehicle body and can be reliably held.

[0118] Even if the first elastic member 53a is constructed to have high rigidity, when the response force imparting mechanism 3 imparts acceleration in the X1-X2 direction to the operating unit 2, the first elastic member 53a is also pressed by the connecting shaft 51 and deforms in the X1 direction or the X2 direction. Therefore, the response force generated by the response force imparting mechanism 3 is not easily lost due to the elastic reaction force of the elastic body 53. Therefore, when the response force imparting mechanism 3 imparts acceleration to the operating unit 2, the operating unit 2 can move in the X1-X2 direction with a large amplitude, and the response force can be efficiently transmitted to the user, that is, easily understood. The acceleration imparted to the operating unit 2 by the response force imparting mechanism 3 is in the left-right direction, so even when the vehicle body vibrates violently in the forward and backward directions, the finger of the user who is operating the operating unit 2 can clearly feel the response force.

[0119] The connecting shaft 51 first contacts the first elastic member 53a. The first elastic member 53a is first deformed by bending and then deformed by compression. The first elastic member 53a has a larger force required for compression deformation than for bending deformation. The force required for compression deformation of the first elastic member 53a is large, so the operating unit 2 is subjected to large resistance through the elastic resistance of the first elastic member 53a.

[0120] It is preferred that when the user presses the display screen 21a with a finger, the operator feels as if the operation unit is firmly installed. That is, when the user presses the display screen 21a to the rear (Z2 direction), the elastic resistance generated by the tensile deformation of the recovery member 55 is preferably large. In contrast, when the response force is given to the operation unit 2 from the response force imparting mechanism 3, in order to impart a large force to the user's finger from the operation unit 2, the elastic resistance when the operation unit 2 moves to the left and right direction (X1-X2 direction) is preferably small. Therefore, it is preferred that the force required to move the operation unit 2 to the left and right direction (X1-X2 direction) against the elastic reaction force of the flexural deformation of the first elastic member 53a is smaller than the force required to move the operation unit 2 to the rear (Z2 direction).

[0121] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in the figure, a part of the elastic body 53 becomes the second elastic member 53b which is opposite in the front-to-back direction (Z1-Z2 direction), and a part of the peripheral portion of the movable hole 54c of the connecting shaft portion becomes the second limiting portion 54b which is opposite in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the front and rear second elastic members 53b each protrude further toward the connecting shaft portion 51 than the front and rear second limiting portions 54b. Therefore, when an excessive force in the front-to-back direction (Z1-Z2 direction) is applied to the operating unit 2, the connecting shaft portion 51 initially contacts the second elastic member 53b, and the second elastic member 53b is compressed and deformed. Since the force required to compress and deform the second elastic member 53b is large, the operating unit 2 is subjected to a large resistance through the second elastic member 53b. Thereafter, the connecting shaft portion 51 contacts the second limiting portion 54b. After the connecting shaft portion 51 receives the resistance through the second elastic member 53b, it contacts the second limiting portion 54b. Therefore, after the excessive force applied to the operating unit 2 is reduced by the elastic resistance of the second elastic member 53b, it contacts the second limiting portion 54b, which can prevent damage to the components constituting the supporting mechanism portion 5 and reduce the collision sound between the connecting shaft portion 51 and the second limiting portion 54b.

[0122] Similarly, the user may press or pull the operation unit 2 in the horizontal direction (X1-X2 direction) with excessive force. In addition, since the operation device 1 is used as a vehicle-mounted display device, the operation unit 2 may be subjected to strong vibration in the horizontal direction (X1-X2 direction).

[0123] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of the elastic body 53 is a first elastic member 53a supporting the connecting shaft 51 from the left and right directions, and a portion of the peripheral edge of the connecting shaft movable hole 54c is a first limiting portion 54a opposed in the left and right directions. In addition, the left and right first elastic members 53a each protrude further toward the connecting shaft 51 than the left and right first limiting portions 54a each. Figure 8 As shown, the contact portion P1 between the connecting shaft 51 and the first elastic member 53a is always located in the flexural deformation area of ​​the first elastic member 53a. Therefore, when the connecting shaft 51 moves left and right and the first elastic member 53a is pressed to the left or right by the connecting shaft 51, the first elastic member 53a is first flexed and deformed. Figure 4 When the distance δ1 of the gap G shown becomes zero, the first elastic member 53a is compressively deformed. The force required for compressive deformation of the first elastic member 53a is greater than the force required for flexural deformation.

[0124] When a large acceleration in the left-right direction is applied to the operating unit 2 by the response force applying mechanism 3, or when a large acceleration in the left-right direction is applied to the operating unit 2 by an external force such as vehicle body vibration, the first elastic member 53a is compressed and deformed after flexural deformation, and the elastic reaction force at this time is large, so a braking force is applied to the left-right movement of the connecting shaft 51. When the connecting shaft 51 further moves to one of the left-right directions against the braking force, the connecting shaft 51 contacts the first limiting portion 54a. After the connecting shaft 51 receives a large resistance from the first elastic member 53a, it contacts the first limiting portion 54a. After the excessive force applied to the operating unit 2 is reduced by the elastic resistance of the first elastic member 53a, it contacts the first limiting portion 54a, which can prevent the damage of the components constituting the supporting mechanism portion 5. In addition, the impact sound when the connecting shaft 51 collides with the first limiting portion 54a can be reduced.

[0125] Figure 8 The distance δ11 shown is set so that the connecting shaft portion 51 does not collide with the first restricting portion 54a when the first elastic member 53a is flexed and deformed, but collides with the first elastic member 53a when the first elastic member 53a is further compressively deformed after being flexed and deformed.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first elastic member 53a protrudes further toward the connecting shaft 51 than the first limiting portion 54a. In addition, the second elastic member 53b protrudes further toward the connecting shaft 51 than the second limiting portion 54b. Therefore, when a small vibration load is applied to the operating unit 2, the first elastic member 53a and the second elastic member 53b are in contact, and the first limiting portion 54a and the second limiting portion 54b are not in contact. The first limiting portion 54a and the second limiting portion 54b constituting the limiting body 54 are formed of a plastic or metal material having a large elastic coefficient, so when they come into contact with the connecting shaft 51, there is a concern that a large noise will be generated. However, the first elastic member 53a and the second elastic member 53b constituting the elastic body 53 are formed of an elastic material such as rubber, so when they come into contact with the connecting shaft 51, it is difficult to imagine that a large noise will be generated. Therefore, the operating device 1 of this embodiment can be used normally without generating a large noise.

[0127] In the supporting mechanism portion 5 of the above embodiment, a connecting shaft portion 51 is provided on the operating unit 2 side, and a connecting receiving portion 52 is provided on the supporting component 4 side, but it may also be the opposite, with a connecting receiving portion 52 provided on the operating unit 2 side and a connecting shaft portion 51 provided on the supporting component 4 side.

Claims

1. An operating device, comprising: An operating unit having an operating portion; A supporting member, supporting the operating unit; A supporting mechanism portion, disposed between the operating unit and the supporting member; an operation detection unit for detecting that the operation unit is pressed backward; as well as a response force imparting mechanism that imparts a response force in a second direction intersecting with a first direction that is a front-rear direction to the operation unit, The operating device is characterized in that In the support mechanism, a connecting shaft is provided on one of the operating unit and the supporting member, and a connecting receiving portion is provided on the other of the operating unit and the supporting member, wherein the connecting shaft is supported by the connecting receiving portion so as to be movable in the first direction. The operating device is provided with a restoring member for restoring the operating unit forward. The connection receiving portion is provided with a first elastic member for continuously supporting the connection shaft portion from both sides in the second direction while the connection shaft portion moves in the first direction. In the first elastic component, a first elastic protrusion and a second elastic protrusion protruding in the second direction are provided at intervals in the first direction on the outer side opposite to the side supporting the connecting shaft portion, a limiting wall for the first elastic protrusion and the second elastic protrusion to collide is provided on the connecting bearing portion, and the first elastic component is configured to be able to bend and deform at least between the first elastic protrusion and the second elastic protrusion. While the connecting shaft portion moves in the first direction, the connecting shaft portion and the first elastic member are in continuous contact between the first elastic protrusion and the second elastic protrusion.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, When the first elastic member is pressed in the second direction by the connecting shaft portion, the first elastic member is first deformed by bending in the second direction and then deformed by compression, and a force required for the compression deformation is greater than a force required for the bending deformation.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, The connection receiving portion is provided with first restricting portions which are opposed to the connection shaft portion at both sides thereof in the second direction with a gap therebetween, and the first elastic member protrudes further toward the connection shaft portion than the first restricting portions.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, The first restriction portion is disposed at a position where the first elastic member does not come into contact with the connecting shaft portion when the first elastic member is flexed and deformed.

5. The operating device according to claim 1, The connection receiving portion is provided with a second elastic member that comes into contact with the connection shaft portion when the connection shaft portion moves forward and backward along the first direction.

6. The operating device according to claim 5, The first elastic member and the second elastic member are parts of the same elastic body.

7. The operating device according to claim 5, The connection receiving portion is provided with a second restriction portion that faces the connection shaft portion in the front-rear direction, and the second elastic member protrudes toward the connection shaft portion side more than the second restriction portion.

8. The operating device according to claim 7, In the support mechanism portion, a relative position between the connection shaft portion and the connection receiving portion is restricted in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction.

9. The operating device according to claim 8, The operation unit is provided with a display device and a housing that holds the display device, and the operation portion is provided on a display screen of the display device.

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