Input Devices

Abstract

An input device is provided that can easily change the type of operation that can be performed on a knob (1). An input device in one embodiment comprises: a housing having an opening; a knob that is exposed to the outside along an imaginary central axis passing through the opening of the housing and is operated by a user; a first supporting member that supports the knob in a manner that enables a first operation; a second supporting member that supports the first supporting member in a manner that enables a second operation of the knob; a first detecting member that detects the first operation; a second detecting member that detects the second operation; and a limiting member that limits movement of the second detecting member and is attachable to and detachable from the housing, the second supporting member having a groove extending in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis on an outer peripheral surface, the input device installing the limiting member having a rib that fits into the groove when the second operation performed by the user is disabled, and installing the limiting member without a rib that fits into the groove when the second operation performed by the user is enabled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to input devices. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an input device that can perform a rotation operation of a knob. In addition, there is also known an input device that can perform multiple operations such as a tilt operation and a rotation operation of the knob 1.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-158970

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-37362 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Conventional input devices are designed separately according to the types of operations that can be performed on the knob 1. Therefore, for example, an input device that can perform three types of operations on the knob 1 cannot be used as an input device that can perform two types of operations on the knob 1. As a result, when a product lineup includes a product having an input device that can perform three types of operations on the knob 1 and a product having an input device that can perform two types of operations on the knob 1, there is a problem that the two types of input devices must be designed separately, which increases the number of design steps.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can easily change the types of operations that can be performed by the knob 1 .

[0010] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0011] An input device in one embodiment comprises: a shell having an opening; a knob that is exposed to the outside along an imaginary central axis passing through the opening of the shell and is operated by a user; a first supporting member that supports the knob in a manner that enables a first operation; a second supporting member that supports the first supporting member in a manner that enables a second operation of the knob; a first detecting member that detects the first operation; a second detecting member that detects the second operation; and a limiting member that limits movement of the second detecting member and is loadable and detachable relative to the shell, wherein the input device installs the limiting member having a rib that engages with the groove when the second operation performed by the user is disabled, and wherein the input device installs the limiting member without a rib that engages with the groove when the second operation performed by the user is enabled.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to each embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an input device that can easily change the types of operations that can be performed by the knob 1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view showing an example of an input device.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an input device.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a housing of an input device.

[0017] Figure 4 Observed from the bottom Figure 1 A three-dimensional image obtained by looking at the middle shell of the input device.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a first support member of an input device.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of a first detection component of an input device.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a second support member of an input device.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of a second detection component of an input device.

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 AA line cross-sectional view of the input device.

[0023] Fig.10 Observed from the bottom Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a cam component of an input device.

[0024] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a limiting member of an input device.

[0025] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing an example of a restriction member.

[0026] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 BB line sectional view of the input device.

[0027] Fig.14 is from Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of an input device in which a knob and a housing are removed.

[0028] Fig.15 is from Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of an input device in which a knob and an upper housing are removed.

[0029] Fig.16 is from Figure 1 A top view of the input device without the knob and the upper housing.

[0030] Fig.17 is from Figure 1 A top view of a modified example of an input device in which the knob and the upper housing are removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the description of the embodiments and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 17 An input device 100 according to one embodiment is described. The input device 100 is an input device that can change the type of operation that can be performed on the knob 1 by replacing one component (limiting member 7). There are two types of limiting members 7, which are respectively referred to as limiting members 7A and 7B. The input device 100 can be used as an input device for a product that utilizes the operation of the knob 1. Products that utilize the operation of the knob 1 include vehicles and game controllers, but are not limited thereto.

[0033] The input device 100 can perform two or more operations of the knob 1 including a first operation and a second operation. The first operation is an operation that is not accompanied by horizontal movement of the knob 1. The first operation includes a rotation operation, a press operation, and a touch operation, but is not limited thereto. The second operation is an operation that is accompanied by horizontal movement of the knob 1. The second operation includes a tilt operation and a slide operation, but is not limited thereto. The input device 100 can perform only the first operation and the second operation, or, in addition to the first operation and the second operation, can perform one or more operations that are different from the first operation and are not accompanied by horizontal movement of the knob 1.

[0034] In addition, the input device 100 can restrict the second operation by replacing the restriction member 7. The input device 100 can be used as an input device that cannot perform the second operation on the knob 1 by installing the restriction member 7A as the restriction member 7, and the input device 100 can be used as an input device that can perform the second operation on the knob 1 by installing the restriction member 7B as the restriction member 7. That is, the input device 100 can change the type of operation of the knob 1 that can be input by replacing the restriction member 7.

[0035] As an example, in this embodiment, an input device 100 in which the first operation is a rotation operation, the second operation is a tilt operation, and the third operation is a press operation is described below. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first operation may also be a press operation or a touch operation, the second operation may also be a slide operation, and the third operation may also be a rotation operation or a touch operation.

[0036] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an example of the input device 100 . Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the input device 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view of the housing 2 of the input device 100. Figure 4 Observed from the bottom Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the input device 100 obtained by using the middle housing 2B. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the first supporting member 3 of the input device 100. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the first detection member 4 of the input device 100. Figure 7 yes Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the second supporting member 5 of the input device 100. Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of the second detection member 6 of the input device 100. Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 AA line cross-sectional view of the input device 100. The AA line is a straight line passing through the centers of the actuators 65A and 65B. Fig.10 Observed from the bottom Figure 1 A perspective view of the cam member 66 of the input device 100 is shown. Fig.11 yes Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a limiting member 7A of an input device 100. Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing an example of the restriction member 7B. Fig.13 yes Figure 1 BB line is a straight line passing through the imaginary central axis L and extending in the Y direction. Fig.14 is from Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the input device 100 obtained by removing the knob 1 and the housing 2. Fig.15 is from Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the input device 100 obtained by removing the knob 1 and the upper shell 2A. Fig.16 is from Figure 1 A top view of the input device 100 obtained by removing the knob 1 and the upper shell 2A. Fig.17 The input device 100 ( Figure 1 A top view of the input device 100 (a modified example of the input device 100) obtained by removing the knob 1 and the upper shell 2A.

[0037] Hereinafter, the input device 100 will be described based on the directions (X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, and Z2 directions) shown in the figure. The X1 and X2 directions are collectively referred to as the X direction, the Y1 and Y2 directions are collectively referred to as the Y direction, and the Z1 and Z2 directions are collectively referred to as the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other. In addition, the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction are sometimes referred to as the upper direction and the lower direction, respectively.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the input device 100 includes a knob 1, a housing 2, a first supporting member 3, a first detecting member 4, a second supporting member 5, a second detecting member 6, and a restricting member 7A.

[0039] The knob 1 is a member operated by a user. Figure 1 The knob 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a lower surface fixed to a first supporting member 3 (refer to Fig.13 The knob 1 is supported by the first support member 3 so as to be exposed to the outside along a virtual central axis L that passes through the opening 21A of the housing 2 and extends in the Z direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0040] As described above, the operation of the knob 1 can be performed by a rotation operation (first operation), a tilt operation (second operation), and a press operation (third operation). The rotation operation of the knob 1 is an operation of rotating the knob 1 supported by the first supporting member 3 in a rotatable manner around the imaginary central axis L in the XY plane. The tilt operation of the knob 1 is an operation of tilting the knob 1 in a direction intersecting the imaginary central axis L, that is, at least one of the X direction and the Y direction. The press operation of the knob 1 is an operation of moving the knob 1 supported by the first supporting member 3 in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis L (Z2 direction). The knob 1 moves horizontally when the tilt operation is performed, but does not move horizontally when the rotation operation and the press operation are performed. The horizontal movement mentioned here refers to the movement in the XY plane, that is, the movement along at least one of the X direction and the Y direction.

[0041] It should be noted that the structure of the knob 1 is not limited to the illustrated example. The knob 1 can be set to any shape that can be operated by the user.

[0042] The housing 2 is a member for housing the first supporting member 3, the first detecting member 4, the second supporting member 5, the second detecting member 6, and the limiting member 7. Figure 3 As shown, the housing 2 includes an upper housing 2A, a middle housing 2B, and a lower housing 2C.

[0043] The upper case 2A is a member constituting the upper portion of the case 2. The upper case 2A is fixed to the upper side of the middle case 2B. The upper case 2A has an opening 21A, a plurality of buttons 22A, and a plurality of pressing portions 23A.

[0044] The opening 21A is formed on the upper surface of the upper housing 2A so that the knob 1, the first support member 3, and the second support member 5 pass through. The opening 21A is formed wider than the movement range of the outer periphery of the knob 1 so that the knob 1 can be tilted (see Fig.13 ).

[0045] The button 22A is a button disposed on the upper surface of the upper housing 2A. The button 22A is disposed so as to be exposed on the upper surface of the upper housing 2A. By providing the button 22A, the input method of the input device 100 can be diversified. It should be noted that the shape and number of the button 22A are not limited to Figure 3 In addition, the upper shell 2A may not include the button 22A.

[0046] The pressing portion 23A is a portion extending downward from the lower surface of the button 22A. The pressing portion 23A is provided on the lower surface of the button 22A. Although the detailed shape is not shown in the figure, the lower end of the pressing portion 23A abuts against the upper side of the dome portion 621, and the dome portion 621 is directly or indirectly pressed by the pressing operation of the button 22A (see Fig.13 The dome portion 621 will be described later.

[0047] The middle housing 2B is a member constituting the central portion of the housing 2 in the Z direction. The middle housing 2B is fixed to the lower side of the upper housing 2A and to the upper side of the lower housing 2C. In addition, components constituting a part of the second detection member 6 and the limiting member 7 are mounted on the upper surface side of the middle housing 2B. The middle housing 2B has an opening 21B, storage portions 22B and 23B, and a through hole 24B.

[0048] The opening 21B is an opening formed on the upper surface of the middle housing 2B so that the knob 1, the first support member 3, and the second support member 5 can pass through. The opening 21B is formed wider than the movement range of the outer periphery of the knob 1, the first support member 3, and the second support member 5 so that the knob 1 can be tilted (see Fig.13 ).

[0049] The storage portions 22B and 23B are concave portions that protrude downward from the upper surface of the middle housing 2B (in Figure 4 The storage parts 22B and 23B are formed around the opening 21B. The storage parts 22B and 23B respectively store the coil springs 64A and 64B and the actuators 65A and 65B (see Fig. 9 The coil springs 64A, 64B and the actuators 65A, 65B will be described later.

[0050] The through hole 24B is a through hole formed between the upper surface and the lower surface of the middle housing 2B for the upper end of the pressing member 67 to pass through (see Figure 8 ). The through hole 24B is formed in a region close to the opening 21B. The pressing member 67 will be described later.

[0051] The lower housing 2C is a member constituting the lower portion of the housing 2. The lower housing 2C is fixed to the lower side of the middle housing 2B. In addition, components constituting the first detection member 4 and the second detection member 6 are held between the lower surface of the middle housing 2B and the upper surface of the lower housing 2C. A fulcrum portion 53 (see FIG. 2 ) for the second support member 5 is provided on the upper surface of the lower housing 2C. Fig.13 ) is provided with a recessed portion 21C for supporting.

[0052] It should be noted that the structure of the housing 2 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. The housing 2 may be any structure that can accommodate the first supporting member 3, the first detecting member 4, the second supporting member 5, the second detecting member 6, and the restricting member 7.

[0053] The first support member 3 is a member that supports the knob 1 so that it can be rotated (first operation) and pressed (third operation). The first support member 3 is substantially axial in shape and extends in a direction (Z direction) parallel to the imaginary central axis L, and includes a shaft member 31, a bearing member 32, and a pressing member 33 (see Figure 5 and Fig.13 ).

[0054] The shaft member 31 is a substantially cylindrical member extending in a direction (Z direction) parallel to the imaginary central axis L. The shaft member 31 is rotatably supported by the bearing member 32 and is arranged in a state of abutting against the upper side of the pressing member 33 (see Fig. 9 , Fig.13). The lower surface of the knob 1 is fixed to the upper end of the shaft member 31 by means of a bolt B. When the knob 1 is rotated, the shaft member 31 can rotate together with the knob 1 around the imaginary center axis L. In addition, when the knob 1 is tilted, the shaft member 31 can tilt together with the knob 1 in a direction intersecting the imaginary center axis L. In addition, when the knob 1 is pressed, the shaft member 31 moves together with the knob 1 in a direction parallel to the imaginary center axis L. It should be noted that the direction parallel to the imaginary center axis L coincides with the Z direction when the tilting operation of the knob 1 is not in operation. The shaft member 31 has a light shielding portion 311 at the lower end.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the light shielding portion 311 is a dome-shaped portion extending downward from the lower end of the shaft member 31. A substantially rectangular convex portion 312 is formed at equal intervals at the lower end of the light shielding portion 311. The light shielding portion 311 constitutes a part of an optical rotation sensor (rotation detection circuit). As described later, by rotating the light shielding portion 311 together with the knob 1, the first detection member 4 can detect the rotation of the knob 1.

[0056] The bearing member 32 is a cylindrical member that supports the shaft member 31 so that it can rotate around the imaginary central axis L and can move in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis L. The bearing member 32 is fixed to the second support member 5, and the shaft member 31 passes through the inside. That is, the bearing member 32 is arranged between the shaft member 31 and the second support member 5 (refer to Fig.13 The bearing member 32 functions as a bearing that suppresses the influence of the shaft member 31 rotating and moving inside the bearing member 32 from affecting the second support member 5 .

[0057] The pressing member 33 is a member that supports the shaft member 31 from below. Fig.13 As shown, the pressing member 33 is arranged on the lower side of the shaft member 31 and is arranged to abut against the upper side of the dome portion 421. When the knob 1 is pressed, the shaft member 31 descends in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis L and presses the dome portion 421 via the pressing member 33. The dome portion 421 will be described later.

[0058] It should be noted that the structure of the first support member 3 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. For example, the first support member 3 may not include the bearing member 32, and the shaft member 31 and the pressing member 33 may be formed integrally. The first support member 3 may be set to any structure that can support the knob 1 in a manner that allows rotation and pressing operations.

[0059] The first detection member 4 is a member that detects the rotation operation and the pressing operation (an example of each of the “first operation” and the “third operation”) of the knob 1. The first detection member 4 is arranged on the lower side of the first support member 3 and is fixed to the lower housing 2C. The first detection member 4 includes a circuit board 41, a sheet member 42, and a connection terminal 43 (see Figure 6 ).

[0060] The circuit board 41 is a board on which a rotation detection circuit for detecting a rotation operation of the knob 1 and a press detection circuit for detecting a press operation of the knob 1 are mounted. The circuit board 41 may be a rigid board or a flexible board.

[0061] The rotation detection circuit has a transmissive optical sensor 44, which is optical and integrally includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a light receiving element. The rotation detection circuit uses the light receiving element to receive the reflected light of the light emitted by the LED. As described above, when the knob 1 is rotated, the light shielding portion 311 rotates together with the knob 1, so that the reflected light of the light emitted by the LED changes. Therefore, based on the change in the output waveform of the light receiving element, the rotation speed (rotation angle) of the knob 1 can be calculated.

[0062] The pressure detection circuit includes a plurality of fixed contacts arranged separately and a detection circuit for detecting conduction of the fixed contacts. The pressure detection circuit will be described later.

[0063] The sheet member 42 is a sheet formed of an elastic member such as silicone rubber, and is arranged to cover the upper surface of the circuit board 41. The sheet member 42 functions as a dustproof sheet and a waterproof sheet for the circuit board 41. The sheet member 42 has three dome portions 421.

[0064] The dome portion 421 is a dome-shaped portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the sheet member 42. The dome portion 421 is evenly arranged on the lower side of the pressing member 33 so as to stably support the pressing member 33. The dome portion 421 is formed to cover a plurality of fixed contacts. A movable contact is fixed to the lower surface of the dome portion 421 so as to cover a plurality of fixed contacts.

[0065] As described above, when the knob 1 is pressed, the dome portion 421 is pressed via the pressing member 33. When the dome portion 421 is pressed with a force greater than a predetermined force, it bends, and its lower surface contacts the surface of the circuit substrate 41. When the lower surface of the dome portion 421 contacts the surface of the circuit substrate 41, the movable contact fixed to the lower surface of the dome portion 421 contacts the plurality of fixed contacts arranged below the dome portion 421, and conduction is established between the fixed contacts. By detecting this conduction with the detection circuit, the pressing operation of the knob 1 can be detected.

[0066] When the pressing operation of the knob 1 ends (the user releases his finger from the knob 1), the shape of the dome portion 421 is restored by the elastic force of the sheet member 42. As a result, the first support member 3 is pushed up and restored to its original position. As a result, the knob 1 is restored to its original position (initial position).

[0067] The connection terminal 43 is a terminal for connecting the circuit board 41 to the circuit board 61. The output signal of the circuit board 41 (the detection result of the rotation operation and the pressing operation) is output to the external device of the input device 100 via the circuit board 61. The circuit board 61 will be described later.

[0068] It should be noted that the structure of the first detection member 4 is not limited to the example. For example, the rotation detection circuit may be magnetic or photoelectric. In addition, the press detection circuit may be composed of a disc spring or the like. In addition, the sheet member 42 may also have one, two or more than four dome portions 421. The first detection member 4 may be set to any structure capable of detecting the rotation operation and the press operation of the knob 1.

[0069] The second supporting member 5 is a cylindrical member that supports the first supporting member 3 in a manner that enables the knob 1 to be tilted. The second supporting member 5 penetrates the first supporting member 3 on the inside and fixes the inner peripheral surface to the bearing member 32. When the knob 1 is tilted, the first supporting member 3 falls, and the second supporting member 5 fixed to the bearing member 32 falls together with the first supporting member 3. In addition, the second supporting member 5 is connected to the annular member 63. The annular member 63 will be described later. Figure 7 As shown, the second support member 5 has four protrusions 51 , four grooves 52 , and a fulcrum 53 .

[0070] The convex portion 51 is a substantially cylindrical member extending outward from the outer peripheral surface of the second support member 5. The convex portion 51 penetrates the connecting groove 634 provided in the annular member 63 in a manner having a degree of freedom in the Z direction. Four convex portions 51 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the second support member 5. When the knob 1 is tilted, the second support member 5 tilts, and the annular member 63 connected to the second support member 5 moves in the horizontal direction (XY plane) along with the tilting action of the second support member 5. In more detail, when the knob 1 is tilted, the second support member 5 tilts, and the convex portion 51 moves in the Z direction in the connecting groove 634 provided in the annular member 63, while pressing the wall surface of the connecting groove 634 in the horizontal direction, thereby converting the tilting action of the second support member 5 into a sliding action of the annular member 63 in the horizontal direction. It should be noted that the number of convex portions 51 is not limited to the example. In addition, with respect to the connection structure between the second supporting member 5 and the annular member 63 when the knob 1 is slid in the horizontal direction (XY plane direction), it is the same as the above-mentioned tilting operation except that the protrusion 51 does not move in the Z direction in the connection groove 634, and the sliding operation of the knob 1 is used to cause the annular member 63 to slide in the same direction as the sliding operation.

[0071] The groove 52 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second support member 5 and extends in a direction (Z direction) parallel to the imaginary central axis L. The groove 52 is engaged with the rib 73 extending in a direction (Z direction) parallel to the imaginary central axis L of the restricting member 7A (see Fig.11 and Fig.16 ). The groove 52 and the rib 73 are fitted together without a gap, thereby limiting the tilting of the second support member 5 and maintaining the knob 1 on the imaginary center axis L. Four grooves 52 are formed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the second support member 5 around the imaginary center axis L. In addition, the groove 52 is arranged at a position that forms a predetermined angle θ (as an example, in the present embodiment, θ is about 15 to 25 degrees) relative to the direction of the tilt operation of the knob 1 (X direction and Y direction). Thus, when a horizontal load is applied to the second support member 5, the load is dispersed to the plurality of grooves 52, thereby suppressing damage to the grooves 52. It should be noted that the number of grooves 52 and the angle of configuration are not limited to the examples.

[0072] like Fig.13 As shown, the fulcrum portion 53 is a protruding portion provided at the lower end of the second support member 5. The fulcrum portion 53 is supported by the recessed portion 21C provided on the upper surface of the lower case 2C, and functions as a tilting fulcrum of the second support member 5. That is, the second support member 5 tilts with the fulcrum portion 53 as a fulcrum.

[0073] It should be noted that the structure of the second support member 5 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. The second support member 5 may be any structure that can support the first support member 3 so that the knob 1 can be tilted.

[0074] The second detection member 6 is a member for detecting the tilting operation (an example of the "second operation") of the knob 1. A portion of the components of the second detection member 6 is held between the upper surface of the middle housing 2B and the limiting member 7, while the other components are held between the lower surface of the middle housing 2B and the upper surface of the lower housing 2C. Figure 8 to Figure 10 As shown, the second detection member 6 includes a circuit board 61 , a sheet member 62 , an annular member 63 , coil springs 64A and 64B, actuators 65A and 65B, cam members 66A and 66B, and a pressing member 67 .

[0075] The circuit substrate 61 is a substrate equipped with a tilt detection circuit for detecting the tilt operation of the knob 1. The circuit substrate 61 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. Although not shown in the figure, an output terminal for outputting the output signal of the circuit substrates 41 and 61 to an external device is provided on the lower surface of the circuit substrate 61.

[0076] The tilt detection circuit includes a plurality of fixed contacts disposed separately from each other and a detection circuit for detecting conduction of the fixed contacts. The tilt detection circuit will be described later.

[0077] The sheet member 62 is a sheet formed of an elastic member such as silicone rubber, and is arranged to cover the upper surface of the circuit board 61. The sheet member 62 functions as a dustproof sheet and a waterproof sheet for the circuit board 61. The sheet member 62 has a plurality of dome portions 621 and four dome portions 622.

[0078] The dome portion 621 is a dome-shaped portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the sheet member 62. The plurality of dome portions 621 are arranged in a state of respectively contacting the lower sides of the plurality of pressing portions 23A, which pass through through holes (not shown) provided in the middle housing 2B. The dome portion 621 is formed to cover the plurality of fixed contacts. A movable contact is fixed to the lower surface of the dome portion 621 in a manner covering the plurality of fixed contacts.

[0079] When the button 22A is pressed, the dome portion 621 is pressed via the pressing portion 23A provided on the lower surface of the button 22A. The dome portion 621 bends when pressed with a force greater than a predetermined force, so that its lower surface contacts the surface of the circuit substrate 61. When the lower surface of the dome portion 621 contacts the surface of the circuit substrate 61, the movable contact fixed on the lower surface of the dome portion 621 contacts the plurality of fixed contacts arranged below the dome portion 621, so that conduction is established between the fixed contacts. By detecting this conduction with the detection circuit, the pressing operation of the button 22A can be detected.

[0080] When the pressing operation of the button 22A ends (the user releases his finger from the button 22A), the shape of the dome portion 621 is restored by the elastic force of the sheet member 62. As a result, the button 22A is pushed up and restored to its original position.

[0081] The arch portion 622 is an arch-shaped portion protruding upward from the upper surface of the sheet member 62. The four arch portions 622 are arranged in a state of abutting against the lower side of the pressing member 67. The four arch portions 622 are arranged at equal intervals in the operation direction (X1, X2, Y1, Y2 side) of the knob 1 with the central portion of the pressing member 67 as a reference so as to stably support the pressing member 67. The arch portion 622 is formed to cover a plurality of fixed contacts. A movable contact is fixed to the lower surface of the arch portion 622 in a manner covering a plurality of fixed contacts. The operation of the arch portion 622 will be described later.

[0082] The annular member 63 is an annular member that converts the tilting operation of the knob 1 into a sliding operation in the horizontal direction. The annular member 63 is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the second support member 5 and is connected to the second support member 5. The annular member 63 is held to be movable in the horizontal direction in a state where the height in the Z direction (the position that can be moved in the direction parallel to the imaginary central axis L) is limited by the upper surface of the middle housing 2B and the lower surface of the limiting member 7. The annular member 63 has cam fixing portions 631, 632, a pressing portion 633, and a connecting groove 634.

[0083] The cam fixing portions 631 and 632 are portions protruding outward from the outer periphery of the annular member 63, and are formed at positions opposite to each other across the imaginary central axis L. The cam fixing portions 631 and 632 fix the cam members 66A and 66B to the lower surface side, respectively. In the present embodiment, the cam members 66 of the same shape are arranged at opposite positions with good balance, but the annular member 63 may have three or more cam fixing portions, or may have one cam fixing portion.

[0084] The pressing portion 633 will be described later.

[0085] The connection groove 634 is a groove extending in the Z direction and formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular member 63. The connection groove 634 is connected to the convex portion 51 of the second support member 5 so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0086] like Fig. 9 As shown, the coil springs 64A and 64B are elastic members that are respectively accommodated in the housing portions 22B and 23B of the middle housing 2B, and are supported in a state where the actuators 65A and 65B penetrate therethrough and extend in the Z direction. The lower ends of the coil springs 64A and 64B abut against the bottom surfaces of the housing portions 22B and 23B, and the upper ends of the coil springs 64A and 64B abut against the lower surfaces of the abutment portions of the actuators 65A and 65B, and the coil springs 64A and 64B urge the actuators 65A and 65B upward.

[0087] The actuators 65A and 65B are rod-shaped members respectively housed in the housing portions 22B and 23B of the middle housing 2B and extending in the Z direction through the coil springs 64A and 64B. The actuator 65 has a contact portion formed thicker than the coil spring 64, and the lower surface of the contact portion contacts the upper end of the coil spring 64. The actuator 65 is urged upward by the coil spring 64.

[0088] Cam members 66A and 66B have cam surfaces 661A and 661B on their lower surfaces, respectively, and are fixed to the lower surfaces of cam fixing portions 631 and 632. The upper end of actuator 65 abuts against cam surface 661 of cam member 66 while being pressed by the biasing force of coil spring 64.

[0089] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cam surface 661 is formed in a cross shape. In more detail, the cam surface 661 has a recess 662 formed in the central portion, and a guide curved surface 663 inclined from the recess 662 toward the direction of the tilting operation (X direction and Y direction). The recess 662 corresponds to the initial position of the knob 1, and abuts against the upper end of the actuator 65 while the knob 1 is in the initial position. When the knob 1 is tilted, the cam surface 661 is tilted along with the tilt of the annular member 63, and the guide curved surface 663 abuts against the upper end of the actuator 65. As a result, when the tilting operation is performed, the load applied by the actuator 65 to the cam member 66 changes, thereby generating a click feeling. In addition, by utilizing the abutment of the guide curved surface 663 with the actuator 65, a load in the direction of returning the cam member 66 to the initial position is applied to the cam surface 661, so that when the tilting operation is completed, the knob 1 (cam member 66) can be automatically restored to the initial position.

[0090] The pressing member 67 is a disc-shaped member that selectively presses the dome portion 622 of the sheet member 62. The pressing member 67 is arranged in a state of abutting against the upper sides of the four dome portions 622, and is arranged on the lower side of the front end of the pressing portion 633 of the annular member 63. In addition, the pressing member 67 passes through the through hole 24B of the middle housing 2B, and is supported in a swingable manner near the lower side outlet of the through hole 24B, and can be tilted in the direction of each of the four dome portions 622.

[0091] The pressing portion 633 is a portion protruding outward from the outer periphery of the annular member 63, and the front end of the pressing portion 633 extends downward. The front end of the pressing portion 633 is arranged so as to surround the upper end of the pressing member 67, and when moving, the upper end of the pressing member 67 is pressed to tilt the pressing member 67 in the moving direction.

[0092] When the knob 1 is tilted, the annular member 63 slides in the tilting direction together with the second supporting member 5 because the height is restricted by the restricting member 7. When the front end of the pressing portion 633 moves in the operating direction of the knob 1, the pressing member 67 is pressed toward the operating direction side, and tilts toward the dome portion 622 disposed on the operating direction side with the central portion of the pressing member 67 as a fulcrum, and presses the dome portion 622 disposed on the operating direction side downward.

[0093] The dome portion 622 bends when pressed by a force greater than a predetermined force, so that the surface of the dome shape facing the circuit substrate 61 contacts the surface of the circuit substrate 61. When the facing surface of the dome portion 622 contacts the surface of the circuit substrate 61, the movable contact fixed to the facing surface of the dome portion 622 contacts a plurality of fixed contacts arranged on the surface of the circuit substrate 61, so that conduction occurs between the fixed contacts. By detecting the conduction with the detection circuit, the tilting operation of the knob 1 in the operation direction can be detected.

[0094] When the tilting operation of the knob 1 is completed (the user releases the finger from the knob 1), the shape of the dome portion 622 is restored by the elastic force of the sheet member 62. Thus, the pressing member 67 is pushed up by the restoring force of the shape of the dome portion 622. In addition, the annular member 63 is pressed in the direction along the cam surface 661 together with the cam member 66 by the elastic force applied by the coil spring 64 to the actuator 65 abutting against the cam member 66. As a result, the annular member 63 is restored to the original position, and the knob 1 is restored to the original position.

[0095] It should be noted that the structure of the second detection member 6 is not limited to the example shown in the figure. For example, the tilt detection circuit may also be composed of a disc spring or the like. In addition, the second detection member 6 may also be urged by one or more than three coil springs 64. In addition, the sheet member 62 may also have two or more sets of four dome portions 622 for detecting the tilt operation of the knob 1, and the four dome portions 622 may also be pressed by different pressing members 67. The second detection member 6 may be set to any structure that can detect the tilt operation of the knob 1.

[0096] The limiting member 7 is a member that limits the movement of the second detection member 6 in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis L (Z direction). Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the limiting member 7 is detachably mounted on the middle housing 2B by bolts B. The limiting member 7 is disposed on the upper side of the annular member 63, which is a component of the second detection member 6, and limits the movement of the annular member 63 in the Z direction by holding the annular member 63 between the lower surface of the limiting member 7 and the upper surface of the middle housing 2B. Thus, the annular member 63 can be stably moved in the sliding direction (the direction intersecting the imaginary central axis L).

[0097] In this embodiment, a restriction member 7A and a restriction member 7B are prepared as the restriction member 7. The restriction member 7A is a restriction member 7 that restricts the second support member 5 from falling down, and the restriction member 7B is a restriction member 7 that does not restrict the second support member 5 from falling down. Fig.11 As shown, the restriction member 7A has a plate-like portion 71 , an annular portion 72 , and four ribs 73 .

[0098] The plate-like portion 71 is a flat plate-like portion and has mounting portions 71A at four corners. The mounting portions 71A have through holes (not shown) through which bolts B are inserted. The plate-like portion 71 is mounted on the upper surface of the middle housing 2B by the bolts B. The upper surface of the annular member 63, which is biased upward by the coil spring 64, is pressed against the lower surface of the plate-like portion 71. The plate-like portion 71 has an opening 711 in the center portion for inserting the second support member 5.

[0099] The annular portion 72 is an annular portion that surrounds the opening 711 formed in the plate-like portion 71. The annular portion 72 has a rib 73 formed on its inner peripheral surface.

[0100] The rib 73 is a portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the annular portion 72 and extends in the Z direction. When the restriction member 7A is mounted on the middle housing B2, the rib 73 is inserted from top to bottom and fits into the groove 52 of the second support member 5, thereby restricting the second support member 5 from falling. Four ribs 73 are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the groove 52 of the second support member 5. In addition, the rib 73 is provided at a position that forms a predetermined angle θ with respect to the operation direction (X direction and Y direction) of the knob 1.

[0101] It should be noted that the structure of the limiting member 7A is not limited to the illustration. When the limiting member 7A is capable of forming a rib 73 on the inner circumferential surface of the opening portion 711, for example, the limiting member 7A may not have the annular portion 72. In addition, the number of ribs 73 is not limited to the illustration. In addition, the method of mounting the limiting member 7 on the middle housing 2B is not limited to the bolt B. The limiting member 7A can be set to any of the following structures, which limits the movement of the second detection member 6 in a direction parallel to the imaginary center axis L, and enables the second detection member 6 to move in a direction intersecting the imaginary center axis L.

[0102] When the limiting member 7A is installed in the middle housing 2B, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the four ribs 73 are respectively engaged with the corresponding grooves 52, thereby restricting the second support member 5 from falling down. As a result, the knob 1 cannot be tilted. That is, the input device 100 is an input device that can perform rotation and pressing operations on the knob 1.

[0103] In addition, the ribs 73 are provided at positions that form a predetermined angle θ with respect to the operation direction (X direction and Y direction) of the knob 1. Thus, when a horizontal load is applied to the second support member 5, a load is applied to all the ribs 73 that form a predetermined angle (θ or 90°-θ) with respect to the operation direction, so that the operation load is dispersed to a greater number of ribs 73 compared to the case where only ribs 73 without a predetermined angle (θ=0) are provided, that is, only ribs 73 that are parallel or perpendicular to the operation direction are provided. As a result, damage to the ribs 73 can be suppressed.

[0104] On the other hand, Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the restricting member 7B includes a plate-shaped portion 71 and an annular portion 72. That is, the restricting member 7B has the same structure as the restricting member 7A except that the restricting member 7B does not include the rib 73.

[0105] When the limiting member 7B is installed in the middle housing 2B as the limiting member 7, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, since there is a gap between the second support member 5 and the limiting member 7B, the second support member 5 is not restricted from falling. As a result, the knob 1 can be tilted. That is, the input device 100 is an input device capable of rotating, tilting, and pressing the knob 1.

[0106] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the input device 100 can perform a rotation operation and a pressing operation of the knob 1 when the limiting member 7A is installed, and can perform a rotation operation, a tilting operation, and a pressing operation of the knob 1 when the limiting member 7B is installed. That is, by replacing the limiting member 7, whether the tilting operation of the knob 1 in the input device 100 can be changed. In addition, since the limiting member 7 is installed in a detachable manner on the middle housing 2B, it can be easily replaced. Therefore, the input device 100 can easily change the type of operation of the knob 1 that can be performed (whether the tilting operation can be performed).

[0107] In addition, the structures of the restricting members 7A and 7B are the same except for the presence or absence of the rib 73. Therefore, it is easy to design and manufacture the two restricting members 7. As a result, the design cost of the input device 100 can be reduced. In addition, the same equipment can be used in the assembly process, thereby reducing equipment investment.

[0108] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the structures listed in the above embodiments, the combinations with other elements, etc. These aspects can be changed within the scope of the present invention and can be appropriately determined according to the application mode.

[0109] For example, in this embodiment, a fulcrum portion 53 is provided at the lower end of the second support member 5, and the fulcrum portion 53 is supported by the housing 2 so that the second support member 5 can be tilted, but the fulcrum portion 53 can be removed and the second support member 5 can be supported as a whole by the housing 2 so that it can slide.

[0110] It should be noted that the present international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-021006 filed on February 7, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0111] Description of reference numerals:

[0112] 1: Knob

[0113] 2: Shell

[0114] 2A: Upper shell

[0115] 2B: Middle shell

[0116] 2C: Lower housing

[0117] 3: First supporting member

[0118] 4: First detection component

[0119] 5: Second supporting member

[0120] 6: Second detection component

[0121] 7: Limiting components

[0122] 21A, 21B: Opening

[0123] 31: Shaft component

[0124] 32: Bearing components

[0125] 33: Pressing member

[0126] 41: Circuit board

[0127] 42: Sheet component

[0128] 43: Connecting terminal

[0129] 51: convex part

[0130] 52: Groove

[0131] 53: Fulcrum Department

[0132] 61: Circuit board

[0133] 62: Sheet component

[0134] 63: Ring member

[0135] 64A, 64B: Coil spring

[0136] 65A, 65B: Actuator

[0137] 66A, 66B: Cam member

[0138] 67: Pressing member

[0139] 71: plate-shaped part

[0140] 72: Annular part

[0141] 73: Rib

[0142] 100: Input device

[0143] L: Imaginary center axis

[0144] θ: specified angle.

Claims

1. An input device, wherein: The input device comprises: a housing having an opening; a knob that is exposed to the outside along an imaginary central axis passing through the opening of the housing and is operated by a user; a first supporting member that supports the knob in a manner that enables a first operation; a second supporting member that supports the first supporting member in a manner that enables a second operation of the knob; a first detection member for detecting the first operation; a second detection member for detecting the second operation; as well as a limiting member that limits the movement of the second detection member and is attachable to and detachable from the housing, The first operation is an operation not accompanied by horizontal movement of the knob, The second operation is an operation accompanied by horizontal movement of the knob, The second support member has a groove portion extending in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis on an outer peripheral surface. The input device is provided with the restriction member having the rib that fits into the groove portion when the second operation performed by the user is disabled. The input device is configured to attach the restriction member having no rib that fits into the groove portion when enabling the second operation by the user.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The second supporting member has four grooves provided at equal intervals around the imaginary central axis.

3. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The groove portion of the second support member is provided at a position forming a predetermined angle with respect to the operation direction of the second operation.

4. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first operation is a rotation operation around the imaginary central axis or a pressing operation in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis.

5. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second operation is a tilt operation in a direction intersecting the imaginary central axis or a slide operation in a direction intersecting the imaginary central axis.

6. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first supporting member supports the knob in a manner enabling a third operation to be performed. The third operation is an operation different from the first operation and not accompanied by horizontal movement of the knob.

7. The input device according to claim 6, wherein: The third operation is a pressing operation in a direction parallel to the imaginary central axis or a rotating operation around the imaginary central axis.

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