Operating device

Abstract

The operation device includes a lever, a first resistor body in a band shape, a first actuator that rotates in conjunction with tilting operation of the lever, and a first holder that holds a first slider that moves in a first direction via a first drive transmission portion in conjunction with rotation of the first actuator, thereby causing the first slider to slide on a surface of the first resistor body, the first drive transmission portion includes a first protrusion in a cylindrical shape that is integrally provided to the first holder and protrudes in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a first engagement portion that is integrally provided to the first actuator and has a pair of holding pieces that hold the first protrusion from both sides in the first direction, and in the first engagement portion, a holding piece of the pair of holding pieces that is more elastic than the other holding piece of the pair of holding pieces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an operating device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a technique is disclosed for detecting the rotation of a movable part that rotates according to the tilting operation of an operating part by means of a variable resistor.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-160457 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in conventional input devices, the following technique is used: as the lever tilts, a holding member is moved horizontally via a drive transmission unit, causing a sliding member held by the holding member to slide on the surface of a resistive element provided on a substrate, thereby detecting the tilt of the lever by changing the resistance value.

[0008] However, in the prior art, due to looseness in the drive transmission part, even though the rod has returned to the neutral state, the retaining member does not return to the neutral position, and the output signal may not become a value indicating the neutral state.

[0009] Means for solving technical problems

[0010] One embodiment of the operating device includes: a lever capable of tilting; a strip-shaped first resistive element extending along a first direction on the surface of a substrate; a first actuator that rotates with the tilting operation of the lever; and a first retainer that retains a first sliding member that moves in the first direction via a first drive transmission portion with the rotation of the first actuator, thereby causing the first sliding member to slide on the surface of the first resistive element. The first drive transmission portion has: a cylindrical first protrusion integrally disposed on the first retainer and protruding in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a first engaging portion integrally disposed on the first actuator, having a pair of clamping tabs that clamp the first protrusion from both sides in the first direction, wherein in the first engaging portion, the elasticity of one of the clamping tabs is greater than the elasticity of the other clamping tab.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to one embodiment of the operating device, the recovery accuracy of the value representing the neutral state in the output signal when the lever returns to the neutral state can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the operating device involved in one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the operating device (in the state after the housing has been removed) according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the operating device involved in one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an operating device involved in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the FPC included in the operating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a slider on the surface of an FPC according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the engagement state of the slider and actuator according to one embodiment, viewed from above.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram from below showing the engagement state of the slider and actuator according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first drive transmission unit according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the second drive transmission unit according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the second retainer and the second slider (in a non-engaged state) as described in the first modified example, viewed from below.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the second retainer and the second sliding member (in a coupled state) involved in the first modified example, viewed from below.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a plan view from below of the second retainer and the second sliding member (in a coupled state) involved in the first modified example.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the second retainer and the second slider (in a non-engaged state) as described in the second variation.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the second retainer and the second sliding member (in a coupled state) involved in the second variation, viewed from below.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a plan view from below of the second retaining member and the second sliding member (in a coupled state) involved in the second variation.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the second retainer and the second sliding member (in a non-engaged state) as described in the third variation.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the second retainer and the second sliding member (in a coupled state) involved in the third variation, viewed from below.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a plan view from below of the second retainer and the second sliding member (in a coupled state) involved in the third variation.

[0032] Figure 20 It is a magnified perspective view of the joint (before riveting) of the second retainer and the second sliding member involved in the fourth modified example.

[0033] Figure 21 It is a magnified perspective view of the joint (after riveting) of the second retainer and the second sliding member involved in the fourth modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] (Overview of operating device 100)

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the operating device 100 according to one embodiment. Furthermore, for convenience in the following description, the Z-axis direction in the figure will be considered the up-down direction, the X-axis direction will be considered the front-back direction, and the Y-axis direction will be considered the left-right direction. Additionally, one example will be where the Y-axis direction is designated as the "first direction," and another example will be where the X-axis direction is designated as the "second direction."

[0037] Figure 1 The operating device 100 shown is used as a controller for game consoles, etc. Figure 1As shown, the operating device 100 has a columnar lever 120 extending upward from the opening 102A of the housing 102, capable of tilting. The operating device 100 can tilt the lever 120 not only in the forward / backward direction (arrows D1 and D2 in the figure) and the left / right direction (arrows D3 and D4 in the figure), but also in all directions in between. Furthermore, the operating device 100 can output an operation signal corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilting angle) of the lever 120 to the outside via the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 112.

[0038] (Structure of operating device 100)

[0039] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the operating device 100 (in the state after the housing 102 has been removed) according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the operating device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an operating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0040] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the operating device 100 includes a housing 102, a rod 120, a second actuator 104, a first actuator 106, a shaft 103, a spring 108, a second retainer 105, a first retainer 107, a pressing member 109, a frame 110, an FPC 112, and a metal sheet 113.

[0041] The housing 102 has a dome shape that convexes upwards. Various components are assembled in the internal space of the housing 102. An opening 102A, which appears circular when viewed from above, is formed at the top of the dome-shaped portion of the housing 102.

[0042] The lever 120 is a component used by the operator for tilting operations. The lever 120 has a lever portion 120A and a base portion 120B. The lever portion 120A is a generally cylindrical portion extending upward from the opening 102A of the housing 102, and is used by the operator for tilting operations. The base portion 120B is a generally cylindrical portion inside the housing 102 that supports the lower end of the lever portion 120A and rotates during the tilting operation of the lever portion 120A.

[0043] The second actuator 104 has an upwardly curved dome shape and an elongated opening 104A extending along the curved shape in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction in the figure). The second actuator 104 has outwardly protruding rotating shafts 104B at both ends in the left-right direction. The rotating shafts 104B are supported by the housing 102, so that as the rod 120 tilts in the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction in the figure), it can be rotatably arranged with the rotating shafts 104B as the center of rotation.

[0044] The first actuator 106 is disposed on the upper side of the second actuator 104. The first actuator 106 has an upwardly convex curved shape and an elongated opening 106A extending along the curved shape in the front-back direction (X-axis direction in the figure). The first actuator 106 has a rotating shaft 106B protruding outward at each of its two ends in the front-back direction. The rotating shaft 106B is supported by the housing 102, thereby enabling it to rotate in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) with the rod 120 tilting in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) with the rotating shaft 106B as the center of rotation.

[0045] The second retainer 105 is disposed on the right side (positive Y-axis side) of the second actuator 104. The second retainer 105 holds the second slider 105A on its bottom surface. The second retainer 105 has an elongated shape extending along the sliding direction (X-axis direction) of the second slider 105A. The second retainer 105 is slidably disposed along the sliding direction (X-axis direction) of the second slider 105A. At the center of the side of the second retainer 105 on the second actuator 104 side (negative Y-axis side), a cylindrical second protrusion 105B protruding toward the second actuator 104 side is provided.

[0046] A first retainer 107 is disposed on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the first actuator 106. The first retainer 107 holds the first slider 107A on its bottom surface. The first retainer 107 has an elongated shape extending along the sliding direction (Y-axis direction) of the first slider 107A. The first retainer 107 is slidably disposed along the sliding direction (Y-axis direction) of the first slider 107A. A cylindrical first protrusion 107B protruding toward the first actuator 106 side is provided at the center of the side of the first retainer 107 on the first actuator 106 side (negative X-axis side).

[0047] like Figures 2-4As shown, the second actuator 104 and the first actuator 106 overlap each other in a manner that intersects with openings 104A and 106A. When the second actuator 104 and the first actuator 106 overlap, the rod portion 120A of the rod 120 passes through openings 104A and 106A, and when assembled to the base portion 120B of the rod 120, it is assembled together with the base portion 120B into the housing 102.

[0048] The second actuator 104 has a second engaging portion 104C protruding downward from the rotation shaft 104B on the positive side of the Y-axis. The second engaging portion 104C engages with the second protrusion 105B of the second retainer 105. When the lever 120 is tilted in the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction), the second actuator 104 rotates together with the base 120B of the lever 120 in the forward-backward direction, and the second engaging portion 104C causes the second retainer 105 to slide in the forward-backward direction. As a result, the electrical connection state between the second sliding member 105A held at the lower part of the second retainer 105 and the resistors 116 and 117 provided on the FPC 112 changes, and an operation signal based on the resistance value corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilting angle) of the lever 120 is output from the connection portion 112B of the FPC 112.

[0049] The first actuator 106 has a first engaging portion 106C protruding downward from the rotation shaft 106B on the positive side of the X-axis. The first engaging portion 106C engages with the first protrusion 107B of the first retainer 107. When the lever 120 is tilted in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), the first actuator 106 rotates together with the base 120B of the lever 120 in the left-right direction, and the first engaging portion 106C causes the first retainer 107 to slide in the left-right direction. As a result, the electrical connection state between the first sliding member 107A held at the lower part of the first retainer 107 and the resistors 115 and 117 provided on the FPC 112 changes, and an operation signal based on the resistance value corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilting angle) of the lever 120 is output from the connection portion 112B of the FPC 112.

[0050] The shaft 103 has a shaft portion 103A and a base plate portion 103B. The shaft portion 103A is a cylindrical rod-shaped portion that is inserted into the through hole 120C of the rod 120. The base plate portion 103B is a disc-shaped portion integrally provided at the lower end of the shaft portion 103A.

[0051] With the shaft portion 103A of the shaft 103 inserted, the spring 108 is assembled together with the shaft 103 to the opening 120D on the bottom side (negative side of the Z-axis) of the rod 120 (see reference). Figure 4Inside. Spring 108 applies an upward force to rod 120 and a downward force to the base plate portion 103B of shaft 103. Thus, when the operator releases the tilting operation of rod 120, spring 108 presses the base plate portion 103B of shaft 103 against the upper surface and center of frame 110, making the base plate portion 103B horizontal, thereby restoring rod 120 to a neutral state.

[0052] When lever 120 is pressed downwards, pressing member 109 is pressed downwards by the rotation shaft 104B on the negative Y-axis side of second actuator 104, thereby pressing the metal sheet 113 provided on FPC 112 downwards, causing the metal sheet 113 to elastically deform, thereby turning on the switch circuit formed on FPC 112. As a result, a switch-on signal indicating that lever 120 has been pressed downwards is output from FPC 112.

[0053] The frame 110 is a flat, metal component that closes the opening on the bottom side of the housing 102. For example, the frame 110 is formed by various processing methods on the metal sheet (e.g., punching, bending, etc.). The frame 110 has a pair of claws 110A on its front (positive X-axis side) edge and its rear (negative X-axis side) edge, respectively. Figure 1 As shown, the frame 110 is fixedly attached to the housing 102 by engaging with the edge portion of the housing 102 through each claw portion 110A.

[0054] FPC112 is an example of a "substrate" and is a flexible, thin-film wiring component. FPC112 has an extension 112A extending from the upper surface of frame 110 toward the side of frame 110 (in the negative Y-axis direction in the figure), and is connected to the outside via a connecting portion 112B provided at the front end of the extension 112A. FPC112 transmits operation signals corresponding to the operation of lever 120 (tilting operation and pressing operation) to the outside. FPC112 is constructed by covering both surfaces of strip-shaped conductor wiring (e.g., copper foil) with a flexible and insulating film-like raw material (e.g., polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0055] (Structure of FPC112)

[0056] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the FPC112 included in the operating device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, resistive elements 115, 116, and 117, all of which are planar and strip-shaped, are provided on the surface of FPC112. For example, resistive elements 115, 116, and 117 are formed by printing thin films using carbon fiber raw materials.

[0057] Resistor 115 is disposed along the edge of the front side (positive X-axis side) of FPC112. Resistor 115 has a strip shape that extends linearly in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0058] Resistor 116 is disposed along the right edge (positive Y-axis side) of FPC112. Resistor 116 has a strip shape that extends linearly in the front-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0059] Resistor 117 is disposed along the front (positive X-axis side) and right (positive Y-axis side) corner of FPC 112. Resistor 117 has an L-shape formed by straight portions 117A and 117B. Straight portion 117A has a strip extending in a straight line in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Straight portion 117B has a strip extending in a straight line in the front-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0060] (Structures related to the sliding of sliders 105A and 107A)

[0061] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the sliders 105A and 107A on the surface of the FPC112 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 This is a diagram from above showing the engagement state of the sliders 105A and 107A and the actuators 104 and 106 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 The diagram below shows the engagement state of the sliders 105A and 107A and the actuators 104 and 106 according to one embodiment.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, on the surface of FPC112, the straight portion 117A of resistor 117 is separated from resistor 115 and is arranged in a straight line along the edge of the front side (positive X-axis side) of FPC112 in the Y-axis direction. Figure 6 As shown, the first retainer 107 is disposed across the surface of the straight portion 117A of the resistor 117 and the surface of the resistor 115. A metal, leaf spring-shaped first slider 107A is provided on the bottom surface of the first retainer 107. The first slider 107A slides on the surfaces of the straight portion 117A and the resistor 115 (an example of the "first resistor") as the first retainer 107 moves in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, a contact portion 107Aa (see reference 107Aa) is provided at the negative Y-axis end of the first slider 107A. Figure 8 The slider 107A slides on the surface of the resistor 115. Additionally, a contact portion 107Ab (see reference 107Ab) is provided at the end of the first slider 107A on the positive Y-axis side. Figure 8 It slides on the surface of the straight section 117A.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, on the surface of FPC112, the straight portion 117B of resistor 117 is separate from resistor 116 and is arranged in a straight line along the right edge (positive Y-axis side) of FPC112 in the X-axis direction. Figure 6 As shown, the second retainer 105 is disposed across the surface of the straight portion 117B of the resistor 117 and the surface of the resistor 116. A metal, leaf spring-shaped second slider 105A is provided on the bottom surface of the second retainer 105. The second slider 105A slides on the surfaces of the straight portion 117B and the resistor 116 (an example of the "second resistor") as the second retainer 105 moves in the X-axis direction. Specifically, a contact portion 105Aa (see reference 105Aa) is provided at the negative X-axis end of the second slider 105A. Figure 8 The slider slides on the surface of the resistor 116. Additionally, a contact portion 105Ab (see reference 105Ab) is provided at the end of the second slider 105A on the positive X-axis side. Figure 8 It slides on the surface of the straight section 117B.

[0064] In addition, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, a cylindrical second protrusion 105B protruding toward the second actuator 104 side (negative Y-axis side) of the second retainer 105 is provided at the center of the side of the second retainer 105 near the second actuator 104 side. Figures 6-8 As shown, the second protrusion 105B engages with the second engaging portion 104C of the second actuator 104. The second protrusion 105B of the second retainer 105 and the second engaging portion 104C of the second actuator 104 constitute the second drive transmission portion A2. Thus, the second retainer 105 moves in the back-and-forth direction (X-axis direction) via the second drive transmission portion A2 as the second actuator 104 rotates. At this time, the second sliding member 105A held by the second retainer 105 slides in the back-and-forth direction (X-axis direction) on the surfaces of the straight portion 117B and the resistor 116.

[0065] In addition, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, a cylindrical first protrusion 107B protruding toward the first actuator 106 is provided at the center of the side of the first retainer 107 on the side near the first actuator 106 (negative X-axis side). Figures 6-8 As shown, the first protrusion 107B engages with the first engaging portion 106C of the first actuator 106. The first protrusion 107B of the first retainer 107 and the first engaging portion 106C of the first actuator 106 constitute the first drive transmission portion A1. Thus, the first retainer 107 moves in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) via the first drive transmission portion A1 as the first actuator 106 rotates. At this time, the first sliding member 107A held by the first retainer 107 slides in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the surfaces of the straight portion 117A and the resistor 115.

[0066] According to this structure, in one embodiment, the operating device 100, in conjunction with the tilting operation of the lever 120 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), slides the first slider 107A on the surfaces of the straight portion 117A and the resistor 115 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Consequently, the resistance value between the terminals connected to the resistor 117 and the terminals connected to the resistor 115 changes according to the amount of movement of the first slider 107A (i.e., the tilting angle of the lever 120). An external device can detect the tilting operation of the lever 120 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the tilting angle based on the change in resistance value between these two terminals.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the operating device 100, as the lever 120 tilts in the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction), the second slider 105A slides along the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction) on the surfaces of the straight portion 117B and the resistor 116. As a result, the resistance value between the terminal connected to the resistor 117 and the terminal connected to the resistor 116 changes according to the amount of movement of the second slider 105A (i.e., the tilting angle of the lever 120). An external device can detect the tilting operation and tilting angle of the lever 120 in the forward-backward direction (X-axis direction) based on the change in resistance value between the two terminals.

[0068] (Structure of the first drive transmission unit A1)

[0069] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first drive transmission unit A1 according to one embodiment. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the first drive transmission unit A1 is composed of a first protrusion 107B of the first retainer 107 and a first engaging portion 106C of the first actuator 106. Figure 9 As shown, the first engaging portion 106C has a pair of clamping pieces 106Ca and 106Cb that clamp the first protrusion 107B from both sides in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0070] like Figure 9 As shown by the dashed line, when the first protrusion 107B is not clamped, the distance between one clamping piece 106Ca and the other clamping piece 106Cb is smaller than the diameter of the first protrusion 107B.

[0071] Here, compared with another clamping piece 106Cb, one clamping piece 106Ca has a smaller width in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), and thus its elasticity is greater than that of the other clamping piece 106Cb.

[0072] Therefore, as Figure 9As shown by the solid line, when a first protrusion 107B is embedded between one clamping piece 106Ca and the other clamping piece 106Cb, one clamping piece 106Ca elastically deforms toward the positive Y-axis, thereby clamping the first protrusion 107B.

[0073] Therefore, in the operating device 100 according to one embodiment, since the gap between the first protrusion 107B of the first retainer 107 and the first engaging portion 106C of the first actuator 106 is zero, looseness between the first protrusion 107B and the first engaging portion 106C can be eliminated. Therefore, the operating device 100 according to one embodiment can restore the first retainer 107 to a neutral position when the lever 120 returns to a neutral state in the Y-axis direction, and can also output a value representing the neutral state as an output value related to the Y-axis direction in the output signal. Therefore, according to the operating device 100 according to one embodiment, the recovery accuracy of the output value related to the Y-axis direction in the output signal to the value representing the neutral state when the lever 120 returns to a neutral state related to the Y-axis direction can be improved.

[0074] In particular, in one embodiment, the operating device 100 can restore the first retainer 107 to the neutral position with higher precision by using the other clamping piece 106Cb as a reference position because the other clamping piece 106Cb does not undergo elastic deformation.

[0075] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the operating device 100 can adjust the clamping force of a pair of clamping plates 106Ca and 106Cb on the first protrusion 107B by elastically deforming a clamping plate 106Ca, thereby suppressing grinding and the like on the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 107B.

[0076] (Structure of the second drive transmission unit A2)

[0077] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the second drive transmission unit A2 according to one embodiment. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the second drive transmission section A2 is composed of a second protrusion 105B of the second retainer 105 and a second engaging portion 104C of the second actuator 104. Figure 10 As shown, the second engaging portion 104C has a pair of clamping pieces 104Ca and 104Cb that clamp the second protrusion 105B from both sides in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0078] like Figure 10 As shown by the dashed line, when the second protrusion 105B is not clamped, the distance between one clamping piece 104Ca and the other clamping piece 104Cb is smaller than the diameter of the second protrusion 105B.

[0079] Here, one clamping piece 104Ca has a smaller width in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) compared to the other clamping piece 104Cb, and thus has greater elasticity compared to the other clamping piece 104Cb.

[0080] Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown by the solid line, when a second protrusion 105B is embedded between one clamping piece 104Ca and the other clamping piece 104Cb, one clamping piece 104Ca elastically deforms toward the negative X-axis, thereby clamping the second protrusion 105B.

[0081] Therefore, in one embodiment of the operating device 100, since the gap between the second protrusion 105B of the second retainer 105 and the second engaging portion 104C of the second actuator 104 is zero, loosening between the second protrusion 105B and the second engaging portion 104C can be eliminated. Thus, in one embodiment of the operating device 100, the second retainer 105 can be returned to a neutral position when the lever 120 returns to a neutral position in the X-axis direction, and the value representing the neutral state can also be output as an X-axis direction-related output value in the output signal. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the operating device 100, the recovery accuracy of the X-axis direction-related output value in the output signal to the value representing the neutral state when the lever 120 returns to a neutral state related to the X-axis direction can be improved.

[0082] In particular, in one embodiment of the operating device 100, since the other clamping piece 104Cb does not undergo elastic deformation, the second retainer 105 can be restored to the neutral position with higher precision by using the other clamping piece 104Cb as a reference position.

[0083] Furthermore, the operating device 100 according to one embodiment can appropriately adjust the clamping force of a pair of clamping plates 104Ca and 104Cb on the second protrusion 105B by elastically deforming a clamping plate 104Ca, thereby suppressing grinding and the like on the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 105B.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment of the operating device 100, the gap (groove width) between a pair of clamping pieces 104Ca and 104Cb is narrower at the upper part than at the lower part. Therefore, the operating device 100 in one embodiment can partially flex the lower part of only one clamping piece 104Ca.

[0085] (Modified examples of the fixing methods for sliding parts 105A and 107A)

[0086] The second slider 105A is fixed relative to the bottom surface of the second retainer 105. Similarly, the first slider 107A is fixed relative to the bottom surface of the first retainer 107. Hereinafter, variations of the fixing methods for each slider 105A and 107A will be described.

[0087] <First Variation>

[0088] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a non-conjoined state) as described in the first modified example, viewed from below. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a coupled state) as described in the first modified example, viewed from below. Figure 13 This is a plan view from below of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a coupled state) involved in the first modified example.

[0089] like Figures 11-13 As shown, a downward-protruding columnar engaging protrusion 105C is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the second retainer 105. On the other hand, an engaging hole 105Ac is provided at the center of the second slider 105A. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the second slider 105A is fixed to the bottom part of the second retainer 105 by pressing the engaging protrusion 105C of the second retainer 105 into the engaging hole 105Ac.

[0090] Here, as Figures 11-13 As shown, both the engaging protrusion 105C and the engaging hole 105Ac have an elongated shape with the direction in which the second retainer 105 extends as its length when viewed from above. As a result, the second slider 105A involved in the first modified example is not easily rotated relative to the bottom surface of the second retainer 105 because it is pressed into the engaging protrusion 105C.

[0091] In addition, such as Figures 11-13 As shown, the engaging protrusion 105C in the first modified example is provided with a plurality of protrusions 105Ca that protrude outward from the elongated outer periphery of the engaging protrusion 105C. Figures 11-13 In the example shown, the engaging protrusion 105C has a pair of protrusions 105Ca on its curved surface at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction, respectively, that is, four protrusions 105Ca are provided to form four corners of a rectangular shape. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 105C in the first modified example is locally larger than the engaging hole 105Ac, and thus, the engaging hole 105Ac can be fixed by pressing it in.

[0092] In addition, such as Figures 11-13 As shown, in the first modified example, a thick-walled portion 105Ad with increased thickness is locally formed on the inner peripheral edge of the engaging hole 105Ac, covering the entire area of ​​the inner peripheral edge (i.e., elliptical when viewed from above). Therefore, in the first modified example, while the second slider 105A is generally thin-walled, the strength of the inner peripheral edge of the engaging hole 105Ac is increased, making it less prone to deformation. Thus, it is easy to press the engaging protrusion 105C into the engaging hole 105Ac.

[0093] <Second Variation>

[0094] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a non-connected state) as described in the second modified example, viewed from below. Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a coupled state) as described in the second modified example, viewed from below. Figure 16 This is a plan view from below of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a coupled state) involved in the second variation.

[0095] In the second modification, the arrangement of the plurality of protrusions 105Ca in the engaging protrusion 105C is different from that in the first modification.

[0096] like Figures 14-16 As shown, in the second modified example, the engaging protrusion 105C has one protrusion 105Ca at the center of the short side of the curved surface at one end in the longitudinal direction and at the center of the short side of the curved surface at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, as... Figures 14-16 As shown, in the second modification, the engaging protrusion 105C has a pair of protrusions 105Ca in the length direction for one flat portion in the short side direction. That is, the engaging protrusion 105C in the second modification has four protrusions 105Ca in a rectangular shape with four corners. Therefore, the dimensions of the engaging protrusion 105C in the first modification in both the long and short side directions are locally larger than the dimensions of the engaging hole 105Ac, thus enabling push-in insertion into the engaging hole 105Ac. In particular, the engaging protrusion 105C in the second modification does not have a protrusion 105Ca for the other flat portion in the short side direction; therefore, accurate positioning of the engaging hole 105Ac in the short side direction can be achieved through this other flat portion.

[0097] <Third Variation>

[0098] Figure 17This is a perspective view of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a non-engaged state) as described in the third modified example, viewed from below. Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the second retainer 105 and the second slider 105A (in a coupled state) as described in the third modified example, viewed from below. Figure 19 This is a plan view from below of the second retainer 105 and the second sliding member 105A (in a coupled state) involved in the third variation.

[0099] like Figures 17-19 As shown, in the third modified example, both the engaging protrusion 105C and the engaging hole 105Ac have a circular shape when viewed from above. Additionally, as... Figures 17-19 As shown, the engaging protrusion 105C in the third modified example is provided with a plurality of protrusions 105Ca that protrude outward from the circular outer peripheral edge of the engaging protrusion 105C. Figures 17-19 In the example shown, the engaging protrusion 105C is provided with four protrusions 105Ca arranged at 90-degree intervals. As a result, the engaging protrusion 105C involved in the third modified example is locally larger than the size of the engaging hole 105Ac, and therefore, the engaging hole 105Ac can be fixed by pressing.

[0100] In addition, such as Figures 17-19 As shown, in the third modified example, a thick-walled portion 105Ad with locally increased thickness is formed on the inner peripheral edge of the engaging hole 105Ac, covering the entire area of ​​the inner peripheral edge (i.e., circular). Therefore, while the second slider 105A in the third modified example is generally thin-walled, the strength of the inner peripheral edge of the engaging hole 105Ac is increased, making it less prone to deformation. Thus, it is easy to press the engaging protrusion 105C into the engaging hole 105Ac.

[0101] In addition, such as Figures 17-19 As shown, in the third modification, the thick-walled portion 105Ad has a plurality of recesses 105Ae that are recessed downward from the upper edge of the thick-walled portion 105Ad. In the third modification, four protrusions 105Ca are provided at 90-degree intervals on the engaging protrusions 105C, and correspondingly, four recesses 105Ae are formed at 90-degree intervals on the thick-walled portion 105Ad. Thus, in the third modification, after the engaging protrusions 105C are pressed into the engaging holes 105Ac, by riveting the engaging protrusions 105C, it is possible to achieve the desired result. Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the four protrusions 105Ca engage with the four recesses 105Ae respectively. Therefore, in the third modified example, the second sliding member 105A is less likely to fall off, wobble, or rotate relative to the second retainer 105.

[0102] <Fourth Variation>

[0103] Figure 20 This is an enlarged perspective view of the joint (before riveting) of the second retainer 105 and the second sliding member 105A involved in the fourth modified example. Figure 21 This is an enlarged perspective view of the joint (after riveting) of the second retainer 105 and the second sliding member 105A involved in the fourth modified example.

[0104] As a fourth variation, in the second retaining member 105 and the second sliding member 105A involved in the first to third variations, it is also possible to... Figure 20 After pressing the engagement protrusion 105C into the engagement hole 105Ac as shown, as Figure 21 Heating is applied to the engaging protrusion 105C to rivet it in place. Thus, as shown... Figure 21 As shown, the top of the engaging protrusion 105C can be deformed into a flat plate that covers the entire thick-walled portion 105Ad, thus enabling the second sliding member 105A to be more reliably fixed to the second retainer 105.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first to fourth modifications described above, the method of fixing the second slider 105A relative to the second retainer 105 was explained, but the same method can also be used to fix the first slider 107A relative to the first retainer 107.

[0106] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention in detail, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications or alterations can be made within the scope of the spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0107] In one embodiment, the elasticity differs between the clamping pieces of the engaging portion by making their widths different, but this is not a limitation. For example, the thickness, shape, material, etc., of the clamping pieces of the engaging portion may also differ, thereby making their elasticity different.

[0108] Alternatively, for example, the spacing (groove width) of the pair of clamping pieces in the engaging portion may not be constant in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but rather the pair of clamping pieces may have a tapered shape in which the spacing gradually widens as they move downwards. Alternatively, the pair of clamping pieces may have a tapered shape in which the spacing gradually narrows as they move downwards.

[0109] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-097186, filed on June 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0111] 100 Operating device

[0112] 102 Casing

[0113] 102A Opening

[0114] 103 axis

[0115] 103A Shaft

[0116] 103B Base Plate

[0117] 104 Second Actuator

[0118] 104C Second Card Assembly

[0119] 105 Second retainer

[0120] 105A Second Slider

[0121] 105Ac locking hole

[0122] 105Ad Thick-walled section

[0123] 105Ae concave part

[0124] 105B Second protrusion

[0125] 105C locking protrusion

[0126] 105Ca protrusion

[0127] 106 First actuator

[0128] 106C First Card Assembly

[0129] 107 First retainer

[0130] 107A First Slider

[0131] 107B First protrusion

[0132] 108 springs

[0133] 109 Pressing component

[0134] 110 Frame

[0135] 112 FPC (substrate)

[0136] 113 Metal sheet

[0137] 115, 116, 117 Resistor

[0138] 117A, 117B Straight Section

[0139] 120 strokes

[0140] 120A pole section

[0141] 120B base

[0142] 120C Through Hole

[0143] A1 First Drive Transmission Unit

[0144] A2 Second Drive Transmission Unit

Claims

1. An apparatus for operating, characterized by have: The lever allows for tilting operations; A strip-shaped first resistor is disposed on the surface of a substrate along a first direction; The first actuator rotates in accompaniment to the tilting operation of the rod; as well as A first retainer holds the first slider, which moves in the first direction via a first drive transmission part as the first actuator rotates, thereby causing the first slider to slide on the surface of the first resistive element. The first drive transmission unit has: A cylindrical first protrusion is integrally disposed on the first retainer and protrudes in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; as well as The first engaging portion, integrally disposed on the first actuator, has a pair of clamping tabs that clamp the first protrusion from both sides in the first direction. In the first engaging portion, the elasticity of one of the pair of clamping pieces is greater than that of the other clamping piece in the pair.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of clamping plates When the first protrusion is not clamped, the distance between the one clamping piece and the other clamping piece is less than the diameter of the first protrusion. The first protrusion is clamped by elastically deforming one of the clamping pieces.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the pair of clamping pieces By elastically deforming one clamping piece while the other clamping piece remains inelastically deformed, the first protrusion is clamped.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, By making the width of one clamping piece in the first direction smaller than the width of the other clamping piece in the first direction, the elasticity of the one clamping piece is made greater than that of the other clamping piece.

5. Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that have: A strip-shaped second resistor is provided extending along a second direction on the surface of the substrate; The second actuator rotates in conjunction with the tilting operation of the rod; as well as The second retainer holds the second sliding member, which moves in the second direction via the second drive transmission part as the second actuator rotates, thereby causing the second sliding member to slide on the surface of the second resistive element. The second drive transmission unit has: A cylindrical second protrusion is integrally disposed on the second retainer and protrudes in the first direction; as well as The second engaging portion, integrally disposed on the second actuator, has a pair of clamping tabs that clamp the second protrusion from both sides in the second direction. In the second engaging portion, the elasticity of one of the pair of clamping pieces is greater than that of the other clamping piece in the pair.

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