Input device

Abstract

According to the input device of the present invention, a load can be applied from an accurate direction to an accurate position in a simple test for detecting four strain sensors for horizontal operation. The input device includes: a strain generator having a base portion and a columnar portion extending in a vertical direction from the base portion; and four strain sensors provided on the base portion of the strain generating body, the four strain sensors being provided in four directions that differ by 90 degrees in sequence with respect to the center of the columnar portion, the columnar portion having a plurality of protrusions protruding in the horizontal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion, the plurality of protrusions include two protrusions protruding in opposite directions with respect to the center of the columnar portion, and the two protrusions are disposed in directions different from four directions in which the four strain sensors are disposed with respect to the center of the columnar portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a coordinate input device which is configured such that, when a horizontal load is applied to a rod arranged upright from a base of a strain-generating body, a strain detection sensor arranged at the base of the strain-generating body is used to detect the strain of the base of the strain-generating body, thereby being able to detect the direction and magnitude of the load.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-338919 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, when the coordinate input device of Patent Document 1 applies a load to the rod to check the output of the strain detection sensor, it is difficult to apply the load from a constant direction to a constant position. The direction and position of the load application will deviate during each inspection, which may affect the output of the detection sensor.

[0008] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0009] An input device according to one embodiment comprises: a strain generating body having a base and a columnar portion extending from the base in a vertical direction; and four strain sensors, which are arranged at the base of the strain generating body, the four strain sensors are arranged in four directions that are 90° apart in sequence with the center of the columnar portion as a reference, the columnar portion has a plurality of protrusions protruding in a horizontal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the top end portion, the plurality of protrusions include two protruding in opposite directions with the center of the columnar portion as a reference, and the two protrusions are arranged in directions different from the four directions in which the four strain sensors are arranged with the center of the columnar portion as a reference.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the input device of one embodiment, in a simple inspection of four strain sensors for detecting horizontal operation, it is possible to apply a load from an accurate direction to an accurate position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the external appearance of an input device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment as viewed from above.

[0014] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment as seen from below.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a perspective cross-sectional view of an input device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system included in an input device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of a columnar portion of a strain generating body included in the input device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the structure of a columnar portion of a strain generating body included in the input device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the structure of a columnar portion of a strain generating body included in the input device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 This is a plan view showing the arrangement of strain sensors in an input device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process of a strain generating body included in the input device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Description of reference numerals:

[0023] 11.12 Mold

[0024] 100 Input device

[0025] 110 substrate

[0026] 111 First fixed contact

[0027] 112 Second fixed contact

[0028] 120 Movable contact

[0029] 121 Dome

[0030] 130 Flexible Substrate

[0031] 130A Base

[0032] 130B Lead-out

[0033] 131 Central opening

[0034] 132 Strain sensor (load sensor)

[0035] 140 Strain Generator

[0036] 141 base

[0037] 142 Column

[0038] 142A Top end

[0039] 143 recess

[0040] 144 Through hole

[0041] 145, 145-1 to 145-8 protrusion

[0042] 145A Top

[0043] 145B First Incline

[0044] 145C Second slope

[0045] 150 Operating components

[0046] 151 Operation Department

[0047] 152 Shaft

[0048] 152A Pressing part

[0049] 161 Screw

[0050] 170 Control device (control unit). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] An embodiment is described below. It should be noted that, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the X-axis direction in the figure is set as the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis direction in the figure is set as the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction in the figure is set as the up-down direction. Among them, the positive direction of the X-axis is set as the front direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is set as the right direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is set as the up direction. They represent the relative positional relationship within the device, and do not limit the setting direction and operation direction of the device. Regarding components with the same relative positional relationship within the device, components with different setting directions and operation directions are also all included in the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0052] [One implementation method]

[0053] (Structure of Input Device 100)

[0054] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 3This is an exploded perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment as viewed from below. Figure 4 It is a perspective cross-sectional view of an input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 1 to Figure 3 The input device 100 shown is used, for example, in a game console controller, a notebook computer, etc., and is an input device capable of horizontal operations in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) and downward (Z-axis positive direction) pressing operations. Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, input device 100 includes substrate 110 , movable contact 120 , flexible substrate 130 , strain generating body 140 , and operating member 150 .

[0056] The substrate 110 is a horizontal plate-shaped member made of resin and provided at the lowermost side (Z-axis negative side) of the input device 100. As an example, in the present embodiment, the substrate 110 has a square shape when viewed from above (Z-axis positive direction).

[0057] A circular first fixed contact 111 and an annular second fixed contact 112 surrounding the first fixed contact 111 are provided at the center of the upper surface 110A of the substrate 110. The first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 112 are both thin metal plates.

[0058] The substrate 110 is fixed to an arbitrary installation surface by screwing with four screws 161 penetrating the substrate 110 and the base 141 of the strain generating body 140 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) while being overlapped with the base 141 of the strain generating body 140 .

[0059] Movable contact 120 is a thin metal plate superposed on first fixed contact 111 and second fixed contact 112 of substrate 110. Movable contact 120 has dome-shaped dome portion 121 protruding upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis) at the center thereof.

[0060] The movable contact 120, together with the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 112, constitute a "switch unit". The movable contact 120 is always in contact with the second fixed contact 112 at the outer edge of the dome portion 121. When the movable contact 120 is not pressed by the operating member 150, the center of the dome portion 121 is separated from the first fixed contact 111. In addition, when the pressing operation based on the operating member 150 is performed, the dome portion 121 of the movable contact 120 is pressed by the pressing portion 152A of the operating member 150, whereby the dome portion 121 performs a reverse action, and the center of the dome portion 121 contacts the first fixed contact 111. As a result, the movable contact 120 can make the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 112 conduct to each other via the movable contact 120. It should be noted that the movable contact 120 generates a click feeling through the reverse action of the dome portion 121.

[0061] The flexible substrate 130 is provided in a recess 143 formed on the lower surface of the base 141 of the strain generating body 140 and is a flexible film-like wiring member fixed to the top surface of the recess 143. The flexible substrate 130 is bonded to the top surface of the recess 143 in the recess 143 of the strain generating body 140 by any bonding means (for example, an adhesive). The flexible substrate 130 has a base 130A and a lead portion 130B.

[0062] The base 130A is an annular portion disposed at the center of the lower surface of the base 141 of the deformable body 140. A circular central opening 131 is formed at the center of the base 130A. The shaft 152 of the operation member 150 penetrates the central opening 131.

[0063] The lead portion 130B is a strip-shaped portion extending from the outer peripheral edge portion of the base portion 130A toward the outside in an L-shape. The lead portion 130B is electrically connected to the outside at its tip end.

[0064] In the flexible substrate 130, four strain sensors 132 are provided on the same circumference and at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 90 degrees) around the central opening 131 on the lower surface of the base 130A. The four strain sensors 132 are resistors printed on the lower surface of the base 130A. The four strain sensors 132 are an example of a "load sensor" and are provided to detect the horizontal load applied to the columnar portion 142 of the strain generating body 140.

[0065] Specifically, the strain sensors 132 are provided on the lower surface of the base 130A in the flexible substrate 130 in each of four directions (right (positive direction of the Y axis), left (negative direction of the Y axis), front (positive direction of the X axis), and rear (negative direction of the X axis)) with respect to the central opening 131. That is, the four strain sensors 132 are arranged in a cross shape around the central opening 131.

[0066] In addition, the detection direction of each of the four strain sensors 132 is set to a radial direction centered on the columnar portion 142. Therefore, when the horizontal operation of the operating member 150 is performed and strain is generated in the base 141 (around the root portion of the columnar portion 142) via the columnar portion 142, the four strain sensors 132 are deformed (extended or contracted) according to the strain of the base 141, so that the resistance value changes. As a result, the four strain sensors 132 can respectively detect the strain of the base 141 caused by the horizontal operation of the columnar portion 142, and therefore can detect the horizontal load applied to the columnar portion 142 by the horizontal operation of the operating member 150.

[0067] The flexible substrate 130 can output load detection signals (analog signals) indicating the loads in the horizontal direction applied to the columnar portion 142 , which are detected by the four strain sensors 132 , to the outside (control device 170 ) via the lead portion 130B.

[0068] Specifically, the two strain sensors 132 arranged at the front (X-axis positive direction) and the rear (X-axis negative direction) with reference to the central opening 131 are electrically connected in series. When a load in the X-axis direction is applied to the columnar portion 142, one side stretches and the other side contracts, thereby changing the voltage value of the middle point between the two strain sensors 132. Therefore, an external device (output destination of the load detection signal) (control device 170) can detect the load in the X-axis direction applied to the columnar portion 142 based on the voltage value (load detection signal) at the middle point.

[0069] In addition, the two strain sensors 132 arranged on the right (positive direction of the Y axis) and the left (negative direction of the Y axis) with respect to the central opening 131 are electrically connected in series. When a load in the Y axis direction is applied to the columnar portion 142, one side stretches and the other side contracts, thereby changing the voltage value of the middle point between the two strain sensors 132. Therefore, an external device (output destination of the load detection signal) (control device 170) can detect the load in the Y axis direction applied to the columnar portion 142 based on the voltage value (load detection signal) at the middle point.

[0070] The strain generating body 140 is a member made of resin that generates strain by receiving an operation load from the operation member 150 when the operation member 150 is horizontally operated. The strain generating body 140 includes a base portion 141 and a columnar portion 142 .

[0071] The base 141 is a horizontal flat plate having a certain thickness in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and has the same shape as the substrate 110 , that is, a square shape, when viewed from above (Z-axis positive direction).

[0072] A recessed portion 143 is formed on the lower surface of the base 141. When viewed from below (in the negative direction of the Z axis), the recessed portion 143 has the same shape as the flexible substrate 130 (part of the base 130A and the lead portion 130B). Thus, the strain generating body 140 can arrange the flexible substrate 130 (part of the base 130A and the lead portion 130B) inside the recessed portion 143.

[0073] The columnar portion 142 is a cylindrical portion vertically provided upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis) from the center of the upper surface of the base 141. When the operating member 150 is horizontally operated (i.e., when a load is applied in the horizontal direction), the columnar portion 142 transmits the load to the base 141. Due to the load transmitted via the columnar portion 142, a strain is generated in the portion of the base 141 surrounding the columnar portion 142.

[0074] It should be noted that a circular through hole 144 is formed at the center of the strain generating body 140, penetrating the base portion 141 and the columnar portion 142 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The shaft portion 152 of the operating member 150 passes through the through hole 144. Thus, the strain generating body 140 can support the operating member 150 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0075] The operation member 150 is a member made of resin and is provided on the upper portion of the columnar portion 142 of the deformable body 140. The operation member 150 includes an operation portion 151 and a shaft portion 152.

[0076] The operation portion 151 is a cylindrical portion provided at the upper end of the operation member 150 and having a larger diameter than the columnar portion 142 of the deformable body 140. The operation portion 151 is disposed above the columnar portion 142. The operator touches the operation portion 151 to perform horizontal operation and pressing operation.

[0077] The shaft 152 is a cylindrical portion that is suspended downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) from the center of the lower surface of the operating portion 151 and has a diameter smaller than that of the columnar portion 142 of the strain generating body 140. The shaft 152 of the operating member 150 passes through the through hole 144 of the strain generating body 140. Thus, the operating member 150 is supported by the strain generating body 140 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (in the Z axis direction). And when the operator performs a pressing operation (i.e., an operation that applies a load downward), the operating member 150 moves downward. In addition, when the operator performs a horizontal operation (i.e., an operation that applies a load in the horizontal direction), the shaft 152 applies a load to the columnar portion 142 of the strain generating body 140 from the inside.

[0078] A cylindrical pressing portion 152A is provided at the lower end of the shaft portion 152. The pressing portion 152A is provided on the upper side (Z-axis positive side) of the central portion of the movable contact 120 and is opposed to the central portion of the movable contact 120. When the pressing operation based on the operating member 150 is performed, the pressing portion 152A presses the central portion of the movable contact 120, thereby elastically deforming the central portion of the movable contact 120, so that the central portion of the movable contact 120 contacts the first fixed contact 111.

[0079] When a load is applied horizontally to the operating member 150 of the input device 100 configured as described above, the load is transmitted to the columnar portion 142 of the strain generating body 140 via the shaft portion 152, thereby generating strain around the columnar portion 142 in the base portion 141 of the strain generating body 140. The input device 100 detects the strain using the four strain sensors 132, thereby being able to detect horizontal operation by the operating member 150.

[0080] Furthermore, when the input device 100 performs a pressing operation by the operating member 150, the pressing portion 152A of the operating member 150 presses the dome portion 121 of the movable contact 120, whereby the dome portion 121 of the movable contact 120 performs a reverse motion, and the center portion of the dome portion 121 contacts the first fixed contact 111. Thus, the input device 100 makes the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 112 conduct with each other via the movable contact 120, and can detect the pressing operation by the operating member 150.

[0081] Here, an input device 100 according to one embodiment includes: an operating member 150, which is arranged at the upper part of the columnar portion 142 and has a shaft portion 152 that passes through the columnar portion 142 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction); a movable contact 120, which is arranged at the lower side (negative side of the Z-axis) of the shaft portion 152; and a first fixed contact 111, which is arranged at the lower side (negative side of the Z-axis) of the movable contact 120.

[0082] Thus, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the operator performs a horizontal operation on the operation member 150 , a load is transmitted to the columnar portion 142 of the deformable body 140 via the shaft portion 152 , and the horizontal operation can be detected.

[0083] In the input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the operator presses the operating member 150 , the operating member 150 presses the movable contact 120 so that the movable contact 120 comes into contact with the first fixed contact 111 , thereby detecting the pressing operation.

[0084] That is, in the input device 100 of one embodiment, by providing the shaft portion 152 penetrating the columnar portion 142 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the operation member 150 , detection of the horizontal operation and the pressing operation can be realized with a relatively simple structure.

[0085] (Configuration of Control System Included in Input Device 100)

[0086] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the control system included in the input device 100 includes a first fixed contact 111 , a second fixed contact 112 , four strain sensors 132 , and a control device 170 .

[0088] The control device 170 is an example of a "control unit". The control device 170 electrically connects the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 112. Thus, the control device 170 can detect whether the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 112 are connected to each other. In addition, the control device 170 can detect that the switch unit is turned on, that is, it can detect the pressing operation based on the operating member 150 by detecting that the first fixed contact 111 and the second fixed contact 112 are connected to each other via the movable contact 120.

[0089] In addition, the control device 170 is electrically connected to each of the four strain sensors 132. Specifically, the control device 170 is connected to a bridge circuit including the four strain sensors 132.

[0090] Furthermore, the control device 170 can detect the load in the X-axis direction applied to the columnar portion 142 accompanying the horizontal operation of the operating member 150 based on the voltage value of the midpoint between the two strain sensors 132 (strain sensor (X+) and strain sensor (X-)) arranged in the X-axis direction.

[0091] In addition, the control device 170 can detect the load in the Y-axis direction applied to the columnar portion 142 accompanying the horizontal operation of the operating member 150 based on the voltage value of the midpoint between the two strain sensors 132 (strain sensor (Y+) and strain sensor (Y-)) arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0092] It should be noted that the control device 170 includes a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)), a memory (e.g., a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.). The control device 170 implements various functions of the control device 170 by executing a program stored in the memory through the processor. For example, an IC (Integrated Circuit) is used as the control device 170.

[0093] (Structure of the columnar portion 142 of the strain generating body 140)

[0094] Figure 6 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the columnar portion 142 of the deformable body 140 included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 1 is a plan view showing the structure of a columnar portion 142 of a deformable body 140 included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 1 is a front view showing the structure of a columnar portion 142 of a deformable body 140 included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 It is a plan view showing the arrangement of the strain sensor 132 in the input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0095] like Figure 6 to Figure 9 As shown, the columnar portion 142 of the strain generating body 140 has a cylindrical shape vertically provided upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis) from the center of the upper surface of the base portion 141 of the strain generating body 140 .

[0096] Here, if Figure 6 to Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the columnar portion 142 has a plurality of protrusions 145 protruding in the horizontal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the top end portion 142A (the end portion on the positive side of the Z axis). The plurality of protrusions 145 are respectively provided at positions where a load should be applied when checking the output of the strain sensor 132. That is, the columnar portion 142 of the present embodiment is provided with the protrusions 145 in the prescribed plurality of directions, so that a load can be applied at an accurate position from the prescribed plurality of directions.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 145 included in the columnar portion 142 are eight protrusions 145 (protrusions 145 - 1 to 145 - 8 ) provided at equal angular intervals (ie, 45° intervals) on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 142A of the columnar portion 142 .

[0098] Four protrusions 145 (protrusions 145-1, 145-3, 145-5, 145-7) out of the eight protrusions 145 are arranged in four directions (i.e., the positive direction of the X-axis, the negative direction of the X-axis, the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the negative direction of the Y-axis) which are the same as the four directions in which the four strain sensors 132 are arranged, with the center of the columnar portion 142 as the reference.

[0099] The other four protrusions 145 (protrusions 145 - 2 , 145 - 4 , 145 - 6 , and 145 - 8 ) of the eight protrusions 145 are provided in four directions that are 45 degrees different from the four directions in which the four strain sensors 132 are provided, with reference to the center of the columnar portion 142 .

[0100] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can apply loads to the columnar portion 142 at accurate positions from eight predetermined directions when inspecting the four strain sensors 132 .

[0101] For example, the input device 100 of one embodiment applies a load to the columnar portion 142 in each of the four directions that are the same as the four directions in which the four strain sensors 132 are provided (i.e., the positive direction of the X-axis, the negative direction of the X-axis, the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the negative direction of the Y-axis) and measures the changes of the four strain sensors 132, thereby being able to inspect the four strain sensors 132 with high precision.

[0102] In this case, for example, in the first inspection, the positive direction of the X axis is set as the first inspection direction, and the protrusion 145-1 (see Fig. 9 ), a load is applied to the columnar portion 142 from the first inspection direction, thereby enabling the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 provided on the X-axis to be inspected.

[0103] Next, in the second inspection, the negative direction of the X axis is set as the second inspection direction, and the protrusion 145-5 (see Fig. 9 ), a load is applied to the columnar portion 142 from the second inspection direction, thereby enabling the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 provided on the X-axis to be inspected.

[0104] Next, in the third inspection, the positive direction of the Y axis is set as the third inspection direction, and the protrusion 145-3 (refer to Fig. 9), a load is applied to the columnar portion 142 from the third inspection direction, thereby enabling the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 provided on the Y-axis to be inspected.

[0105] Next, in the fourth inspection, the negative direction of the Y axis is set as the fourth inspection direction, and the protrusion 145-7 (refer to Fig. 9 ), a load is applied to the columnar portion 142 from the fourth inspection direction, thereby enabling the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 provided on the Y-axis to be inspected.

[0106] Through these four inspections, qualified products and defective products can be screened. In addition, based on the results of the four inspections, the coefficients for sensitivity adjustment can be written to the control device 170. By using the coefficients for sensitivity adjustment, even if the sensitivities of the strain sensors 132 are different, the values ​​output by the control device 170 can be adjusted to the same sensitivity. In this way, the number of products discarded as defective products can be reduced, and the sensitivity in all directions can be adjusted to be the same.

[0107] In addition, for example, in an input device 100 of one embodiment, for each of two directions that are opposite to each other among four directions that differ by 45 degrees from the four directions in which four strain sensors 132 are provided, a load is applied to the columnar portion 142 from that direction, and changes in the four strain sensors 132 are measured, thereby enabling a simple inspection of the four strain sensors 132.

[0108] In this case, for example, Fig. 9 As shown, in the first inspection, the direction between the positive direction of the X-axis and the positive direction of the Y-axis is set as the first inspection direction, and the protrusion 145-2 set in the first inspection direction is applied to the columnar portion 142 from the first inspection direction ( Fig. 9 As shown by arrow A), by vector decomposition of the load, it can be considered that the load is applied from both the positive direction of the X-axis and the positive direction of the Y-axis. Therefore, the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 set on the X-axis and the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 set on the Y-axis can be checked at the same time.

[0109] Then, if Fig. 9 As shown, in the second inspection, the direction opposite to the first inspection direction, that is, the direction between the negative direction of the X axis and the negative direction of the Y axis is set as the second inspection direction, and the protrusion 145-6 set in the second inspection direction is applied to the columnar portion 142 from the second inspection direction ( Fig. 9 As shown by arrow B), by vector decomposition of the load, it can be considered that the load is applied from both the negative direction of the X-axis and the negative direction of the Y-axis. Therefore, the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 set on the X-axis and the outputs of the two strain sensors 132 set on the Y-axis can be checked at the same time.

[0110] In this inspection, since output values ​​in four directions are obtained through two inspections, it is possible to calculate a sensitivity adjustment coefficient for making the sensitivity in each direction uniform.

[0111] That is, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the four strain sensors 132 can be inspected with high accuracy by performing the inspection four times, and the four strain sensors 132 can be inspected simply by performing the inspection twice.

[0112] As described above, in the input device 100 of one embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 145 include two protrusions 145 that protrude in opposite directions (the first inspection direction and the second inspection direction in the above example) with respect to the center of the columnar portion 142. Furthermore, the two protrusions 145 are provided in directions different from the four directions in which the four strain sensors 132 are provided with respect to the center of the columnar portion 142.

[0113] Thus, for the input device 100 of one embodiment, the outputs of the four strain sensors 132 can be checked in two simple checks by applying loads to the two protrusions 145. At this time, for the input device 100 of one embodiment, the two protrusions 145 can be used as a reference for the direction of applying the load in the two simple checks, so that in the two simple checks, the load can be applied to the columnar portion 142 from an accurate direction to an accurate position.

[0114] In addition, in an input device 100 of one embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 145 are eight protrusions 145 arranged at equal angles on the outer peripheral surface of the top end portion 142A of the columnar portion 142, four of the eight protrusions 145 are arranged in four directions that are the same as the four directions in which the four strain sensors 132 are arranged with the center of the columnar portion 142 as a reference, and the other four of the eight protrusions 145 are arranged in four directions that are 45 degrees different from the four directions in which the four strain sensors 132 are arranged with the center of the columnar portion 142 as a reference.

[0115] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment includes eight protrusions 145 , and thus, in either two simple inspections or four high-precision inspections, a load can be applied to the columnar portion 142 from an accurate direction and at an accurate position.

[0116] In the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the columnar portion 142 has a 45° rotationally symmetrical shape. In particular, the eight protrusions 145 provided at the tip 142A of the columnar portion 142 have the same shape as one another.

[0117] Therefore, for the input device 100 of one embodiment, when a load is applied to the columnar portion 142 from any of the four directions serving as the operation directions (the positive direction of the X-axis, the negative direction of the X-axis, the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the negative direction of the Y-axis), the base 141 of the strain generating body 140 can generate an equal amount of strain, so that the deformation amounts of the four strain sensors 132 can be made equal, thereby improving the accuracy of the inspection.

[0118] In the input device 100 of one embodiment, the columnar portion 142 is cylindrical, so that the input device 100 of one embodiment can generate the same amount of strain in the base 141 of the strain generating body 140 regardless of the direction from which the load is applied when in use, and can make the operation sensitivity uniform in all directions.

[0119] (Non-undercut shape of the top end portion 142A)

[0120] Fig.10 It is a diagram schematically showing a manufacturing process of the deformable body 140 included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0121] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, the mold 11 is used to form the right half (positive side of the Y axis) of the strain generating body 140. The mold 12 is used to form the left half (negative side of the Y axis) of the strain generating body 140.

[0122] In the manufacturing process of the strain generating body 140, the mold 11 and the mold 12 are connected to each other, and resin is injected into the space with the same shape as the strain generating body 140 formed between the mold 11 and the mold 12, thereby forming the strain generating body 140. Then, the mold 11 is slid to the right direction (positive direction of the Y axis) ( Fig.10 The mold 12 is slid to the left (the negative direction of the Y axis) by the arrow C shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown by the arrow D), the molds 11 , 12 can be demoulded from the strain generating body 140 .

[0123] Here, the tip portion 142A of the columnar portion 142 of the strain generating body 140 has a non-undercut shape that enables demolding of the two molds 11 and 12 that slide in opposite directions (the Y-axis positive direction and the Y-axis negative direction) with respect to the center of the columnar portion 142 .

[0124] In particular, the inclination angle of the triangular second slope 145C is set so that the eight protrusions 145 do not form an undercut shape when the two molds 11 and 12 are released from the mold.

[0125] For example, Fig.10As shown in the figure, the second slope 145C on the positive side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-8 and the second slope 145C on the negative side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-6, which are provided on the left side (negative side of the Y axis) of the top end 142A, both have an inclination angle of 0° or more with respect to the Y axis. Therefore, when the mold 12 is slid in the left direction (negative direction of the Y axis), the second slope 145C on the positive side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-8 and the second slope 145C on the negative side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-6 do not interfere with each other, and the mold 12 can be demolded from the strain generating body 140.

[0126] Likewise, if Fig.10 As shown in the figure, the second slope 145C on the positive side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-2 and the second slope 145C on the negative side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-4, which are provided on the right side (positive side of the Y axis) of the top end 142A, both have an inclination angle of 0° or more with respect to the Y axis. Therefore, when the mold 11 is slid in the right direction (positive direction of the Y axis), the second slope 145C on the positive side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-2 and the second slope 145C on the negative side of the X axis of the protrusion 145-4 do not interfere with each other, and the mold 11 can be demolded from the strain generating body 140.

[0127] As described above, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can manufacture the strain generating body 140 using the two molds 11 and 12 , and thus the manufacturing cost of the strain generating body 140 can be reduced.

[0128] It should be noted that in one embodiment of the input device 100, when viewed from the horizontal direction, the eight protrusions 145 respectively have a mountain shape, which includes a pair of trapezoidal first slopes 145B that sandwich a horizontal linear top 145A set in the center and are arranged opposite to each other in the up and down direction (Z-axis direction), and a pair of triangular second slopes 145C that sandwich the top 145A and are arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0129] Thus, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, when inspecting the four strain sensors 132 , by applying a load to the top of the protrusion 145 , a load can be applied to the center of the protrusion 145 , so that a load can be stably applied to the columnar portion 142 .

[0130] As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. An input device, characterized in that: The input device comprises: a strain generating body having a base and a columnar portion extending in a vertical direction from the base; and four strain sensors disposed at the base of the strain generating body, The four strain sensors are arranged in four directions which are 90° apart from each other based on the center of the columnar portion. The columnar portion has a plurality of protrusions protruding in a horizontal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the top end portion. The plurality of protrusions include two protrusions that protrude in opposite directions relative to the center of the columnar portion. The two protrusions are provided in directions different from the four directions in which the four strain sensors are provided, with reference to the center of the columnar portion.

2. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of protrusions are eight protrusions arranged at equal angular intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the top end of the columnar portion. Four of the eight protrusions are arranged in four directions that are the same as the four directions in which the four strain sensors are arranged, with the center of the columnar portion as a reference. The other four protrusions of the eight protrusions are provided in four directions that are 45 degrees different from the four directions in which the four strain sensors are provided, with reference to the center of the columnar portion.

3. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The columnar portion has a 45° rotationally symmetrical shape.

4. The input device according to claim 3, characterized in that The tip portion of the columnar portion has a non-undercut shape that enables separation of two molds that slide in opposite directions with respect to the center of the columnar portion.

5. The input device according to claim 4, characterized in that When viewed from a horizontal direction, the eight protrusions have a mountain shape, respectively, and the mountain shape includes: a pair of trapezoidal first inclined surfaces sandwiching the top portion disposed in the center and arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction; and A pair of triangular second inclined surfaces sandwich the top portion and are arranged opposite to each other in the horizontal direction.

6. The input device according to claim 5, characterized in that The columnar portion is cylindrical.

7. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The input device comprises: an operating member, which is disposed on the upper portion of the columnar portion and has a shaft portion penetrating the columnar portion along the vertical direction; A movable contact point disposed on the lower side of the shaft portion; as well as The fixed contact is arranged at the lower side of the movable contact.

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