Controller

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reliably perform a rotation operation of a plate-shaped operation part exposed from a housing. The controller is provided with: a housing; a plate-shaped operation part which is arranged on the housing and is exposed from the housing; and a force sensor that detects a rotational operation of the operation unit. The force sensor includes: a strain generating body fixed to the center of an operation portion; and a strain sensor provided on the strain generating body. The operation part is provided with a pair of left and right anti-slip parts near the left and right end parts on the upper surface of the operation part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an input device including a touch panel that also functions as a push button.

[0003] In addition, the following patent document 2 discloses a force sensor that can detect the force along the X-axis, the force along the Y-axis, the force along the Z-axis and the rotational torque of each of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis applied to the operating panel using multiple strain sensors provided on a strain generating body.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-201575

[0007] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2021 / 176964 Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot move the touch panel forward and backward. If the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is combined with the force sensor disclosed in Patent Document 2 to enable the touch panel to move forward and backward, the touch panel surface is smooth, so the operator's finger slips on the surface of the touch panel, and the touch panel cannot be reliably moved forward and backward.

[0010] Means for solving technical problems

[0011] A controller of a technical solution comprises: a shell; a plate-shaped operating part arranged on the shell and exposed from the shell; and a force sensor for detecting a rotational operation of the operating part; the force sensor comprises: a strain generating body fixed at the center of the operating part; and a strain sensor arranged on the strain generating body; the operating part has a pair of left and right anti-slip parts near the left and right end parts on the upper surface of the operating part.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the controller of one aspect, the rotation operation of the plate-shaped operating portion exposed from the housing can be reliably performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a controller according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a controller according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a controller according to one embodiment as viewed from above.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a controller according to one embodiment as viewed from below.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the external appearance of a force sensor according to an embodiment, as viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the external appearance of a force sensor according to an embodiment, as viewed from below (in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0020] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a force sensor according to an embodiment, as viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a force sensor according to an embodiment, as viewed from below (in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0022] Fig. 9 It is a front view of a force sensor according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 It is a bottom view of a force sensor according to one embodiment.

[0024] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of eight first strain sensors in a force sensor according to an embodiment.

[0025] Fig.12 This is a circuit diagram of a rotation operation detection circuit included in a force sensor according to an embodiment.

[0026] Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of four second strain sensors in a force sensor according to an embodiment.

[0027] Fig.14 This is a circuit diagram of a tilting operation detection circuit included in a force sensor according to an embodiment.

[0028] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the anti-slip portion included in the controller according to one embodiment.

[0029] Fig.16 yes Fig.15An exploded perspective view of a touch panel unit included in the controller shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment is described. In addition, 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. However, the positive direction of the X-axis is set as the front, the positive direction of the Y-axis is set as the right, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is set as the top. They represent the relative positional relationship within the device, and do not limit the setting direction and operation direction of the device. The setting direction and operation direction of the devices that are equivalent are all included in the scope of the present invention.

[0031] (Overview of Controller 100)

[0032] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the appearance of a controller 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 1 The controller 100 shown is used in, for example, a gaming machine, and is operated by an operator (ie, a player of a game).

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the controller 100 includes a housing 110 . The housing 110 is a resin member that forms the outer shape of the controller 100 .

[0034] The housing 110 includes a central portion 110A, a left grip portion 110B provided on the left side (Y-axis negative side) of the central portion 110A, and a right grip portion 110C provided on the right side (Y-axis positive side) of the central portion 110A. The left grip portion 110B and the right grip portion 110C are longer in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) than the central portion 110A and protrude rearward (X-axis negative direction) from the rear surface of the central portion 110A.

[0035] Thus, the housing 110 has a shape that allows the operator to easily grip the left grip portion 110B with the left hand and to easily grip the right grip portion 110C with the right hand.

[0036] In addition, a recess 110D is formed at the front end (the end on the positive side of the X axis) of the central portion 110A of the housing 110. The controller 100 includes a touchpad unit 120 in the recess 110D of the housing 110.

[0037] In addition, when viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis), both the recess 110D and the touch panel unit 120 have a rectangular shape with the left-right direction (Y axis direction) as the length direction. The rectangular shape of the touch panel unit 120 is smaller than the rectangular shape of the recess 110D of the upper housing 111. Thus, a gap is provided between the outer periphery of the touch panel unit 120 and the inner periphery of the recess 110D.

[0038] Furthermore, the upper surface 110E (the surface on the positive side of the Z axis) of the housing 110 and the upper surface 120A (the surface on the positive side of the Z axis) of the touch panel unit 120 are provided on the same plane.

[0039] The touch panel unit 120 has a rectangular touch operation surface 120B having a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on an upper surface 120A (surface on the positive side of the Z axis). The touch panel unit 120 enables a touch operation on the touch operation surface 120B by an operator.

[0040] In addition, the touch panel unit 120 is configured to be displaceable relative to the housing 110 , and can implement a pushing operation, a tilting operation, and a rotating operation performed by an operator.

[0041] The pushing operation of the touchpad unit 120 is an operation of pushing the center portion of the contact operation surface 120B of the touchpad unit 120 downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis). By the pushing operation, a compressive load acts downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) while keeping the touchpad unit 120 horizontal.

[0042] In addition, the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 is an operation of pushing the peripheral portion (the portion other than the central portion) of the contact operation surface 120B of the touchpad unit 120 downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis). By the tilting operation, a bending load is applied to the touchpad unit 120 with respect to a central axis passing through the center of the touchpad unit 120 (a central axis parallel to the Z axis).

[0043] In addition, the rotation operation of the touchpad unit 120 is an operation of twisting the touchpad unit 120 around a central axis (a central axis parallel to the Z axis) passing through the center of the touchpad unit 120. By the rotation operation, the touchpad unit 120 is twisted around the central axis (a central axis parallel to the Z axis) passing through the center of the touchpad unit 120, and a load is applied.

[0044] In addition, the controller 100 is actually equipped with other input devices such as multiple buttons and analog joysticks in addition to the touchpad unit 120, but the illustrations and descriptions of these other input devices are omitted in this manual.

[0045] (Structure of Controller 100)

[0046] Figure 2It is a cross-sectional view of a controller 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the controller 100 according to one embodiment, as viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis). Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the controller 100 according to one embodiment, as viewed from below (in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0047] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the controller 100 includes a housing 110 , a touch panel unit 120 , a force sensor 200 , and a substrate 140 .

[0048] The housing 110 is a component that forms the external shape of the controller 100 and is a component that supports other components. The housing 110 is formed using a relatively hard resin raw material. The housing 110 has an upper housing 111 that constitutes the upper side (positive side of the Z axis) of the housing 110 and a lower housing 112 that constitutes the lower side (negative side of the Z axis) of the housing 110. The housing 110 is screwed and fixed to each other in a state where the upper housing 111 and the lower housing 112 are combined with each other. That is, the housing 110 can be divided into two parts, the upper housing 111 and the lower housing 112, by releasing the screw fastening. The front part of the upper housing 111 (the part on the positive side of the X axis) is U-shaped when viewed from the upper side (positive side of the Z axis). The recess 110D is the central part of the U-shaped part of the upper housing 111. The recess 110D is a bottomed depression in the lower housing 112. The width of the recessed portion 110D of the upper case 111 is narrower than the width of the recessed portion 110D of the lower case 112 .

[0049] The touch panel unit 120 includes a holding portion 121 , a touch panel 122 , a cover panel 123 , and an operation panel 124 .

[0050] The holding portion 121 is a resin component that holds the touch panel 122 and the cover plate 123. The holding portion 121 has a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, the holding portion 121 has a rectangular shape with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the length direction when viewed in a plane from above (Z-axis positive direction). The holding portion 121 has a recessed portion 121B that is recessed from the upper surface 121A of the holding portion 121 toward the bottom (Z-axis negative direction). The recessed portion 121B has a rectangular shape with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the length direction when viewed in a plane from above (Z-axis positive direction). The touch panel 122 is arranged inside the recessed portion 121B.

[0051] The touch panel 122 is a horizontal flat-plate device that detects a contact operation performed by an operator's finger on the contact operation surface 120B. For example, the touch panel 122 is composed of a resin-made, flat-plate-shaped circuit substrate and a sheet-shaped electrostatic sensor overlapped on the upper surface of the circuit substrate. The touch panel 122 detects the contact position of the operator's finger on the contact operation surface 120B by the electrostatic sensor. The touch panel 122 is arranged in a horizontal posture in the recess 121B of the holding portion 121. When the touch panel 122 is arranged in the recess 121B of the holding portion 121, the upper surface 122A of the touch panel 122 is on the same plane as the upper surface 121A of the holding portion 121.

[0052] The cover plate 123 is a horizontal flat plate-shaped component. The cover plate 123 covers the upper surface 121A of the holding portion 121 and the upper surface 122A of the touch pad 122 by being overlapped on the upper surface 121A of the holding portion 121. The cover plate 123 is formed using a hard raw material (for example, resin, glass, etc.). In this embodiment, as an example, the cover plate 123 has a rectangular shape of the same shape as the holding portion 121 when viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis). In addition, the upper surface of the cover plate 123 is the contact operation surface 120B of the touch pad unit 120.

[0053] The operating plate 124 is a horizontal flat plate-shaped component. The operating plate 124 is provided to overlap the lower surface 121C of the holding portion 121 and is fixed to the lower surface 121C of the holding portion 121. The operating plate 124 is formed using a hard raw material (for example, a resin raw material, a metal raw material, etc.). In the present embodiment, as an example, the operating plate 124 has a rectangular shape with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the length direction when viewed from below (negative direction of the Z axis) in a plane. The operating plate 124 has a fixing portion 124A that fixes the force sensor 200 (the first pillar 212 described later) at the center of the lower surface of the operating plate 124. The protrusion 124C of the fixing portion 124A is fixed in the recess 212A of the first pillar 212. The operating plate 124 is fixed to the substrate 140 via the force sensor 200.

[0054] The operation panel 124 has stoppers 124B provided along the short sides of the operation panel 124 at the left and right ends of the lower surface of the operation panel 124. When the operation panel 124 is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the base plate 140, the stoppers 124B abut against the upper surface 140A of the base plate 140, thereby limiting the displacement (tilting angle) of the operation panel 124. Alternatively, the stoppers 124B may be provided on the upper surface 140A of the base plate 140.

[0055] The touch panel unit 120 configured as described above is disposed in the recess 110D formed in the upper housing 111 of the housing 110. The touch panel unit 120 is fixed to the substrate 140 via the fixing portion 124A of the operation panel 124 and the force sensor 200 (first support column 212 described later). Thus, the touch panel unit 120 is supported by the force sensor 200 in the recess 110D of the housing 110 so as to be displaceable, and the force sensor 200 can be operated.

[0056] In addition, the touch panel unit 120 is an example of an "operating unit". The touch panel unit 120 has a pair of left and right anti-skid portions 120C near the left and right ends of the upper surface 120A of the touch panel unit 120. In the present embodiment, the anti-skid portion 120C is a protrusion having a circular shape when viewed from a plane. In addition, in the present embodiment, the anti-skid portion 120C is integrally provided on the cover plate 123 of the touch panel unit 120.

[0057] The anti-slip portion 120C is provided at a position where the thumb of the operator's hand can be hooked when the operator is holding the controller 100 with both hands. By hooking the thumb of the operator's hand with the anti-slip portion 120C, the operator can easily perform an operation of applying a load to the touchpad unit 120 while holding the controller 100 with both hands. If a force is applied to move the left and right thumbs in opposite directions forward and backward, a torsional load (rotation operation) can be detected. If one of the left and right thumbs is pushed downward, a bending load (tipping operation) can be detected. In addition, a bending load (tipping operation) can also be detected in the case where the front of the touchpad unit 120 is pushed downward with the left and right thumbs and in the case where the back of the touchpad unit 120 is pushed downward with the left and right thumbs.

[0058] Furthermore, the touchpad unit 120 is disposed in the recess 110D of the housing 110 , and a front side (X-axis positive side) side 120D of the touchpad unit 120 is disposed on the same plane as a front side (X-axis positive side) side 110G of the housing 110 .

[0059] Furthermore, as described above, the touchpad unit 120 includes the electrostatic touchpad 122. In the touchpad unit 120, the touchpad 122 is provided between a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C.

[0060] The shape, number, and position of the anti-slip portion 120C are not limited to those exemplified in the present embodiment. In addition, the anti-slip portion 120C may be provided separately from the cover plate 123 and mounted on the cover plate 123 .

[0061] The force sensor 200 is provided in the recess 110D of the housing 110, on the lower side (Z-axis negative side) of the touchpad unit 120 and on the upper side (Z-axis positive side) of the substrate 140. The force sensor 200 detects the displacement of the touchpad unit 120. Specifically, the force sensor 200 includes a strain generating body 210, a first support 212 of the strain generating body 210 is fixed to the operation panel 124 of the touchpad unit 120, and four second supports 213 of the strain generating body 210 are fixed to the substrate 140. Thus, when the touchpad unit 120 is operated (tilting operation, rotating operation, and pushing operation), the force sensor 200 generates strain in the strain generating body 210, and the strain can be detected by the plurality of strain sensors 222 and 233 provided on the strain generating body 210. The first support 212 is fixed at the center of the touchpad unit 120. Therefore, the force that pushes the left and right ends of the touchpad unit 120 in the opposite directions (positive direction of the X-axis and negative direction of the X-axis) becomes a torsional load, which is detected as a rotation operation. In addition, the force that pushes one end of the touchpad unit 120 downward (negative direction of the Z-axis) becomes a bending load, which is detected as a tipping operation. In addition, the force that pushes both ends of the touchpad unit 120 downward (negative direction of the Z-axis) becomes a compression load, which is detected as a pushing operation. In addition, the detailed structure and use of the force sensor 200 Figures 5 to 10 This will be described later.

[0062] The substrate 140 is a flat plate-shaped member made of resin and horizontal. The substrate 140 has a rectangular shape with the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the length direction when viewed from above (Z-axis positive direction). The width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the substrate 140 is narrower than the recess 110D of the lower housing 112. The width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the substrate 140 is wider than the recess 110D of the upper housing 111. Therefore, the substrate 140 can be moved in the recess 110D of the lower housing 112. The left end and the right end of the upper surface of the substrate 140 are in contact with the upper housing 111 by the restoring force of the pressing portion 141A of the push switch 141. In the case where the restoring force of the pressing portion 141A of the push switch 141 is weak, a compression coil spring may be provided between the substrate 140 and the bottom surface 110F of the housing 110.

[0063] Four circular recesses 142 are formed on the upper surface 140A of the substrate 140 in a cross-like arrangement. The four recesses 142 are each recessed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) from the upper surface 140A, have a predetermined depth in the vertical direction (in the Z axis direction), and have a circular shape when viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis). Four second pillars 213 of the strain generating body 210 of the force sensor 200 are inserted through each of the four circular recesses 142 from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis), and the four second pillars 213 are screwed and fixed from below (in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0064] A push switch 141 is provided at the center of the lower surface 140B of the substrate 140 with the push portion 141A facing downward. That is, the push switch 141 is provided in such a manner that the push portion 141A faces the bottom surface 110F of the recess 110D of the housing 110. The length of the sum of the thickness of the substrate 140 and the thickness of the push switch 141 is substantially equal to the depth of the recess 110D of the lower housing 112. Therefore, the left end and the right end of the upper surface of the substrate 140 are in contact with the lower surface of the upper housing 111. The thickness of the touch pad unit 120 and the force sensor 200 is equal to the thickness of the upper housing 111, and the upper surface of the touch pad unit 120 and the upper surface of the upper housing 111 are on the same plane. The push switch 141 is configured to switch from the off state to the on state when the push portion 141A is pushed. If the touchpad unit 120 is pushed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis), the pushing portion 141A of the push switch 141 is pushed by the bottom surface 110F of the recess 110D of the housing 110 and switched to the on state. When the center of the touchpad unit 120 is pushed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) or the left and right ends of the touchpad unit 120 are pushed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) at the same time, the touchpad unit 120 moves downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) while maintaining the original parallel orientation, and the push switch 141 switches to the on state. When one end of the touchpad unit 120 is pushed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis), the touchpad unit 120 tilts together with the substrate 140, and the push switch 141 becomes on. When the end of the touchpad unit 120 is pushed downward, the end on the opposite side of the substrate 140 serves as a fulcrum and acts as a second lever. Thus, the push switch 141 can detect a push operation on the touch pad unit 120 .

[0065] (Operation of Controller 100)

[0066] When the controller 100 according to one embodiment performs a tilting operation on the touchpad unit 120, first, the touchpad unit 120, the force sensor 200, and the substrate 140 are all tilted, and the push switch 141 is turned on. Then, if one end of the lower surface of the substrate 140 contacts the bottom surface 110F of the lower housing 112, and the other end of the upper surface of the substrate 140 contacts the lower surface of the upper housing 111, the substrate 140 is fixed to the housing 110 and does not move. Furthermore, if a downward force is applied to the end of the touchpad unit 120, a bending load acts on the first pillar 212 of the strain generating body 210 fixed to the touchpad unit 120, thereby generating strain around the first pillar 212 in the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. The controller 100 according to one embodiment can detect the tilting operation (tilting direction and load magnitude) of the touch panel unit 120 by detecting only the strain around the first support 212 in the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 through the four second strain sensors 233 provided on the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. When the push switch 141 is turned on, the reaction force changes, and a click feeling can be obtained. Therefore, the operator can understand the lower limit value of the tilting operation by feeling.

[0067] Furthermore, when the controller 100 according to one embodiment performs a push operation on the touchpad unit 120, the touchpad unit 120 moves downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) while maintaining the horizontal state, and the push switch 141 becomes the on state. If a force is further applied to the center of the touchpad unit 120 or a force is applied equally to both ends of the touchpad unit 120, a compressive load acts on the first support 212 of the strain generating body 210 fixed to the touchpad unit 120, and strain is generated around the center portion of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. The controller 100 according to one embodiment can detect the push operation (the magnitude of the load) on the touchpad unit 120 by detecting the strain around the center portion of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 through the four second strain sensors 233 provided on the base 211 of the strain generating body 210.

[0068] Furthermore, when the controller 100 according to one embodiment performs a rotation operation on the touchpad unit 120, the touchpad unit 120 slightly rotates around the central axis. At this time, the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 fixed to the touchpad unit 120 slightly rotates, and the four second pillars 213 of the strain generating body 210 are tilted, so that strains are generated around each of the four second pillars 213. The controller 100 according to one embodiment can detect the rotation operation (rotation direction and load) on the touchpad unit 120 by detecting the strains around each of the four second pillars 213 in the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 using the eight first strain sensors 222 provided on the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. In addition, by adjusting the gap between the touchpad unit 120 and the upper housing 111, it is possible to prevent an excessive torsional load from acting on the strain generating body 210.

[0069] (Detailed Structure of Force Sensor 200)

[0070] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, as viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis). Figure 6 1 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, as viewed from below (in the negative direction of the Z axis). Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, as viewed from above (in the positive direction of the Z axis). Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, as viewed from below (in the negative direction of the Z axis).

[0071] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the force sensor 200 includes a strain generating body 210 , a first flexible substrate 220 , and a second flexible substrate 230 .

[0072] The strain generating body 210 is a resin member that is strained by receiving an operation load from the touch panel unit 120. The strain generating body 210 has a base 211, a first support 212, four second support 213, a central protrusion 214, four first through holes 215, four second through holes 216, and four engaging protrusions 217.

[0073] The base portion 211 is a horizontal disk-shaped portion having a constant thickness in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0074] The first support 212 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 211. The first support 212 is provided mainly to detect the tilting operation of the touch panel unit 120. The upper portion of the first support 212 has a disc shape. A pair of depressions 212A are formed at intervals of 180 degrees in the upper portion of the first support 212, which are concave from the outer periphery toward the center.

[0075] The four second pillars 213 are cylindrical parts that are arranged vertically downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) on the same circumference with the central protrusion 214 (i.e., the central part of the base 211) as the center, and are arranged at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 90 degrees) in four directions based on the central protrusion 214. That is, the four second pillars 213 are arranged in four different directions that are 90 degrees apart from each other based on the first pillar 212. The four second pillars 213 are mainly provided to detect the rotation operation of the touch panel unit 120.

[0076] The central protrusion 214 is a cylindrical portion that protrudes downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) from the central portion of the lower surface of the base 211. By inserting the central protrusion 214 into the central opening 231 of the base 230A of the second flexible substrate 230, the center position of the base 230A of the second flexible substrate 230 can be positioned.

[0077] In addition, the central protrusion 214 is disposed opposite to the upper surface 140A of the substrate 140 at a predetermined distance. Therefore, when the stroke amount of the push operation of the touch panel unit 120 reaches the predetermined distance, the central protrusion 214 abuts against the upper surface 140A of the substrate 140, thereby limiting the deformation (sinking) of the base 211 above it. Thus, the central protrusion 214 can suppress damage caused by excessive deformation of each strain sensor 222, 233.

[0078] The four first through holes 215 are provided around the first pillar 212 in the base 211, and are provided in four directions each 90 degrees apart with respect to the first pillar 212. The four first through holes 215 penetrate the base 211 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). In particular, the four first through holes 215 are provided in the direction between two adjacent second pillars 213 (i.e., a direction different from the direction in which the second pillar 213 is provided) with respect to the first pillar 212.

[0079] The four second through holes 216 are provided on the outer diameter side of each of the four second pillars 213 in the base 211. The four second through holes 216 penetrate the base 211 in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), respectively.

[0080] The four engaging protrusions 217 are provided on the outer diameter side of each of the four second through holes 216 in the base 211. The four engaging protrusions 217 protrude upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis) from the upper surface of the base 211. Each of the four engaging protrusions 217 engages with each of the four engaging portions 223 formed on the outer edge of the base 220A of the first flexible substrate 220.

[0081] The first flexible substrate 220 is a film-shaped wiring member having flexibility. The first flexible substrate 220 has a base portion 220A and a lead portion 220B.

[0082] The base 220A is an annular portion fixed to the upper surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. A circular opening 221 is formed in the center of the base 220A. Inside the opening 221, the first support 212 of the strain generating body 210 is inserted.

[0083] The lead portion 220B is a strip-shaped portion extending linearly outward (in the negative direction of the X axis and the positive direction of the Y axis) from the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 220A. The lead portion 220B is electrically connected to the substrate 140 at its front end.

[0084] In the first flexible substrate 220, eight first strain sensors 222 are provided around the opening 221 in the upper surface of the base 220A (i.e., around the first pillar 212 of the strain generating body 210). The eight first strain sensors 222 are resistors printed on the upper surface of the base 220A. The eight first strain sensors 222 are provided mainly to detect the rotation operation of the touch panel unit 120.

[0085] Furthermore, in the first flexible substrate 220, four engaging portions 223 having a shape recessed toward the inner diameter side are formed on the outer edge portion of the base 220A in the same four directions as the four directions in which the four second pillars 213 are provided. Each of the four engaging portions 223 engages with each of the four engaging protrusions 217 provided on the base 211 of the strain generating body 210.

[0086] The first flexible substrate 220 can output strain detection signals (analog signals) indicating strains of the base portion 211 detected by the eight first strain sensors 222 to the substrate 140 via the lead portion 220B.

[0087] The second flexible substrate 230 is a film-shaped wiring member having flexibility. The second flexible substrate 230 has a base portion 230A and a lead portion 230B.

[0088] The base 230A has an annular shape and is fixed to the lower surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. A circular central opening 231 is formed in the center of the base 230A. The central protrusion 214 provided on the lower surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 is inserted into the central opening 231.

[0089] Furthermore, around the central opening 231 in the base 230A, four peripheral openings 232 are formed at equal intervals (i.e., at intervals of 90°) on the same circumference centered on the central opening 231 (i.e., the central portion of the base 230A). Each of the four second pillars 213 of the strain generating body 210 is inserted into each of the four peripheral openings 232.

[0090] The lead portion 230B is a strip-shaped portion extending linearly outward (in the negative direction of the X axis and the negative direction of the Y axis) from the outer peripheral edge of the base portion 230A. The lead portion 230B is electrically connected to the substrate 140 at its front end.

[0091] In the second flexible substrate 230, four second strain sensors 233 are provided around the central opening 231 in the lower surface of the base 230A (i.e., around the central protrusion 214 of the strain generating body 210). The four second strain sensors 233 are resistors printed on the lower surface of the base 230A. The four second strain sensors 233 are provided mainly to detect the tilting operation of the touch panel unit 120.

[0092] The second flexible substrate 230 outputs strain detection signals (analog signals) indicating strains of the base 211 detected by the four second strain sensors 233 to the substrate 140 via the lead portion 230B.

[0093] (Configuration of the First Strain Sensor 222)

[0094] Next, refer to Fig. 9 The arrangement of the eight first strain sensors 222 in the force sensor 200 will be described. Fig. 9 It is a front view of a force sensor 200 according to an embodiment.

[0095] like Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the force sensor 200 is provided with two first strain sensors 222 in each of four directions (rightward (positive direction of the Y axis), leftward (negative direction of the Y axis), frontward (positive direction of the X axis), and rearward (negative direction of the X axis)) based on the first pillar 212 on the upper surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. In each direction, the two first strain sensors 222 are arranged at a predetermined interval from each other on the same circumference as the first circumference C1 passing through the four second pillars 213 provided on the back side (negative side of the Z axis), that is, arranged in a row in the circumferential direction of the first circumference C1. Thus, eight first strain sensors 222 are provided around the first pillar 212 on the same circumference as the first circumference C1 passing through the four second pillars 213. Furthermore, the eight first strain sensors 222 are provided at positions overlapping with the outer edges of the second pillars 213 provided on the back side (negative side of the Z axis).

[0096] In addition, the eight first strain sensors 222 are respectively arranged with the circumferential direction of the first circle C1 as the detection direction. Thus, when the touch panel unit 120 is rotated, the eight first strain sensors 222 are respectively expanded or contracted in the circumferential direction of the first circle C1 and the resistance value changes, thereby being able to detect the rotation operation.

[0097] In addition, a base 220A of the first flexible substrate 220 is provided on the upper surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210, and the base 220A is provided in an annular shape, surrounding the first pillar 212. The eight first strain sensors 222 are provided on the upper surface of the base 220A of the first flexible substrate 220, so as to surround the first pillar 212, on the same circumference as the first circumference C1 passing through the four second pillars 213.

[0098] When the touchpad unit 120 is rotated and the eight first strain sensors 222 are strained in the base 211 (around the four second support pillars 213) via the four second support pillars 213, the resistance value changes by deforming (stretching or contracting) according to the strain of the base 211. Thus, the eight first strain sensors 222 can detect the strain of the base 211 caused by the rotation operation of the touchpad unit 120, thereby detecting the rotation operation of the touchpad unit 120.

[0099] Here, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment is provided with eight first strain sensors 222 in 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)) corresponding to the installation directions of the four second pillars 213 around the first pillar 212. Therefore, when the touch pad unit 120 is rotated, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can reliably capture the strain of the base 211 in the four directions caused by the respective tilting of the four second pillars 213 by the two first strain sensors 222 provided in each direction, thereby being able to detect the rotation operation with high sensitivity.

[0100] In addition, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment is provided with eight first strain sensors 222 on the upper surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 at positions on the same circumference as the first circumference C1 passing through the four second pillars 213 and overlapping with the outer edges of the second pillars 213. Therefore, when the touch pad unit 120 is rotated and the four second pillars 213 fall in the rotation direction, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can detect the strain at the position where the maximum strain occurs in the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 (the position on the same circumference as the first circumference C1 and overlapping with the outer edges of the second pillars 213), so that the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0101] Furthermore, in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, in the structure for detecting the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120, four second pillars 213 are provided on the lower surface of the base 230A, and eight first strain sensors 222 are provided on the upper surface of the base 230A. Thus, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can arrange the eight first strain sensors 222 at appropriate positions (positions on the same circumference as the first circumference C1 and overlapping with the outer edge of the second pillar 213) without interfering with the second pillar 213, so that the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 can be detected with high sensitivity by the four second strain sensors 233.

[0102] (Configuration of the Second Strain Sensor 233)

[0103] Next, refer to Fig.10 The arrangement of the four second strain sensors 233 in the force sensor 200 will be described. Fig.10 It is a bottom view of a force sensor 200 according to an embodiment.

[0104] like Fig.10As shown in FIG. 1 , the force sensor 200 is provided with one second strain sensor 233 on the lower surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 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)) based on the central protrusion 214. That is, the four second strain sensors 233 are arranged in a cross shape around the central protrusion 214. In each direction, the second strain sensor 233 is provided between the central protrusion 214 and the second support 213. In particular, in each direction, the second strain sensor 233 is provided on the same circumference as the second circumference C2 formed by the outer edge of the root portion of the first support 212 provided on the back side (positive side of the Z axis). Thus, around the central protrusion 214 , four second strain sensors 233 are provided on the same circumference as the second circumference C2 formed by the outer edges of the root portions of the first pillars 212 and inside the four second pillars 213 .

[0105] In addition, the four second strain sensors 233 are respectively arranged with the tilting direction of the first support 212 as the detection direction. Therefore, when the touchpad unit 120 is tilted, the four second strain sensors 233 are respectively extended or contracted in the tilting direction of the first support 212 and the resistance value changes, so that the tilting operation can be detected.

[0106] In addition, a base 230A of the second flexible substrate 230 is provided on the lower surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210, and is annularly shaped so as to surround the central protrusion 214. Four second strain sensors 233 are provided on the lower surface of the base 230A of the second flexible substrate 230 so as to surround the central protrusion 214, and on the same circumference as the second circumference C2 formed by the outer edge of the root portion of the first support 212.

[0107] When the touchpad unit 120 is tilted and strain is generated in the base 211 (around the root of the first support 212) via the first support 212, the four second strain sensors 233 are deformed (stretched or contracted) in accordance with the strain of the base 211, thereby changing the resistance value. Thus, the four second strain sensors 233 can respectively detect the strain of the base 211 caused by the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120, thereby detecting the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120.

[0108] Here, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment is provided with four second strain sensors 233 around the central protrusion 214 in 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)) corresponding to the tilting operation direction of the touch pad unit 120. Therefore, when the touch pad unit 120 is tilted in any of the 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)), the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can reliably capture the strain of the base 211 generated via the first support 212 through the second strain sensor 233 provided in the operation direction, thereby being able to detect the tilting operation with high sensitivity.

[0109] In addition, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment is provided with four second strain sensors 233 on the same circumference as the second circumference C2 formed by the outer edge of the root portion of the first support 212 in the lower surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210. Therefore, when the touch pad unit 120 is tilted and the first support 212 is tilted, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can detect the strain at the position (position on the same circumference as the second circumference C2) where the maximum strain occurs in the base 211 of the strain generating body 210, so that the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120 can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0110] Furthermore, in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, in the structure for detecting the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120, the first support 212 is provided on the upper surface of the base 230A, and the four second strain sensors 233 are provided on the lower surface of the base 230A. Thus, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can arrange the four second strain sensors 233 at appropriate positions (positions overlapping with the outer edges of the first support 212) without interfering with the first support 212, so that the tilting operation of the touch pad unit 120 can be detected with high sensitivity by the four second strain sensors 233.

[0111] (Structure of Rotation Operation Detection Circuit 241)

[0112] Next, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 The configuration of the rotation operation detection circuit 241 included in the force sensor 200 will be described. Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of eight first strain sensors 222 in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment. Fig.12 1 is a circuit diagram of a rotation operation detection circuit 241 included in the force sensor 200 according to an embodiment.

[0113] exist Fig.11 and Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the resistors described as “ S42 ” and “ S43 ” refer to two first strain sensors 222 disposed on the positive side of the X axis among the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0114] In addition, Fig.11 and Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the resistors described as “ S21 ” and “ S23 ” refer to two first strain sensors 222 disposed on the negative side of the X axis among the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0115] In addition, Fig.11 and Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the resistors described as “ S32 ” and “ S34 ” refer to two first strain sensors 222 disposed on the positive side of the Y axis among the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0116] In addition, Fig.11 and Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the resistors described as “ S12 ” and “ S14 ” refer to two first strain sensors 222 disposed on the negative side of the Y axis among the eight first strain sensors 222 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0117] like Fig.12 As shown, the rotation operation detection circuit 241 included in the force sensor 200 includes two bridge circuits connected in series with each other, and each bridge circuit is composed of four first strain sensors 222 .

[0118] The bridge circuit on the ground potential GND side is composed of four first strain sensors 222 ( S42 , S34 , S12 , S23 ) provided counterclockwise with respect to the second support in each of the four directions when viewed from above (Z-axis positive direction).

[0119] The other bridge circuit on the power supply voltage VCC side is composed of four first strain sensors 222 ( S43 , S32 , S14 , S21 ) provided on the clockwise side with respect to the second support in each of the four directions when viewed from above (Z-axis positive direction).

[0120] Therefore, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, when the counterclockwise rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 is performed, all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S42, S34, S12, S23) arranged on the counterclockwise side contract, so that the resistance value changes in the - direction, and all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S43, S32, S14, S21) arranged on the clockwise side extend, so that the resistance value changes in the + direction. As a result, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, the output voltage divider R between the bridge circuits changes by changing the ratio of the synthetic resistance of one bridge circuit to the synthetic resistance of the other bridge circuit. Therefore, the rotation operation detection circuit 241 can detect the counterclockwise rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 based on the voltage value of the output voltage divider R.

[0121] On the contrary, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, when the touch pad unit 120 is rotated clockwise, all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S42, S34, S12, S23) arranged on the counterclockwise side are stretched, so that the resistance value changes in the + direction, and all of the four first strain sensors 222 (S43, S32, S14, S21) arranged on the clockwise side are contracted, so that the resistance value changes in the - direction. As a result, in the rotation operation detection circuit 241, the output voltage divider R between the bridge circuits changes by changing the ratio of the synthetic resistance of one bridge circuit to the synthetic resistance of the other bridge circuit. Therefore, the rotation operation detection circuit 241 can detect the clockwise rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120 based on the voltage value of the output voltage divider R.

[0122] (Structure of the tilting operation detection circuit 242)

[0123] Next, refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 The configuration of the tilting operation detection circuit 242 included in the force sensor 200 will be described. Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of four second strain sensors 233 in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment. Fig.14 1 is a circuit diagram of a tilting operation detection circuit 242 included in the force sensor 200 according to an embodiment.

[0124] exist Fig.13 and Fig.14 In FIG. 1 , the resistor described as “X+” refers to the second strain sensor 233 disposed on the positive side of the X axis among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0125] In addition, Fig.13 and Fig.14In FIG. 1 , the resistor described as “X−” refers to the second strain sensor 233 (X−) disposed on the negative side of the X axis among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0126] In addition, Fig.13 and Fig.14 In FIG. 1 , the resistor described as “Y+” refers to the second strain sensor 233 (Y+) disposed on the positive side of the Y axis among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0127] In addition, Fig.13 and Fig.14 In FIG. 1 , the resistor described as “Y−” refers to the second strain sensor 233 (Y−) disposed on the negative side of the Y axis among the four second strain sensors 233 included in the force sensor 200 .

[0128] like Fig.14 As shown, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 included in the force sensor 200 has a bridge circuit composed of four second strain sensors 233 .

[0129] Specifically, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, the second strain sensor 233 (X+) is connected in series with the second strain sensor 233 (X-). When the first pillar 212 tilts in the X-axis direction, the resistance values ​​of the two second strain sensors 233 change in different positive and negative directions. As a result, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, the ratio of the resistance values ​​of the two second strain sensors 233 changes corresponding to the tilting of the first pillar 212 in the X-axis direction, so that the voltage value of the middle point X between the two second strain sensors 233 changes. Therefore, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect the tilting direction and tilting angle of the touchpad unit 120 in the X-axis direction based on the voltage value of the middle point X.

[0130] In addition, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, the second strain sensor 233 (Y+) is connected in series with the second strain sensor 233 (Y-). When the first pillar 212 tilts in the Y-axis direction, the resistance values ​​of the two second strain sensors 233 change in different positive and negative directions. As a result, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, the ratio of the resistance values ​​of the two second strain sensors 233 changes in response to the tilting of the first pillar 212 in the Y-axis direction, thereby causing the voltage value of the middle point Y between the two second strain sensors 233 to change. Therefore, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect the tilting direction and tilting angle of the touchpad unit 120 in the Y-axis direction based on the voltage value of the middle point Y.

[0131] In addition, the controller 100 of the present embodiment can simultaneously perform a tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the X-axis direction and a tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the Y-axis direction. In this case, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, while the voltage value of the middle point X changes as the first support 212 tilts in the X-axis direction, the voltage value of the middle point Y changes as the first support 212 tilts in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect both the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the X-axis direction (tilting direction and load) and the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the Y-axis direction (tilting direction and load) that are performed simultaneously based on the voltage value of the middle point X and the voltage value of the middle point Y.

[0132] In addition, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, when the first pillar 212 is pushed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis), the resistance values ​​of the four second strain sensors 233 change equally. As a result, in the tilting operation detection circuit 242, the voltage division Zout between the bridge circuit formed by the four second strain sensors 233 and the resistor (not shown) connected in series with the bridge circuit changes according to the amount of the first pillar 212 being pushed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis). Therefore, the tilting operation detection circuit 242 can detect the amount of the touch pad unit 120 being pushed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) based on the voltage value of the voltage division Zout.

[0133] (Modification of the Anti-Slip Part)

[0134] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the anti-slip portion 120C included in the controller 100 according to the embodiment. Fig.16 yes Fig.15 The controller 100 shown is an exploded perspective view of the touch panel unit 120 .

[0135] exist Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the example shown, the left and right anti-slip portions 120C are each formed of a plurality of grooves 120Ca extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The plurality of grooves 120Ca are arranged in a row in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the illustrated example, each of the plurality of grooves 120Ca has a shape that is recessed downward (in the negative direction of the Z axis) from the upper surface 120A, and has an oblong shape with the left-right direction (the Y axis direction) as the longitudinal direction.

[0136] The controller 100 of one embodiment can improve the effect of preventing the operator's thumb from slipping in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) by arranging a plurality of grooves 120Ca in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), so that the controller 100 of one embodiment can prevent the operator's thumb from slipping over a wide range in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0137] In addition, Fig.15 and Fig.16 In the example shown, the sensor electrodes of the touch panel 122 are also provided at the positions overlapping with the anti-slip portions 120C, that is, a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C are provided on the touch panel 122. Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can effectively use the entire upper surface of the touch panel unit 120 including the pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C as a contact operation area, and can detect the position of the finger over a wide range.

[0138] (Effect)

[0139] As described above, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment includes a strain generating body 210, a first strain sensor 222 for detecting a rotation operation, and a second strain sensor 233 for detecting a tilting operation. The strain generating body 210 has a plate-shaped base 211, a first support 212 provided on one surface of the base 211, and a plurality of second support 213 provided on the same circumference centered on the first support 212 on the other surface of the base 211. The first strain sensor 222 is arranged on the same circumference as the plurality of second support 213 in the base 211 of the strain generating body 210, and the second strain sensor 233 is arranged around the first support 212 in the base 211 of the strain generating body 210.

[0140] Therefore, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can separate the structure for detecting the rotation operation (the second pillar 213 and the first strain sensor 222) from the structure for detecting the tipping operation (the first pillar 212 and the second strain sensor 233), so that the structure for detecting the rotation operation and the structure for detecting the tipping operation can be easily optimized separately.

[0141] In addition, since the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can detect a rotation operation by the first strain sensor 222 on the back side of the second pillar 213 and detect a tipping operation by the second strain sensor 233 on the back side of the first pillar 212, the first strain sensor 222 and the second strain sensor 233 can be easily arranged at appropriate positions on the strain generating body 210 where strain is easily generated, thereby being able to detect a rotation operation and a tipping operation with high sensitivity.

[0142] In addition, since the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment has the first pillar 212 disposed on one surface of the base 211 and the second pillar 213 disposed on the other surface of the base 211, the first pillar 212 and the second pillar 213 can be easily arranged at appropriate positions in a manner that does not interfere with each other, thereby being able to detect rotation operations and tilting operations with high sensitivity.

[0143] Furthermore, in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, since at least the first support 212 and the second support 213 are integrally provided on the deformable body 210 , it is possible to detect a rotation operation and a tilting operation with high sensitivity with a relatively small number of parts.

[0144] Furthermore, in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, the first support 212 and the second support 213 have a cylindrical shape.

[0145] Therefore, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can cause the strain generating body 210 to strain regardless of the operation direction, so that the deviation of the detection values ​​of the first strain sensor 222 and the second strain sensor 233 can be suppressed, thereby detecting the rotation operation and the tilting operation with high accuracy.

[0146] In addition, in a force sensor 200 related to one embodiment, the first strain sensor 222 is arranged at a position overlapping with the outer edge of the second pillar 213 on one surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210, and the second strain sensor 233 is arranged at a position overlapping with the outer edge of the first pillar 212 on the other surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210.

[0147] Thus, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can detect the strain of the rotation operation and the strain of the tilting operation at the position where the maximum strain occurs, and thus can detect the rotation operation and the tilting operation with high sensitivity and high accuracy.

[0148] In the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, the strain generating body 210 includes four second support columns 213 , and the four second support columns 213 are provided in four different directions each of which is 90 degrees apart with respect to the first support column 212 .

[0149] Therefore, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can easily generate strain during a tilting operation in four directions where the four second pillars 213 are provided, based on the first pillar 212. By configuring the second strain sensors 233 in the four directions, the tilting operation can be detected with high accuracy.

[0150] In the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, the strain generating body 210 includes four first through holes 215 provided around the first pillar 212 in the base 211 , and each of the four first through holes 215 is provided in a direction between two adjacent second pillars 213 with respect to the first pillar 212 .

[0151] Thus, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can detect a tilting operation with high sensitivity.

[0152] In addition, in a force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, the strain generating body 210 includes four second through holes 216 provided on the outer diameter side of each of the four second pillars 213 provided in the base 211 and four engaging protrusions 217 provided on the outer diameter side of each of the four second through holes 216 provided in the base 211; the first strain sensor 222 is provided on the first flexible substrate 220 arranged on one surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210; and the first flexible substrate 220 has four engaging portions 223 respectively engaged with the four engaging protrusions 217.

[0153] Thus, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can easily generate strain during rotational operation in each of the four second pillars 213 by providing the four second through holes 216, thereby being able to detect the rotational operation with high sensitivity and high accuracy. In addition, the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment can easily provide the first strain sensor 222 on the base 211 of the strain generating body 210 by providing the first strain sensor 222 on the first flexible substrate 220.

[0154] In the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, the second strain sensor 233 is provided on the second flexible substrate 230 arranged on the other surface of the base 211 of the strain generating body 210; the second flexible substrate 230 has four peripheral openings 232 for the four second pillars 213 to be inserted respectively.

[0155] Thus, in the force sensor 200 according to one embodiment, by providing the second strain sensor 233 on the second flexible substrate 230 , it is possible to easily provide the second strain sensor 233 on the base portion 211 of the strain generating body 210 .

[0156] In addition, the controller 100 according to one embodiment includes: a housing 110; a force sensor 200, which is arranged inside the housing 110; an operating panel 124, which is arranged inside the housing 110 and is fixed to the upper part of the first pillar 212 of the strain generating body 210 of the force sensor 200; and a blocking portion 124B, which is arranged inside the housing 110 and limits the displacement of the operating panel 124.

[0157] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can limit the displacement amount of the operation plate 124 during the tilting operation by providing the stopper portion 124B, thereby suppressing damage due to excessive deformation of the strain generating body 210 .

[0158] In the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the operation plate 124 has a rectangular shape, and the stopper portions 124B are provided at both ends of the operation plate 124 in the longitudinal direction.

[0159] Thus, in the controller 100 according to one embodiment, when the operation panel 124 is tilted in the longitudinal direction, the tilting of the operation panel 124 in the longitudinal direction can be effectively restricted by the stopper 124B.

[0160] Furthermore, the controller 100 according to one embodiment includes a touch panel unit 120 provided on the operation panel 124 .

[0161] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can perform a tilting operation and a rotating operation of the touchpad unit 120 , and can detect the tilting operation and the rotating operation of the touchpad unit 120 with high sensitivity.

[0162] In addition, in the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the touchpad unit 120 is disposed in the recess 110D of the shell 110; the upper surface 120A of the touchpad unit 120 and the upper surface 110E of the shell 110 are disposed on the same plane; and there is a gap between the outer periphery of the touchpad unit 120 and the inner periphery of the recess 110D of the shell 110.

[0163] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can restrict the rotation of the touchpad unit 120 during the rotation operation by making the outer periphery of the touchpad unit 120 abut against the inner periphery of the recess 110D of the housing 110. Therefore, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can adjust the rotatable angle of the touchpad unit 120 during the rotation operation by adjusting the width of the gap, and can suppress damage caused by excessive deformation of the strain generating body 210.

[0164] In addition, in a controller 100 related to one embodiment, there is a substrate 140 arranged inside the shell 110; four recesses 142 are formed on the substrate 140; the second pillar 213 is inserted into the recess 142; a central protrusion 214 is provided at the center of the other side of the surface of the base 211, and there is a gap between the substrate 140 and the central protrusion 214.

[0165] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can restrict deformation of the touch panel unit 120 during a push operation by abutting the central protrusion 214 against the substrate. Therefore, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can suppress damage caused by excessive deformation of the strain generating body 210 by adjusting the width of the gap.

[0166] In addition, a controller 100 according to one embodiment includes: a housing 110; a plate-shaped touchpad unit 120 (operating portion) provided on the housing 110 and exposed from the housing 110; and a force sensor 200 for detecting a rotation operation of the touchpad unit 120; the force sensor 200 includes: a strain generating body 210 connected to the touchpad unit 120; and a second strain sensor 233 (strain sensor) provided on the strain generating body 210; the touchpad unit 120 includes a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C near the left and right end portions of an upper surface 120A of the touchpad unit 120.

[0167] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can easily perform a rotation operation of applying a force (torsion load) in a rotation direction to the touchpad unit 120 by hooking the thumbs of both hands on the pair of left and right anti-slip parts 120C. Furthermore, the force sensor 200 can detect the rotation operation by the second strain sensor 233.

[0168] Furthermore, in the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the anti-slip portion 120C is a protrusion integrally provided on the touch panel unit 120 .

[0169] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment allows the operator to easily hook the thumbs of both hands on the left and right anti-slip portions 120C, and can intuitively and easily grasp the positions where the thumbs of both hands should be placed.

[0170] In the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the operation unit (touch panel unit 120) includes an electrostatic touch panel 122. The touch panel 122 is provided between a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C.

[0171] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment allows a touch operation on the touch pad 122 in addition to a rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120, thereby enabling various operations. In addition, the space between the pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C can be effectively used as a touch operation area.

[0172] In the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the anti-slip portion 120C is formed of a plurality of grooves 120Ca provided on the operation portion (touch panel unit 120). The plurality of grooves 120Ca are arranged along the left-right direction. In addition, the plurality of grooves 120Ca are arranged in a row in the front-back direction.

[0173] Thus, in the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the operator can easily hook the thumbs of both hands on the left and right anti-slip parts 120C, and can intuitively and easily grasp the positions where the thumbs of both hands should be placed.

[0174] In the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the touch panel unit 120 includes an electrostatic touch panel 122. The touch panel 122 is provided with a pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C.

[0175] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can perform a touch operation on the touch pad 122 in addition to the rotation operation of the touch pad unit 120, thereby enabling various operations. In addition, the entire upper surface of the touch pad unit 120 including the pair of left and right anti-slip portions 120C can be effectively used as a touch operation area.

[0176] In the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the touchpad unit 120 is provided in the recess 110D of the housing 110 , and one side surface 120D of the touchpad unit 120 is provided on the same plane as one side surface 110G of the housing 110 .

[0177] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can be made smaller in size without providing a gap in front of the touchpad unit 120 so that the housing 110 does not interfere with the rotation operation of the touchpad unit 120 .

[0178] Furthermore, in the controller 100 according to one embodiment, the force sensor 200 can simultaneously detect the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the front-rear direction and the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the left-right direction.

[0179] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment can simultaneously detect the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the front-rear direction and the tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 in the left-right direction by using the single force sensor 200 .

[0180] Furthermore, the controller 100 according to one embodiment includes a substrate 140 provided on the lower side of the force sensor 200 to fix the force sensor 200 , and a push switch 141 provided on the lower side of the substrate 140 .

[0181] Thus, the controller 100 according to one embodiment allows a pressing operation on the touchpad unit 120 in addition to a rotating operation and a tilting operation of the touchpad unit 120 , thereby enabling various operations to be performed.

[0182] 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.

[0183] Description of Reference Numerals

[0184] 100 Controller

[0185] 110 Housing

[0186] 111 upper shell

[0187] 112 Lower side housing

[0188] 110A Central

[0189] 110B Left side handle

[0190] 110C Right handle

[0191] 110D concave part

[0192] 110E upper surface

[0193] 110F Bottom

[0194] 110G side

[0195] 120 Touch panel unit (operation unit)

[0196] 120A upper surface

[0197] 120B Contact operating surface

[0198] 120C Anti-slip part

[0199] 120Ca tank

[0200] 120D Side

[0201] 121 Maintaining Department

[0202] 121A upper surface

[0203] 121B concave part

[0204] 121C bottom surface

[0205] 122 Touchpad

[0206] 122A upper surface

[0207] 123 Cover plate

[0208] 124 Operation panel

[0209] 124A fixed part

[0210] 124B Blocking part

[0211] 124C Protrusion

[0212] 140 substrate

[0213] 140A upper surface

[0214] 140B Lower surface

[0215] 141 Push switch

[0216] 141A Pushing part

[0217] 142 recess

[0218] 200 force sensor

[0219] 210 Strain Generator

[0220] 211 base

[0221] 212 Pillar 1

[0222] 212A Depression

[0223] 213 Pillar 2

[0224] 214 Central protrusion

[0225] 215 1st through hole

[0226] 216 2nd through hole

[0227] 217 engagement protrusion

[0228] 220 No.1 Flexible Substrate

[0229] 220A base

[0230] 220B lead-out

[0231] 221 Opening

[0232] 222 No.1 strain sensor

[0233] 223 snap-fit ​​part

[0234] 230 2nd flexible substrate

[0235] 230A Base

[0236] 230B Lead-out

[0237] 231 Central opening

[0238] 232 Peripheral opening

[0239] 233 2nd strain sensor

[0240] C1 1st circle

[0241] C2 2nd circle

Claims

1. A controller, characterized in that: have: case; A plate-shaped operating portion, disposed on the housing and exposed from the housing; and A force sensor detects the rotation operation of the operating part. The force sensor has: A strain generating body fixed to the operating part; as well as The strain sensor is arranged on the strain generating body. The operating portion includes a pair of left and right anti-slip portions near left and right end portions on an upper surface of the operating portion.

2. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that The anti-slip portion is a protrusion integrally provided on the operating portion.

3. The controller according to claim 2, characterized in that The operating unit has an electrostatic touch panel. The touch panel is arranged between the pair of left and right anti-slip parts.

4. The controller according to claim 1, characterized in that The anti-slip portion is composed of a plurality of grooves provided on the operating portion. The plurality of grooves are arranged along the left-right direction. The plurality of grooves are arranged in a row in the front-rear direction.

5. The controller according to claim 4, characterized in that The operating unit has an electrostatic touch panel. The anti-slip portion is provided on the touch panel.

6. The controller according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The operating part is arranged in the recess of the housing. One side surface of the operation portion and one side surface of the housing are arranged on the same plane.

7. The controller according to claim 6, characterized in that The force sensor can simultaneously detect a tilting operation of the operating unit in a forward and backward direction and a tilting operation of the operating unit in a left and right direction.

8. The controller according to claim 7, characterized in that have: a substrate, disposed on the lower side of the force sensor, to fix the force sensor; and The push switch is arranged on the lower side of the substrate.

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