Input device

Abstract

An input device (ID) is provided with: a housing (HS); a movable member (MB), at least a portion of which is housed inside the housing (HS), and which is supported by the housing (HS) so as to be capable of reciprocating in the Z-axis direction; a soft magnetic member (1M) fixed to the housing (HS); and a magnet (5) fixed to the movable member (MB) so as to face the soft magnetic member (1M) in the Y-axis direction. The soft magnetic member (1M) has: a strong attraction part (11) which is a part where the magnetic attraction force between the magnet (5) and the soft magnetic member (1M) is relatively strong; and a weak attraction part (10) which is a part where the magnetic attraction force between the magnet (5) and the soft magnetic member (1M) is relatively weak. The strong attraction portion (11) is disposed such that one end in the Z-axis direction is located further toward the inside than one end of the magnet (5), and the weak attraction portion (10) includes a portion extending further toward the outside than one end of the strong attraction portion (11) in the Z-axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device capable of imparting a reaction force to an operation. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an input device which is configured to restore a pressed sliding member to its original position by the attraction between a first magnet mounted on a sliding member (movable member) and a second magnet mounted on a sliding guide member (stationary member) and the restoring force of a switch portion (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-045608 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned input device, the attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet gradually decreases as the sliding member is pressed in. Therefore, the above-mentioned input device cannot provide a click feeling to the operator who presses the sliding member in. In addition, the first magnet and the second magnet each generate leakage flux, which may have a magnetic influence on other devices located around.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an input device that can provide a click feeling to an operator while suppressing magnetic influence on other devices.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The input device of an embodiment of the present disclosure is an input device capable of imparting an operational reaction force, the input device comprising: a stationary component; a movable component, at least a portion of which is accommodated inside the stationary component, and the movable component is supported on the stationary component in a manner that allows it to reciprocate along a first direction; a soft magnetic component, which is fixed to the stationary component; and a magnetic field generating component, which is fixed to the movable component in a manner that is opposite to the soft magnetic component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The input device is characterized in that the soft magnetic component has: a strong attraction portion, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction between the magnetic field generating component and the soft magnetic component is relatively strong; and a weak attraction portion, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction between the magnetic field generating component and the soft magnetic component is relatively weak, the strong attraction portion is configured in a manner that one end is located closer to the inside than one end of the magnetic field generating component in the first direction, and the weak attraction portion includes a portion that extends outward from one end of the strong attraction portion in the first direction.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a click feeling to the operator while suppressing magnetic influence on other devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an input device.

[0014] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the input device.

[0015] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the input device.

[0016] Figure 4A It is a three-dimensional diagram of a direct-acting device.

[0017] Figure 4B This is a right side view of the direct-acting device.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a direct-acting device.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the movable member.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a right side view of the movable member accommodated in the cylindrical body.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a direct-acting device.

[0022] Fig. 9 It is a three-dimensional view of the left front ball assembly, the left front ball guide, and the left front guide rail.

[0023] Fig.10 It is a front view of the left front ball assembly, the left front ball guide, and the left front guide rail.

[0024] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view of a direct-acting device.

[0025] Fig.12 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a direct-acting device.

[0026] Fig.13A It is a perspective view of the coil fixed to the housing.

[0027] Fig. 13B This is a right side view of the coil fixed to the housing.

[0028] Fig.14A This is a cross-sectional view of the cover, coil, and magnet that constitute the direct-acting device.

[0029] Fig. 14B This is a cross-sectional view of the cover, coil, and magnet that constitute the direct-acting device.

[0030] Fig.15 This is a right side view of the left cover, left coil, and magnet that constitute the direct-acting device.

[0031] Fig.16 This is a graph showing an example of the relationship among the operation reaction force, the stroke amount, and the current.

[0032] Fig.17 This is a graph showing another example of the relationship among the operation reaction force, the stroke amount, and the current.

[0033] Fig.18 This is a graph showing another example of the relationship among the operation reaction force, the stroke amount, and the current.

[0034] Fig.19 It is a cross-sectional view of a direct-acting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the input device ID according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 It is a stereogram of the input device ID. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the input device ID. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the input device ID. Specifically, Figure 3 The input device ID is viewed from the X1 side and includes Figure 1 The cutting line (single-dot chain line III-III) shown is a cross-section in a plane parallel to the YZ plane.

[0036] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In each of them, X1 represents a direction in the direction of the X-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents another direction in the direction of the X-axis. In addition, Y1 represents a direction in the direction of the Y-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents another direction in the direction of the Y-axis. Similarly, Z1 represents a direction in the direction of the Z-axis constituting the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents another direction in the direction of the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the X1 side of the input device ID is equivalent to the front side (front side) of the input device ID, and the X2 side of the input device ID is equivalent to the back side (back side) of the input device ID. In addition, the Y1 side of the input device ID is equivalent to the left side of the input device ID, and the Y2 side of the input device ID is equivalent to the right side of the input device ID. In addition, the Z1 side of the input device ID is equivalent to the upper side of the input device ID, and the Z2 side of the input device ID is equivalent to the lower side of the input device ID. The same is true in other figures.

[0037] The input device ID is configured to provide an operational reaction force. In the example shown in the figure, the input device ID is a push-pull switch that responds to a pressing operation and a pulling operation, respectively, and mainly includes a head member HD, a cover member PT, a direct-acting device 101, a circuit substrate 50, a position sensor 51, an upper block member UB, and a lower block member LB. It should be noted that the input device ID can be a push switch that only responds to a pressing operation, or a pull switch that only responds to a pulling operation.

[0038] The head member HD is a member that the operator can push and pull. In the example shown in the figure, the head member HD is a metal knob formed into a two-stage cylindrical shape in a manner that the operator can hold and push and pull along the operation direction (Z-axis direction), and is fastened to the movable member MB (the shaft portion 6P of the magnet holder 6) in the direct-acting device 101 by a pair of set screws LS. However, the head member HD can also be formed of a synthetic resin.

[0039] The cover member PT is configured to cover the upper surface of the upper block member UB. In the illustrated example, the cover member PT is a plate-shaped member formed of metal, including a front cover member PTF and a rear cover member PTB. However, the cover member PT may also be formed of other materials such as synthetic resin. The front cover member PTF and the rear cover member PTB have the same shape and the same size. The cover member PT is fastened to the upper surface of the upper block member UB by a first bolt BT1 as a fastening member. Specifically, the first bolt BT1 is inserted through a first through hole TH1 formed in the cover member PT and is screwed into a first bolt hole BH1 formed on the upper surface of the upper block member UB.

[0040] The direct-acting device 101 is an example of an operation reaction force imparting device, and is configured to impart a reaction force (operation reaction force) to the head member HD relative to the force (operation force) applied to the head member HD by the operator. In the illustrated example, the direct-acting device 101 includes a stationary member (housing HS) and a movable member MB (magnet holder 6). Moreover, the direct-acting device 101 is configured to impart the operation reaction force to the head member HD by acting on the magnetic attraction between the soft magnetic member 1M installed on the stationary member (housing HS) and the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) installed on the movable member MB (magnet holder 6). In addition, the direct-acting device 101 is configured to be able to impart the operation reaction force to the head member HD by using a driving mechanism DM (refer to Figure 5) The magnet holder 6 is moved up and down relative to the housing HS to increase or decrease the operational reaction force. In addition, the housing HS is embedded in and fixed to the upper recess US formed in the central portion of the upper block member UB. The cover member PT is fastened to the upper surface of the upper block member UB in a state where its lower surface is in contact with the upper surface of the housing HS. In addition, the cover member PT is fastened to the upper surface of the upper block member UB in a manner that can form a cylindrical space between the front cover member PTF and the rear cover member PTB that can accommodate the lower cylindrical portion of the head member HD.

[0041] The circuit substrate 50 is a circuit substrate on which the position sensor 51 is mounted. In the illustrated example, the circuit substrate 50 is a rigid substrate with an insulator as a base material, and is fastened to the upper block member UB by a second bolt BT2 as a fastening member. Specifically, the second bolt BT2 is inserted through a second through hole TH2 formed in the circuit substrate 50, and is screwed into a second bolt hole (in the upper side) formed on the top surface of the lower recessed portion DS of the upper block member UB. Figure 1~Figure 3 (not visible in the image).

[0042] The position sensor 51 is configured to detect the position of the movable member MB constituting the direct-acting device 101. In the example shown in the figure, the position sensor 51 is configured to detect the position of the magnet 5 (see Figure 5 ) to detect the position (height) of the movable member MB in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the position sensor 51 is composed of a giant magnetoresistance effect (Giant Magneto Resiste effect: GMR) element, which is configured to be able to measure a voltage value that changes according to the size of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 5 received by the position sensor 51, and detect the position of the movable member MB on which the magnet 5 is installed. For example, the position sensor 51 is configured to output a larger voltage value as the N-pole portion of the magnet 5 approaches. However, the position sensor 51 can also be configured to output a larger voltage value as the S-pole portion of the magnet 5 approaches, or it can be configured to output a smaller voltage value as the N-pole portion of the magnet 5 approaches, or it can be configured to output a smaller voltage value as the S-pole portion of the magnet 5 approaches. In addition, the position sensor 51 can be configured to detect the position of the lens holder 3 using other magnetoresistive elements such as a semiconductor magnetoresistive (SMR) element, anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) element, or tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) element, or can be configured to detect the position of the lens holder 3 using a Hall element or the like. In addition, the position sensor 51 can also be configured to detect the position of the movable member MB using ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, or lasers.

[0043] The upper block member UB is configured to be able to maintain the direct-acting device 101 and the position sensor 51 at a desired position. The lower block member LB is configured to be able to maintain the upper block member UB at a desired position. In the illustrated example, both the upper block member UB and the lower block member LB are formed of metal. However, at least one of the upper block member UB and the lower block member LB may also be formed of other materials such as synthetic resin. Specifically, the upper block member UB is fastened to the lower block member LB by a third bolt BT3 serving as a fastening member. More specifically, the third bolt BT3 is inserted through a third through hole TH3 formed in the upper block member UB and is screwed into a third bolt hole BH3 formed on the upper surface of the lower block member LB.

[0044] The input device ID may be configured to determine whether a pressing operation or a pulling operation has been performed based on the output of the position sensor 51. Alternatively, the input device ID may be configured to derive the pressing amount or lifting amount of the movable member MB based on the output of the position sensor 51. Alternatively, the input device ID may include a contact that contacts the movable member MB and becomes conductive when the movable member MB is pressed downward (in the Z2 direction) by a predetermined distance, and may also include a contact that contacts the movable member MB and becomes conductive when the movable member MB is lifted upward (in the Z1 direction) by a predetermined distance.

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B as well as Figure 5 , the direct-acting device 101 is described. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the direct-acting device 101, Figure 4B It is a right side view of the direct-acting device 101. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the linear motion device 101 .

[0046] The direct-acting device 101 has a housing HS as a stationary component, a movable component MB accommodated in the housing HS, and a coil 4 mounted on the housing HS. In this embodiment, the control unit CTR is connected to an input terminal provided on a second insulating substrate (not shown) fixed to the housing HS via a conductor pattern formed on a first insulating substrate (not shown). In addition, the input terminal is connected to the coil 4 via a conductor pattern formed on the second insulating substrate. It should be noted that Figure 4A The dotted line schematically shows that the control unit CTR is electrically connected to an input terminal provided on a second insulating substrate (not shown).

[0047] like Figure 4A As shown, the housing HS has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is configured so that the surface (left side surface and right side surface) parallel to the XZ plane has the largest area. In the present embodiment, the housing HS is composed of a cover 1 and a cylindrical body 2.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover 1 includes a right cover 1R forming the right side surface of the housing HS and a left cover 1L forming the left side surface of the housing HS. The right cover 1R and the left cover 1L are both flat plate-shaped members. In this embodiment, the right cover 1R and the left cover 1L have the same shape and the same size. That is, the right cover 1R and the left cover 1L are composed of the same parts.

[0049] The right cover 1R is formed to be symmetrical in the front-rear direction and in the top-bottom direction. The same is true for the left cover 1L. The right cover 1R and the left cover 1L are arranged to be symmetrical with each other.

[0050] Specifically, the right cover 1R includes a right soft magnetic member 1MR and a right frame 1WR. Similarly, the left cover 1L includes a left soft magnetic member 1ML and a left frame 1WL. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the right soft magnetic member 1MR and the left soft magnetic member 1ML are also referred to as soft magnetic members 1M, and the right frame 1WR and the left frame 1WL are also referred to as frames 1W. Therefore, the cover 1 includes a soft magnetic member 1M and a frame 1W.

[0051] The soft magnetic member 1M is a member formed of a soft magnetic body and arranged at a position away from the magnet 5 as a magnetic field generating member in a manner of magnetic attraction to the magnet 5. In the present embodiment, the soft magnetic member 1M is fixed to the frame 1W in a manner of not contacting the magnet 5 constituting the movable member MB and being able to magnetically hold the magnet 5 at a predetermined position. When the magnet 5 is displaced from a predetermined position, the attraction between the magnet 5 and the soft magnetic member 1M based on the magnetic field (magnetic force) generated by the magnet 5 acts in a manner of pulling the magnet 5 back to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is, for example, the position of the magnet 5 when the movable member MB is located at the center of the movable range. It should be noted that the structure realized by the combination of the magnet 5 and the soft magnetic member 1M for pulling the magnet 5 back to a predetermined position by the attraction between the magnet 5 and the soft magnetic member 1M is also referred to as a "magnetic spring".

[0052] The frame 1W is a non-magnetic member for supporting the soft magnetic member 1M. In the present embodiment, the frame 1W is formed of austenitic stainless steel. However, the frame 1W may also be formed of a synthetic resin. In the example shown in the figure, the soft magnetic member 1M is bonded to the frame 1W by an adhesive.

[0053] The cylindrical body 2 is formed as a part of the housing HS. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical body 2 is a non-magnetic member formed of austenitic stainless steel. However, the cylindrical body 2 may also be formed of a synthetic resin. Specifically, the cylindrical body 2 includes four plate portions 2A formed in a flat plate shape. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, the plate portion 2A includes a first plate portion 2A1 and a third plate portion 2A3 facing each other, and a second plate portion 2A2 and a fourth plate portion 2A4 which are perpendicular to the first plate portion 2A1 and the third plate portion 2A3 and facing each other.

[0054] The cover 1 is fastened to the cylindrical body 2 by a fastening member. In the present embodiment, the fastening member is an external thread 2B that can be operated by a cross screwdriver, and is configured to engage with the internal thread holes 2T formed at the four corners of the cylindrical body 2. The internal thread holes 2T formed at the four corners of the cylindrical body 2 are formed in a manner that passes through the corners of the cylindrical body 2 along the Y-axis direction, and include the first internal thread hole 2T1 to the fourth internal thread hole 2T4. In addition, the right cover 1R (right frame 1WR) is fastened by four right fastening members ( Figure 4A The first right side external thread 2BR1 to the fourth right side external thread 2BR4 are fastened to the right end of the cylindrical body 2. Similarly, the left side cover 1L (left side frame 1WL) is fastened by four left side fastening members ( Figure 4B The first left external thread 2BL1~the fourth left external thread 2BL4) are fastened to the left end portion of the cylindrical body 2.

[0055] The coil 4 is a member constituting the driving mechanism DM. In the present embodiment, the coil 4 is a winding coil formed by winding a conductive wire whose surface is covered with an insulating material, and is fixed to the cover 1. For the sake of clarity, Figure 5 The illustration of the detailed winding state of the conductive wire is omitted. The same is true in other figures showing the coil 4. The coil 4 can also be a stacked coil or a thin film coil. Specifically, the coil 4 includes a right coil 4R fixed to the left side (Y1 side) of the right cover 1R (right soft magnetic member 1MR) and a left coil 4L fixed to the right side (Y2 side) of the left cover 1L (left soft magnetic member 1ML). In addition, the right coil 4R includes a first right coil 4R1, a second right coil 4R2 and a third right coil 4R3 arranged side by side and connected in series along the Z-axis direction, and the left coil 4L includes a first left coil 4L1, a second left coil 4L2 and a third left coil 4L3 arranged side by side and connected in series along the Z-axis direction. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the first right coil 4R1 and the first left coil 4L1 are also referred to as the upper coil 4U, the second right coil 4R2 and the second left coil 4L2 are also referred to as the central coil 4C, and the third right coil 4R3 and the third left coil 4L3 are also referred to as the lower coil 4D.

[0056] The control unit CTR can control the movement of the movable member MB. In the present embodiment, the control unit CTR is a device including an electronic circuit and a non-volatile storage device, etc., and is configured in a manner capable of controlling the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 4. The control unit CTR can be configured to control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 4 according to a control instruction from an external device such as a computer, or can be configured to control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 4 without receiving a control instruction from an external device. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the control unit CTR is disposed outside the input device ID, but can also be installed on the input device ID, and can also be disposed inside the input device ID. In addition, the control unit CTR can be disposed outside the housing HS, and can also be disposed inside the housing HS.

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 , the details of the movable component MB are explained. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 : is the appearance diagram of the movable member MB. Specifically, Figure 6 The above figure is a three-dimensional diagram of the entire movable member MB. Figure 6 The figure below is an exploded perspective view of the movable member MB. Figure 7 It is a right side view of the movable member MB accommodated in the cylindrical body 2.

[0058] The movable member MB is configured to include a magnet 5 and a magnet holder 6. Specifically, the movable member MB is configured to be movable along an axis VA (see Figure 6 ) moves relative to the shell HS (cylindrical body 2).

[0059] The magnet 5, as an example of a magnetic field generating component, is a component constituting the driving mechanism DM, and is capable of generating a magnetic field (magnetic flux). In the present embodiment, the magnet 5 is a combination of a plurality of permanent magnets, including an upper magnet 5U, a central magnet 5C, and a lower magnet 5D. The central magnet 5C includes a first central magnet 5C1 and a second central magnet 5C2. The upper magnet 5U, the first central magnet 5C1, the second central magnet 5C2, and the lower magnet 5D are all permanent magnets magnetized into two poles along the Y-axis direction, and are arranged in parallel along the Z-axis direction. In addition, Figure 6 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the N-pole portion of the upper magnet 5U, the first central magnet 5C1, the second central magnet 5C2, and the lower magnet 5D are marked with a thick cross pattern, and the S-pole portion is marked with a thin cross pattern. The same is true in other figures that distinguish between the N-pole portion and the S-pole portion of the magnet 5. In addition, the magnetic field generating member can also be composed of an electromagnet or the like.

[0060] The magnet holder 6 is configured to be able to hold the magnet 5. In the present embodiment, the magnet holder 6 is a substantially rectangular frame-shaped member formed of a non-magnetic member, and has an extension portion 6G, a main body portion 6M, and a shaft portion 6P. The extension portion 6G is formed to extend from the main body portion 6M in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Specifically, the extension portion 6G includes a rear extension portion 6GB extending backward (X2 direction) and a front extension portion 6GF extending forward (X1 direction). The shaft portion 6P is formed to protrude upward (Z1 direction) from the main body portion 6M. Specifically, the magnet holder 6 is configured to be able to hold the upper magnet 5U, the first central magnet 5C1, the second central magnet 5C2, and the lower magnet 5D at substantially equal intervals along the Z-axis direction.

[0061] The driving mechanism DM is an example of a driving force generating unit, and is configured to enable the movable member MB to move relative to the stationary member along the axis VA. In the present embodiment, the driving mechanism DM is composed of a coil 4 and a magnet 5, and is configured to enable the movable member MB (magnet 5) to move along the axis VA using a Lorentz force corresponding to the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to the coil 4 by the control unit CTR.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 8 The guide unit GM will be described. Figure 8 1 is an exploded view of the direct-acting device 101. Figure 8 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the components other than the cover 1, the magnet holder 6, the ball group 7, the ball guide 8 and the guide rail 9 are omitted. Specifically, Figure 8 The upper figure (the figure located above the block arrow) is a plan view of the cover 1, the magnet holder 6, the ball group 7, the ball guide 8, and the guide rail 9 in an exploded state. Figure 8 The lower figure (located below the block arrow) is a top view of the cover 1, magnet holder 6, ball group 7, ball guide 8 and guide rail 9 in the assembled state. Figure 8 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, a fine dot pattern is marked on the right cover 1R and the left cover 1L, a sparse dot pattern is marked on the guide rail 9, and an even sparser dot pattern is marked on the magnet holder 6.

[0063] The guide unit GM is configured to guide the movable member MB so that it can move in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) within the housing HS. Figure 5 As shown, the guide unit GM includes a ball group 7, a ball guide 8 and a guide rail 9. The guide unit GM is configured such that the extension 6G formed on the magnet holder 6 constituting the movable member MB is sandwiched between a pair of guide rails 9 arranged on the left and right via the ball group 7, and is guided by the pair of guide rails 9 to be movable in the Z-axis direction.

[0064] Specifically, the extension portion 6G formed on the magnet holder 6 includes: a front extension portion 6GF, which is opposite to the first plate portion 2A1 of the cylindrical body 2 and extends in the Z-axis direction; and a rear extension portion 6GB, which is opposite to the third plate portion 2A3 of the cylindrical body 2 and extends in the Z-axis direction. It should be noted that the dimension M1 of the extension portion 6G (rear extension portion 6GB) in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is smaller than the dimension M2 of the main body 6M in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0065] The guide rail 9 is a part of the stationary component, such as Figure 8 As shown, it includes a right guide rail 9R arranged between the right cover 1R and the extension portion 6G and a left guide rail 9L arranged between the left cover 1L and the extension portion 6G. Moreover, the right guide rail 9R includes: a right front guide rail 9RF, which is opposite to the first plate portion 2A1 of the cylindrical body 2 and extends in the Z-axis direction; and a right rear guide rail 9RB, which is opposite to the third plate portion 2A3 of the cylindrical body 2 and extends in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the left guide rail 9L includes: a left front guide rail 9LF, which is opposite to the first plate portion 2A1 of the cylindrical body 2 and extends in the Z-axis direction; and a left rear guide rail 9LB, which is opposite to the third plate portion 2A3 of the cylindrical body 2 and extends in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] The ball group 7 is an example of a rolling member, and is composed of a plurality of spherical balls. Figure 8 As shown in the above figure, the ball group 7 includes the right ball group 7R arranged between the right guide rail 9R and the extension 6G, and the left ball group 7L arranged between the left guide rail 9L and the extension 6G. In addition, the right ball group 7R includes the right front ball group 7RF arranged between the right front guide rail 9RF and the front extension 6GF, and the right rear ball group 7RB arranged between the right rear guide rail 9RB and the rear extension 6GB. Similarly, the left ball group 7L includes the left front ball group 7LF arranged between the left front guide rail 9LF and the front extension 6GF, and the left rear ball group 7LB arranged between the left rear guide rail 9LB and the rear extension 6GB.

[0067] The ball guide 8 is a member for maintaining the intervals between the plurality of balls constituting the ball group 7. It should be noted that the ball guide 8 may be omitted. The ball guide 8 includes: a right side ball guide 8R that maintains the intervals between the plurality of balls constituting the right side ball group 7R; and a left side ball guide 8L that maintains the intervals between the plurality of balls constituting the left side ball group 7L. In addition, the right side ball guide 8R includes: a right front side ball guide 8RF that maintains the intervals between the plurality of balls constituting the right front side ball group 7RF; and a right rear side ball guide 8RB that maintains the intervals between the plurality of balls constituting the right rear side ball group 7RB. Similarly, the left side ball guide 8L includes: a left front side ball guide 8LF that maintains the intervals between the plurality of balls constituting the left front side ball group 7LF; and a left rear side ball guide 8LB that maintains the intervals between the plurality of balls constituting the left rear side ball group 7LB.

[0068] Here, refer to Figure 9~Figure 11 , the relationship between the ball group 7, the ball guide 8 and the guide rail 9 is described. Fig. 9 7LF, the left front ball group 8LF and the left front guide rail 9LF. Fig. 9 The upper figure (the figure located above the block arrow) is an exploded perspective view of the left front ball group 7LF, the left front ball guide 8LF and the left front guide rail 9LF. Fig. 9 The lower figure (the figure located below the block arrow) is an assembled perspective view of the left front ball group 7LF, the left front ball guide 8LF, and the left front guide rail 9LF. Fig.10 7LF, the left front ball assembly 8LF, and the left front guide rail 9LF. Fig.10 The upper figure (the figure located above the block arrow) is an exploded front view of the left front ball assembly 7LF, the left front ball guide 8LF and the left front guide rail 9LF. Fig.10 The lower figure (the figure located below the block arrow) is an assembly front view of the left front ball group 7LF, the left front ball guide 8LF, and the left front guide rail 9LF. Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of the direct-acting device 101. Specifically, Fig.11 The above picture is correct Figure 4B The cross section of the linear motion device 101 shown in the figure on a plane parallel to the XZ plane and including the one-dot chain line XI-XI is a diagram when viewed from the Z1 side as indicated by the arrow. Fig.11 The following picture is Fig.11 The enlarged view of the range R1 surrounded by the dotted line in the above figure. Figure 9~Figure 11The following description is about the positional relationship between the left front ball group 7LF, the left front ball guide 8LF and the left front guide rail 9LF, but it also applies to the positional relationship between the right front ball group 7RF, the right front ball guide 8RF and the right front guide rail 9RF, the positional relationship between the right rear ball group 7RB, the right rear ball guide 8RB and the right rear guide rail 9RB, and the positional relationship between the left rear ball group 7LB, the left rear ball guide 8LB and the left rear guide rail 9LB.

[0069] Specifically, if Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 As shown, the left front ball group 7LF includes five balls (first ball 7LF1 to fifth ball 7LF5). The five balls (first ball 7LF1 to fifth ball 7LF5) are arranged in five through holes (first through hole HL1 to fifth through hole HL5) formed in the left front ball guide 8LF.

[0070] In addition, five balls (first ball 7LF1 to fifth ball 7LF5) are arranged in a V-groove 6VLF (see FIG. 1 ) formed on the left end surface of the front extending portion 6GF of the magnet holder 6. Figure 8 ) and the V-groove 9VLF formed on the right end surface of the left front guide rail 9LF. In this case, the left end surface EL of the front extension portion 6GF functions as the movable side end surface MS, and the right end surface ER of the left front guide rail 9LF functions as the fixed side end surface FS.

[0071] like Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the left front ball guide 8LF is configured such that the thickness HT1 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the diameter DT2 of each of the first ball 7LF1 to the fifth ball 7LF5. Fig.11 As shown in the figure below, the thickness HT1 of the left front ball guide 8LF is configured to be smaller than the gap GP1 between the left end surface EL of the front extension 6GF and the right end surface ER of the left front guide rail 9LF when the left front ball group 7LF is clamped between the left end surface EL of the front extension 6GF and the right end surface ER of the left front guide rail 9LF. Fig.11 As shown in the following figure, the diameter DT1 of each of the five through holes (first through hole HL1 to fifth through hole HL5) is configured to be slightly larger than the diameter DT2 of each of the five balls (first ball 7LF1 to fifth ball 7LF5). However, the diameter DT1 of each of the five through holes (first through hole HL1 to fifth through hole HL5) may also be configured to be slightly smaller than the diameter DT2 of each of the five balls (first ball 7LF1 to fifth ball 7LF5).

[0072] like Fig.11As shown in the figure below, each ball constituting the left front side ball group 7LF is clamped between the V-groove 6VLF and the V-groove 9VLF in a manner that contacts the V-groove 6VLF at two contact points and contacts the V-groove 9VLF at two contact points. Fig.11 The lower figure shows a state in which the third ball 7LF3 contacts the V-groove 6VLF at the contact point CP1 and the contact point CP2, and contacts the V-groove 9VLF at the contact point CP3 and the contact point CP4.

[0073] In the example shown in the figure, the five through holes (first through hole HL1 to fifth through hole HL5) of the left front ball guide 8LF are formed at intervals so that the intervals between two adjacent balls of the five balls (first ball 7LF1 to fifth ball 7LF5) constituting the left front ball group 7LF are the same. Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 As shown, the left front ball guide 8LF is formed so that the interval CL1 between the first through hole HL1 and the second through hole HL2, the interval CL2 between the second through hole HL2 and the third through hole HL3, the interval CL3 between the third through hole HL3 and the fourth through hole HL4, and the interval CL4 between the fourth through hole HL4 and the fifth through hole HL5 are all equal.

[0074] Next, refer to Fig.12 The guide unit GM will be described in detail. Fig.12 1 is a perspective view of the direct-acting device 101. Fig.12 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the components other than the cover 1, the magnet 5, the magnet holder 6, the ball group 7, the ball guide 8 and the guide rail 9 are omitted. Specifically, Fig.12 The upper figure is a stereoscopic view of the cover 1, the magnet 5, the magnet holder 6, the ball group 7, the ball guide 8 and the guide rail 9 in an assembled state. Fig.12 The lower figure is a stereoscopic view of the left cover 1L, magnet 5, magnet holder 6, ball group 7, left ball guide 8L and left guide rail 9L in an assembled state. Fig.12 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the magnet holder 6 is marked with a sparse dot pattern, and the guide rail 9 is marked with a fine dot pattern.

[0075] The top end (left end) of the right front rail 9RF and the top end (right end) of the left front rail 9LF are as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the front extension portion 6GF is sandwiched between the front side guide rails 9RB and 9LB, and the top end (left end) of the right rear side guide rail 9RB and the top end (right end) of the left rear side guide rail 9LB are as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, they are combined in a manner that they face each other with the rear extension portion 6GB interposed therebetween.

[0076] Specifically, if Fig.12As shown in the above figure, the top end of the right rear side guide rail 9RB is configured to be opposite to the right end face of the rear side extension 6GB with a small gap, and the top end of the left rear side guide rail 9LB is configured to be opposite to the left end face of the rear side extension 6GB with a small gap. That is, the rear side extension 6GB is configured to have a shape roughly the same as the space formed between the top end of the right rear side guide rail 9RB and the top end of the left rear side guide rail 9LB. Specifically, the rear side extension 6GB is formed as a roughly rectangular protrusion extending continuously in most of the total length of the long side direction of the magnet holder 6. However, the rear side extension 6GB can also be a combination of multiple protrusions intermittently configured along the length direction of the magnet holder 6. The same is true for the front side extension 6GF. In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the magnet holder 6 is formed to be symmetrical front and back. That is, the front side extension 6GF and the rear side extension 6GB are formed to have the same shape and the same size. However, the front side extension 6GF and the rear side extension 6GB can also have different shapes.

[0077] As described above, the extension portion 6G is configured to be able to extend along the right guide rail 9R and the left guide rail 9L. Fig.12 Specifically, the extension portion 6G is configured to be a V-groove 6VR ( Figure 8 The V-groove 6VRB and the V-groove 6VRF) and the V-groove 9VR ( Figure 8 The right ball group 7R is sandwiched between the V-groove 9VRB and the V-groove 9VRF. In addition, the extension 6G is configured to be formed in the V-groove 6VL ( Figure 8 The V-groove 6VLB and the V-groove 6VLF) and the V-groove 9VL ( Figure 8 The left ball group 7L is clamped between the V-grooves 9VLB and 9VLF. Moreover, the extension portion 6G is configured to be able to move in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) while rolling the right ball group 7R between the V-grooves 6VR and 9VR and rolling the left ball group 7L between the V-grooves 6VL and 9VL.

[0078] According to this structure, the movement of the magnet holder 6 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is restricted, while smooth movement in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) is allowed.

[0079] However, the extension portion 6G of the magnet holder may be configured to directly contact the guide rail 9 and slide on the guide rail 9. In this case, the ball group 7 and the ball guide 8 may be omitted. In addition, the guide rail 9 may be integrated with the cover 1.

[0080] Next, refer to Fig.13A , Fig. 13B , Fig.14A , Fig. 14B as well as Fig.15 , the details of the drive unit DM are described. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Detailed diagram of the coil 4 fixed to the housing HS. Specifically, Fig.13A It is a perspective view of the left coil 4L fixed to the left cover 1L. Fig. 13B 1L is a right side view of the left coil 4L fixed to the left cover 1L. Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the left coil 4L is marked with a sparse dot pattern, and the left soft magnetic member 1ML and the left guide rail 9L are marked with a fine dot pattern.

[0081] Fig.14A as well as Fig. 14B Yes Figure 4B The cross section of the direct-acting device 101 shown in the figure in the plane including the single-dot chain line XIV-XIV and parallel to the YZ plane is viewed from the X2 side as indicated by the arrow. Specifically, Fig.14A The above picture and Fig. 14B It is a cross-sectional view of the cover 1 (soft magnetic member 1M), the coil 4 and the magnet 5 when the movable member MB (magnet 5) is located at the center of the movable range. Fig.14A The central figure is a cross-sectional view of the cover 1 (soft magnetic member 1M), the coil 4 and the magnet 5 when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves downward (in the Z2 direction) from the center of the movable range. Fig.14A The figure below is a cross-sectional view of the cover 1 (soft magnetic member 1M), the coil 4 and the magnet 5 when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves upward (in the Z1 direction) from the center of the movable range. Fig.14A as well as Fig. 14B In the figure, for the sake of clarity, illustration of members other than the soft magnetic member 1M, the coil 4 and the magnet 5 (including the frame 1W) is omitted.

[0082] Fig.15 This is a right side view of the magnet 5 that can move in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) on the right side of the left coil 4L (left soft magnetic member 1ML) fixed to the left cover 1L (left soft magnetic member 1ML). Specifically, Fig.15The upper figure is a right side view of the left soft magnetic member 1ML, the left coil 4L and the magnet 5 when the movable member MB (magnet 5) is located at the center of the movable range. Fig.15 The state shown in the figure above is Fig.14A This corresponds to the state shown in the figure above. Fig.15 The central figure is a right side view of the left soft magnetic member 1ML, the left coil 4L and the magnet 5 when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves downward (in the Z2 direction) from the center of the movable range. Fig.15 The state shown in the central figure is Fig.14A corresponds to the state shown in the central figure. Fig.15 The figure below is a right side view of the left soft magnetic member 1ML, the left coil 4L and the magnet 5 when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves upward (in the Z1 direction) from the center of the movable range. Fig.15 The state shown in the figure below is Fig.14A The state shown in the figure below corresponds to the state shown in the figure below. It should be noted that Fig.15 In FIG. 1 , for the sake of clarity, the magnet holder 6 and the position sensor 51 are indicated by dotted lines, and the left side frame 1WL is omitted.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, the coil 4 as one of the components of the drive mechanism DM includes a right coil 4R fixed to the left side (Y1 side) surface of the right cover 1R and a left coil 4L fixed to the right side (Y2 side) surface of the left cover 1L.

[0084] like Fig.13A and Fig. 13B As shown, the left coil 4L includes three coils (a first left coil 4L1, a second left coil 4L2, and a third left coil 4L3) fixed to the right side surface (surface on the Y2 side) of the left cover 1L by an adhesive. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The following description is about the left coil 4L, but is also applicable to the right coil 4R. This is because the right cover 1R and the left cover 1L have the same shape and the same size, and the right coil 4R and the left coil 4L have the same shape and the same size.

[0085] like Fig. 13B As shown, the three coils constituting the left coil 4L are respectively wound in a manner surrounding the left internal space 1LP. Specifically, the first left coil 4L1 is wound in a manner surrounding the upper left internal space 1LPU, the second left coil 4L2 is wound in a manner surrounding the central left internal space 1LPC, and the third left coil 4L3 is wound in a manner surrounding the lower left internal space 1LPD.

[0086] The first left coil 4L1 includes an upper harness portion 4L1U located on the upper side (Z1 side) of the upper left internal space 1LPU and extending along the upper left internal space 1LPU, and a lower harness portion 4L1D located on the lower side (Z2 side) of the upper left internal space 1LPU and extending along the upper left internal space 1LPU. It should be noted that the harness portion refers to a portion of the conductive wire constituting the coil 4 extending along the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0087] exist Fig. 13B For the sake of clarity, the upper harness portion 4L1U and the lower harness portion 4L1D in the first left coil 4L1 are marked with a finer dot pattern than the dot pattern marked in other portions of the first left coil 4L1. The same is true for the second left coil 4L2 and the third left coil 4L3.

[0088] The second left coil 4L2 includes an upper harness portion 4L2U located on the upper side (Z1 side) of the central left internal space 1LPC and extending along the central left internal space 1LPC, and a lower harness portion 4L2D located on the lower side (Z2 side) of the central left internal space 1LPC and extending along the central left internal space 1LPC.

[0089] Similarly, the third left coil 4L3 includes an upper harness portion 4L3U located on the upper side (Z1 side) of the lower left internal space 1LPD and extending along the lower left internal space 1LPD, and a lower harness portion 4L3D located on the lower side (Z2 side) of the lower left internal space 1LPD and extending along the lower left internal space 1LPD.

[0090] The upper harness portion 4L1U and the lower harness portion 4L1D of the first left coil 4L1 are portions through which the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 5 passes, that is, portions through which the driving force based on the Lorentz force for moving the movable member MB in the left-right direction is generated. The same is true for the upper harness portion 4L2U and the lower harness portion 4L2D of the second left coil 4L2, and the upper harness portion 4L3U and the lower harness portion 4L3D of the third left coil 4L3.

[0091] like Fig.14A As shown in FIG. 1 , another magnet 5 as a component of the drive mechanism DM is arranged in the space between the right coil 4R and the left coil 4L so as to be movable in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, the magnet 5 includes an upper magnet 5U, a first central magnet 5C1, a second central magnet 5C2, and a lower magnet 5D. The upper magnet 5U, the first central magnet 5C1, the second central magnet 5C2, and the lower magnet 5D are respectively arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Fig.14A The magnet holders 6 (not shown) are held at a predetermined interval from each other.

[0092] In this embodiment, if Fig.14A As shown in the central figure of FIG. 1 , the upper magnet 5U is configured such that its width W1 is substantially the same as the width W2 of the lower magnet 5D. In addition, the first central magnet 5C1 is configured such that its width W3 is substantially the same as the width W4 of the second central magnet 5C2. In addition, the upper magnet 5U is configured such that its width W1 is substantially half of the width W3 of the first central magnet 5C1.

[0093] In this embodiment, the six coils constituting the coil 4 are configured to have the same shape and the same size. Fig.14A As shown in the central figure and the figure below, the width W5 of the upper harness portion 4R1U of the first right coil 4R1, the width W6 of the lower harness portion 4R1D of the first right coil 4R1, the width W7 of the upper harness portion 4R2U of the second right coil 4R2, the width W8 of the lower harness portion 4R2D of the second right coil 4R2, the width W9 of the upper harness portion 4R3U of the third right coil 4R3, the width W10 of the lower harness portion 4R3D of the third right coil 4R3, and the width W11 of the upper harness portion 4R3U of the third right coil 4R3. A width W11 of an upper wiring harness portion 4L1U of a left coil 4L1, a width W12 of a lower wiring harness portion 4L1D of a first left coil 4L1, a width W13 of an upper wiring harness portion 4L2U of a second left coil 4L2, a width W14 of a lower wiring harness portion 4L2D of a second left coil 4L2, a width W15 of an upper wiring harness portion 4L3U of a third left coil 4L3, and a width W16 of a lower wiring harness portion 4L3D of a third left coil 4L3 are all the same size.

[0094] The upper magnet 5U is configured such that its width W1 is substantially the same as the width W5 of the upper harness portion 4R1U of the first right coil 4R1. The first central magnet 5C1 is configured such that its width W3 is substantially the same as the sum of the width W6 of the lower harness portion 4R1D of the first right coil 4R1 and the width W7 of the upper harness portion 4R2U of the second right coil 4R2.

[0095] When the movable member MB (magnet 5) is located at the center of the movable range, Fig.14AAs shown in the above figure, the upper magnet 5U is arranged so that the N-pole portion (right portion) faces the upper harness portion 4R1U of the first right coil 4R1, and the S-pole portion (left portion) faces the upper harness portion 4L1U of the first left coil 4L1. In addition, the first central magnet 5C1 is arranged so that the S-pole portion (right portion) faces the lower harness portion 4R1D of the first right coil 4R1 and the upper harness portion 4R2U of the second right coil 4R2, respectively, and the N-pole portion (left portion) faces the lower harness portion 4L1D of the first left coil 4L1 and the upper harness portion 4L2U of the second left coil 4L2, respectively. The second central magnet 5C2 is arranged such that its N-pole portion (right portion) is opposed to the lower harness portion 4R2D of the second right coil 4R2 and the upper harness portion 4R3U of the third right coil 4R3, and its S-pole portion (left portion) is opposed to the lower harness portion 4L2D of the second left coil 4L2 and the upper harness portion 4L3U of the third left coil 4L3. The lower magnet 5D is arranged such that its S-pole portion (right portion) is opposed to the lower harness portion 4R3D of the third right coil 4R3, and its N-pole portion (left portion) is opposed to the lower harness portion 4L3D of the third left coil 4L3.

[0096] like Fig.15 As shown by the dotted arc arrow in the center figure of , when current flows through the left coil 4L, the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves downward (in the Z2 direction) while being guided by the guide unit GM. Specifically, when current flows through the first left coil 4L1 counterclockwise in the right view, current flows through the second left coil 4L2 clockwise in the right view, and current flows through the third left coil 4L3 counterclockwise in the right view, the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves downward (in the Z2 direction).

[0097] This is because the Lorentz force acts on the charged particles moving in the conductive wire constituting the left coil 4L fixed to the left cover 1L, and the reaction force thereof moves the upper magnet 5U, the first central magnet 5C1, the second central magnet 5C2, and the lower magnet 5D as the magnet 5 downward (in the Z2 direction).

[0098] Likewise, when Fig.15 When current flows through the left coil 4L as shown by the dotted arc arrow in the lower figure, the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves upward (in the Z1 direction) while being guided by the guide unit GM. Specifically, when current flows through the first left coil 4L1 clockwise in the right view, current flows through the second left coil 4L2 counterclockwise in the right view, and current flows through the third left coil 4L3 clockwise in the right view, the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves upward (in the Z1 direction).

[0099] like Fig. 14B As shown, the soft magnetic member 1M includes a right soft magnetic member 1MR arranged outside the right coil 4R (Y2 side) and a left soft magnetic member 1ML arranged outside the left coil 4L (Y1 side).

[0100] The soft magnetic member 1M has a weak attraction portion 10, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction force between the magnet 5 and the soft magnetic member 1M is relatively weak (small); and a strong attraction portion 11, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction force between the magnet 5 and the soft magnetic member 1M in the Y-axis direction is relatively strong (large). It should be noted that the strong attraction portion 11 is also called a "magnetic attraction portion".

[0101] Specifically, the left soft magnetic component 1ML has: a left weak attraction portion 10L, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction between the magnet 5 in the Y-axis direction and the left soft magnetic component 1ML is relatively weak (small); and a left strong attraction portion 11L, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction between the magnet 5 in the Y-axis direction and the left soft magnetic component 1ML is relatively strong (large).

[0102] exist Fig. 14B In the state where the movable member MB (magnet 5) shown is located at the center of the movable range, the left strong attraction portion 11L includes: a first left strong attraction portion 11L1 opposite to the upper magnet 5U in the Y-axis direction, a second left strong attraction portion 11L2 opposite to the first central magnet 5C1 in the Y-axis direction, a third left strong attraction portion 11L3 opposite to the second central magnet 5C2 in the Y-axis direction, and a fourth left strong attraction portion 11L4 opposite to the lower magnet 5D in the Y-axis direction.

[0103] Similarly, the right side strong attraction portion 11R includes: a first right side strong attraction portion 11R1 opposite to the upper magnet 5U in the Y-axis direction, a second right side strong attraction portion 11R2 opposite to the first central magnet 5C1 in the Y-axis direction, a third right side strong attraction portion 11R3 opposite to the second central magnet 5C2 in the Y-axis direction, and a fourth right side strong attraction portion 11R4 opposite to the lower magnet 5D in the Y-axis direction.

[0104] In addition, the left side weak suction portion 10L includes: a first left side weak suction portion 10L1 located on the upper side (Z1 side) than the first left side strong suction portion 11L1, a second left side weak suction portion 10L2 located between the first left side strong suction portion 11L1 and the second left side strong suction portion 11L2, a third left side weak suction portion 10L3 located between the second left side strong suction portion 11L2 and the third left side strong suction portion 11L3, a fourth left side weak suction portion 10L4 located between the third left side strong suction portion 11L3 and the fourth left side strong suction portion 11L4, and a fifth left side weak suction portion 10L5 located on the lower side (Z2 side) than the fourth left side strong suction portion 11L4.

[0105] Similarly, the right side weak suction portion 10R includes: a first right side weak suction portion 10R1 located on the upper side (Z1 side) than the first right side strong suction portion 11R1, a second right side weak suction portion 10R2 located between the first right side strong suction portion 11R1 and the second right side strong suction portion 11R2, a third right side weak suction portion 10R3 located between the second right side strong suction portion 11R2 and the third right side strong suction portion 11R3, a fourth right side weak suction portion 10R4 located between the third right side strong suction portion 11R3 and the fourth right side strong suction portion 11R4, and a fifth right side weak suction portion 10R5 located on the lower side (Z2 side) than the fourth right side strong suction portion 11R4.

[0106] It should be noted that, hereinafter, the first right side weak attraction portion 10R1 and the first left side weak attraction portion 10L1 are also referred to as the upper side weak attraction portion 10U, the second right side weak attraction portion 10R2 and the second left side weak attraction portion 10L2 are also referred to as the first central weak attraction portion 10C1, the third right side weak attraction portion 10R3 and the third left side weak attraction portion 10L3 are also referred to as the second central weak attraction portion 10C2, the fourth right side weak attraction portion 10R4 and the fourth left side weak attraction portion 10L4 are also referred to as the third central weak attraction portion 10C3, and the fifth right side weak attraction portion 10R5 and the fifth left side weak attraction portion 10L5 are also referred to as the lower side weak attraction portion 10D.

[0107] In addition, hereinafter, the first right strong attraction portion 11R1 and the first left strong attraction portion 11L1 are also referred to as the upper strong attraction portion 11U, the second right strong attraction portion 11R2 and the second left strong attraction portion 11L2 are also referred to as the first central strong attraction portion 11C1, the third right strong attraction portion 11R3 and the third left strong attraction portion 11L3 are also referred to as the second central strong attraction portion 11C2, and the fourth right strong attraction portion 11R4 and the fourth left strong attraction portion 11L4 are also referred to as the lower strong attraction portion 11D. In addition, the first central strong attraction portion 11C1 and the second central strong attraction portion 11C2 are also referred to as the central strong attraction portion 11C.

[0108] In addition, the strong attraction portion 11 may be configured so that one end is located inside of one end of the magnet 5 in the Z-axis direction, or the other end is located inside of the other end of the magnet 5. In addition, the weak attraction portion 10 may include a portion extending outward from one end of the strong attraction portion 11 in the Z-axis direction, or may include a portion extending outward from the other end of the strong attraction portion 11.

[0109] exist Fig. 14BIn the example shown, the strong attraction portion 11 is configured such that the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U is located below the upper end of the upper magnet 5U, and the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D is located above the lower end of the lower magnet 5D. In addition, the weak attraction portion 10 includes an upper weak attraction portion 10U extending upward from the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U, and includes a lower weak attraction portion 10D extending downward from the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D.

[0110] Thus, the upper weak attraction portion 10U and the lower weak attraction portion 10D are configured to suppress the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 5 from leaking out of the direct-acting device 101, and are therefore also referred to as "magnetic flux leakage suppression portions". Specifically, the soft magnetic member 1M is configured so that even when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves downward (in the Z2 direction), Fig.14A As shown in the center figure of FIG. 1 , the lower end of the lower magnet 5D is also located above the lower end of the lower weak attraction portion 10D, so that the magnetic flux generated by the lower magnet 5D can be prevented from leaking out of the direct-acting device 101. Similarly, the soft magnetic member 1M is configured so that even when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves upward (in the Z1 direction), as shown in FIG. Fig.14A As shown in the figure below, the upper end of the upper magnet 5U is also located below the upper end of the upper weak attraction portion 10U, so it is possible to suppress the magnetic flux generated by the upper magnet 5U from leaking outside the direct-acting device 101. Therefore, the soft magnetic member 1M (weak attraction portion 10) brings the following effect: it is possible to suppress the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 5 from becoming interference with other devices, thereby suppressing malfunction or quality degradation of other devices.

[0111] In addition, if Fig. 14B As shown, the soft magnetic member 1M is configured such that the distance GA1 between the strong attraction portion 11 and the magnet 5 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the distance GA2 between the weak attraction portion 10 and the magnet 5 in the Y-axis direction. This structure brings about the following effect: even if the soft magnetic member 1M (the weak attraction portion 10 and the strong attraction portion 11) is composed of the same material, the attraction force acting between the strong attraction portion 11 and the magnet 5 can be reliably made greater than the attraction force acting between the weak attraction portion 10 and the magnet 5.

[0112] In addition, if Fig. 14B As shown, the soft magnetic member 1M is configured such that the thickness dimension TK1 of the weak attraction portion 10 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the thickness dimension TK2 of the strong attraction portion 11. This structure brings about the following effect: even when the outer surface of the soft magnetic member 1M (the weak attraction portion 10 and the strong attraction portion 11) is configured as a flat surface, the attraction force acting between the strong attraction portion 11 and the magnet 5 can be reliably made larger than the attraction force acting between the weak attraction portion 10 and the magnet 5.

[0113] In addition, if Fig. 14B As shown, the soft magnetic member 1M is configured such that the weak attraction portion 10 and the strong attraction portion 11 are integrally formed. This configuration brings about an effect that the number of components can be reduced, and thus the manufacturing cost of the linear motion device 101 can be reduced.

[0114] In this embodiment, if Fig.14A As shown in the figure above, even when the movable member MB (magnet 5) is located at the center of the movable range, a portion of the lower magnet 5D protrudes downward (in the Z2 direction) from the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D of the soft magnetic member 1M. Fig.14A As shown in the above figure, even when the movable member MB (magnet 5) is located at the center of the movable range, a portion of the upper magnet 5U protrudes upward (in the Z1 direction) from the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U of the soft magnetic member 1M.

[0115] Furthermore, when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves downward (in the Z2 direction), Fig.14A As shown in the central figure, a portion of the lower magnet 5D protrudes further downward than the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D. Specifically, a portion of the lower magnet 5D protrudes further downward than the lower end of the fourth right strong attraction portion 11R4 of the right soft magnetic member 1MR, and protrudes further downward than the lower end of the fourth left strong attraction portion 11L4 of the left soft magnetic member 1ML. Furthermore, between a portion 5Da of the lower magnet 5D located below the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D and the lower strong attraction portion 11D, there acts an attractive force that is stronger than the attractive force between the portion 5Da of the lower magnet 5D and the lower weak attraction portion 10D, so that the portion 5Da is attracted upward by the lower strong attraction portion 11D.

[0116] Similarly, an attractive force stronger than the attractive force between the portion 5Ua of the upper magnet 5U and the first central weak attraction portion 10C1 acts between the portion 5Ua located at the upper end of the upper magnet 5U and the upper strong attraction portion 11U, so that the portion 5Ua is attracted upward by the upper strong attraction portion 11U. In addition, an attractive force stronger than the attractive force between the portion 5C1a of the first central magnet 5C1 located below the lower end of the first central strong attraction portion 11C1 acts between the first central strong attraction portion 11C1 and the first central strong attraction portion 11C1 acts between the portion 5C1a of the first central magnet 5C1 and the second central weak attraction portion 10C2, so that the portion 5C1a is attracted upward by the first central strong attraction portion 11C1. In addition, between a portion 5C2a of the second central magnet 5C2 located below the lower end of the second central strong attraction portion 11C2 and the second central strong attraction portion 11C2, there acts an attractive force that is stronger than the attractive force acting between the portion 5C2a of the second central magnet 5C2 and the third central weak attraction portion 10C3, so that the portion 5C2a is attracted upward by the second central strong attraction portion 11C2.

[0117] It should be noted that in Fig.14A In the central figure of FIG. 1 , a part of the magnetic force lines (the magnetic force lines extending between the portion 5Da and the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D) is indicated by a dotted line, and the magnetic force lines indicate the magnetic field that generates the attractive force that attracts the portion 5Da of the lower magnet 5D toward the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D. The same is true for the magnetic force lines that generate the attractive force that attracts the upper magnet 5U toward the lower end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U (the magnetic force lines extending between the upper magnet 5U and the lower end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U), the magnetic force lines that generate the attractive force that attracts the first central magnet 5C1 toward the lower end of the first central strong attraction portion 11C1 (the magnetic force lines extending between the first central magnet 5C1 and the lower end of the first central strong attraction portion 11C1), and the magnetic force lines that generate the attractive force that attracts the second central magnet 5C2 toward the lower end of the second central strong attraction portion 11C2 (the magnetic force lines extending between the second central magnet 5C2 and the lower end of the second central strong attraction portion 11C2). In addition, Fig.14A In the central figure of FIG. 5 , for the sake of clarity, the illustration of the magnetic field lines representing other parts of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 5 is omitted.

[0118] In addition, when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves downward (Z2 direction), as shown in FIG. Fig.14AAs shown in the central figure, the upper strong attraction portion 11U of the soft magnetic member 1M is located above the upper end of the upper magnet 5U. Specifically, the first right strong attraction portion 11R1 of the right soft magnetic member 1MR and the first left strong attraction portion 11L1 of the left soft magnetic member 1ML are located above the upper end of the upper magnet 5U. In addition, there is an attraction between the upper magnet 5U and the upper strong attraction portion 11U that is stronger than the attraction between the upper magnet 5U and the first central weak attraction portion 10C1, so the upper strong attraction portion 11U attracts the upper magnet 5U upward. In this state, the upper end of the upper magnet 5U is the portion of the upper magnet 5U that is closest to the upper strong attraction portion 11U.

[0119] In this way, the movable member MB (magnet 5) displaced downward from the center of the movable range is subjected to a force (attractive force) that pulls the movable member MB (magnet 5) back to the center of the movable range. Therefore, the movable member MB stops when the force (driving force based on the Lorentz force) that moves the movable member MB downward and the force (attractive force) that pulls the movable member MB back to the center of the movable range are balanced. Moreover, when the force that moves the movable member MB downward disappears, the movable member MB (magnet 5) displaced downward from the center of the movable range moves upward due to its attractive force and returns to the center of the movable range.

[0120] On the contrary, when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves upward (Z1 direction), Fig.14A As shown in the figure below, a portion of the upper magnet 5U protrudes further upward than the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U. Specifically, a portion of the upper magnet 5U protrudes further upward than the upper end of the first right strong attraction portion 11R1, and further upward than the upper end of the first left strong attraction portion 11L1. Furthermore, between the portion 5Ub of the upper magnet 5U that protrudes upward than the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U and the upper strong attraction portion 11U, there is an attractive force that is stronger than the attractive force between the portion 5Ub of the upper magnet 5U and the upper weak attraction portion 10U, so that the portion 5Ub is attracted downward by the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U.

[0121] In addition, between the portion 5C1b of the first central magnet 5C1 located above the upper end of the first central strong attraction portion 11C1 and the first central strong attraction portion 11C1, an attraction force stronger than the attraction force between the portion 5C1b of the first central magnet 5C1 and the first central weak attraction portion 10C1 acts, so that the portion 5C1b is attracted downward by the first central strong attraction portion 11C1. In addition, between the portion 5C2b of the second central magnet 5C2 located above the upper end of the second central strong attraction portion 11C2 and the second central strong attraction portion 11C2, an attraction force stronger than the attraction force between the portion 5C2b of the second central magnet 5C2 and the second central weak attraction portion 10C2 acts, so that the portion 5C2b is attracted downward by the second central strong attraction portion 11C2. In addition, an attractive force stronger than the attractive force between the portion 5Db of the lower magnet 5D and the third central weak attraction portion 10C3 acts between the portion 5Db located at the lower end of the lower magnet 5D and the lower strong attraction portion 11D, so the portion 5Db is attracted downward by the lower strong attraction portion 11D.

[0122] It should be noted that in Fig.14A In the figure below, a portion of the magnetic lines of force (magnetic lines of force extending between portion 5Ub and the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U) is represented by a dotted line, which represents the magnetic field that generates an attractive force that attracts portion 5Ub of the upper magnet 5U toward the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U. The same applies to the magnetic force lines representing the magnetic field that generates the attractive force that attracts the first central magnet 5C1 toward the upper end of the first central strong attraction portion 11C1 (the magnetic force lines extending between the first central magnet 5C1 and the upper end of the first central strong attraction portion 11C1), the magnetic force lines representing the magnetic field that generates the attractive force that attracts the second central magnet 5C2 toward the upper end of the second central strong attraction portion 11C2 (the magnetic force lines extending between the second central magnet 5C2 and the upper end of the second central strong attraction portion 11C2), and the magnetic force lines representing the magnetic field that generates the attractive force that attracts the lower magnet 5D toward the upper end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D (the magnetic force lines extending between the lower magnet 5D and the upper end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D). In addition, in Fig.14A In the following figure, for the sake of clarity, the illustration of magnetic field lines representing other parts of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 5 is omitted.

[0123] In addition, when the movable member MB (magnet 5) moves upward (Z1 direction), as shown in FIG. Fig.14AAs shown in the figure below, the lower strong attraction portion 11D of the soft magnetic member 1M is located below the lower end of the lower magnet 5D. Specifically, the fourth right strong attraction portion 11R4 of the right soft magnetic member 1MR and the fourth left strong attraction portion 11L4 of the left soft magnetic member 1ML are located below the lower end of the lower magnet 5D. In addition, there is an attraction between the lower magnet 5D and the lower strong attraction portion 11D that is stronger than the attraction between the lower magnet 5D and the third central weak attraction portion 10C3, so the lower strong attraction portion 11D attracts the lower magnet 5D downward. In this state, the lower end of the lower magnet 5D is the portion of the lower magnet 5D that is closest to the lower strong attraction portion 11D.

[0124] In this way, the movable member MB (magnet 5) displaced upward from the center of the movable range is subjected to a force (attractive force) that pulls the movable member MB (magnet 5) back to the center of the movable range. Therefore, the movable member MB stops when the force (driving force based on the Lorentz force) that moves the movable member MB upward and the force (attractive force) that pulls the movable member MB back to the center of the movable range are balanced. Moreover, when the force that moves the movable member MB upward disappears, the movable member MB (magnet 5) displaced upward from the center of the movable range moves downward by its attractive force and returns to the center of the movable range.

[0125] Therefore, when the operating force disappears, the movable member MB located at a position deviated from the center of the movable range returns to the center of the movable range by the attractive force between the magnet 5 and the strong attraction portion 11 .

[0126] Next, refer to Fig.14A , Fig. 14B as well as Fig.15 , the details of the direct-acting device 101 are described. Fig.14A , Fig. 14B as well as Fig.15 The following description is about the state of the direct-acting device 101 when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Specifically, Fig.14A The above picture, Fig. 14B as well as Fig.15 The upper diagram of shows the state of the linear motion device 101 when the movable member MB (magnet 5 ) is not subjected to the operation force (force for moving the head member HD) of the operator. Fig.14A The central map and Fig.15 The central diagram of FIG. 1 shows a state of the linear motion device 101 when the movable member MB (magnet 5 ) receives a downward (Z2 direction) operating force (force for pressing down the head member HD) by the operator. Fig.14A The following figure and Fig.15The lower figure shows the state of the direct-acting device 101 when the movable member MB (magnet 5 ) receives the upward (Z1 direction) operating force (force for lifting the head member HD) of the operator.

[0127] like Fig.14A The central map and Fig.15 As shown in the central figure of FIG. 1 , when the movable member MB (magnet 5) is subjected to the downward (Z2 direction) operating force of the operator, the current is as follows Fig.15 Similarly to the case where the electric current flows through the left coil 4L as indicated by the dotted arc arrow in the center diagram of FIG. 1 , the movable member MB (magnet 5 ) moves downward (in the Z2 direction) while being guided by the guide unit GM.

[0128] The movable member MB (magnet 5) that has been displaced downward from the center of the movable range is subjected to a force (attractive force) that attempts to pull the movable member MB (magnet 5) back to the center of the movable range. This attractive force functions as an operational reaction force F relative to the operator's downward (Z2 direction) operating force (force that presses down the head member HD). Fig.14A The central map and Fig.15 In the example shown in the central figure, the operational reaction force F relative to the operator's downward (Z2 direction) operating force is represented by an upward (Z1 direction) square arrow as a force with +F1 (positive value). It should be noted that the movable member MB is stationary when the force that intends to move the movable member MB downward (the operator's downward operating force) and the force that intends to pull the movable member MB back to the center of the movable range (attractive force) are balanced. Moreover, when the force that intends to move the movable member MB downward (the operator's downward operating force) disappears, the movable member MB (magnet 5) that is displaced downward from the center of the movable range moves upward due to its attractive force and returns to the center of the movable range.

[0129] In addition, if Fig.14A The following figure and Fig.15 As shown in the figure below, if the movable member MB (magnet 5) is subjected to the upward (Z1 direction) operating force of the operator, then the current is as follows Fig.15 As shown by the dashed arc arrow in the lower figure, the movable member MB (magnet 5 ) moves upward (in the Z1 direction) while being guided by the guide mechanism GM, in the same manner as when the current flows through the left coil 4L.

[0130] The movable member MB (magnet 5) that is displaced upward from the center of the movable range is subjected to a force (attractive force) that attempts to pull the movable member MB (magnet 5) back to the center of the movable range. This attractive force acts as an operational reaction force F relative to the upward (Z1 direction) operating force (force that lifts the head member HD) of the operator. Fig.14A The following figure and Fig.15In the example shown in the figure below, the operational reaction force F relative to the operator's upward (Z1 direction) operating force is represented by a downward (Z2 direction) square arrow as a force with -F1 (negative value). It should be noted that the movable member MB is stationary when the force that intends to move the movable member MB upward (the operator's upward operating force) and the force that intends to pull the movable member MB back to the center of the movable range (attractive force) are balanced. Moreover, when the force that intends to move the movable member MB upward (the operator's upward operating force) disappears, the movable member MB (magnet 5) that is displaced upward from the center of the movable range moves downward due to its attractive force and returns to the center of the movable range.

[0131] Next, refer to Fig.16 , an example of the relationship between the operation reaction force F, the stroke amount ST and the current I is described. The operation reaction force F is the operation reaction force acting on the movable member MB. The stroke amount ST is the movement amount of the movable member MB in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and the movable member MB is located at the center of the movable range ( Fig.14A The above picture and Fig.15 The current I is the current flowing through the coil 4. Fig.16 : is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the operation reaction force F, the stroke amount ST, and the current I. Specifically, Fig.16 The figure above is a graph with the vertical axis set to the operation reaction force F and the horizontal axis set to the stroke amount ST. Fig.16 The following figure is a graph with the vertical axis set to current I and the horizontal axis set to stroke amount ST. It should be noted that Fig.16 The horizontal axis (stroke ST) in the above figure is Fig.16 The horizontal axis (stroke amount ST) in the following figure corresponds to each other. Fig.16 In the following description, the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed are positive values, and the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted are negative values. Therefore, an increase in the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted means that their absolute values ​​become larger, and a decrease in the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted means that their absolute values ​​become smaller. Fig.17 and Fig.18 The description is the same.

[0132] Fig.16 The relationship between the operating reaction force F and the stroke amount ST shown in the above figure is expressed as follows Fig.16 As shown in the following figure, the relationship is when the current I is zero, that is, when no current is supplied to the coil 4. In addition, Fig.16The figure above shows that the operation reaction force F becomes zero when the stroke amount ST is zero. It should be noted that, hereinafter, the position of the movable member MB when the operation reaction force F is zero is referred to as the "reference position". Moreover, the movable member MB is located at the reference position when the operator's operation force does not act on the movable member MB. In addition, when the operator's operation force disappears, the movable member MB that is not at the reference position returns to the reference position.

[0133] Fig.15 The figure above shows the state of the left soft magnetic member 1ML, the left coil 4L and the magnet 5 when the stroke amount ST is zero. Fig.15 The upper diagram of FIG. 5 shows that the stroke amount ST is zero when the measured value MT of the position sensor 51 is MT1. In the example shown in the figure, the measured value MT corresponds to the distance between the magnet holder 6 and the position sensor 51.

[0134] Specifically, Fig.16 The figure above shows that the movable range of the movable member MB in the Z-axis direction has a width RG. More specifically, Fig.16 The figure above shows that the movable range when the movable member MB is pressed has a width RG1, and the movable range when the movable member MB is lifted has a width RG2. In the example shown in the figure, the width RG1 and the width RG2 have the same size.

[0135] in addition, Fig.16 The upper diagram shows that as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed increases, the operation reaction force F also increases substantially linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D1, the operation reaction force F reaches +F1 (upper maximum value). Fig.15 The central figure shows the state of the left soft magnetic member 1ML, the left coil 4L and the magnet 5 when the stroke amount ST becomes +D1. Fig.15 The central graph of shows that when the measured value MT of the position sensor 51 is MT2, the stroke amount ST is +D1.

[0136] in addition, Fig.16 The figure above shows that as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed exceeds +D1 and further increases, the operating reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D2, the operating reaction force F becomes +F2 (upper end value). +D2 is the stroke amount when the movement of the movable member MB downward (Z2 direction) is blocked by the stopper. In the example shown in the figure, +D2 is the stroke amount when the lower end of the magnet holder 6 contacts the inner surface (Z1 side surface) of the fourth plate portion 2A4 of the cylindrical body 2. In this case, the fourth plate portion 2A4 functions as a stopper.

[0137] Likewise, Fig.16The upper graph shows that as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted increases, the operation reaction force F also increases substantially linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D1, the operation reaction force F reaches -F1 (lower maximum value). Fig.15 The figure below shows the state of the left soft magnetic member 1ML, the left coil 4L and the magnet 5 when the stroke amount ST becomes -D1. Fig.15 The lower diagram shows that the stroke amount ST is -D1 when the measured value MT of the position sensor 51 is MT3.

[0138] in addition, Fig.16 The figure above shows that as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted exceeds -D1 and further increases, the operating reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D2, the operating reaction force F becomes -F2 (lower end value). -D2 is the stroke amount when the upward movement (Z1 direction) of the movable member MB is blocked by the stopper. In the example shown in the figure, -D2 is the stroke amount when the upper end of the magnet holder 6 contacts the inner surface (the surface on the Z2 side) of the second plate portion 2A2 of the cylindrical body 2. In this case, the second plate portion 2A2 functions as a stopper.

[0139] It should be noted that, hereinafter, the phenomenon in which the operation reaction force F increases to a maximum value (upper maximum value or lower maximum value) and then decreases to an end value (upper end value or lower end value) as the stroke amount ST increases is referred to as "jump buckling". Furthermore, the input device ID can provide a "click feeling" to the operator by generating the jump buckling.

[0140] Next, refer to Fig.17 , another example of the relationship among the operation reaction force F, the stroke amount ST, and the current I will be described. Fig.17 is a graph showing another example of the relationship between the operation reaction force F, the stroke amount ST, and the current I. Fig.16 Specifically, Fig.17 The figure above shows a graph with the vertical axis set to the operation reaction force F and the horizontal axis set to the stroke amount ST. Fig.16 Corresponding to the above figure. Fig.17 The following figure shows a graph with the vertical axis set to current I and the horizontal axis set to stroke ST. Fig.16 The following figure corresponds to. It should be noted that Fig.17 The horizontal axis (stroke ST) in the above figure is Fig.17 The horizontal axis (stroke amount ST) in the following figure corresponds to each other.

[0141] Fig.17 The relationship between the operating reaction force F and the stroke amount ST shown by the dotted characteristic line in the above figure is expressed as follows Fig.17As shown by the dotted characteristic line in the figure below, the relationship when the current I is zero, that is, when no current is supplied to the coil 4. This relationship corresponds to Fig.16 The relationship shown.

[0142] in addition, Fig.17 The relationship between the operating reaction force F and the stroke amount ST shown by the solid characteristic line in the above figure is expressed as follows Fig.17 As shown by the solid line characteristic line in the lower figure, the relationship is when the current I is +Ia, that is, when the current having a magnitude of Ia flows in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction.

[0143] in addition, Fig.17 The relationship between the operating reaction force F and the stroke amount ST shown by the single-point dashed characteristic line in the above figure is expressed as follows Fig.17 As shown by the single-dot chain characteristic line in the lower figure, the relationship is when the current I is -Ia, that is, when the current having a magnitude of Ia flows in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction (the opposite direction of the first energizing direction).

[0144] Specifically, Fig.17 The solid characteristic line in the upper figure shows that when the current having a magnitude Ia flows in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction, the operating reaction force F becomes zero when the stroke amount ST is -Da. That is, Fig.17 The solid characteristic line in the above figure shows that the movable member MB is located at the reference position when the stroke ST is -Da. This means that when a current having a magnitude Ia flows in the coil 4 in the first energization direction, the movable member MB moves upward (Z1 direction), and the movable member MB stops at the position where the stroke ST becomes -Da. In other words, it means that when the operator's operating force does not act on the movable member MB, the movable member MB stops at the position where the stroke ST becomes -Da. In this case, the movable range of the movable member MB in the Z-axis direction has a width RG that is the same as the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. However, the movable range when the movable member MB is pressed has a width RG1 (refer to) larger than the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 The movable member MB has a larger width RG1a when it is lifted than the width RG2 (see the figure above) when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 (above) Small width RG2a.

[0145] In the example shown in the figure, the state in which the movable member MB is stationary refers to a state in which the force that moves the movable member MB in the Z1 direction is balanced with the force that moves the movable member MB in the Z2 direction. That is, the state in which the movable member MB is stationary refers to a state in which the resultant force of the driving force based on the Lorentz force generated by the driving mechanism DM (coil 4 and magnet 5), the attraction between the magnet 5 and the soft magnetic member 1M, and the operating force of the operator is zero in the Z-axis direction. In addition, when no operating force is generated, the state in which the movable member MB is stationary refers to a state in which the resultant force of the driving force and the attraction is zero in the Z-axis direction.

[0146] on the contrary, Fig.17 The characteristic line of the single-dot chain line in the above figure shows that when the current having a magnitude Ia flows through the coil 4 in the second energizing direction, the operating reaction force F becomes zero when the stroke amount ST is +Da. That is, Fig.17 The single-point dashed characteristic line in the above figure shows that the movable component MB is located at the reference position when the stroke amount ST is +Da. This means that when a current having a magnitude Ia flows in the coil 4 in the second energization direction, the movable component MB moves downward (Z2 direction), and the movable component MB stops at the position where the stroke amount ST becomes +Da. In other words, it means that when the operator's operating force does not act on the movable component MB, the movable component MB stops at the position where the stroke amount ST becomes +Da. In this case, the movable range of the movable component MB in the Z-axis direction has a width RG that is the same as the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. However, the movable range when the movable component MB is pressed has a width RG1 (refer to) larger than the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 The movable member MB has a smaller width RG1b when it is lifted than the width RG2 (see the figure above) when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 (see above figure) has a large width RG2b.

[0147] in addition, Fig.17 The solid characteristic line in the above figure shows that, as when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D1p, the operating reaction force F reaches +F1p (upper maximum value). It should be noted that +D1p is smaller than the stroke amount when the operating reaction force F becomes +F1 (upper maximum value) when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, that is, +D1, and +F1p (upper maximum value) is larger than the upper maximum value of the operating reaction force F when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, that is, +F1.

[0148] in addition, Fig.17The solid characteristic line in the figure above shows that, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed exceeds +D1p and further increases, the operation reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D2, the operation reaction force F becomes +F2p (upper end value). It should be noted that +F2p (upper end value) is greater than the upper end value when the coil 4 is not supplied with current, that is, +F2.

[0149] Likewise, Fig.17 The solid characteristic line in the above figure shows that, as when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D1p, the operating reaction force F reaches -F1p (lower side maximum value). It should be noted that the absolute value of -D1p is greater than the absolute value of -D1, which is the stroke amount when the operating reaction force F becomes -F1 (lower side maximum value) when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, and the absolute value of -F1p (lower side maximum value) is less than the absolute value of -F1, which is the lower side maximum value of the operating reaction force F when the current is not supplied to the coil 4.

[0150] in addition, Fig.17 The solid characteristic line in the figure above shows that, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted exceeds -D1p and further increases, the operating reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D2, the operating reaction force F becomes -F2p (lower end value). It should be noted that the absolute value of -F2p (lower end value) is smaller than the absolute value of -F2, which is the lower end value when the coil 4 is not supplied with current.

[0151] In this way, the control unit CTR can control the direction and magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 so that the current having the magnitude Ia flows in the first energizing direction, thereby achieving the above-mentioned Fig.17 The solid characteristic line in the upper figure shows the relationship between the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST. That is, the control unit CTR can make the characteristic line ( Fig.17 The dotted characteristic line in the upper figure) is offset upward.

[0152] in addition, Fig.17The characteristic line of the single-point dashed line in the above figure shows that, similar to when no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D1n, the operating reaction force F reaches +F1n (upper maximum value). It should be noted that +D1n is greater than the stroke amount when the operating reaction force F becomes +F1 (upper maximum value) when no current is supplied to the coil 4, that is, +D1, and +F1n (upper maximum value) is less than the upper maximum value of the operating reaction force F when no current is supplied to the coil 4, that is, +F1.

[0153] in addition, Fig.17 The characteristic line of the single-point dashed line in the above figure shows that, as when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed exceeds +D1n and further increases, the operation reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D2, the operation reaction force F becomes +F2n (upper end value). It should be noted that +F2n (upper end value) is smaller than the upper end value when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, that is, +F2.

[0154] Likewise, Fig.17 The characteristic line of the single-point dashed line in the above figure shows that, as when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D1n, the operating reaction force F reaches -F1n (lower side maximum value). It should be noted that the absolute value of -D1n is smaller than the absolute value of -D1, which is the stroke amount when the operating reaction force F becomes -F1 (lower side maximum value) when the current is not supplied to the coil 4, and the absolute value of -F1n (lower side maximum value) is larger than the absolute value of -F1, which is the lower side maximum value when the current is not supplied to the coil 4.

[0155] in addition, Fig.17 The characteristic line of the single-point dashed line in the above figure shows that, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted exceeds -D1n and further increases, the operating reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D2, the operating reaction force F becomes -F2n (lower end value). It should be noted that the absolute value of -F2n (lower end value) is greater than the absolute value of -F2, which is the lower end value when the coil 4 is not supplied with current.

[0156] Thus, the control unit CTR can realize the control by controlling the direction and magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 so that the current having the magnitude Ia flows in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction. Fig.17The characteristic line of the single-dot chain line in the above figure shows the relationship between the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST. That is, the control unit CTR can make the characteristic line ( Fig.17 The dotted characteristic line in the upper figure) is offset downward.

[0157] Next, refer to Fig.18 , another example of the relationship among the operation reaction force F, the stroke amount ST, and the current I will be described. Fig.18 is another example of a graph showing the relationship among the operation reaction force F, the stroke amount ST and the current I, respectively. Fig.16 as well as Fig.17 Specifically, Fig.18 The figure above shows a graph with the vertical axis set to the operation reaction force F and the horizontal axis set to the stroke amount ST. Fig.16 The above picture and Fig.17 The above figures correspond respectively. Fig.18 The following figure shows a graph with the vertical axis set to current I and the horizontal axis set to stroke ST. Fig.16 The following figure and Fig.17 The following figures correspond to the following. It should be noted that Fig.18 The horizontal axis (stroke ST) in the above figure is Fig.18 The horizontal axis (stroke amount ST) in the following figure corresponds to each other.

[0158] Depend on Fig.18 The relationship between the operating reaction force F and the stroke amount ST shown by the dotted characteristic line in the above figure is expressed as follows Fig.18 As shown by the dotted characteristic line in the figure below, the relationship when the current I is zero, that is, when no current is supplied to the coil 4. This relationship corresponds to Fig.16 The relationship shown.

[0159] In addition, by Fig.18 The solid characteristic line in the figure above shows the relationship between the operating reaction force F and the stroke amount ST, which indicates that the current I is Fig.18 The relationship when the variable current changes as shown by the solid line characteristic line in the lower figure, that is, when the variable current having the maximum value +Ib flows in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction.

[0160] In addition, by Fig.18 The relationship between the operating reaction force F and the stroke amount ST shown by the single-point dashed characteristic line in the above figure indicates that the current I is as follows Fig.18 The relationship is when the current Ib changes as shown by the single-dot chain characteristic line in the lower figure, that is, when the current having the maximum value Ib flows in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction (the opposite direction of the first energizing direction).

[0161] Specifically, Fig.18The solid characteristic line in the upper figure shows that when the current having a magnitude of Ib flows in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction, the operating reaction force F becomes zero when the stroke amount ST is -Db. That is, Fig.18 The solid characteristic line in the above figure shows that the movable member MB is located at the reference position when the stroke amount ST is -Db. This means that when a current having a magnitude of Ib flows in the coil 4 in the first energization direction, the movable member MB moves upward (Z1 direction), and the movable member MB stops at the position where the stroke amount ST becomes -Db. In other words, it means that when the operator's operating force does not act on the movable member MB, the movable member MB stops at the position where the stroke amount ST becomes -Db. In this case, the movable range of the movable member MB in the Z-axis direction has a width RG that is the same as the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. However, the movable range when the movable member MB is pressed has a width RG1 (refer to) larger than the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 The movable member MB has a larger width RG1c when it is lifted than the width RG2 (see the figure above) when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 (see figure above) small width RG2c.

[0162] on the contrary, Fig.18 The characteristic line of the single-dot chain line in the above figure shows that when the current having a magnitude of Ib flows in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction, the operating reaction force F becomes zero when the stroke amount ST is +Db. That is, Fig.18 The single-point dashed characteristic line in the above figure shows that the movable member MB is located at the reference position when the stroke amount ST is +Db. This means that when a current having a magnitude of Ib flows in the coil 4 in the second energization direction, the movable member MB moves downward (Z2 direction), and the movable member MB stops at the position where the stroke amount ST becomes +Db. In other words, it means that when the operator's operating force does not act on the movable member MB, the movable member MB stops at the position where the stroke amount ST becomes +Db. In this case, the movable range of the movable member MB in the Z-axis direction has a width RG that is the same as the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. However, the movable range when the movable member MB is pressed has a width RG1 (refer to) larger than the width RG when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 The movable member MB has a smaller width RG1d when it is lifted than the width RG2 (see the figure above) when no current is supplied to the coil 4. Fig.16 (Figure 1) The larger width RG2d.

[0163] in addition, Fig.18The solid characteristic line in the above figure shows that, similar to the case where no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke ST when the movable member MB is pressed increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke ST becomes +D1, the operating reaction force F reaches +F1 (upper maximum value).

[0164] exist Fig.18 In the example shown, the control unit CTR controls the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction according to the output of the position sensor 51. Fig.18 Specifically, the control unit CTR derives the stroke amount ST of the movable member MB based on the output of the position sensor 51, and changes the magnitude of the current according to the change in the stroke amount ST. More specifically, the control unit CTR linearly reduces the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction to zero during the period when the stroke amount ST changes from -Db to +D1 via zero.

[0165] in addition, Fig.18 The solid characteristic line in the figure above shows that, similar to the case where no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed exceeds +D1 and further increases, the operating reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D2, the operating reaction force F becomes +F2 (upper end value). It should be noted that when the stroke amount ST is between +D1 and +D2, Fig.18 The solid characteristic line in the figure above is Fig.16 The solid characteristic line in the upper figure is completely consistent with that in the upper figure. In addition, when the stroke amount ST is between +D1 and +D2, the control unit CTR maintains the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 4 at zero.

[0166] Likewise, Fig.18 The solid characteristic line in the above figure shows that, similar to the case where no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke ST when the movable member MB is lifted increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke ST becomes -D1, the operating reaction force F reaches -F1 (lower maximum value).

[0167] exist Fig.18 In the example shown, the control unit CTR controls the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction according to the output of the position sensor 51. Fig.18 Specifically, the control unit CTR derives the stroke amount ST of the movable member MB based on the output of the position sensor 51, and changes the magnitude of the current according to the change of the stroke amount ST. More specifically, the control unit CTR linearly reduces the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the first energizing direction to zero during the period when the stroke amount ST changes from -Db to -D1.

[0168] in addition, Fig.18 The solid characteristic line in the figure above shows that, similar to the case where no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted exceeds -D1 and further increases, the operating reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D2, the operating reaction force F becomes -F2 (lower end value). In addition, when the stroke amount ST is between -D1 and -D2, Fig.18 The solid characteristic line in the figure above is Fig.16 The solid characteristic line in the upper figure is completely consistent with that in the upper figure. In addition, when the stroke amount ST is between -D1 and -D2, the control unit CTR maintains the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 4 at zero.

[0169] Thus, the control unit CTR can achieve the following by controlling the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 along the first energizing direction. Fig.18 The solid line characteristic line in the figure above shows the relationship between the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST. That is, the control unit CTR can maintain the characteristic line ( Fig.18 The upper maximum value, lower maximum value, upper end value and lower end value of the characteristic line (the dotted line characteristic line in the upper figure) are obtained while shifting the reference position of the movable member MB upward (in the Z1 direction).

[0170] in addition, Fig.18 The single-point dashed characteristic line in the above figure shows that, similar to the case when no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke ST when the movable member MB is pressed increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke ST becomes +D1, the operating reaction force F reaches +F1 (upper maximum value).

[0171] exist Fig.18 In the example shown, the control unit CTR controls the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction according to the output of the position sensor 51. Fig.18 Specifically, the control unit CTR derives the stroke amount ST of the movable member MB based on the output of the position sensor 51, and changes the magnitude of the current according to the change in the stroke amount ST. More specifically, the control unit CTR linearly reduces the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction to zero during the period when the stroke amount ST changes from +Db to +D1.

[0172] in addition, Fig.18The characteristic line of the single-point dashed line in the figure above shows that, similar to the case where no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is pressed exceeds +D1 and further increases, the operation reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes +D2, the operation reaction force F becomes +F2 (upper end value). In addition, when the stroke amount ST is between +D1 and +D2, Fig.18 The characteristic line of the single-point dash line in the figure above is Fig.16 The solid characteristic line in the upper figure is completely consistent with that in the upper figure. In addition, when the stroke amount ST is between +D1 and +D2, the control unit CTR maintains the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 4 at zero.

[0173] Likewise, Fig.18 The single-point dashed characteristic line in the above figure shows that, similar to the case where no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke ST when the movable member MB is lifted increases, the operating reaction force F also increases approximately linearly, and when the stroke ST becomes -D1, the operating reaction force F reaches -F1 (lower side maximum value).

[0174] exist Fig.18 In the example shown, the control unit CTR controls the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction according to the output of the position sensor 51. Fig.18 Specifically, the control unit CTR derives the stroke amount ST of the movable member MB based on the output of the position sensor 51, and changes the magnitude of the current according to the change in the stroke amount ST. More specifically, the control unit CTR linearly reduces the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 in the second energizing direction to zero during the period when the stroke amount ST changes from +Db to -D1 via zero.

[0175] in addition, Fig.18 The characteristic line of the single-point dashed line in the figure above shows that, similar to the case where no current is supplied to the coil 4, as the stroke amount ST when the movable member MB is lifted exceeds -D1 and further increases, the operating reaction force F decreases approximately linearly, and when the stroke amount ST becomes -D2, the operating reaction force F becomes -F2 (lower end value). When the stroke amount ST is between -D1 and -D2, Fig.18 The characteristic line of the single-point dash line in the figure above is Fig.16 The solid characteristic line in the upper figure is completely consistent with that in the upper figure. In addition, when the stroke amount ST is between -D1 and -D2, the control unit CTR maintains the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil 4 at zero.

[0176] Thus, the control unit CTR can achieve the following by controlling the magnitude of the current flowing in the coil 4 along the second energizing direction. Fig.18The characteristic line of the single-dot chain line in the above figure shows the relationship between the operation reaction force F and the stroke amount ST. That is, the control unit CTR can maintain the characteristic line ( Fig.18 The upper maximum value, lower maximum value, upper end value and lower end value of the characteristic line (the dotted line characteristic line in the upper figure) are obtained while shifting the reference position of the movable member MB downward (in the Z2 direction).

[0177] As described above, the input device ID capable of imparting an operational reaction force according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a stationary component (housing HS); a movable component MB, at least a portion of which is accommodated inside the stationary component (housing HS) and supported on the stationary component (housing HS) in a manner capable of reciprocating along a first direction (Z-axis direction); a soft magnetic component 1M, which is fixed to the stationary component (housing HS); and a magnetic field generating component (magnet 5), which is fixed to the movable component MB in a manner opposite to the soft magnetic component 1M in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction). Figure 1 As shown, the input device ID may also include an operating member (head member HD) mounted on the outside of the stationary member (housing HS) to the movable member MB. Fig.19 As shown in the four examples, there are: a strong attraction portion 11 which is a portion where the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the soft magnetic member 1M is relatively strong, and a weak attraction portion 10 which is a portion where the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the soft magnetic member 1M is relatively weak. Moreover, the strong attraction portion 11 is configured so that one end (the end on the Z1 side) is located at a position closer to the inside (Z2 side) than one end (the end on the Z1 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) in the first direction (Z-axis direction), and the weak attraction portion 10 includes a portion extending outward (Z1 side) than one end (the end on the Z1 side) of the strong attraction portion 11 in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0178] exist Fig. 14B In the example shown, the strong attraction portion 11 is configured so that in the Z-axis direction, the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U is located lower than the upper end of the upper magnet 5U, and the weak attraction portion 10 includes an upper weak attraction portion 10U extending upward in the Z-axis direction from the upper end of the upper strong attraction portion 11U.

[0179] In addition, Fig.19 In the four examples shown, the strong attraction portion 11 is configured so that the upper end of the strong attraction portion 11 is located below the upper end of the magnet 5 in the Z-axis direction, and the weak attraction portion 10 includes a portion (upper weak attraction portion 10U) extending upward from the upper end of the strong attraction portion 11 in the Z-axis direction.

[0180] Fig.19The four figures shown are schematic cross-sectional views of the direct-acting device 101 included in the input device ID, and Fig. 14B Specifically, Fig.19 The four figures shown are cross-sectional views of the stationary member (housing HS), the soft magnetic member 1M, the movable member MB (magnet holder 6), and the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5). Fig.19 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, other components are omitted. More specifically, Fig.19 The top figure is a schematic cross-sectional view of a direct-acting device 101A as another structural example of the direct-acting device 101. Fig.19 The second figure from the top is a schematic cross-sectional view of a direct-acting device 101B as another structural example of the direct-acting device 101. Fig.19 The third figure from the top is a schematic cross-sectional view of a direct-acting device 101C as another structural example of the direct-acting device 101. Fig.19 The lowermost figure is a schematic cross-sectional view of a direct-acting device 101D which is still another structural example of the direct-acting device 101 .

[0181] The direct-acting device 101A is different from the reference device 101 in that the right soft magnetic member 1MR and the left soft magnetic member 1ML each have only one strong attraction portion 11, and the magnet 5 as the magnetic field generating member is composed of one permanent magnet. Figure 1 to Figure 18 The linear motion device 101 described above is different. In the linear motion device 101A, an upper weak suction portion 10U is provided on the upper side (Z1 side) of the strong suction portion 11 , and a lower weak suction portion 10D is provided on the lower side (Z2 side) of the strong suction portion 11 .

[0182] The direct-acting device 101B is different from the direct-acting device 101A mainly in that the upper weak suction portion 10U and the lower weak suction portion 10D have inclined surfaces.

[0183] The direct-acting device 101C differs from the direct-acting device 101A mainly in that the weak suction part 10 and the strong suction part 11 are formed of different materials and the thickness dimensions TK3 of the upper weak suction part 10U, the strong suction part 11 and the lower weak suction part 10D are equal to each other.

[0184] The direct-acting device 101D is different from the direct-acting device 101A in that each of the right soft magnetic member 1MR and the left soft magnetic member 1ML has two strong attraction portions 11 and the magnet 5 as a magnetic field generating member is composed of two permanent magnets.

[0185] Direct-acting device 101A~Direct-acting device 101D and reference Figure 1 to Figure 18The same as the direct-acting device 101 described above, when the operator of the input device ID moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward one end (end on the Z1 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5), jump bending can be generated. Therefore, the input device ID including the direct-acting device 101, the direct-acting device 101A, the direct-acting device 101B, the direct-acting device 101C, or the direct-acting device 101D can give the operator a click feeling when the operator moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward one end (end on the Z1 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5).

[0186] In addition, the direct-acting devices 101A to 101D are similar to the reference Figure 1 to Figure 18 The same as the direct-acting device 101 described above, is configured so that even when the operator of the input device ID moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward one end (end on the Z1 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5), one end of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) is located closer to the other end than one end of the soft magnetic member 1M. Therefore, the input device ID including the direct-acting device 101, the direct-acting device 101A, the direct-acting device 101B, the direct-acting device 101C, or the direct-acting device 101D can suppress the magnetic influence of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) on other devices (especially other devices located near one end of the input device ID) even when the operator moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward one end (end on the Z1 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5).

[0187] In addition, the strong attraction portion 11 may be configured in such a manner that the other end (the end on the Z2 side) in the first direction (Z-axis direction) is located closer to the inside (Z1 side) than the other end (the end on the Z2 side) of the magnetic field generating component (magnet 5), and the weak attraction portion 10 includes a portion extending outward (Z2 side) than the other end (the end on the Z2 side) of the strong attraction portion 11 in the first direction (Z-axis direction).

[0188] exist Fig. 14B In the example shown, the strong attraction portion 11 is configured such that the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D in the Z-axis direction is located above the lower end of the lower magnet 5D, and the weak attraction portion 10 includes a lower weak attraction portion 10D extending downward from the lower end of the lower strong attraction portion 11D in the Z-axis direction.

[0189] In addition, Fig.19 In the four examples shown, the strong attraction portion 11 is configured so that the lower end of the strong attraction portion 11 is located above the lower end of the magnet 5 in the Z-axis direction, and the weak attraction portion 10 includes a portion (lower weak attraction portion 10D) extending downward from the lower end of the strong attraction portion 11 in the Z-axis direction.

[0190] Therefore, the direct-acting devices 101A to 101D are similar to the reference Figure 1 to Figure 18As with the direct-acting device 101 described above, not only when the operator of the input device ID moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward one end (end on the Z1 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5), but also when the operator of the input device ID moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward the other end (end on the Z2 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5), jump bending can be generated. Therefore, the input device ID including the direct-acting device 101, the direct-acting device 101A, the direct-acting device 101B, the direct-acting device 101C, or the direct-acting device 101D can also provide the operator with a click feeling when the operator moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward the other end (end on the Z2 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5).

[0191] In addition, the direct-acting devices 101A to 101D are similar to the reference Figure 1 to Figure 18 The same as the direct-acting device 101 described above, is configured so that even when the operator of the input device ID moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward the other end (end on the Z2 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5), the other end of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) is located at a position closer to one end than the other end of the soft magnetic member 1M. Therefore, the input device ID including the direct-acting device 101, the direct-acting device 101A, the direct-acting device 101B, the direct-acting device 101C, or the direct-acting device 101D can suppress the magnetic influence of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) on other devices (especially other devices located near the other end of the input device ID) even when the operator moves the movable member MB (magnet holder 6) toward the other end (end on the Z2 side) of the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5).

[0192] In addition, in the input device ID, if Fig. 14B As shown, the soft magnetic member 1M can be configured such that, in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the distance GA1 between the strong attraction portion 11 and the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5 ) is smaller than the distance GA2 between the weak attraction portion 10 and the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5 ).

[0193] This structure brings about the following effect: even when the weak attraction portion 10 and the strong attraction portion 11 are formed of the same material, the magnetic attraction force acting between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the strong attraction portion 11 can be made larger than the magnetic attraction force acting between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the weak attraction portion 10. This is because the smaller the distance between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the soft magnetic member 1M, the larger the magnetic attraction force acting between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the soft magnetic member 1M.

[0194] In addition, if Fig.19As shown in the third figure from the top, if the weak attraction portion 10 and the strong attraction portion 11 are formed of materials with different magnetic permeabilities, that is, if the weak attraction portion 10 is formed of a material with low magnetic permeability and the strong attraction portion 11 is formed of a material with high magnetic permeability, the distance GA1 and the distance GA2 may be the same. This is because, even if the distance between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the soft magnetic member 1M is the same, the magnetic attraction force acting between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the strong attraction portion 11 is greater than the magnetic attraction force acting between the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) and the weak attraction portion 10.

[0195] In the input device ID, the magnetic field generating member (magnet 5) may include a first magnet (upper magnet 5U) and a second magnet (lower magnet 5D) arranged along a first direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, the strong attraction portion 11 may include a first strong attraction portion (upper strong attraction portion 11U) corresponding to the first magnet (upper magnet 5U) and a second strong attraction portion (lower strong attraction portion 11D) corresponding to the second magnet (lower magnet 5D). Moreover, the weak attraction portion 10 may include a portion (central weak attraction portion 10C) extending between the first strong attraction portion (upper strong attraction portion 11U) and the second strong attraction portion (lower strong attraction portion 11D). In this case, typically, in the Z-axis direction, the width of the first magnet (upper magnet 5U) is larger than the width of the first strong attraction portion (upper strong attraction portion 11U), and the width of the second magnet (lower magnet 5D) is larger than the width of the second strong attraction portion (lower strong attraction portion 11D).

[0196] This structure brings about an effect of increasing the attractive force (operation reaction force) that acts to pull the magnetic field generating member back to a predetermined position, compared with a case where the magnetic field generating member is composed of one magnet 5 .

[0197] In addition, in the input device ID, if Fig. 14B As shown, the soft magnetic member 1M may be configured such that the thickness dimension TK1 of the weak attraction portion 10 is smaller than the thickness dimension TK2 of the strong attraction portion 11 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0198] This structure brings about the following effects: it can make the outer side surfaces of the soft magnetic component 1M (the left side surface of the left soft magnetic component 1ML and the right side surface of the right soft magnetic component 1MR) coplanar (flat surface), and make the distance between the magnetic field generating component (magnet 5) and the strong attraction part 11 smaller than the distance between the magnetic field generating component (magnet 5) and the weak attraction part 10.

[0199] In the input device ID, the weak attraction portion 10 can be formed integrally with the strong attraction portion 11. This structure can improve the strength of the soft magnetic member 1M. In addition, this structure can reduce the number of components and thus reduce the manufacturing cost of the input device ID.

[0200] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiments can be applied with various modifications or substitutions without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the various features described with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments can also be appropriately combined as long as they are not technically contradictory.

[0201] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the soft magnetic member 1M is provided on both sides (left and right) of the movable member MB, but it may be provided on only one side (left or right). The same is true for the coil 4. In addition, each coil 4 provided on both sides of the movable member MB may be omitted.

[0202] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-137274 filed on August 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0203] Description of reference numerals:

[0204] 1···Hood, 1L···Left side cover, 1LP···Left side inner space, 1LPC···Center left side inner space, 1LPD···Lower left side inner space, 1LPU···Upper left side inner space, 1M···Soft magnetic member, 1ML···Left side soft magnetic member, 1MR···Right side soft magnetic member, 1R···Right side cover, 1W···Frame, 1WL···Left side frame, 1WR···Right side frame, 2···Cylinder, 2A···Plate, 2A1···First plate, 2A2···Second plate, 2A3···Third plate, 2A4···Fourth plate, 2B···External thread, 2BL1···First left side external thread, 2BL2···Second left side external thread Thread, 2BL3···Third left external thread, 2BL4···Fourth left external thread, 2BR1···First right external thread, 2BR2···Second right external thread, 2BR3···Third right external thread, 2BR4···Fourth right external thread, 2T···Internal thread hole, 2T1···First internal thread hole, 2T2···Second internal thread hole, 2T3···Third internal thread hole, 2T4···Fourth internal thread hole, 4···Coil, 4C···Center coil, 4D···Lower coil, 4L···Left coil, 4L1···First left coil, 4L2··Second left coil, 4L3···Third left coil, 4R···Right coil, 4R1···First Right side coil, 4R2···Second right side coil, 4R3···Third right side coil, 4L1D, 4L2D, 4L3D, 4R1D, 4R2D, 4R3D···Lower side wiring harness portion, 4L1U, 4L2U, 4L3U, 4R1U, 4R2U, 4R3U···Upper side wiring harness portion, 4U···Upper side coil, 5···Magnet, 5C···Central magnet, 5C1···First central magnet, 5C2···Second central magnet, 5D···Lower side magnet, 5U···Upper side magnet, 6···Magnet holder, 6G···Extension portion, 6GB···Rear side extension portion, 6GF···Front side extension portion, 6M···Main body portion, 6P···Shaft portion, 6VL, 6VLB 、6VLF、6VR、6VRB、6VRF···V-groove,7···Ball group,7L···Left side ball group,7LB···Left rear side ball group,7LF···Left front side ball group,7LF1···First ball,7LF2···Second ball,7LF3···Third ball,7LF4···Fourth ball,7LF5···Fifth ball,7R···Right side ball group,7RB···Right rear side ball group,7RF···Right front side ball group,8···Ball guide,8L···Left side ball guide,8LB···Left rear side ball guide,8LF···Left front side ball guide,8R···Right side ball guide,8RB···Right rear side ball guide,8RF···right front ball guide, 9···guide rail, 9L···left side guide, 9LB···left rear side guide, 9LF···left front side guide, 9R···right side guide, 9RB···right rear side guide, 9RF···right front side guide, 9VL, 9VLB, 9VLF, 9VR, 9VRB, 9VRF···V groove, 10···weak attraction portion, 10C···central weak attraction portion, 10C1···first central weak attraction portion, 10C2···second central weak attraction portion, 10C3···third central weak attraction portion, 10D···lower side weak attraction portion, 10L···left side weak attraction portion, 10L1···first left side weak attraction portion, 10L2···second left side weak attraction part, 10L3···third left weak attraction part, 10L4···fourth left weak attraction part, 10L5···fifth left weak attraction part, 10R···right weak attraction part, 10R1···first right weak attraction part, 10R2···second right weak attraction part, 10R3···third right weak attraction part, 10R4···fourth right weak attraction part, 10R5···fifth right weak attraction part, 10U···upper side weak attraction part, 11···strong attraction part, 11C···central strong attraction part, 11C1···first central strong attraction part, 11C2···second central strong attraction part, 11D···lower side strong attraction part, 11L···left strong attraction part, 11L1···first left strong attraction part Lead part, 11L2···Second left strong suction part, 11L3···Third left strong suction part, 11L4···Fourth left strong suction part, 11R···Right strong suction part, 11R1···First right strong suction part, 11R2···Second right strong suction part, 11R3···Third right strong suction part, 11R4···Fourth right strong suction part, 11U···Upper strong suction part, 50···Circuit substrate, 51···Position sensor, 101, 101A~101D···Direct acting device, BH1···First bolt hole, BH3···Third bolt hole, BT1···First bolt, BT2···Second bolt, BT3···Third bolt, CP1~CP4··· contact point, CTR···control part, DM···drive unit, DS···lower side recess, ER···right end surface, FS···fixed side end surface, GM···guide unit, HD···head member, HL1···first through hole, HL2···second through hole, HL3···third through hole, HL4···fourth through hole, HL5···fifth through hole, HS···housing, ID···input device, LB···lower side block member, MB···movable member, MS···movable side end surface, LS···stop screw, PT···cover member, PTB···rear side cover member, PTF···front side cover member, TH1···first through hole, TH2···second through hole,TH3···third through hole, UB···upper block member, US···upper recess, VA···axis. ,

Claims

1. An input device capable of imparting a reaction force to an operation, The input device comprises: Stationary components; a movable member, at least a portion of which is accommodated inside the stationary member, and the movable member is supported by the stationary member in a manner capable of reciprocating along a first direction; a soft magnetic member fixed to the stationary member; as well as a magnetic field generating member fixed to the movable member so as to face the soft magnetic member in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The input device is characterized in that The soft magnetic member comprises: a strong attraction portion, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction between the magnetic field generating member and the soft magnetic member is relatively strong; and a weak attraction portion, which is a portion where the magnetic attraction between the magnetic field generating member and the soft magnetic member is relatively weak. The strong attraction portion is arranged so that one end thereof is located inside of one end of the magnetic field generating member in the first direction. The weak attraction portion includes a portion extending outward from one end of the strong attraction portion in the first direction.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The strong attraction portion is arranged so that the other end thereof is located inside the other end of the magnetic field generating member in the first direction. The weak attraction portion includes a portion extending outward from the other end of the strong attraction portion in the first direction.

3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: In the second direction, a distance between the strong attraction portion and the magnetic field generating member is smaller than a distance between the weak attraction portion and the magnetic field generating member.

4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The magnetic field generating member includes a first magnet and a second magnet arranged along the first direction, The strong attraction portion includes a first strong attraction portion corresponding to the first magnet and a second strong attraction portion corresponding to the second magnet. The weak attraction portion includes a portion extending between the first strong attraction portion and the second strong attraction portion.

5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: In the second direction, the thickness dimension of the weak attraction portion is smaller than the thickness dimension of the strong attraction portion.

6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The weak attraction portion is formed integrally with the strong attraction portion.

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