Operation device

Abstract

An operation device (10) is provided with: an operation unit that receives a user input; a housing main body (20) that supports the operation unit; one or more vibrating bodies capable of generating vibrations; one or more handles for accommodating the vibrating body; and one or more connecting parts that connect the handle to the housing main body (20) so as to be relatively movable with respect to the housing main body (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device. Background Art

[0002] The operating device described in Patent Document 1 comprises a housing body having a display panel and other components; an operating unit capable of user input of signals; and a handle that partially covers the operating unit. The housing body and the operating unit are connected. Furthermore, the operating unit includes a built-in vibrator that vibrates, causing the handle to vibrate. Vibration of the vibrator transmits the vibrations to the user's hand holding the handle.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-037371 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the operating device described in Patent Document 1, the vibrator vibrates the entire operating device including the operating portion and the handle. Therefore, in order to transmit vibrations with a required intensity to the user's hand, the vibrator must be large.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a technical solution of the present invention is an operating device, wherein the operating device comprises: an operating part that receives user input; a shell body that supports the operating part; one or more vibrating bodies that can generate vibrations; one or more handles that accommodate the vibrating bodies; and one or more connecting parts that connect the handles to the shell body in a manner that allows relative movement relative to the shell body.

[0010] According to the above structure, since each handle can move relative to the housing body, when each vibrator vibrates, the vibration of each handle is unlikely to escape into the housing body. Therefore, even without using a large vibrator, each handle can be vibrated with a desired intensity.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] The vibrating body and the handle can be easily vibrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is the front view of the operating device.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the operating device.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a bottom view of the operating device.

[0016] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of line 4-4 in FIG.

[0017] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of line 5-5 in FIG.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a rear view of the operating device of the modified example.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a bottom view of the operating device of the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] <One embodiment of the operating device>

[0021] An embodiment of the operating device is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the accompanying drawings show exaggerated schematic diagrams of the components. The dimensional ratios of the components may differ from the actual dimensional ratios or the dimensional ratios in other drawings.

[0022] (About the overall structure)

[0023] The operating device 10 of the present embodiment is an input device that transmits operation information corresponding to an input signal from a user to an external device.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the operating device 10 includes a housing body 20 and multiple operating parts 30. The housing body 20 is a roughly rectangular box-shaped device. That is, the housing body 20 has a cavity inside. Hereinafter, an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing body 20 is referred to as the first axis X. Furthermore, one of the axes perpendicular to the first axis X is referred to as the second axis Y. An axis perpendicular to the first axis X and the second axis Y is referred to as the third axis Z. Furthermore, one direction along the first axis X is referred to as the first positive direction X1, and the direction along the first axis X that is opposite to the first positive direction X1 is referred to as the first negative direction X2. Furthermore, one direction along the second axis Y is referred to as the second positive direction Y1, and the direction along the second axis Y that is opposite to the second positive direction Y1 is referred to as the second negative direction Y2. Furthermore, one direction along the third axis Z is referred to as the third positive direction Z1, and the direction along the third axis Z that is opposite to the third positive direction Z1 is referred to as the third negative direction Z2.

[0025] The surface of the outer surface of the housing body 20 that faces the third positive direction Z1 is referred to as the first surface 21. In other words, the outer surface viewed when the housing body 20 is viewed from above in the third negative direction Z2 is referred to as the first surface 21. Figure 2 As shown, the surface of the outer surface of the housing body 20 that faces the third negative direction Z2 is referred to as the second surface 22. In other words, the outer surface of the housing body 20 viewed from above in the third positive direction Z1 is referred to as the second surface 22. Furthermore, the surface of the outer surface of the housing body 20 other than the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 is referred to as the side surface 23. In some cases, the boundary between the first surface 21 and the side surface 23 and the boundary between the second surface 22 and the side surface 23 may be curved, without a clear boundary.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of operating units 30 are composed of a first operating unit 31, four second operating units 32, a third operating unit 33, a fourth operating unit 34, a fifth operating unit 35, and a sixth operating unit 36. Each operating unit 30 is attached to the housing body 20. In other words, the housing body 20 supports each operating unit 30. Each operating unit 30 is a button, a joystick, or the like that receives user input.

[0027] Specifically, the first operating portion 31 is a button having a cross-shaped shape when viewed from the third positive direction Z1. The first operating portion 31 is exposed from the first surface 21 of the housing body 20. The first operating portion 31 is located on the first surface 21 on the side closer to the first negative direction X2 and closer to the side closer to the second positive direction Y1.

[0028] Each of the four second operating portions 32 is a button having a circular outer shape when viewed from the third positive direction Z1. Each second operating portion 32 is exposed from the first surface 21 of the housing body 20. Each second operating portion 32 is located on the first surface 21 closer to the first positive direction X1 and closer to the second positive direction Y1.

[0029] The third operating portion 33 is a so-called analog joystick that is roughly rod-shaped. The third operating portion 33 is exposed from the first surface 21 of the housing body 20. In addition, the user can perform input by changing the inclination angle of the third operating portion 33 relative to the housing body 20. The third operating portion 33 is located on the first surface 21, close to the first negative direction X2 side and close to the second negative direction Y2 side. The fourth operating portion 34 is an analog joystick similar to the third operating portion 33. The fourth operating portion 34 is exposed from the first surface 21 of the housing body 20. The fourth operating portion 34 is located on the first surface 21, close to the first positive direction X1 side and close to the second negative direction Y2 side.

[0030] The fifth operating portion 35 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped button. The fifth operating portion 35 is exposed from the surface of the side surface 23 of the housing body 20 that faces the second positive direction Y1. The fifth operating portion 35 is located closer to the first negative direction X2. The sixth operating portion 36 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped button. The sixth operating portion 36 is exposed from the surface of the side surface 23 of the housing body 20 that faces the second positive direction Y1. The sixth operating portion 36 is located closer to the first positive direction X1 than the fifth operating portion 35.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the operating device 10 includes a first handle 41A, a first vibrating body 46A, a second handle 41B, and a second vibrating body 46B. The first handle 41A and the second handle 41B are both connected to the housing body 20. The connection structure will be described later.

[0032] The first handle 41A includes a first handle housing 42A and a first protrusion 43A. The first handle housing 42A is generally cylindrical and extends along the second axis Y. Therefore, the first handle housing 42A has a cavity inside. The first handle housing 42A is located on the third negative direction Z2 side, the first negative direction X2 side, and the second negative direction Y2 side relative to the center of gravity 24 of the housing body 20. The "center of gravity" means the geometric center of gravity relative to the outer surface of the housing body 20 when there is no through-hole for the operating portion 30 and the like to penetrate the outer surface of the housing body 20.

[0033] The first protrusion 43A is shaped like a roughly right triangle. One side of the triangular shape of the first protrusion 43A is connected to the surface of the first handle housing 42A on the first positive direction X1. Furthermore, the first protrusion 43A protrudes from this surface toward the first positive direction X1. Furthermore, the first protrusion 43A does not directly contact the second surface 22 of the housing body 20. Furthermore, a gap exists between the first protrusion 43A and the second surface 22 of the housing body 20.

[0034] Furthermore, the first protrusion 43A has a first through-hole 44A and a screw hole 45A. The first through-hole 44A is a hole that penetrates the first protrusion 43A. The first through-hole 44A is located near the vertex of the first protrusion 43A on the side opposite to the first handle housing 42A. The first protrusion 43A is connected to the housing body 20 via the first through-hole 44A. The details of this connection structure will be described later. The screw hole 45A penetrates the first protrusion 43A. The screw hole 45A is located closer to the first negative direction X2 than the first through-hole 44A.

[0035] The first handle housing 42A houses the first vibrating body 46A. Although not shown in the figure, the first vibrating body 46A includes a voice coil motor, a hammer corresponding to each voice coil motor, and a cubic housing that houses the above components. The hammer is vibrated by the force generated by the current flowing through the coil of the voice coil motor. When the hammer vibrates, the housing vibrates due to the vibration of the hammer. Therefore, by controlling the current flowing through the coil of the voice coil motor, the first vibrating body 46A is vibrated in the direction along the axis perpendicular to the surface of the housing. Specifically, the first vibrating body 46A vibrates in the direction along the second axis Y. In addition, the vibration of the first vibrating body 46A is transmitted to the first handle 41A via the housing of the first vibrating body 46A.

[0036] The second handle 41B includes a second handle housing 42B and a second protrusion 43B. The second handle housing 42B is substantially cylindrical and extends along the second axis Y. The second handle housing 42B has a cavity therein. The second handle housing 42B is located relative to the center of gravity 24 of the housing body 20 in the third negative direction Z2, on the first positive direction X1 side, and on the second negative direction Y2 side.

[0037] The second protrusion 43B is in the shape of a roughly right triangle. One side of the triangular shape of the second protrusion 43B is connected to the surface of the second handle housing 42B on the first negative direction X2. Furthermore, the second protrusion 43B protrudes from this surface toward the first negative direction X2. Furthermore, the second protrusion 43B does not directly contact the second surface 22 of the housing body 20. Furthermore, a gap exists between the second protrusion 43B and the second surface 22 of the housing body 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the second protrusion 43B has a second through-hole 44B and a screw hole 45B. The second through-hole 44B is a hole that penetrates the second protrusion 43B. The second through-hole 44B is located near the vertex of the second protrusion 43B on the side opposite to the second handle housing 42B. The second protrusion 43B is connected to the housing body 20 via the second through-hole 44B. The details of this connection structure will be described later. The screw hole 45B penetrates the second protrusion 43B. The screw hole 45B is located closer to the first positive direction X1 than the second through-hole 44B.

[0039] The second handle housing 42B houses a second vibrating body 46B. Although not shown, the second vibrating body 46B has the same structure as the first vibrating body 46A. Therefore, the second vibrating body 46B includes voice coil motors, corresponding weights for each voice coil motor, and a cubical housing that houses these components. Furthermore, the vibration of the second vibrating body 46B is transmitted to the second handle 41B via the housing of the second vibrating body 46B.

[0040] The second handle 41B is symmetrical with the first handle 41A with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the first axis X and including the center of gravity 24 of the housing body 20. Furthermore, the second vibrating body 46B is symmetrical with the first vibrating body 46A with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the first axis X and including the center of gravity 24 of the housing body 20. This "symmetry" allows for slight deviations due to manufacturing errors.

[0041] (Regarding the electrical structure of the operating device)

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the operating device 10 includes a wiring 80 and a control device 90. The wiring 80 extends through the housing body 20. One end of the wiring 80 is connected to the control device 90. The other end of the wiring 80 is connected to an external device (not shown). Furthermore, the wiring 80 can supply power from the external device to the control device 90, the first vibrating body 46A, and the second vibrating body 46B.

[0043] The control device 90 is housed inside the housing body 20. When the user operates the operation unit 30, the control device 90 inputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the external device via the wiring 80.

[0044] In addition, the control device 90 controls the vibration of the first vibrating body 46A and the second vibrating body 46B. The control device 90 can generate a force sensation in each vibrating body by controlling the vibration mode of each vibrating body. In the present embodiment, the control device 90 generates a force sensation in the second positive direction Y1 or the second negative direction Y2 by controlling the vibration mode of each vibrating body in the direction along the second axis Y. In addition, a force sensation in a clockwise rotation direction or a counterclockwise rotation direction is generated by independently controlling the vibration mode of the first vibrating body 46A and the vibration mode of the second vibrating body 46B. In addition, force sensation refers to a sensation related to the resistance exerted on an object. Therefore, for example, if the first vibrating body 46A is caused to generate a force sensation in the second positive direction Y1, even though the first vibrating body 46A actually reciprocates at the same position, the user feels that the first vibrating body 46A is moving in the second positive direction Y1.

[0045] In addition, the control device 90 can be configured as a circuit (circuitry) including one or more processors, which perform various processes in accordance with a computer program (software). In addition, the control device 90 can also be configured as one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as integrated circuits (ASICs) for specific purposes that perform at least part of the various processes, or a circuit including a combination of the above hardware circuits. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. The memory, i.e., the computer-readable medium, includes all usable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0046] (Regarding the connection structure between the housing body and each handle)

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating device 10 includes a connecting member 50, a first connecting portion 61A, and a second connecting portion 61B. The connecting member 50 is in the shape of a rectangular plate extending along the first axis X. Figure 4 As shown, the connecting member 50 has two screw holes 51, one at each end, for a total of two. The connecting member 50 overlaps the first protrusion 43A of the first handle 41A and the second protrusion 43B of the second handle 41B on the side in the third negative direction Z2. Furthermore, the connecting member 50 spans both the first protrusion 43A and the second protrusion 43B.

[0048] The first connecting portion 61A is a screw. The first connecting portion 61A passes through a screw hole 51 of the connecting member 50 and the first through hole 44A of the first protrusion 43A. Moreover, the front end of the first connecting portion 61A reaches the housing body 20. As a result, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 5 , the first connecting portion 61A connects the connecting member 50, the first protruding portion 43A and the housing body 20. Figure 4 As shown, the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the first connection portion 61A is smaller than the inner diameter of the first through hole 44A. That is, a slight gap exists between the outer peripheral surface of the first connection portion 61A and the inner peripheral surface of the first through hole 44A.

[0049] The second connecting portion 61B is a screw. The second connecting portion 61B passes through one screw hole 51 of the connecting member 50 and the second through hole 44B of the second protrusion 43B. Moreover, the front end of the second connecting portion 61B reaches the housing body 20. As a result, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 5 , the second connecting portion 61B connects the connecting member 50, the second protruding portion 43B and the housing body 20. Figure 4 As shown, the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the second connecting portion 61B is smaller than the inner diameter of the second through hole 44B. That is, a slight gap exists between the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting portion 61B and the inner peripheral surface of the second through hole 44B.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operating device 10 includes a first damping member 71A and a second damping member 71B.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the first damper 71A is interposed between the housing body 20 and the first handle 41A. More specifically, the first damper 71A is fixed to the first protrusion 43A.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, the first damping member 71A includes a first intermediate buffer member 72A, a first back buffer member 73A, and a first screw 74A. The first intermediate buffer member 72A is located on the surface of the first protrusion 43A on the side of the shell body 20 along the direction of the third axis Z. That is, the first intermediate buffer member 72A is located between the first protrusion 43A and the shell body 20. In addition, the first intermediate buffer member 72A closes the screw hole 45A of the first protrusion 43A from the third positive direction Z1 side. The first intermediate buffer member 72A has a roughly circular shape when viewed from above. In addition, the thickness of the first intermediate buffer member 72A is roughly the same as the distance between the first protrusion 43A and the shell body 20. The first intermediate buffer member 72A is fixed to the shell body 20 using an adhesive or the like. The material of the first intermediate buffer member 72A is a gel-like raw material such as silicone.

[0053] The first back-side buffer 73A is located on the surface of the first protrusion 43A on the side in the third negative direction Z2. Furthermore, the first back-side buffer 73A surrounds the opening of the screw hole 45A of the first protrusion 43A on the side in the third negative direction Z2. The first screw 74A of the first damper 71A penetrates the first back-side buffer 73A and the screw hole 45A. Furthermore, the first screw 74A reaches the first intermediate buffer 72A. Thus, the first screw 74A secures the first intermediate buffer 72A and the first back-side buffer 73A to the first protrusion 43A. The first back-side buffer 73A is made of a gel-like material such as silicone. Thus, because the first damper 71A includes the first intermediate buffer 72A and the first back-side buffer 73A, which are made of a gel-like material, the elastic modulus of the first damper 71A is greater than the elastic modulus of the housing body 20 and the elastic modulus of the first handle 41A. More specifically, the elastic modulus of the first damping member 71A is greater than the elastic modulus of the portion of the housing body 20 that contacts the first connecting portion 61A. Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the first damping member 71A is greater than the elastic modulus of the inner circumferential surface of the first through-hole 44A of the first protrusion 43A. Therefore, the first damping member 71A is softer than the housing body 20 and the first handle 41A.

[0054] like Figure 3As shown in FIG, the second damper 71B is interposed between the housing body 20 and the second handle 41B. More specifically, the second damper 71B is fixed to the second protrusion 43B.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the second damping member 71B has a second intermediate buffer member 72B, a second back buffer member 73B and a second screw 74B. The second intermediate buffer member 72B is located on the surface of the second protrusion 43B on the side of the shell body 20 along the direction of the third axis Z. That is, the second intermediate buffer member 72B is located between the second protrusion 43B and the shell body 20. In addition, the second intermediate buffer member 72B closes the screw hole 45B of the second protrusion 43B from the third positive direction Z1 side. The second intermediate buffer member 72B has a roughly circular shape when viewed from above. In addition, the thickness of the second intermediate buffer member 72B is roughly the same as the distance between the second protrusion 43B and the shell body 20. The second intermediate buffer member 72B is fixed to the shell body 20 using an adhesive or the like. The material of the second intermediate buffer member 72B is a gel-like raw material such as silicone.

[0056] The second back-side buffer 73B is located on the surface of the second protrusion 43B on the side in the third negative direction Z2. Furthermore, the second back-side buffer 73B surrounds the opening of the screw hole 45B of the second protrusion 43B on the side in the third negative direction Z2. The second screw 74B of the second damper 71B penetrates the second back-side buffer 73B and the screw hole 45B. Furthermore, the second screw 74B reaches the second intermediate buffer 72B. Thus, the second screw 74B secures the second intermediate buffer 72B and the second back-side buffer 73B to the second protrusion 43B. The second back-side buffer 73B is made of a gel-like material such as silicone. Thus, because the second damper 71B includes the second intermediate buffer 72B and the second back-side buffer 73B, which are made of a gel-like material, the elastic modulus of the second damper 71B is greater than the elastic modulus of the housing body 20 and the elastic modulus of the second handle 41B. More specifically, the elastic modulus of the second damping member 71B is greater than the elastic modulus of the portion of the housing body 20 that contacts the second connecting portion 61B. Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the second damping member 71B is greater than the elastic modulus of the inner circumferential surface of the second through-hole 44B of the second protrusion 43B. Therefore, the second damping member 71B is softer than the housing body 20 and the second handle 41B.

[0057] (Regarding the Positional Relationship Between the Connecting Portion and Each Component)

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, the first center of gravity GA of the first vibrating body 46A is located on the first negative direction X2 side and on the second negative direction Y2 side relative to the center of gravity 24 of the housing body 20. Furthermore, the second center of gravity GB of the second vibrating body 46B is located on the first positive direction X1 side and on the second negative direction Y2 side relative to the operating portion 30. The center of gravity of a vibrating body refers to the center of gravity, which is the point of action of gravity relative to the mass of the vibrating body, when the vibrating body is at the center of vibration.

[0059] The direction in which the first handle 41A and the second handle 41B are arranged is referred to as the first direction. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first direction is the direction along the first axis X. The distance L1 in the first direction from the first connecting portion 61A to the first center of gravity GA of the first vibrating body 46A is at least one-third of the maximum dimension L2 in the first direction of the housing body 20. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, similarly, the distance in the first direction from the second connecting portion 61B to the second center of gravity GB of the second vibrating body 46B is also at least one-third of the maximum dimension L2 in the first direction of the housing body 20.

[0060] Furthermore, a line segment LG1 is assumed to connect the first connecting portion 61A and the first center of gravity GA of the first vibrating body 46A. In this embodiment, the line segment LG1 is substantially parallel to the first axis X. In this case, the first vibrating body 46A vibrates in a direction intersecting the line segment LG1. Specifically, as described above, the first vibrating body 46A vibrates in a direction along the second axis Y, which is substantially orthogonal to the line segment LG1.

[0061] Similarly, imagine a line segment LG2 connecting the second connecting portion 61B and the second center of gravity GB of the second vibrating body 46B. In this embodiment, the line segment LG2 is substantially parallel to the first axis X. In this case, the second vibrating body 46B vibrates in a direction intersecting the line segment LG2. Specifically, as described above, the second vibrating body 46B vibrates in a direction along the second axis Y, which is substantially orthogonal to the line segment LG2.

[0062] Furthermore, a line segment LG3 connecting the first centroid GA and the second centroid GB is assumed. In this case, the first connecting portion 61A and the second connecting portion 61B exist on this line segment LG3. Furthermore, both the first connecting portion 61A and the second connecting portion 61B are located near the midpoint of the line segment LG3.

[0063] (Regarding the Effects of the Present Embodiment)

[0064] In the operating device 10 of the above embodiment, the relationship between each connection portion and each handle is as follows. Figure 4As shown, a gap exists between the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting portion 61A and the inner circumferential surface of the first through-hole 44A of the first protrusion 43A. Thus, the first connecting portion 61A connects the first handle 41A to the housing body 20 so that it can move relative to the housing body 20 along any one of the first axis X, the second axis Y, and the third axis Z. Furthermore, a gap exists between the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting portion 61B and the inner circumferential surface of the second through-hole 44B of the second protrusion 43B. Thus, the second connecting portion 61B connects the second handle 41B to the housing body 20 so that it can move relative to the housing body 20 along any one of the first axis X, the second axis Y, and the third axis Z.

[0065] (Effects of this embodiment)

[0066] (1) According to the above embodiment, since each handle is movable relative to the housing body 20, when each vibrator vibrates, the vibration of each handle is unlikely to escape into the housing body 20. Therefore, even without using a large vibrator, each handle can be vibrated with a desired intensity.

[0067] (2) According to the above embodiment, the operating device 10 includes damping members between the housing body 20 and each handle. The damping members elastically deform to attenuate the vibration of each handle. Therefore, even if the vibrating bodies vibrate, the housing body 20 is less likely to vibrate, and the vibration of the vibrating bodies is less likely to interfere with the user's operation of the input unit.

[0068] (3) According to the above embodiment, each vibrating body vibrates in a direction intersecting the line segment LG1 connecting the first connecting portion 61A and the first center of gravity GA of the first vibrating body 46A. With such a vibration direction, the vibration of each vibrating body is less likely to be transmitted to each connecting portion. Therefore, each handle can be vibrated more effectively. This is also true for the line segment LG2 connecting the second connecting portion 61B and the second center of gravity GB of the second vibrating body 46B, as well as the second vibrating body 46B.

[0069] (4) According to the above embodiment, the second vibrator 46B is located symmetrically to the first vibrator 46A with respect to a virtual plane including the geometric center of gravity 24 of the housing body 20. Since the operating device 10 is substantially bilaterally symmetrical, the vibration mode of each vibrator can be easily controlled.

[0070] (5) According to the above embodiment, each connecting portion is located on the second surface 22 side of the housing body 20. Therefore, the user's operation of the operating portion 30 is less likely to be hindered. In addition, since the distance between the housing body 20 and each protrusion is easily maintained, the housing body 20 and each handle are less likely to come into contact. Therefore, the vibrating body can be easily vibrated.

[0071] (6) In the above embodiment, when the first vibrating body 46A vibrates, the first handle 41A vibrates along a circular arc path centered on the first connecting portion 61A. On the other hand, according to the above embodiment, the distance L1 from the first connecting portion 61A to the first center of gravity GA of the first vibrating body 46A in the direction of the first axis X is at least one-third of the maximum dimension L2 of the housing body 20 in the direction of the first axis X. Thus, by making the distance from the first connecting portion 61A to the first center of gravity GA of the first vibrating body 46A longer, the vibration path of the first handle 41A can be made closer to a straight line. Therefore, it is easier to vibrate the first handle 41A in a direction intersecting the first axis X. This also applies to the second connecting portion 61B, the second vibrating body 46B, and the second handle 41B.

[0072] (7) According to the above embodiment, the first connecting portion 61A and the second connecting portion 61B are located on the imaginary line segment LG3 connecting the first center of gravity GA and the second center of gravity GB. This makes it easier for the user to hold the operating device 10 even when the vibrating bodies vibrate. Furthermore, it is easier to design and control the vibration pattern of each vibrating body.

[0073] <Change Example>

[0074] The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0075] (About the overall structural changes)

[0076] The operating device 10 is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and can be generally applied to operating devices such as steering wheels of automobiles and operating devices of medical equipment, which are operated by a user by gripping a handle.

[0077] The shape of the housing body 20 is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be appropriately changed depending on the intended use and the like.

[0078] The configuration of the operation unit 30 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. For example, the operation unit 30 may be a touch panel or the like that receives input from the user.

[0079] The operating device 10 only needs to include at least one handle. The size, shape, and other configurations of the handle are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0080] The shape of the protrusion is not limited to the examples in the above embodiment. For example, the first protrusion 43A may be in the shape of an L, extending from the surface of the first handle 41A on the third positive direction Z1 side and bending toward the first positive direction X1 side. Furthermore, the position and size of the through-holes and screw holes in the protrusion may be modified as appropriate. This applies to the second handle 41B as well.

[0081] Each protrusion may be in direct contact with the housing body 20. If each handle and the housing body 20 are connected to each other via a connecting portion so as to be relatively movable, the effect described in (1) can be obtained.

[0082] The operating device 10 may be provided with at least one vibrating body. In addition, the operating device 10 may be provided with three or more vibrating bodies. Figure 6 As shown, in the first handle 41A, two first vibrators 46A are housed at both ends of the first handle housing 42A. In addition, in the second handle 41B, two second vibrators 46B may be housed at both ends of the second handle housing 42B.

[0083] Each handle may not completely cover the vibrator. In other words, even if the outer shell of the vibrator is partially exposed, it only needs to be housed inside the handle.

[0084] The structure of the vibrating body is not limited to the examples in the above embodiment. A vibrating body that simply vibrates without producing a sense of tactile force may also be used. Furthermore, the vibrating body may be capable of vibrating in directions other than the second axis Y direction, such as the first axis X direction or the third axis Z direction.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the second vibrating body 46B does not need to be located symmetrically with the first vibrating body 46A with respect to an imaginary plane including the geometric center of gravity of the housing body 20. The positional relationship between the first vibrating body 46A and the second vibrating body 46B can be appropriately set based on the overall shape of the operating device 10, the type of vibration to be presented to the user, and other factors.

[0086] · It is also possible that one handle houses multiple vibrators. Figure 6 In the example shown, the first handle housing 42A houses two first vibrating bodies 46A. These two first vibrating bodies 46A are located at positions separated along the second axis Y. Similarly, the second handle housing 42B houses two second vibrating bodies 46B. These two second vibrating bodies 46B are located at positions separated along the second axis Y.

[0087] (Example of Modification of the Electrical Configuration of the Operating Device)

[0088] The function and structure of the wiring 80 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment. For example, the housing body 20 may include a terminal to which the wiring can be connected from the outside, and the operating device 10 may include a rechargeable battery within the housing body 20. Furthermore, the operating device 10 may not include the wiring 80.

[0089] The functions and configuration of the control device 90 are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment. The control device 90 may also receive signals without the use of the wiring 80. For example, the control device 90 may include a component capable of wireless communication, and may transmit signals corresponding to user input to the operating unit 30 via wireless communication. Furthermore, the operating device 10 may not include the control device 90.

[0090] The vibration mode of the vibrator controlled by the control device 90 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed according to the number, shape, position, size, material, function, and other factors of the vibrator, connection part, handle, and other components.

[0091] ·In the image Figure 6 In the example shown, when a single handle houses multiple vibrating bodies, the vibration directions of each vibrating body can be the same or different. Furthermore, when the vibration directions of each vibrating body are different, the user can experience force sensations in a variety of directions. Furthermore, the user can also experience the force sensation of the handle rotating.

[0092] (Example of Modification of the Connection Structure between the Housing Body and Each Handle)

[0093] The connection portion may not be located on the surface facing the third negative direction Z2 on the outer surface of the housing body 20. The number, shape, position, size, material, function, and other elements of the connection portion are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the first connecting portion 61A may not be smaller than the inner diameter of the first through hole 44A. That is, there may be no gap between the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting portion 61A and the inner peripheral surface of the first through hole 44A. Even if the first connecting portion 61A contacts the first through hole 44A, the first handle housing 42A can move relative to the housing body 20 along the central axis of the first connecting portion 61A. Therefore, compared with the case where the housing body 20 and the first handle 41A are directly connected, the first handle 41A is easy to vibrate. That is, the effect described in (1) can be obtained. In this regard, the same is true for the second connecting portion 61B and the second through hole 44B.

[0095] If the first handle 41A and the second handle 41B are connected to the housing body 20 so as to be relatively movable with respect to the housing body 20 , the connection structure can be changed as appropriate.

[0096] For example, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the operating device 10 includes a first rotating shaft 101A and a second rotating shaft 101B as connecting parts. In addition, the operating device 10 includes a first buffer member 102A and a second buffer member 102B as damping members. One end of the first rotating shaft 101A is connected to the surface of the outer surface of the first handle housing 42A facing the first positive direction X1. A portion of the first rotating shaft 101A, including the other end, passes through the housing body 20. The first rotating shaft 101A is supported by the housing body 20 so as to be rotatable. Therefore, the first handle 41A can rotate relative to the housing body 20 together with the first rotating shaft 101A, with the central axis of the first rotating shaft 101A as the center. In addition, the first buffer member 102A is sandwiched between the outer surface of the first handle housing 42A and the outer surface of the housing body 20. The material of the first buffer member 102A is a gel-like raw material such as silicone. One end of the second rotating shaft 101B is connected to the surface of the outer surface of the first handle housing 42A that faces the first negative direction X2. A portion of the second rotating shaft 101B, including the other end, extends through the housing body 20. The second rotating shaft 101B is rotatably supported by the housing body 20. Thus, the second handle 41B can rotate relative to the housing body 20 along with the second rotating shaft 101B, about the central axis of the second rotating shaft 101B. Furthermore, a second cushioning member 102B is interposed between the outer surface of the second handle housing 42B and the outer surface of the housing body 20. The second cushioning member 102B is made of a gel-like material such as silicone.

[0097] As in the above-mentioned modifications, each handle does not necessarily need to be movable three-dimensionally relative to the housing body 20, but may be movable two-dimensionally or linearly.

[0098] The operating device 10 may not include a damping member. Even without the damping member, the effect described in (1) can be obtained.

[0099] The structure of the damping element is not limited to the examples in the above embodiment. For example, the damping element may be formed from a spring having a greater elastic modulus than that of the housing body 20 and the handle. Furthermore, the number, position, size, and other elements of the damping element are not limited to the examples in the above embodiment. If the damping element is interposed between the handle housing and the housing body 20, the damping element can effectively attenuate vibrations transmitted to the housing body 20.

[0100] The material of the first intermediate buffer 72A and the first rear buffer 73A is not limited to the examples in the above embodiment, and may be, for example, vibration-isolating rubber or polyurethane.

[0101] The damping member may also function as a connecting portion. In other words, in the above embodiment, the connecting member 50, the first connecting portion 61A, and the second connecting portion 61B may be omitted. In this case, the first damping member 71A connects the first handle housing 42A and the housing body 20. Furthermore, elastic deformation of the first damping member 71A allows the first handle 41A to move relative to the housing body 20.

[0102] (Examples of Changes to the Positional Relationship Between the Connecting Portion and Each Member)

[0103] The distance L1 in the first direction from the first connecting portion 61A to the first center of gravity GA of the first vibrating body 46A may be less than one-third of the maximum dimension L2 in the first direction of the operating device 10. Even if the distance L1 is short, the effect (1) can be achieved by connecting the housing body 20 and the handle via the connecting portion. This also applies to the second connecting portion 61B, the second vibrating body 46B, and the second center of gravity GB.

[0104] The first connecting portion 61A and the second connecting portion 61B may not exist on the line segment LG3 connecting the first center of gravity GA and the second center of gravity GB. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 61A and the second connecting portion 61B may not be located near the midpoint of the line segment LG3. The effect described in (1) can be achieved even if the positional relationship between the connecting portion and the center of gravity of the vibrating body is varied.

[0105] In addition, Figure 6 In the example shown, the first rotation axis 101A and the second rotation axis 101B, which serve as the connecting portion, are located on a straight line CL that passes through the center point of the first handle housing 42A relative to its dimension in the direction of the second axis Y and the center point of the second handle housing 42B relative to its dimension along the second axis Y. This also makes it easier for the user to grip the operating device 10 while the vibrating bodies are vibrating.

[0106] <Note>

[0107] The following describes technical ideas derived from the above-described embodiment and modified examples. [1]

[0109] An operating device, wherein

[0110] The operating device has:

[0111] an operating unit for receiving user input;

[0112] a housing body supporting the operating portion;

[0113] One or more vibrating bodies capable of generating vibrations;

[0114] one or more handles for accommodating the vibrating body; and

[0115] One or more connecting portions connect the handle to the housing body so as to be movable relative to the housing body. [2]

[0117] The operating device according to [1], wherein

[0118] A damping member is provided between the housing body and the handle,

[0119] The damping member has an elastic modulus greater than an elastic modulus of the housing body and an elastic modulus of the handle. [3]

[0121] The operating device according to [1] or [2], wherein:

[0122] When a line segment connecting the connecting portion and the vibrating body is imagined,

[0123] The vibrating body vibrates in a direction intersecting the line segment. [4]

[0125] The operating device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein

[0126] The operating device includes a first vibrating body and a second vibrating body as the vibrating body.

[0127] The operating device includes a first handle for accommodating the first vibrating body and a second handle for accommodating the second vibrating body as the handles.

[0128] The operating device includes a first connecting portion connecting the first handle and the housing body, and a second connecting portion connecting the second handle and the housing body as the connecting portion.

[0129] The second vibrating body is located at a position symmetrical to the first vibrating body with respect to a virtual plane including a geometric center of gravity of the housing body. [5]

[0131] The operating device according to [4], wherein

[0132] When any direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first handle and the second handle are arranged is defined as a positive direction and a direction opposite to the positive direction is defined as a negative direction,

[0133] The operating portion is exposed from the housing body on a surface facing the positive direction among the outer surfaces of the housing body.

[0134] The connection portion is located on a surface of the outer surface of the housing body that faces the negative direction. [6]

[0136] The operating device according to [4] or [5], wherein

[0137] When the direction in which the first handle and the second handle are arranged is set as a first direction,

[0138] A distance from the first connection portion to the center of gravity of the first vibrating body in the first direction is equal to or greater than one-third of a maximum dimension of the operating device in the first direction. [7]

[0140] The operating device according to any one of [4] to [6], wherein

[0141] When a line segment connecting the center of gravity of the first vibrating body and the center of gravity of the second vibrating body is assumed, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are located on the line segment.

[0142] Description of Reference Numerals

[0143] 10. Operating device; 20. Housing body; 30. Operating portion; 41A. First handle; 41B. Second handle; 50. Connecting member; 61A. First connecting portion; 61B. Second connecting portion; 71A. First damping member; 71B. Second damping member; 80. Wiring; 90. Control device.

Claims

1. An operating device, wherein: The operating device has: an operating unit for receiving user input; a housing body supporting the operating portion; One or more vibrating bodies capable of generating vibrations; one or more handles for accommodating the vibrating body; and One or more connecting portions connect the handle to the housing body so as to be movable relative to the housing body.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein A damping member is provided between the housing body and the handle, The damping member has an elastic modulus greater than an elastic modulus of the housing body and an elastic modulus of the handle.

3. The operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When a line segment connecting the connecting portion and the vibrating body is imagined, The vibrating body vibrates in a direction intersecting the line segment.

4. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The operating device includes a first vibrating body and a second vibrating body as the vibrating body. The operating device includes a first handle for accommodating the first vibrating body and a second handle for accommodating the second vibrating body as the handles. The operating device includes a first connecting portion connecting the first handle and the housing body, and a second connecting portion connecting the second handle and the housing body as the connecting portion. The second vibrating body is located at a position symmetrical to the first vibrating body with respect to a virtual plane including a geometric center of gravity of the housing body.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein: When any direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first handle and the second handle are arranged is defined as a positive direction and a direction opposite to the positive direction is defined as a negative direction, The operating portion is exposed from the housing body on a surface facing the positive direction among the outer surfaces of the housing body. The connection portion is located on a surface of the outer surface of the housing body that faces the negative direction.

6. The operating device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: When the direction in which the first handle and the second handle are arranged is set as a first direction, A distance from the first connection portion to the center of gravity of the first vibrating body in the first direction is equal to or greater than one-third of a maximum dimension of the operating device in the first direction.

7. The operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: When a line segment connecting the center of gravity of the first vibrating body and the center of gravity of the second vibrating body is assumed, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are located on the line segment.

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