Multi-directional input device

Abstract

The utility model provides a multidirectional input device with stable sensitivity of an electrostatic detection electrode. A multi-directional input device includes: a housing made of an insulating material; an operation rod which is supported by the housing in a manner of being capable of being tilted; a toppling detection sensor for detecting the inclination of the operating lever; and an electrostatic detection circuit that detects electrostatic capacitance formed between the electrostatic detection electrode and a surrounding object, the housing has a dome-shaped dome portion and an opening portion provided at the top of the dome portion, and the operating lever is inserted through the opening portion. The electrostatic detection electrode has a circular ring portion disposed so as to surround the opening portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a multi-directional input device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there was an operating device, characterized in that it comprises: a shell having a conductive portion on a surface; an operating portion supported by the shell in a manner capable of moving based on an operation performed by an operating body, and capable of capacitive coupling relative to the operating body and each of the conductive portion; and a detection portion that detects the proximity of the operating body to the operating portion based on changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the conductive portion (for example, refer to patent document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 031501 Utility Model Content

[0006] Problems to be solved by the utility model

[0007] Here, in the conventional operating device, the conductor portion of the housing and the substrate on which the control portion for performing control according to the operation of the operating portion (operating lever) is mounted are arranged to overlap each other, and therefore there is a concern that the electrostatic capacitance of the conductor portion is affected.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional input device with stable sensitivity of static electricity detection electrodes.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The multi-directional input device of an embodiment of the utility model includes: a shell made of an insulating system; an operating rod supported on the shell in a tiltable manner; a tilt detection sensor for detecting the inclination of the operating rod; and an electrostatic detection circuit for detecting the electrostatic capacitance formed between an electrostatic detection electrode and surrounding objects, the shell having a dome-shaped dome portion and an opening portion provided at the top of the dome portion, the operating rod being inserted into the opening portion, and the electrostatic detection electrode having a circular ring portion configured to surround the opening portion.

[0011] Utility Model Effect

[0012] A multi-directional input device with stable sensitivity of static electricity detection electrodes can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 The figure is a perspective view of the appearance of a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view showing the state with the knob of the multi-directional input device removed.

[0015] Figure 3 A diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of a knob and a static electricity detection electrode.

[0016] Figure 4 The figure is a perspective view of the appearance of a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment (with the housing removed).

[0018] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a top view of an FPC included in a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing a contact state of a slider included in a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 Graphs showing output characteristics of a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a multi-directional input device to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0024] <Implementation Method>

[0025] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 1 shows a knob 50, a housing 102, a frame 110, an FPC 112, a static electricity detection electrode 130, a static electricity detection circuit 140, and a mother board 150 in the multi-directional input device 100. Figure 1 Among the components shown, the housing 102, the frame 110, and the FPC 112 are components of the operating device 100A included in the multi-directional input device 100, and therefore are denoted by the reference numeral 100A in parentheses. Figure 1 In the figure, the connection portion 112B of the FPC 112 is not connected to the main board 150, but in fact the connection portion 112B is connected to the connection portion of the main board 150, and is connected to a control portion installed on the main board 150 and performing tipping detection.

[0026] Figure 2 1 is an exploded view showing a state where the knob 50 of the multi-directional input device 100 is removed. Figure 2 In the figure, the operating lever 120 is shown, and the Figure 1 The static electricity detection circuit 140 and the main board 150 are shown. The operating lever 120 is a component of the operating device 100A, and is therefore denoted by the reference numeral 100A in parentheses.

[0027] In the following description, for convenience, the Z direction in the figure is set as the up-down direction, the X direction in the figure is set as the front-back direction, and the Y direction in the figure is set as the left-right direction. Figure 1 In the middle, the knob 50 is in the neutral position. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the operating lever 120 is in a neutral position. The neutral position is a position when the knob 50 or the operating lever 120 is not operated forward, backward, left, or right.

[0028] Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the knob 50 and the static electricity detection electrode 130 . Figure 3 denoted by , a cross section parallel to a YZ plane including the central axis C of the knob 50, and a dotted line indicates the outline of an operating device 100A included in the multi-directional input device 100. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the knob 50 and the operating lever 120 are in a neutral position. Figure 4 A diagram showing an operating device 100A.

[0029] <Overview of Multi-directional Input Device 100>

[0030] As an example, the multi-directional input device 100 is used in a controller of a game machine or the like. The multi-directional input device 100 includes a knob 50, an operating device 100A, a static electricity detection electrode 130, a static electricity detection circuit 140, and a main board 150. Here, the multi-directional input device 100 is described as including the knob 50, but the portion without the knob 50 may be treated as the multi-directional input device 100.

[0031] The knob 50 is fixed to the upper end side of the operating rod 120. The knob 50 is a knob made of a guide covering the dome portion 102A of the housing 102 of the operating device 100A, and includes a hemispherical portion 51 as a hemispherical portion provided on the lower side and an operating portion 52 provided on the upper side of the hemispherical portion 51. Figure 3 The central axis C shown is a rotationally symmetrical three-dimensional shape as the axis of symmetry.

[0032] In addition, if Figure 3As shown, the knob 50 has a hemispherical recess 51A corresponding to the shape of the dome portion 102A on the inner surface side opposite to the dome portion 102A. In addition, the knob 50 also has a recess 52A that is recessed upward from the top of the recess 51A. The upper end of the operating rod 120 is inserted and fixed in the recess 52A.

[0033] When the multi-directional input device 100 is used for a controller of a game machine or the like, the knob 50 is a portion that an operator touches and operates with a hand or the like. The knob 50 is capacitively coupled to the static electricity detection electrode 130 .

[0034] The static electricity detection electrode 130 is mounted around the dome portion 102A of the housing 102 . The static electricity detection electrode 130 is connected to the static electricity detection circuit 140 via the main board 150 .

[0035] The electrostatic detection circuit 140 can detect the proximity or contact of the operator's hand or the like with respect to the knob 50 based on the change in electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection electrode 130. Proximity means that the operator's hand or the like is near the knob 50 in a non-contact state, and contact means that the operator's hand or the like touches the knob 50.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the multi-directional input device 100 has a columnar operating rod 120 that extends upward from the opening 102A1 of the housing 102 and can be tilted. The multi-directional input device 100 is supported to be tiltable relative to the housing 102, and can be tilted not only in the forward and backward directions (the directions of arrows D1 and D2 in the figure) and the left and right directions (the directions of arrows D3 and D4 in the figure) based on the operating rod 120, but also in all directions between these directions. In addition, the multi-directional input device 100 can output an operation signal corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilting angle) of the operating rod 120 to the outside via the FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits: flexible printed circuits) 112.

[0037] Next, the structure of the operating device 100A is described. Figure 4 Also use Figures 5 to 9 The details of the static electricity detection electrode 130 , the static electricity detection circuit 140 , and the main board 150 of the multi-directional input device 100 will be described after the configuration of the operating device 100A is described.

[0038] <Configuration of Operation Device 100A>

[0039] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the operating device 100A (a state in which the housing 102 is removed) according to one embodiment. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of an operating device 100A according to an embodiment. Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of an operating device 100A according to one embodiment.

[0040] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the operating device 100A includes a housing 102 , an operating rod 120 , an actuator 104 , a holder 105 , an actuator 106 , an actuator 103 , a spring 108 , a holder 107 , a pressing member 109 , a frame 110 , an FPC 112 , and a metal sheet 113 .

[0041] The housing 102 has a dome-shaped dome portion 102A that is convex toward the upper side and a base portion 102B provided at the lower side of the dome portion 102A. The housing 102 may be made of an insulating material, such as resin. The lower portion of the housing 102 where the base portion 102B is provided is an example of a portion of the housing 102 on the side opposite to the side where the dome portion 102A is provided.

[0042] The housing 102 has various components (operating rod 120, actuators 103, 104, 106, and retainers 105, 107) embedded in its internal space. The housing 102 has a circular opening 102A1 formed at the top of the dome portion 102A. The operating rod 120 is inserted through the opening 102A1.

[0043] The housing 102 has fixing members 60 at the ends of the base 102B on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side (see FIG. Figure 2 ) is inserted through the fixing hole 102B1. The fixing hole 102B1 is an example of a first fixing hole. The fixing member 60 is, for example, a screw, and when the multi-directional input device 100 is fixed to a housing of a game controller, etc., the housing 102 can be fixed to the housing of the game controller, etc., by inserting the screw through the fixing hole 102B1 and tightening it.

[0044] The housing 102 has cutouts 102A2 provided at four corners of the outer side of the dome portion 102A in a plan view. The cutouts 102A2 are provided to fix the static electricity detection electrode 130 .

[0045] The operating lever 120 is a component that is tilted by the operator. The operating lever 120 may be made of an insulating material, and is made of resin as an example. The operating lever 120 includes a rod portion 120A and a base portion 120B. The rod portion 120A is a roughly cylindrical portion extending upward from the opening portion 102A1 of the housing 102, and is a portion that is tilted by the operator via the knob 50. The base portion 120B is a roughly cylindrical portion that supports the lower end of the rod portion 120A inside the housing 102 and rotates as the rod portion 120A is tilted.

[0046] The actuator 104 has a dome shape that is convexly curved toward the upper side, and has an opening 104A in the shape of a long hole that extends in the left-right direction (the Y direction in the figure) along the curved shape. The actuator 104 has a rotation shaft 104B whose both ends in the left-right direction protrude outward, and the rotation shaft 104B is supported by the housing 102, whereby the actuator 104 is configured to be rotatable in the front-rear direction (the X direction in the figure) with the rotation shaft 104B as the rotation center.

[0047] The actuator 106 is provided on the upper side of the actuator 104 so as to overlap. The actuator 106 has a shape that is convexly curved toward the upper side, and has an opening portion 106A in the shape of a long hole extending in the front-rear direction (the X direction in the figure) along the curved shape. The actuator 106 has a rotation shaft 106B whose both ends in the front-rear direction protrude outward, and the rotation shaft 106B is supported by the housing 102, whereby the actuator 106 is provided to be rotatable in the left-right direction (the Y direction in the figure) with the rotation shaft 106B as the rotation center.

[0048] The retainer 105 retains the slider 105A at the lower side. The retainer 105 has a long strip shape extending in the sliding direction (X direction) of the slider 105A. The retainer 105 is provided to be able to slide in the sliding direction (X direction) of the slider 105A. A protrusion 105B is provided at the center of the side surface of the retainer 105.

[0049] The holder 107 holds the slider 107A at the lower side. The holder 107 has a long strip shape extending in the sliding direction (Y direction) of the slider 107A. The holder 107 is provided to be able to slide in the sliding direction (Y direction) of the slider 107A. A protrusion 107B is provided at the center of the side surface of the holder 107.

[0050] In addition, the actuator 104, the actuator 106, the holder 105, and the holder 107 may be made of an insulating material, and as an example, they are made of resin.

[0051] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the actuator 104 and the actuator 106 overlap each other in a manner that the openings 104A and the openings 106A intersect each other. In the state where the actuator 104 and the actuator 106 overlap each other, the rod portion 120A of the operating rod 120 passes through the openings 104A and the openings 106A, and is embedded in the housing 102 together with the base portion 120B of the operating rod 120 in a state where it is combined with the base portion 120B.

[0052] The actuator 104 has a snap-fitting portion 104C protruding downward from a rotation axis 104B on the +Y direction side. The snap-fitting portion 104C snaps into a protrusion 105B provided at the center of the side surface of the retainer 105, wherein the retainer 105 is provided to be able to slide in the front-to-back direction (X direction) on the FPC 112. When the tilting operation in the front-to-back direction (X direction) based on the operating lever 120 is performed, the actuator 104 rotates in the front-to-back direction together with the base 120B of the operating lever 120, so that the retainer 105 slides in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the sliding member 105A (see Fig. 9 ) and the electrical connection state of the resistors 116 and 117 provided on the FPC 112 changes, and an operation signal based on the resistance value corresponding to the forward and backward tilting operation (tilting direction and tilting angle) of the operating lever 120 is output from the connecting portion 112B of the FPC 112.

[0053] The actuator 106 has a snap-fit ​​portion 106C protruding downward from a rotation axis 106B on the +X direction side. The snap-fit ​​portion 106C snaps into a protrusion 107B provided at the center of the side surface of the retainer 107, wherein the retainer 107 is provided to be able to slide in the left-right direction (Y direction) on the FPC 112. When the tilting operation in the left-right direction (Y direction) based on the operating lever 120 is performed, the actuator 106 rotates in the left-right direction together with the base 120B of the operating lever 120, so that the retainer 107 slides in the left-right direction. As a result, the sliding member 107A (see Fig. 9 ) and the electrical connection state of the resistors 115 and 117 provided on the FPC 112 changes, and an operation signal based on the resistance value corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilting angle) of the operating lever 120 in the left and right directions is output from the connecting portion 112B of the FPC 112.

[0054] The sliders 105A and 107A and the resistors 115 , 116 , and 117 are examples of a tilt detection sensor that outputs a resistance value according to the tilt operation of the operation lever 120 in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

[0055] The actuator 103 includes a shaft 103A and a bottom plate 103B. The shaft 103A is a round bar-shaped portion arranged to be inserted into the through hole 120C of the operating rod 120. The bottom plate 103B is a disc-shaped portion integrally provided at the lower end of the shaft 103A.

[0056] The spring 108 is inserted into the opening on the bottom side (-Z direction side) of the operating rod 120 together with the actuator 103 in a state where the shaft portion 103A of the actuator 103 is inserted therethrough (see Figure 7). The spring 108 applies force to the operating rod 120 upward and applies force to the bottom plate 103B of the actuator 103 downward. Therefore, when the tilting operation of the operating rod 120 performed by the operator is released, the spring 108 presses the bottom plate 103B of the actuator 103 against the upper surface and the center of the frame 110, and the bottom plate 103B becomes horizontal, thereby restoring the operating rod 120 to the neutral position.

[0057] When the operating rod 120 is pressed downward, the pressing member 109 is pressed downward by the rotating shaft 104B on the -Y direction side of the actuator 104, whereby the pressing member 109 presses the metal sheet 113 provided on the FPC 112 downward, causing the metal sheet 113 to be elastically deformed, thereby turning on the switch circuit formed on the FPC 112. Thus, a switch-on signal indicating that the operating rod 120 is pressed downward is output from the FPC 112.

[0058] The spring 108 is made of metal. The pressing member 109 may be made of an insulating material, and is made of resin as an example.

[0059] The frame 110 is a metal, flat plate-shaped member that closes the opening on the bottom side of the housing 102. For example, the frame 110 is formed by applying various processing methods (e.g., stamping, bending, etc.) to a metal plate. The frame 110 is provided with a pair of claws 110A at the edge of the front side (+X direction side) and the edge of the rear side (-X direction side). Each claw 110A of the frame 110 engages with the edge of the housing 102, whereby the frame 110 is fixedly coupled to the housing 102.

[0060] The FPC 112 is an example of a wiring substrate and is a flexible thin-film wiring component. The FPC 112 is disposed on the lower side of the housing 102. The lower side of the housing 102 is an example of a second side of the housing 102, opposite to the upper side (an example of a first side) where the end of the operating lever 120 protruding from the opening 102A1 is located.

[0061] The FPC 112 has an extension portion 112A extending from the upper surface of the frame 110 to the side (-Y direction) of the frame 110, and is connected to the outside through a connection portion 112B provided at the top of the extension portion 112A. The FPC 112 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation (tilting operation and pressing operation) of the operating lever 120 to the outside. The FPC 112 is formed by covering both surfaces of a strip-shaped conductor wiring (e.g., copper foil, etc.) with a flexible and insulating film-like material (e.g., polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET: Polyethyleneterephthalate), etc.).

[0062] <Configuration of FPC112>

[0063] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a top view of an FPC 112 included in an operating device 100A according to an embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, planar and strip-shaped resistors 115, 116, and 117 are provided on the surface of FPC 112. For example, resistors 115, 116, and 117 are formed by printing a carbon fiber material into a film.

[0064] The resistor 115 is provided near the edge portion on the +X direction side of the FPC 112. The resistor 115 has a strip shape extending linearly in the Y direction.

[0065] The resistor 116 is provided near the edge portion on the +Y direction side of the FPC 112. The resistor 116 has a strip shape extending linearly in the X direction.

[0066] The resistor 117 is provided near the corner on the +X direction side and the +Y direction side of the FPC 112. The resistor 117 has an L-shape formed by a straight portion 117A and a straight portion 117B. The straight portion 117A has a strip shape extending straight in the Y direction. The straight portion 117B has a strip shape extending straight in the X direction.

[0067] <Contact State of Sliders 105A and 107A>

[0068] Fig. 9 1 is a diagram showing a contact state of sliders 105A and 107A included in an operating device 100A according to an embodiment.

[0069] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, on the surface of FPC 112, the straight portion 117A of the resistor 117 is separated from the resistor 115 and is set to be in a straight line in the Y direction. On the surface of the straight portion 117A and the resistor 115, the metal and leaf spring-shaped slider 107A held at the lower part of the holder 107 slides in the Y direction. Specifically, on the surface of the resistor 115, the contact portion 107Aa provided at the end of the slider 107A on the -Y direction side slides. In addition, on the surface of the straight portion 117A, the contact portion 107Ab provided at the end of the slider 107A on the +Y direction side slides.

[0070] In addition, if Fig. 9As shown in the figure, on the surface of FPC112, the straight portion 117B of the resistor 117 and the resistor 116 are separated from each other and are set to be in a straight line in the X direction. On the surface of the straight portion 117B and the resistor 116, the metal and leaf spring-shaped slider 105A held at the lower part of the holder 105 slides in the X direction. Specifically, on the surface of the resistor 116, the contact portion 105Aa provided at the end of the slider 105A on the -X direction side slides. In addition, on the surface of the straight portion 117B, the contact portion 105Ab provided at the end of the slider 105A on the +X direction side slides.

[0071] With this configuration, in the operating device 100A of one embodiment, as the operating rod 120 is tilted in the Y direction, the slider 107A slides in the Y direction on the surface of the straight portion 117A and the resistor 115. As a result, the resistance value between the terminal connected to the resistor 117 and the terminal connected to the resistor 115 changes according to the movement amount of the slider 107A (that is, the tilting angle of the operating rod 120). An external device can detect the tilting operation of the operating rod 120 in the Y direction and the tilting angle based on the change in the resistance value between the two terminals.

[0072] In addition, in the operating device 100A of one embodiment, as the operating rod 120 is tilted in the X direction, the slider 105A slides in the X direction on the surface of the straight portion 117B and the resistor 116. As a result, the resistance value between the terminal connected to the resistor 117 and the terminal connected to the resistor 116 changes according to the movement amount of the slider 105A (that is, the tilting angle of the operating rod 120). An external device can detect the tilting operation of the operating rod 120 in the X direction and the tilting angle based on the change in the resistance value between the two terminals.

[0073] like Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the straight line portion 117A of the resistor 117 has a low resistance portion 117Aa. The low resistance portion 117Aa is a portion having a lower resistance value than other portions of the straight line portion 117A. Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the low resistance portion 117Aa is a portion that the contact portion 107Ab of the slider 107A contacts when the operating lever 120 is in the neutral position. In this embodiment, the number of stacked layers of the resistor 117 is greater (i.e., the thickness is greater) than that of other portions of the straight portion 117A, and thus the resistance value of the low resistance portion 117Aa is lower than that of other portions of the straight portion 117A. For example, Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9In the example shown, the resistor 117 is formed into two layers in the low resistance portion 117Aa, and is formed into one layer in the rest of the straight portion 117A. Specifically, in the low resistance portion 117Aa, the resistor only in the low resistance portion 117Aa of the straight portion 117A overlaps with the resistor in the entire straight portion 117A, so that the resistor 117 is formed into two layers. Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 In the example shown, the resistance value of the low resistance portion 117Aa is half the resistance value of the other portions of the straight line portion 117A.

[0074] In addition, if Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the straight line portion 117B of the resistor 117 has a low resistance portion 117Ba. The low resistance portion 117Ba is a portion having a lower resistance value than other portions of the straight line portion 117B. Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the low resistance portion 117Ba is a portion that the contact portion 105Ab of the slider 105A contacts when the operating rod 120 is in the neutral position. In this embodiment, the number of stacked layers of the resistance layer 117 is greater (i.e., the thickness is greater) than that of other portions of the straight portion 117B, and thus the resistance value of the low resistance portion 117Ba is lower than that of other portions of the straight portion 117B. For example, Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 In the example shown, the resistor 117 is formed into two layers in the low resistance portion 117Ba, and is formed into one layer in the rest of the straight portion 117B. Specifically, in the low resistance portion 117Ba, the resistor only in the low resistance portion 117Ba of the straight portion 117B overlaps with the resistor in the entire straight portion 117B, so that the resistor 117 is formed into two layers. Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 In the example shown, the resistance value of the low resistance portion 117Ba is half the resistance value of the other portions of the straight line portion 117B.

[0075] <Output Characteristics>

[0076] Fig.10 : is a diagram showing the output characteristics of the operating device 100A according to one embodiment. Fig.10 The graph shown in FIG. 1 shows the relationship between the length of the resistor 117 (the length of the straight line portions 117A and 117B) and the output voltage value. Fig.10In the example shown, the maximum length of the resistor 117 is set to "5 mm", and the length of the resistor 117 when the operating rod 120 is in the neutral position is set to "2.5 mm". In addition, the length of the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba is set to "1.0 mm". In addition, the resistance value of the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba is set to half the resistance value of the other portions of the straight portions 117A and 117B. Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , the solid line indicates the output voltage when the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba are provided, and the dotted line indicates the output voltage when the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba are not provided as a comparative example.

[0077] As in Fig.10 As indicated by the dotted lines in the figure, when the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba are not provided in the straight line portions 117A and 117B, the slope of the output voltage value is constant over the entire region of the straight line portions 117A and 117B.

[0078] On the other hand, as in Fig.10 As shown by the solid lines in the figure, when the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba are provided in the straight line portions 117A and 117B, the slope is constant in the other portions of the straight line portions 117A and 117B, but in the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba, the slope of the output voltage value becomes gentler than in the other portions.

[0079] Therefore, if Fig.10 As shown, within a range of 1.0 mm centered on the neutral position of the operating lever 120, when the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba are not provided, the range width of the output voltage value is "1.0 V". In contrast, when the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba are provided, the range width of the output voltage value becomes "0.5 V" (i.e., half of the range width when the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba are not provided).

[0080] In this way, the operating device 100A of one embodiment can make the slope of the output voltage value near the neutral position of the operating rod 120 gentle and narrow the range width of the output voltage value near the neutral position of the operating rod 120 by reducing the resistance value of the low resistance parts 117Aa and 117Ba. Therefore, in the operating device 100A of one embodiment, even if a physical restoration error of the operating rod 120 occurs, the output voltage value can be made closer to the prescribed output voltage value corresponding to the neutral position of the operating rod 120. Therefore, the operating device 100A of one embodiment can further improve the restoration accuracy of the operating rod 120 to the neutral position at the output voltage value output by the operating device 100A without relying on signal processing.

[0081] In addition, in the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba, a resistor covering the entire region of the straight portion 117A and 117B may be superimposed on a resistor covering only the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba of the straight portion 117A and 117B. This can prevent the sliders 107A and 105A from getting caught at the boundaries between the low resistance portions 117Aa and 117Ba and other portions.

[0082] Next, the static electricity detection electrode 130 , the static electricity detection circuit 140 , and the main board 150 will be described.

[0083] <Static electricity detection electrode 130>

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the static detection electrode 130 includes a ring portion 131, a leg portion 132, and a connecting portion 133. As an example, two leg portions 132 are provided. In addition, the static detection electrode 130 is made of metal, and as an example, can be made by stamping, bending, etc., of sheet metal such as copper, aluminum, and iron.

[0085] The annular portion 131 is a portion having an annular shape when viewed from above, and has four claws 131A protruding from the inner circumference to the inner side in the radial direction. The four claws 131A are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 131 so as to be aligned with the position of the cutout portion 102A2 of the dome portion 102A of the housing 102. In addition, the claws 131A have a convex shape that matches the concave shape of the cutout portion 102A2.

[0086] Furthermore, the two leg portions 132 extend downward from the +Y direction side and the −Y direction side of the outer circumference of the annular portion 131 , and the connection portion 133 extends downward from the −X direction side of the outer circumference of the annular portion 131 .

[0087] The leg portion 132 on the +Y direction side is connected to the annular portion 131 between the two claw portions 131A on the +Y direction side, and the leg portion 132 on the -Y direction side is connected to the annular portion 131 between the two claw portions 131A on the -Y direction side. The connection portion 133 is connected to the annular portion 131 between the two claw portions 131A on the -X direction side.

[0088] The annular portion 131 is arranged on the outer surface of the upper portion of the dome portion 102A of the housing 102 so as to surround the opening portion 102A1, and the annular portion 131 is fixed to the dome portion 102A in a state where the claw portion 131A is engaged with the cutout portion 102A2 of the dome portion 102A. The annular portion 131 is located at the upper portion of the housing 102, and is arranged to be sufficiently separated from the FPC 112 located at the lower side of the housing 102 so as not to be affected by noise or the like.

[0089] The annular portion 131 is disposed on the outer surface of the upper portion of the dome portion 102A, so that Figure 3 As shown, the annular portion 131 faces the surface of the recessed portion 51A which is the inner surface of the knob 50, and has a larger radial width in such a manner that the facing area becomes larger. Figure 3 As shown, the annular portion 131 is located below the lower end of the knob 50 in the Z direction when the operating lever 120 is located in the neutral position. Therefore, the annular portion 131 is located outside the recessed portion 51A of the knob 50, but not inside the recessed portion 51A, when the operating lever 120 is located in the neutral position.

[0090] If from Figure 3 When the operating lever 120 is tilted toward the +Y direction side from the state where the operating lever 120 is in the neutral position, the lower end of the +Y direction side of the knob 50 covers the +Y direction side portion of the annular portion 131. In addition, at this time, the -Y direction side portion of the annular portion 131 is aligned with the Figure 3 The state shown is compared to the lower end of the -Y direction side away from the handle 50. Such a change in the positional relationship between the annular portion 131 and the handle 50 is Figure 3 The same is true when the operating lever 120 is tilted in the -Y direction. In addition, due to the symmetry of the three-dimensional shape of the knob 50, the same is true when the operating lever 120 is tilted in the ±X direction, and the same is true when the operating lever 120 is tilted in all directions between the ±X direction and the ±Y direction.

[0091] Therefore, even if the knob 50 is tilted in the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and all directions between these directions, the electrostatic capacitance between the electrostatic detection electrode 130 and the knob 50 does not change much, but remains substantially constant. In addition, when the operating lever 120 is tilted, the electrostatic capacitance between the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 increases in the direction in which the operating lever 120 is tilted, but since the electrostatic capacitance decreases on the opposite side, the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the difference in the tilting amount of the operating lever 120 is small. In addition, the configuration is such that the difference between the electrostatic capacitance between the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 when the operating lever 120 is in the neutral position and the electrostatic capacitance between the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 when the operating lever 120 is tilted in any direction also becomes small.

[0092] In this way, the configuration of the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 that can reduce the electrostatic capacitance between the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 caused by the tilting direction and the tilting amount of the operating lever 120 and the amount of change in the electrostatic capacitance between the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 when tilted and in the neutral position is adopted. This is for accurately detecting the state in which the operator's hand etc. approaches or contacts the knob 50 and the state in which the operator's hand etc. moves away from the knob 50 regardless of the state of the operating lever 120.

[0093] The leg portion 132 extends downward from the ends of the annular portion 131 in the ±Y direction, and is bent so that the lower end side becomes an L shape when viewed in the YZ plane. The portion bent into the L shape is configured to clamp the side surface of the base portion 102B of the housing 102 on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side. In addition, a fixing hole 132A is formed in the front portion of the leg portion 132 bent into the L shape (the top end of the leg portion 132). The fixing hole 132A is an example of a second fixing hole.

[0094] The fixing hole 132A is formed to be aligned with the fixing hole 102B1 of the base 102B of the housing 102. When the multi-directional input device 100 is fixed to a housing of a game controller or the like, the same screw can be inserted through the fixing holes 102B1 and 132A and fastened.

[0095] The connection portion 133 extends downward from the end of the annular portion 131 in the -X direction, and is bent into an L-shape at the lower end 133A when viewed in the XZ plane. Figure 1 As shown, the lower end 133A of the connection portion 133 is connected to a pad 151 located on the surface of the main board 150 . The pad 151 is connected to the static electricity detection circuit 140 mounted on the surface of the main board 150 via a wiring 152 .

[0096] In addition, the lower end 133A of the connection portion 133 is sufficiently separated from the frame body 110 and the FPC 112 in the X direction. Sufficient separation means that the connection portion 133 is separated from the frame body 110 and the FPC 112 at a distance that is not affected by noise.

[0097] As described above, the electrostatic detection circuit 140 is connected to the electrostatic detection electrode 130 via the wiring 152 and the pad 151 of the main board 150. As an example, the electrostatic detection circuit 140 is composed of an IC (Integrated Circuit), applies an AC voltage to the electrostatic detection electrode 130, and performs AD (Analog to Digital) conversion on a current value corresponding to a change in the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic detection electrode 130. Then, the electrostatic detection circuit 140 detects the proximity of the operator's hand or the like to the handle 50 based on the change in the current value after AD conversion corresponding to the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic detection electrode 130. In this way, the electrostatic detection circuit 140 detects the electrostatic capacitance between the electrostatic detection electrode 130 and the handle 50 as a surrounding object.

[0098] The electrostatic detection circuit 140 is configured to be sufficiently separated from the FPC 112 and the frame 110. The FPC 112 is provided with sliders 105A, 107A and resistors 115, 116, 117, etc., which are examples of a tipping detection sensor, and generates a signal in response to the tipping action of the operating lever 120. In addition, the frame 110 has a portion that is configured to overlap with the FPC 112 and form a capacitive coupling, so a signal component derived from the signal generated in the FPC 112 exists in the frame 110. When viewed from the electrostatic detection circuit 140, the signal generated in the FPC 112 and the signal component generated in the frame 110 are noise.

[0099] Therefore, the static electricity detection circuit 140 is arranged sufficiently apart from the FPC 112 and the housing 110 so that the static electricity detection circuit 140 is not subjected to noise from the FPC 112 and the housing 110. This is to stably detect the operator's hand or the like approaching or contacting the knob 50.

[0100] The motherboard 150 is housed in a housing of a game controller, etc., and is mounted with a microcomputer and other electronic components for controlling the operation of the game controller, etc. The static electricity detection circuit 140 may be mounted on the motherboard 150 in a state where it is not affected by noise or the like from the microcomputer and other electronic components.

[0101] As described above, the annular portion 131 of the static electricity detection electrode 130 is provided so as to surround the opening 102A1 of the dome portion 102A of the housing 102, and the approach or contact of the operator's hand or the like to the knob 50 is detected based on the change in the electrostatic capacitance between the static electricity detection electrode 130 and the knob 50. The annular portion 131 surrounds the opening 102A1 of the dome portion 102A, so that even if the knob 50 is tilted in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and all directions therebetween, the electrostatic capacitance between the static electricity detection electrode 130 and the knob 50 does not change much but remains substantially constant. In addition, the electrostatic capacitance between the static electricity detection electrode 130 and the knob 50 does not change much depending on the tilting amount. Moreover, the amount of change in the electrostatic capacitance between the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 when tilted and in the neutral position is small.

[0102] Therefore, a state where the operator's hand or the like approaches or touches the knob 50 and a state where the operator's hand or the like moves away from the knob 50 can be accurately detected, and the sensitivity of the static electricity detection electrode 130 is stabilized.

[0103] Therefore, it is possible to provide the multi-directional input device 100 in which the sensitivity of the static electricity detection electrode 130 is stable.

[0104] In addition, the FPC 112 provided on the lower side of the housing 102 has resistors 115, 116, and 117 for tipping detection, so that the static detection electrode 130 is less likely to be affected by signals related to tipping detection from the FPC 112. Signals related to tipping detection become noise for the static detection electrode 130, so that a multi-directional input device 100 having high noise resistance and capable of stably detecting approach or contact of an operator's hand or the like can be provided.

[0105] Furthermore, the static detection electrode 130 includes a leg portion 132 extending from the annular portion 131 to the side opposite to the side where the dome portion 102A of the housing 102 is located and fixed to the housing 102, and a connection portion 133 extending from the annular portion 131 to the side opposite to the side where the dome portion 102A of the housing 102 is located and connected to the static detection circuit 140, which is arranged separately from the FPC 112. The annular portion 131 is fixed, and the static detection circuit 140 connected to the static detection electrode 130 via the connection portion 133 is unlikely to be affected by the signal of the FPC 112, so that the multi-directional input device 100 that can detect the electrostatic capacitance with high accuracy and can stably detect the approach or contact of the operator's hand or the like can be provided.

[0106] Furthermore, since the static electricity detection electrode 130 has the fixing hole 132A arranged to overlap with the fixing hole 102B1 of the housing 102 and through which the common fixing member 60 is inserted, the fixing member 60 can be shared. Furthermore, the housing 102 and the static electricity detection electrode 130 can be stably fixed.

[0107] Furthermore, since the fixing hole 102B1 is provided at the lower portion of the housing 102 and the fixing hole 132A is provided at the front end portion of the leg portion 132 , the housing 102 and the static electricity detection electrode 130 can be stably fixed at the lower portion of the housing 102 .

[0108] Furthermore, since the connection portion 133 is separated from the FPC 112 , the static electricity detection electrode 130 is less likely to receive noise from the fall detection sensor mounted on the FPC 112 , and the multi-directional input device 100 with more stable sensitivity of the static electricity detection electrode 130 can be provided.

[0109] In addition, the shell 102 has a cutout portion 102A2 arranged around the dome portion 102A, and the electrostatic detection electrode 130 has a claw portion 131A that engages with the cutout portion 102A2. Therefore, the electrostatic detection electrode 130 can be engaged with the dome portion 102A to be stabilized, and the multi-directional input device 100 with more stable sensitivity of the electrostatic detection electrode 130 can be provided.

[0110] Furthermore, the multi-directional input device 100 further includes a conductive knob 50 fixed to the operating rod 120 and covering the dome portion 102A. The knob 50 has a hemispherical recess 51A corresponding to the shape of the dome portion 102A on the inner surface side opposite to the dome portion 102A. Therefore, a stable electrostatic capacitance can be obtained between the annular portion 131 of the electrostatic detection electrode 130 and the knob 50, and the sensitivity of the electrostatic detection electrode 130 can be provided.

[0111] The electrostatic detection electrode 130 is located outside the recessed portion 51A of the knob 50 when the operating lever 120 is in the neutral position. Therefore, the variation of the electrostatic capacitance between the annular portion 131 and the knob 50 caused by the difference in the tilting direction and the tilting amount can be reduced, and the sensitivity of the electrostatic detection electrode 130 can be provided to the multi-directional input device 100 with more stable performance.

[0112] As mentioned above, the multi-directional input device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0113] In addition, the present international application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2021-185853 filed on November 15, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0114] Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 50 Kneading

[0116] 51 Hemisphere

[0117] 51A recess

[0118] 52 Operation Department

[0119] 52A recess

[0120] 60Fixing parts

[0121] 100 multi-directional input devices

[0122] 100A operating device

[0123] 102 Shell

[0124] 102A Dome

[0125] 102A1 opening

[0126] 102A2 incision

[0127] 102B base

[0128] 102B1 fixing hole (an example of the first fixing hole)

[0129] 103 Actuator

[0130] 103A shaft

[0131] 103B bottom plate

[0132] 104 Actuator

[0133] 104C snap-fit ​​part

[0134] 105 retainer

[0135] 105A Sliding parts

[0136] 105B protrusion

[0137] 106 Actuator

[0138] 106C snap-fit ​​part

[0139] 107 retainer

[0140] 107A Sliding parts

[0141] 107B protrusion

[0142] 108 Spring

[0143] 109 Pressing parts

[0144] 110 frame

[0145] 112FPC (an example of a wiring board)

[0146] 113 Metal Sheet

[0147] 117 resistor

[0148] 117A, 117B straight line

[0149] 117Aa, 117Ba low resistance part

[0150] 120 operating lever

[0151] 120A rod

[0152] 120B base

[0153] 120C through hole

[0154] 130 Electrostatic detection electrode

[0155] 131 Ring

[0156] 131A Claw

[0157] 132 Legs

[0158] 132A fixing hole (an example of the second fixing hole)

[0159] 133 Connection

[0160] 133A lower end

[0161] 140 static electricity detection circuit

[0162] 150 Motherboard

[0163] 151 pads

[0164] 152 Wiring

Claims

1. A multi-directional input device, comprising: Insulating housing; An operating rod supported on the housing in a tiltable manner; A tipping detection sensor for detecting the tilt of the operating lever; as well as The static detection circuit detects the static capacitance formed between the static detection electrode and the surrounding objects. It is characterized in that The housing has a dome-shaped dome portion and an opening portion provided at the top of the dome portion. The operating rod is inserted into the opening. The static electricity detection electrode has an annular portion arranged to surround the opening.

2. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a wiring substrate provided on a second side of the housing opposite to a first side of the housing, the first side being a side of the housing where an end of the operating lever protruding from the opening is located, The fall detection sensor includes a resistor for fall detection provided on the wiring substrate.

3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2, wherein: The static electricity detection electrode has: a leg portion extending from the annular portion to a side opposite to a side where the dome portion of the shell is located, and fixed to the shell; as well as a connecting portion extending from the annular portion to a side opposite to the side where the dome portion of the housing is located and connected to the electrostatic detection circuit, The static electricity detection circuit is arranged separately from the wiring substrate.

4. The multi-directional input device according to claim 3, wherein: The housing has a first fixing hole for inserting a fixing member. The static electricity detection electrode has a second fixing hole provided in the leg portion, the second fixing hole being arranged to overlap with the first fixing hole and through which the fixing member is inserted.

5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4, wherein: The first fixing hole is provided at a portion on a side opposite to a side where the dome portion of the housing is located. The second fixing hole is provided at the front end portion of the leg.

6. The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The connection portion is separated from the wiring substrate.

7. The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The housing has a cutout portion provided around the dome portion. The static electricity detection electrode has a claw portion that protrudes inward from the inner circumference of the annular portion and engages with the cutout portion.

8. The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Also includes: A knob of the guide system is fixed to the operating rod and covers the dome. The handle has a hemispherical recessed portion corresponding to the shape of the dome portion on an inner surface side facing the dome portion.

9. The multi-directional input device according to claim 8, wherein: The static electricity detection electrode is located outside the recessed portion of the knob when the operating lever is in a neutral position.

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